On the Rise: B.o.B.

For the past three years, B.o.B. has been trying to get his career off of the ground. He began as a mixtape rapper and he recorded with the likes of Mims. In 2008, he received a big break when he was featured on the cover of XXL magazine. Even then, he was chosen as one of the future top rappers in the game.

Last year, B.o.B. landed a deal with T.I.'s Grand Hustle label and they have him set up with Atlantic Records. Because of T.I. being behind bars for most of last year, B.o.B. did not get a chance to release his album. However, now that T.I. is out, he is looking to rebuild his empire.

Led by his chart-topping hit, "Nothin' on You," B.o.B. released his debut album, The Adventures of Bobby Ray, yesterday. Because his debut single has been such a hit, the album was pushed up. Now recognizable around the nation, B.o.B. is looking poised to have a run among the top players in the game.