Straight out of Atlanta, Ga., rapper B.o.B—whose real name is Bobby Ray Simmons—has steadily been building a buzz for the past two years. On April 27, he released his first album, B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray. And what an adventure it is.

B.o.B explores several genres throughout the album, ranging from straight-up hip-hop, to a sort of indie sound, then some pop, and attempts smooth R&B. Most of the time his unique style works, but at times he clearly struggles.

Many of his contemporaries—Canadian rapper Drake being a prime example—focus on the tried-and-true raps about how to deal with the vast amount of fortune and fame acquired. B.o.B aims to be more introspective. In the first track on the album, "Don’t Let Me Fall," he ponders the meaning of his existence: "I don’t really know why I’m here/I guess I’m just here for the ride."

But at heart, he’s still a born-and-bred Southern rapper, which is best shown in the song "Bet I," featuring his mentor T.I. (who was recently released from prison) and the relatively unknown Playboy Tre. These three Atlantians each bring their A-game to create the quintessential Southern rap song.

The Adventures of Bobby Ray features nine guest artists, and B.o.B manages to hold his own against the likes of Lupe Fiasco on the phenomenal track, "Past My Shades," and the legendary Eminem and Hayley Williams of Paramore on "Airplanes, Part II." B.o.B. especially shines alongside Bruno Mars in his single "Nothin’ On You," which has sold over a million copies. B.o.B generally succeeds in adapting his style to match that of his guests.

If there is one disappointing track, "Ghost in the Machine" is it. While it is an honest attempt at a deep song about B.o.B escaping his problems and running away, it ends up being presented as an emo/soul/rap type of song, a genre better left to fellow young rapper and phenomenon Kid Cudi.

All in all, The Adventures of Bobby Ray is a solid debut for a rapper who is still trying to find a style that he can call his own.