Psycadelik Thoughtz

B.o.B feels at home treading uncharted waters. His spirit of innovation and invention turns hip-hop upside down every time he hits the studio. However, that musical fearlessness drove him to another realm altogether on his 2015 project, Psycadelik Thoughtz [Rebel Rock/Grand Hustle/Atlantic], which ignites an unforgettable journey through rap, rock, and psychedelia.

“There’s a saying in martial arts—once you get your black belt, the learning begins,” he explains. “I feel like I got my black belt with this body of work, and I can really leap off the launch pad.”

In order to take flight, the Grammy Award-nominated multi-platinum Atlanta rapper, producer, and multi-instrumentalist decided to look inward. 2013’s Underground Luxury was all about, “wanting to be in the club,” as he puts it, and he earned two smashes in the form of the platinum-certified “Headband” [feat. 2 Chainz] and the platinum-selling “We Still In This Bitch” [feat. T.I. & Juicy J]. Starting in 2014, he went in the opposite direction, picking up his guitar, sitting behind the piano, even grabbing the bass, and starting to compose. Without a word to anybody, tweet, or IG post, he artfully assembled the eleven tracks comprising Psycadelik Thoughtz. Lyrically, B.o.B chose to open up like never before.

“I went through an experience that made me decide to keep my personal life very personal,” he sighs. “I didn’t want people to know that side of me, and I would never put it out there. So, I took this bold step and decided to let everyone see this part of me, showing the art and imagery I like. I learn from all types of cultures from Buddhism and Hinduism to Taoism, but I was raised in a Christian home. I understand the difference between Eastern and Western religions and how the art influences the doctrine and vice versa. I’m letting everybody into my home. They’re right that home is where the heart is, and this was a step in the right direction.”

With the live instrumentation, no formal singles, no promotion, no prior warning, and a trippy cover with his face on a multi-headed deity, B.o.B dropped Psycadelik Thoughtz on the unsuspecting masses in August 2015.

“I didn’t want to build up hype and anticipation,” he affirms. “I just wanted to put it out and do something different for me. Everything about the project feels that way. It was fun to get back into the music and perform. It’s got this fresh energy with the live instrumentation as opposed to digital tracks.”

“Back and Forth” sparked the creative process for him. With its unshakable chant, funky guitars, and thick bass, he delivers a bouncy and buoyant anthem for the ultimate intergalactic dance party.

“It’s really me trying to do something I hadn’t done before and exploring myself musically,” he explains. “I recorded it in a hotel room on tour. It helped usher this whole process along, because I started thinking in these terms artistically. It’s really meant to transport you in a new space. Typically, my raps are very cerebral, but I didn’t want to put people in their heads on this one. I just wanted them to feel good.”

“Violet Vibrato” begins with a soft finger-picked acoustic guitar and ethereal hum before reaching an arena-ready crescendo where he croons, “From such a beautiful life,” in tandem with a guitar lead.

“It was like me getting my Coldplay on,” he smiles. “I did it in my own way. I’ve never pushed myself vocally quite like that.”

On the other end of the spectrum, “Plain Jane” is an intimate and softly strummed message to women everywhere. “So many girls don’t feel adequate aesthetically,” he sighs. “It’s a trend to cover up with so much makeup. The whole point is not what you look like, it’s about feeling complete. You have to embrace that inner beauty.”

His vibrant bars intersect with a soulful chorus courtesy of Sevyn Streeter on “Love Life,” which showcases both his instrumental and production talents. “As artists, we all experience this love-hate relationship with music,” he admits. “I wanted to dive into that, but it still ends on a bright high note.”

For the Atlanta-based sonic visionary, all roads have led towards the creation of Psycadelik Thoughtz in many ways. His 2010 debut, B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray, bowed at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 and eventually went gold in addition to yielding an untouchable streak of multi-platinum singles, namely “Nothin’ On You” [feat. Bruno Mars] (2-times platinum), “Airplanes” [feat. Hayley Williams of Paramore & Eminem] (3-times platinum), and “Magic” [feat. Rivers Cuomo of Weezer] (platinum). He even garnered four Grammy Award nominations for “Best Rap Album,” “Record of the Year,” “Best Rap/Sung Collaboration,” “Best Rap Song,” and “Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals.”

2012’s Strange Clouds also went gold, boasting its own string of multiplatinum smashes—“Strange Clouds” [feat. Lil Wayne], “Both Of Us” [feat. Taylor Swift], and “So Good.” He’s developed an unforgettable live show honed via performances on Eminem And Jay-Z’s “Home & Home Tour,” Wiz Khalifa’s 2013 “Under The Influence of Music Tour,” and “The No Genre Tour” alongside Kevin Gates.

Ultimately though, B.o.B continues to rule these uncharted seas. “Moving forward is always the most exciting thing,” he concludes. “In some ways, I feel like I’m a visitor, and I’m just fiddling around with different genres of music. I love trying to evolve, break ground, and push people out of their comfort zones. It’s a circular relationship though because they inspire me to do so.”