Bobby Ray Simmons, Jr. (born November 15, 1988), better known by his
stage name B.o.B, is an American
recording artist and
music producer from
Decatur, Georgia. In 2006, B.o.B was discovered by Brian Richardson, who then introduced him to TJ Chapman, who subsequently brought him to American record producer
Jim Jonsin. After hearing his music, Jonsin signed B.o.B to his
Rebel Rock Entertainment imprint. Two years later, Jonsin and B.o.B signed a
joint venture deal, with
Atlantic Records and American rapper
T.I.'s
Grand Hustle Records.