Omarion

Omarion
Omarion in 2007
Background information
Birth name	Omari Ishmael Grandberry
Also known as	Omarion, Omari, O, Maybach O
Born	(1984-11-12) November 12, 1984 (age 28)
Origin	Inglewood, California
Genres	R&B
Occupations	Singer, Songwriter, Dancer
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	2001–present
Labels	Maybach Music Group, Atlantic Records Roc Nation (management)
Associated acts	B2K, Bow Wow, Rick Ross, Maybach Music Group, Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Young Money
Website	www.1omarion.com

Omari Ishmael Grandberry (born November 12, 1984), known as Omarion, is an American R&B singer, songwriter, and former lead singer of 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.^{[citation needed]} 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.^[1] He is now a new artist of Rick Ross' Maybach Music Group label and is also a managed artist of Jay-Z's Roc Nation label.

Early life [edit]

Born in Inglewood, California, to Leslie Burrell and Trent Grandberry, Omarion is the oldest of seven children. At school he captained his football team and was also known for his slick, smooth dance moves. Although he dropped out of school midway, Omarion began to perform at age five. He was part of 'UAC' but soon disbanded as he wanted to focus on his talent, hip-hop. Before he made it into the music business, he was in commercials for Kelloggs Corn Pops and McDonald's. He also made cameos in the R&B girl group Before Dark's music videos. He embarked on a career in music. The smooth harmony singing that formed an integral part of the band B2K, helped him establish a solo career. His younger brother O'Ryan is also a singer.^[2]

Music career [edit]

O (2005-2006) [edit]

On February 22, 2005 Omarion released his debut solo album O. The album debuted at #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 #27 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The second single "Touch", peaked at #94 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album received a third and final release with, "I'm Tryna", which failed to chart. 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.

21 (2006–2007) [edit]

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,^[3] reaching gold certification by the RIAA.^[4] 21 has sold over 390,000 copies in the United States since its release.

Face Off (2007–2009) [edit]

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.^[5] 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, Pretty Ricky, and Jibbs.

Ollusion (2009–2010) [edit]

On March 30, 2009, Lil Wayne confirmed that Omarion was officially signed to Young Money Entertainment but only after Four months he parted ways with the label, with both Lil Wayne and Omarion confirming he was out for business reasons.^[6][7][8] In early 2010, Omarion signed with EMI and created his own label, StarrWorld Entertainment.^[9][10] 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.^[11]

The Awakening, signing to Maybach Music Group and Love & Other Drugs (2011–present) [edit]

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. 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 and is set to release his debut EP through the labels. Also in 2012, Omarion signed to Jay-Z's Roc Nation Management.^[12] On November 29, 2012 Omarion released his debut EP Care Package. It was announced that Omarion would be releasing his fourth studio album titled Love & Other Drugs in 2013.

Other ventures [edit]

Acting career [edit]

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 band mates.^[13] The movie centered around a group of friends in a hip hop dance crew who take part in underground dance competitions. Later that 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.^[14] 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.^[15] 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.^[16] His portrayal of a rapper, who gets involved with thugs, in the movie Feel the Noise, received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics.^[17][18] Omarion also co-produced Feel the Noise.^[19]

America's Best Dance Crew [edit]

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.

Other Forays [edit]

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 upcoming 2012 album Japonesque. He will also star in the music video.

Discography [edit]

Studio albums [edit]

• O (2005)
• 21 (2006)
• Ollusion (2010)
• Love & Other Drugs (2013)

Collaboration albums [edit]

• Face Off (2007) (with Bow Wow)
• Self Made Vol. 2 (2012) (with Maybach Music Group)

EPs [edit]

• Care Package (2012)

Filmography [edit]

Awards and nominations [edit]

• American Music Awards
  • 2005, Favorite R&B Male Artist (Nominated)

• BET Awards
  • 2005, Viewer's Choice Award: O (Winner)
  • 2005, Best New Artist (Winner)

• Urban Music Awards
  • 2007, Most Inspiring Act (Winner)

• Image Awards
  • 2008, Outstanding Duo or Group w/ Bow Wow (Nominated)
  • 2006, Outstanding New Artist (Nominated)

• Grammy Awards
  • 2006, Best Contemporary R&B Album: O (Nominated)

• MTV Movie Awards
  • 2004, Best Male Breakthrough Performance: You Got Served (Nominated)
  • 2004, Best Dance Sequence: You Got Served w/ Marques Houston (Nominated)

• Teen Choice Awards
  • 2004, Choice Breakout Movie Star – Male for: You Got Served (Nominated)
  • 2005, Choice Music: R&B Track for: Touch (Nominated)
  • 2008, Choice Music: R&B Track for: Hey Baby (Jump Off) w/ Bow Wow (Nominated)

References [edit]

External links [edit]

• Official website
• Omarion at the Internet Movie Database
• Omarion mixtapes