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B.o.B Turns 24

Former <em>XXL</em> Freshman Bobby Ray Simmons Jr, better known by his stage name B.o.B, turns 24 today. Bobby first rose to fame in 2007 with his underground hit “Haterz Everywhere,” and reaching stardom with chart toppers “Airplanes” and “Magic.” The North Carolina-born rapper released his second studio album <em>Strange Clouds</em> earlier this year, and plans to drop a new tape on his born day. Salute.

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E-40 Turns 45

West-coast mainstay and entrepreneur E-40 (Earl Stevens) turns 45 years old today. Known for his unorthodox flow and his role in the Hyphy movement and the Bay Area rap scene, the rapper first rose to fame as a member of The Click and the fonder of Sick Wid It Records. To this day, E-40’s sound is synonymous with Bay Area rap, and shows no signs of slowing down. Stevens released a trilogy of solo albums in March of 2012, and just recently dropped a two-part collaborative effort with fellow Bay Area icon Too $hort.

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Ol' Dirty Bastard Turns 44

The Brooklyn-born icon rose to fame as one of the more flamboyant members of the Wu-Tang Clan, and held a successful solo career before his time on this earth was cut painfully short by a fatal overdose in 2004. ODB remains one of the most beloved and recognizable names in hip-hop for fans and colleagues alike, and there are still plans to release his third solo album, which was recorded before his death. Happy birthday and rest in peace to the legendary Big Baby Jesus.

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