This year’s homecoming festivities will end with a free concert featuring B.o.B open to all students in Veale at 6:30 p.m. this Sunday.

B.o.B, or Bobby Ray Simmons, is a well-known rapper and songwriter from Atlanta, Ga. His rise to fame began in 2007 with his mixtape Cloud 9, among several others. He eventually was noticed by producer T.I. and recorded a studio album titled B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray.

He released the album under three separate labels, the most popular of which being Atlantic Records, in 2010. It featured his famous top 10 singles “Nothin’ on You,” “Airplanes,” and “Magic.” It soon topped charts in the US and became well-known worldwide. He released a second studio album in May 2012 called Strange Clouds.

Several other famous artists have collaborated with B.o.B in the past few years, including T.I., André 3000, Hayley Williams, Bruno Mars, and Taylor Swift. He even features Morgan Freeman on his Strange Clouds.

B.o.B is also known for his own interpretations of existing music. He has appeared on several remixes of songs and has also written several remixes of his own. As he says on his official website, he is one of a new kind of rapper who “redefines that job title and makes the world conform to them.”

The University Program Board, sponsor of the event, is proud of the work they put into the concert and eagerly anticipate B.o.B’s appearance. The process began last semester when the concert committee brainstormed acts for this year’s Homecoming concert. While B.o.B was not on the original list of potential acts, the committee soon discovered that Homecoming was a convenient date for him and was able to book him.

News of the upcoming show has generated a positive response from CWRU students who like rap music.

“I’m a big fan myself,” said UPB concert committee chair Jeremy Pomerantz. “[B.o.B] is a big performer, but he also plays instruments and sometimes does improvs in his performances too.”

Daniel McKinnon, another B.o.B fan, said, “Considering the concerts I’ve been to, I’m looking forward to an involved concert between him and the crowd.”

Even some students who are not too familiar with the artist are eagerly anticipating the concert.

“I knew the name and his songs, but not together,” said Slater Jameson. “I am not a big rap follower, but if I went to the concert and heard new music that I like, that would be cool.”

Some students, however, are not so eager to go to the concert. “I knew of B.o.B,” said undergraduate Mario Slagle, “but I don’t like rap, so I don’t think I’ll be going.”

Regardless, UPB anticipates a large attendance for the concert. It has already given out several hundred tickets.

“We have lots of great events planned for Homecoming,” said Pomerantz, “UPB and the concert committee hope to facilitate a great show.”