Currently ranked number 2 in the recent release of the Billboard Hot 100, Nothin’ On You by B.o.B featuring Bruno Mars has surely captivated the hearts of people from the U.S.A. Signed under well-known rapper T.I’s Grand Hustle Records label, B.o.B (Bobby Ray Simmons in real life) has been said to be a promising young talent. Will Nothin’ On You prove though that the hype on B.o.B is well-deserved?

Nothin’ On You blends in elements of both the R&B and Hip-hop genres with ease. The intro of the track gives off a smooth and silky sound largely due to Bruno Mars’ vocals which may be described as soulful. Such vocals meshing with the not-at-all annoying rapping by B.o.B. makes the track very enjoyable to listen to. At first listen, I thought B.o.B. sounded like Kanye West. The comparison may be very off but I did see a little semblance between the sound of the vocals of the two aforementioned artists.

What makes the track very likable is that both B.o.B. and Bruno Mars do not outdo each other which maintains some balance in the track. The blending of R&B and Hip-hop in the track is astoundingly remarkable as well. I rarely listen to material coming from the Hip-hop genre but I did end up liking Nothin’ On You big time.

Eventually, Nothin’ On You ends up as a very radio-friendly track. Is B.o.B. a one-hit wonder though? I am not entirely sure about this prospect yet. Nothin’ On You also showed why there is some hype on B.o.B. – he raps his verses effortlessly and unlike some rappers, he does not sound very annoying. That is a huge plus, in my book. It also helps matters that Bruno Mars’ vocals sounded smooth and refined. Overall, a very radio-ready track that I totally liked.

Genre: Hip-hop
Date Released: February 2, 2010
Label: Grand Hustle Records