Strange Clouds is the second studio album by rapper B.o.B, released on May 1, 2012, on Grand Hustle Records, Rebel Rock Entertainment, and Atlantic Records. The album features guest appearances from Morgan Freeman, Taylor Swift, Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, T.I., Nicki Minaj, Ryan Tedder, Lauriana Mae, Playboy Tre, Trey Songz, Nelly, Roscoe Dash and includes production from Dr. Luke, Cirkut, Ryan Tedder, Jim Jonsin, Boi-1da, Lil C, Mynority, Stargate, Frequency, Super Water Sympathy, Kuttah, Billboard and B.o.B himself.
The lead single and title track, "Strange Clouds" was released on iTunes on September 27, 2011. The song features fellow American rapper Lil Wayne and was produced by Dr. Luke and Cirkut. In the first week of the song's release it sold 197,000 digital copies debuting at number three on the U.S. Hot Digital Songs. On the week of October 10, 2011, the song debuted at number seven on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 making it the "Hot Shot Debut" of the week. "Strange Clouds" marks his best debut sales week for a single, previously held by the 137,000 launch of "Airplanes" on May 1, 2010. As of February 9, 2012, "Strange Clouds" has been certified platinum by the RIAA.
"So Good" served as the album's second single and was released on February 21, 2012, the song features production and additional vocals from Ryan Tedder. The song debuted on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, on the week of March 10, 2012, at number eleven, with 164,000 downloads the first week. The song also reached number 7 on the UK Singles Chart, making it his third top 10 single.
"Both of Us" was the album's third single and received first airplay Top 40 Mainstream radio on May 22, 2012. The song features American country-singer Taylor Swift. It debuted on Australia Top 50 singles chart at #46. The song sold 143,000 copies first week, along with the album release, debuting at 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became the week's top debut. The song has so far been acclaimed by critics especially Swift's part with some calling the country-rap collaboration as a sweet and melodious catchy song.
"Play the Guitar", features fellow American rapper André 3000 and was produced by Salaam Remi. The song was intended to be the album's second single, but due to its lackluster performance on the charts, it was used for promotional purposes only. It samples "Bo Diddley" as performed by Bo Diddley as well as "Fancy" as performed by Drake, T.I. and Swizz Beatz.
"Where Are You (B.o.B vs. Bobby Ray)" was released as the first promotional single on March 20, 2012. "So Hard to Breathe" was released as the second promotional single on April 17, 2012.
In July 2012 Nicki Minaj tweeted that they were filming a music video for 'Out Of My Mind'. It is unknown if this will be a promotional or international single, or just a promotional video.