Omarion

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Omarion
Omarion in 2018
Omarion in 2018
Background information
Birth nameOmari Ishmael Grandberry
Born (1984-11-12) November 12, 1984 (age 36)
Inglewood, California, U.S.
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • rapper
  • actor
  • dancer
  • movie director
Years active1998–present
Labels
Associated acts
Websitewww.omarionworldwide.com

Omari Ishmael Grandberry (born November 12, 1984), known by his stage name Omarion, is an American singer, songwriter, actor, and dancer. He is best known as the lead singer of the American R&B boy band B2K. The group achieved success in the early 2000s with singles like "Bump, Bump, Bump", "Uh Huh", and "Girlfriend", which all reached success on the Billboard Hot 100. After the group disbanded in 2004, Omarion embarked on a solo career and released his debut album, O in 2005, which debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 chart, and received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Contemporary R&B Album at the 48th Grammy Awards.

His second solo album, 21 (2006), contained "Ice Box", which reached number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. His third solo album, Ollusion (2010), was released on January 12, 2010, with the lead single, "I Get It In".[1] His fourth solo album, Sex Playlist (2014), spawned the single, "Post to Be", which was certified 3x platinum and reached number 13 on the Hot 100 chart in May 2015.[2] Omarion has also ventured into acting, with appearances in films such as You Got Served, Fat Albert, Somebody Help Me and The Proud Family Movie.

Early life and career[]

Omarion was born Omari Ishmael Grandberry on November 12, 1984 in Inglewood, California to Leslie Burrell and Trent Grandberry. His younger brother, O'Ryan, is also a singer.[3] He appeared in commercials for both Kellogg's Corn Pops and McDonald's. He started his dancing career as a background dancer for the R&B girl group Before Dark and appeared in their music videos. Omarion soon began pursuing a career in music, and would go on to become the lead singer of the boy band B2K.

1999–2004: B2K[]

Omari joined the group B2K in 1999 and took the stage name Omarion. The group named themselves B2K, an acronym for "Boys of The New Millennium". They began touring with Lil Bow Wow, and eventually released their debut single, "Uh Huh," in 2001. They soon after released their debut album, the self-titled B2K on March 12, 2002. The album peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop albums chart. They followed the album up in December with their second album, Pandemonium!, supported by their most successful single, Bump, Bump, Bump featuring P. Diddy. The single peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. This would prove to be the group's last album, as they would disband in early 2004.

2004–09: O, 21, and Face Off[]

Omarion in 2007

In early 2004, Omarion appeared in several films, most notably You Got Served in which he starred alongside Marques Houston, as well as his former B2K bandmates.[4] The movie centered on a group of friends in a hip hop dance crew who take part in underground dance competitions. That same year, he played the role of the school bully "Reggie" in the comedy Fat Albert, based on the animated series Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids.[5] On February 22, 2005, Omarion released his debut solo album O. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts. The first single from the album was "O". The single peaked at No. 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The second single "Touch", peaked at No. 94 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album received a third and final release with, "I'm Tryna". O has sold over 758,000 copies in the United States since its release. Omarion received a Grammy nomination for the album at the 48th Grammy Awards for Best Contemporary R&B Album. On December 26, 2006 Omarion released his second album 21. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts. The first single from the album was "Entourage". The second single "Ice Box", produced by Timbaland, peaked at No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is Omarion's most successful solo single to date,[6] reaching gold certification by the RIAA.[7] 21 has sold over 390,000 copies in the United States since its release.

Towards the end of 2007, he displayed his acting skills in the thriller Somebody Help Me. This movie was released exclusively on DVD and aired on BET in celebration of Halloween.[8] Omarion has also made several appearances in a number of TV shows, including One on One. Omarion also played the voice of Fifteen Cent in The Proud Family Movie.[9] His portrayal of a rapper who gets involved with thugs in the movie Feel the Noise received mixed reviews from critics.[10][11] Omarion also co-produced Feel the Noise.[12] In late 2007, Omarion and Bow Wow recorded a collaboration album entitled Face Off. The album sold over 100,000 copies in its first week and went on to sell over 500,000 copies, reaching gold certification by the RIAA.[13] The first single from the album was "Girlfriend", followed up by "Hey Baby" as the second single.

2009-11: EMI and Ollusion[]

On March 30, 2009, Lil Wayne confirmed that Omarion was affiliated (though not officially signed) with Young Money Entertainment. Four months later he parted ways with the label; both Lil Wayne and Omarion confirmed that his departure had been for business reasons.[14][15][16] In early 2010, Omarion signed with EMI and created his own label, StarrWorld Entertainment.[17][18] Omarion later re-released the single "I Get It In" with Lil Wayne replaced by Gucci Mane. Then he released his second single "Speedin'". He released his third studio album Ollusion, which sold 19,400 copies in its first week.[19]

2011–2017: Sex Playlist[]

In 2010, Omarion became a judge on the fifth season of America's Best Dance Crew, replacing former judge Shane Sparks. He left after Season 5 to focus on his music career. In early 2011, Omarion worked on his first mixtape presented by DJ Drama, titled The Awakening. Originally to be released on April 27, 2011, the mixtape was instead released on May 11, 2011. In November 2011, Omarion was seen on set with Japanese star Koda Kumi. On December 6, 2011, it was revealed that he collaborated with the star on the song "Slow" for her 2012 album Japonesque and appeared in the music video. On May 2, 2012, Omarion signed with Rick Ross label Maybach Music Group and Warner Bros. Records. He then appeared on Self Made Vol. 2 which made the Top 10 on Billboard 200. Also in 2012, Omarion signed to Jay-Z's Roc Nation Management.[20] On November 29, 2012, Omarion released his debut EP Care Package. September 2013 saw the release of Self Made Vol. 3 featuring Omarion which also reached the Top 10 on Billboard 200 at number 4. On November 5, 2013 Omarion released his second EP Care Package 2.

On August 18, 2014, Omarion was cast to be a part of Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood along with his mother, and girlfriend Apryl Jones while awaiting the arrival of their first child. In November 2014, Omarion released the single "You Like It" in promotion of his fourth studio album "SexPlaylist" on February 14, 2014. The second single, "Post to Be," features Chris Brown and Jhené Aiko.[21] "Post to Be" gained substantial commercial success, reaching No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100.[22] The song also peaked in the top ten on Urban Radio chart, Rhythmic chart, and the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and reached gold status by the RIAA in May 2015.[23] He released his fourth studio album, Sex Playlist, on December 2, 2014.

In June 2015, Omarion stated in an interview that he wanted to open his own dance studio by the end of the year.[24] On November 12, 2015, he released his third EP Care Package 3. November 2017 was met with the release of the fourth EP Care Package 4.

2017-present: The Millennium Tour and The Kinection[]

Omarion released the song "Distance" in 2017 for which he filmed a music video in South Africa.

In 2018, he was featured on the track "Tell Me" from Anatii's album Artiifact. That same year, he also appeared in the "Get It Now" remix music video by Tiwa Savage as a featured artist.

In 2019, B2K briefly reformed to go on The Millennium Tour; joined by supporting acts Mario, Ying Yang Twins, Chingy, Pretty Ricky, Bobby V and Lloyd. The tour kicked off on March 8 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and wrapped up on April 28 in Louisville, Kentucky. It was later announced that Omarion would be continuing The Millennium Tour without his bandmates and with Bow Wow and other acts added to the lineup for 2020 dates.[25] The group was nominated for Top R&B Tour at the 2020 Billboard Music Awards.

In 2020, Omarion released the single, "Can You Hear Me?" featuring a guest verse from T-Pain. The single is the lead song from the upcoming Omarion The Kinection album. On October 29, Omarion presents Thriller Night premiered on YouTube in celebration of the album release. The event included Prince Jackson live from Michael Jackson's Hayvenhurst Estate.[26] He released his fifth album on October 30, 2020.

In 2021, Omarion competed in season five of The Masked Singer as the wildcard contestant "Yeti". He finished in fourth place.

On May 31, 2021, "We Will Never Forget" with Lalah Hathaway, Kierra Sheard and Omarion was released being featured in the documentary film, Dreamland: The Burning of Black Wall Street executive produced by LeBron James, with all proceeds going to Color of Change.[27]

As of 2021, Omarion is set to headline The Millennium Tour in the fall of 2021 with plans to concurrently release a single with Soulja Boy and Bow Wow entitled "EX" from his forthcoming album Full Circle, which he announced through Songtrust.[28]

Personal life[]

Omarion has two children, a son born in 2014 and a daughter born in 2016, with ex-girlfriend Apryl Jones,[29][30][31] whom he dated from 2013 to 2016.[32][33][34] Their relationship was chronicled on Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood.

Discography[]

Main article: Omarion discography
See also: B2K discography
Studio albums
Collaboration albums

Filmography[]

Tours[]

Awards and nominations[]

  • African Muzik Magazine Awards
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2018 Diamond Platnumz Feat Omarion - African Beauty Best Collaboration Won
  • African Entertainment Awards
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2018 Diamond Platnumz Feat Omarion - African Beauty Best Collaboration Won
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2005 Himself Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist Nominated
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2005 Himself Best New Artist Won
O Viewer's Choice Won
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2007 Himself Most Inspiring Act Won
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2006 Himself Outstanding New Artist Nominated
2008 Omarion with Bow Wow Outstanding Duo or Group Nominated
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2006 O Best Contemporary R&B Album Nominated
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2016 Post to Be (featuring Chris Brown & Jhene Aiko) R&B Song of the Year Nominated
  • MTV Movie Awards
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2004 You Got Served Best Male Breakthrough Performance Nominated
Best Dance Sequence with Marques Houston Nominated
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2004 You Got Served Choice Breakout Movie Star – Male Nominated
2005 "O" Choice Music: Make-Out Song Nominated
Himself Choice Music: R&B Artist Nominated
"Touch" Choice Music: R&B Track Nominated
2008 "Hey Baby (Jump Off)" w/ Bow Wow Choice Music: R&B Track Nominated

References[]

  1. ^ "Omarion Says New Label, Album 'Beautiful Thing'". Singersroom.com. December 15, 2009. Retrieved December 15, 2009.
  2. ^ "Omarion Returns to No. 1 on Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Chart". Billboard.com. May 14, 2015.
  3. ^ Kellman, Andy. "Omarion Biography". Billboard.
  4. ^ "OMARION Interview". HipHop-Elements.com. Retrieved May 12, 2011.
  5. ^ Harrington, Richard (December 29, 2006). "R& B's Omarion: On His Own and Loving It". washingtonpost.com. Retrieved May 12, 2011.
  6. ^ "Omarion". AllMusic. November 12, 1984. Retrieved May 12, 2011.
  7. ^ "Recording Industry Association of America". RIAA. Retrieved May 12, 2011.
  8. ^ Jefferson, Kia E. (October 29, 2007). "BlackBuster Movie: Somebody Help Me". BET. Archived from the original on November 2, 2007. Retrieved October 7, 2018.
  9. ^ McDonough, Kevin (August 19, 2005). "Famous voices animate new features". Eugene Register-Guard. Retrieved May 12, 2011.
  10. ^ Scheck, Frank (October 6, 2007). "Feel the Noise appealing despite cliches". Reuters. Retrieved May 12, 2011.
  11. ^ Howell, Peter (October 7, 2007). "'Feel the noise': This movie barely even lets us hear it". thestar.com. Toronto. Retrieved May 12, 2011.
  12. ^ Bentley, Rick (October 10, 2007). "Movie Review | Feel the Noise: Story discovers its rhythm after slow start | The Columbus Dispatch". Dispatch.com. Archived from the original on February 8, 2013. Retrieved May 12, 2011.
  13. ^ Recording Industry Association of America. RIAA. Retrieved on March 4, 2012.
  14. ^ "Omarion Splits From Young Money". Rap-Up.com. August 20, 2009. Retrieved May 12, 2011.
  15. ^ "Omarion : Omarion Parts Ways With Young Money – Rhapsody Music Downloads". VH1.com. Retrieved May 12, 2011.
  16. ^ "Omarion explains why he didn't want to join Lil Wayne, Drake, & Bow Wow at Young Money". YouTube. Retrieved May 12, 2011.
  17. ^ Denise (October 2, 2009). "Omarion Signs With EMI, Preps New Album 'Ollusion' and Label Imprint". Hiphoprx.com. Retrieved May 12, 2011.
  18. ^ Rodriguez, Jayson (September 24, 2009). "Omarion's New LP, Ollusion, Due November 24 – Music, Celebrity, Artist News". MTV. Retrieved May 12, 2011.
  19. ^ Langhorne, Cyrus (January 20, 2010). "Ke$ha Finds Her Instinct At No. 3, Alicia Keys Roams Free In Top 5 & Omarion Lands On The Charts". Sohh.Com. Retrieved May 12, 2011. :-
  20. ^ "Omarion – The Awakening Hosted by DJ Drama // Free Mixtape @". Datpiff.com. Retrieved May 12, 2011.
  21. ^ Benton-Martin, Erika (November 12, 2014). "Omarion Releases Full Version of 'Post To Be' Featuring Jhené Aiko And Chris Brown". Musictimes.com.
  22. ^ Cantor, Brian (May 10, 2015). "Omarion, Chris Brown, & Jhene Aiko's "Post to Be" Claims #1 at Urban Radio". Headlineplanet.com.
  23. ^ Williams, Brillion (May 13, 2015). "Omarion's 'Post to Be' is Officially Gold". Musicsnake.com. Archived from the original on June 23, 2015.
  24. ^ Hot97 (June 11, 2015). "Omarion Interview From Summer Jam 2015". YouTube.
  25. ^ "Ashanti Joins Millennium Tour". Billboard. December 7, 2019.
  26. ^ "OMARION presents THRILLER NIGHT. The Kinection Album Release". facebook.
  27. ^ "Omarion Recruits Lalah Hathaway and Kierra Sheard for 'We Will Never Forget'". ratedrnb. May 11, 2021.
  28. ^ "Songtrust".
  29. ^ "New Dad Alert! Apryl Jones Gives Birth to Omarion's Son, Megaa". August 8, 2014.
  30. ^ "Omarion and Apryl Jones Welcome Their Second Child, a Baby Girl". March 7, 2016.
  31. ^ "Omarion Announces the Birth of His Baby Girl with Apryl in the Most Adorable Video Ever!".
  32. ^ "APRYL JONES SPEAKS CANDIDLY ABOUT 'TERRIBLE BREAK-UP' WITH OMARION: '[HE LEFT] WITHOUT EXPLANATION'". May 6, 2020.
  33. ^ "Omarion Reveals Breakup With 'Love & Hip-Hop' Star Apryl Jones".
  34. ^ "Omarion & Apryl Confirm Their Breakup, Address Cheating Rumors".
  35. ^ "B2K To 'Scream' Along With Bow Wow". Billboard.com. May 9, 2002.
  36. ^ "B2K Slates 'Scream III' Summer Tour". Billboard.com. May 1, 2003.
  37. ^ "Omarion Joins Ne-Yo, Mario On Scream 5 Tour". Billboard.com. October 26, 2006.
  38. ^ "Omarion announces 2020 Millennium tour without his B2K bandmates". Ajc.com. November 27, 2019.

External links[]

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