Omarion

by itemvn  |  December 28, 2007 [Edit]

Omari Ishmael Grandberry (born November 12, 1984) better known as Omarion, is an American R&B singer, actor, songwriter, record producer, dancer, and former lead singer of the R&B group, B2K. Omarion was spotted at a young age by a manager, Christopher B. Stokes, who took a liking to his vocal abilities. This led to forming the group B2K, which disbanded after being successful for a few years. His third album Ollusion was released January 12, 2010 with the lead single I Get It In.

In 1998, Omarion was the last member to join B2K and became the lead singer of the group. The band, including Omarion, was made up of four members, Lil Fizz, J-Boog, and Raz-B. The band released their debut album, B2K, to some success. Their second album, Pandemonium!, was far more successful, reaching the top ten on the Billboard 200, giving them their first #1 with "Bump, Bump, Bump". Following their third album, a soundtrack to the movie You Got Served, B2K announced they had broken up.

After the break up of B2K, Omarion started his solo career under Epic Records and Sony Urban Music, releasing his debut single "O", also the lead single off his then upcoming debut album entitled "O", on July 17, 2004. The single was a top 30 hit on the Billboard 100, peaking at #27. On February 21, 2005 Omarion released his second single "Touch". Omarion released his debut solo album "O" on February 22, 2005, peaking at #1 on the Billboard 200, selling over 500,000 copies in the US and reaching gold certification by the RIAA. The third and final single "I'm Tryna" was released on April 5, 2005.

That same year, Omarion was featured on Bow Wow's hit song "Let Me Hold You". The song reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Omarion's first entry into the top 10 since going solo.

On December 26, 2006 Omarion released his second album 21. The album debuted at #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 #12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is Omarion's most successful solo single to date, reaching gold certification by the RIAA. 21 has sold over 390,000 copies in the United States since its release.

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. The first single from the album was "Girlfriend", followed up by "Hey Baby" as the second single.

During this time, Omarion toured with numerous artists, including Bow Wow, Ciara, Yung Joc, Ne-Yo, Usher, Lloyd, Mario (singer), Pretty Ricky, and Jibbs.

On March 30, 2009 Lil Wayne confirmed that Omarion was officially signed to Young Money Entertainment but only after two months he parted ways with the label, with both Lil Wayne and Omarion confirming he was out for business reasons. In early 2010, Omarion signed with EMI and created his own label, StarrWorld Entertainment. 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.

(Last edited by eesen)