A mess. I'm assuming the terrible performance of their joint LP 'Face Off' may have been the cause for this break-up rift.

Your thoughts?

Labels: Bow Wow, Omarion

It has been confirmed that following his departure from Sony earlier this year, R&B singer Omarion has signed with hit-maker Timbaland's record label - Mosley Music Group - an off-shoot of Interscope Records.

"I'm really excited about this project. Timbaland is like family to me, so it's always great to work with family and I think this is going to be my best album yet. I'm happy to call Mosley Music Group my new home." {Source}

Here's hoping things work out for the better this go round. I've never doubted Omarion's talent; I do, however, wonder if he has what it takes to stand out among the Chris Brown's and Usher's that dominate his field.

Your thoughts?

Labels: Omarion

According to our good friend Jawn Murray over at AOL Black Voices, R&B singer has been unceremoniously dropped by his label Columbia Records. Check out the report below:

A source at the label confirmed to the BV Buzz that the Sony imprint decided to drop the former B2K lead singer.

Omarion (real name: Omari Ishmael Grandberry) signed as a solo artist to Columbia Records after B2K broke up in December 2003. His boy band was actually signed to Sony's Epic division.

The 23-year-old singer released two solo CDs for the record company, including 2005's 'O' and 2006's '21.' Both albums were certified gold.

In December of 2007, Omarion partnered with rapper Bow Wow on the CD, 'Face Off.' To date, the set has sold 341,137 units according to SoundScan.

No word on what the singer's plans are for life after Columbia Records.

My source speculated that if former Sony executive David McPherson fills the late Ronnie Johnson's job as Executive Vice President and head of Urban Music at Capitol Records, its likely Omarion could end up there. McPherson was influential in B2K's success at Epic.

Another option could be Motown Records.

Omarion's management and production company, The Ultimate Group (TUG) has a deal with that label and released Omarion's good friend and business partner Marques Houston's last two CDs through Motown.

Ouch. Having noted the poor performance of his solo albums as well as the atrocity of a joint album he dropped with Bow Wow, I can't say this is surprising. IMO it was always a case of 'when'. Not to be fatalistic, but finding success elsewhere is still going to be a tough feat for Omarion; after all, unlike some (*cough* Kelly Rowland *cough*) Columbia did a great job promoting Omarion's releases as well as footing the bill for the top-notch producers enlisted on his albums. Yet, all of this, and he still flops. I'm thinking it has more to do with the domination of 'that' market by the likes of Chris Brown and Usher, leaving the pretty indistinctive Omarion without much of a chance. Anyway, good luck to him - he's going to need it.

Labels: Omarion

In light of the controversy surrounding Chris Stokes in the last couple of days, R&B singer Omarion - who is managed by Stokes - has released a statement, via his publicist, condemning the claims. Check it out below:

"I want to be on the record as saying that "Raz B" Thorton and Ricardo Thorton are lying regarding Chris Stokes. Chris is a father figure to myself, and many others in the industry. He's guided us, helped raised us and is nothing more than an inspiration and someone I respect to and look up to. I have spent countless hours, days, weeks and months with the man since the age of 5 and have never once seen him behave inappropriately. He's married to my aunt and I know this man very well. I stand behind him with no question whatsoever.

I have grown up around Chris and this is crazy to me. These people have damaged me, and my reputation and I won't stand silent and will do all within my means to speak the truth about this matter".

Labels: Omarion

After a disappointing debut on the charts last week (#11 with 107,146 copies sold), 'Face Off' - the collaborative album by Bow Wow and Omarion - doesn't look to be doing all that great. Still, a second single in the form of 'Hey Baby (Jump Off) has been released - the video for which premiered today. Put simply, neither the song or the video are anything other than 'ok'. If anything, this is a step-back from their decent-yet-forgettable 'Girlfriend' release IMO.

What do you think of the video?

Labels: Bow Wow, Omarion

Bow Wow and Omarion were guests on a 'Sexual Health' episode of the Tyra Banks show, alongside rapper Eve and Dita Von Teese. I am still in hysterics about what went down when Tyra asked "Stand up if you've ever faked 'it'..." Check it out:

LMAO at Bow Wow! Omarion's face was priceless. I'm guessing the jokes kinda write themselves with that one...

Your thoughts?

Labels: Bow Wow, Omarion

It appears yet another defunct group are jumping on the reality show bandwagon in hopes of resurrecting their careers - this time it's B2K. Before I continue, I'm literally cracking up right now at the 'realty show' spelling - very professional lol. About the trailer, it was pretty interesting to see the guys back together, as well as the hinting at there still being unresolved issues with Omarion. Saying that, this kinda screams desperation to me; none of the group, aside from Omarion, have achieved any solo success. Hmmm...

Would you be checking for a B2K reunion?

Labels: B2K, Lil Fizz, Omarion, Raz-B

Labels: Bow Wow, Omarion

It was announced a couple of months back that rapper Bow Wow and R&B singer Omarion are set to release a collaboration album titled 'Face Off' on December 4th. The cover art for the CD has just surfaced and I must say that I'm liking it - the split face effect is kinda cool. There is potentially a feature with the guys on the site soon, so watch this space.

Labels: Bow Wow, Omarion

With their collabo album 'Face Off' due for a December 4th release, this new track from Bow Wow and Omarion is set to feature on the CD. Upon hearing 'Designated Driver', I was kinda surprised. Though it doesn't offer anything new lyrically, the production is really on-point. I'm not sold on the concept of their joint album just yet, but this track indicates that it may be promising.

Labels: Bow Wow, Omarion

Bow Wow and Omarion stopped by MTV's TRL in New York today to promote their forthcoming collabo album 'Face Off'. Call me a hater or whatever, but I doubt the CD will be saying much. I felt their collabo on 'Let Me Hold You' to be pretty underwhelming. What's more, neither have proved their worth as solo stars; with their recent albums just scrapping Gold status. I'm guessing this joint project is just a way of ensuring each of their fan-bases buy it - hence equalling larger sales overall.

Will you be checking for 'Face Off'?

Labels: Bow Wow, Omarion

Bow Wow has revealed that he is in the process of making a joint 'Best of Both Worlds' type album with R&B singer Omarion. There is no set release date for the currently untitled CD, however it is slated to drop later this year. The 'Outta My System' rapper had the following to say regarding the project:

“Me and O have been trying to put this together for so many years, and now we've got the opportunity to do it. We’re in the creative process right now, still trying to come up with a title and everything. Me and him are coming up with ideas daily, so the process is gonna go real smooth. We’re anxious to get in the studio together and make this whole thing happen.”

"I'm not even calling it an album; It's gonna be a special event. It's gonna be crazy, something the people have been waiting on -- the girls have been waiting on --for years."

...Ok then. I'm guessing the real reason for this 'special event' is that neither Bow Wow or Omarion can manage to actually sell well with their individual albums. This seems like a disaster waiting to happen. The way I see it, Omarion should to try make an album that lives up to the hype of his singles and Bow Wow should attempt to make a hit without a feature artist.

Labels: Bow Wow, Omarion

Brandy - Just Like Tommy

With all that is going on with Brandy, I wasn't expecting any new material from her for a while. Nonetheless, Just Like Tommy is a great track...not album material but still good. It has a neo-soul vibe to it, something she hasn't done in the past.

DL: Just Like Tommy

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Omarion - Icebox (ft. Usher)

This remix of Icebox premiered on Hot 97 a few days ago and features none other than Usher. I was kinda surprised by the Usher feature as many see Omarion as one of many Usher imitators. Like the original, this version is HOT.

DL: Icebox (Remix) (ft. Usher)

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Paris Bennet - I Will

Former American Idol contestant Paris Bennet is to release her debut album 'Princess P' in April and this track will be featured on the set. The inspirational song includes a mass choir and Paris really delivers on the vocals.

DL: I Will

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Jennifer Hudson - And I Am Telling You (ONLY Live Performance) (AUDIO)

I know I posted the link to the video a last week, but here is the audio of this one-off live performance of the track. Jennifer nailed it.

DL: And I Am Telling You (LIVE)

Labels: Brandy, Jennifer Hudson, LeToya, Omarion, Paris Bennet