Omarion

Omarion
Birth name	Omari Ishmael Grandberry
Also known as	Omarion,Omari
Born	November 12, 1984 (1984-11-12) (age 27)
Origin	Watts, California
Occupations	Singer, Songwriter, Dancer, Actor
Instruments	Vocals, Piano, Guita, Compas, jazz
Years active	2001–present
Labels	EMI Starrworld Entertainment The Ultimate Group
Associated acts	B2K, Bow Wow, Wolfgang Gartner, Chris Brown, Marques Houston, Lil Wayne
Website	www.1omarion.com

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.^{[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]

Born in Watts, 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 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

B2K

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.

O (2004-2005)

After the breakup 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.^[3] 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.^[4] 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.^[5]

21 (2006-2007)

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,^[6] 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)

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.^[7] 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.

Ollusion (2009-2010)

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.^[8][9][10] In early 2010, Omarion signed with EMI and created his own label, StarrWorld Entertainment.^[11][12] 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.^[13]...

The Awakening (Mixtape)

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.^[14]

Other ventures

Acting career

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.^[15] 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.^[16] 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.^[17] 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.^[18] His portrayal of a rapper, who gets involved with thugs, in the movie Feel the Noise, received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics.^[19][20] Omarion also co-produced Feel the Noise.^[21]

America's Best Dance Crew

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.

Discography

Main articles: Omarion discography and B2K discography

Studio albums

• O (2005), Epic Records and Sony Urban Music
• 21 (2006), Epic Records and Sony Urban Music
• Ollusion (2010), EMI Music, Capitol Records, StarWorld Entertainment and MusicWorks

Collaborations Albums

• Face Off (with Bow Wow) (2007), Columbia Records, RCA Records and Sony Urban Music

Mixtapes

• The Awakening (Hosted by DJ Drama) (2011), StarWorld Entertainment

Filmography

Films Year Film Role Notes 2004 You Got Served David lead role Fat Albert Reggie main role 2005 The Proud Family Movie Fifteen Cent main role 2007 Feel the Noise Rob lead role Somebody Help Me Darryl Jennings lead role 2010 Wrong Side of Town Stash cast Somebody Help Me 2 Darryl Jennings lead role

Television Year Title Role Notes 2009 Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami as Himself One episode "All Men are Dogs" 2010 America's Best Dance Crew as Himself Replaced former Judge Shane Sparks

Awards and nominations

• 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

1. ^ "Omarion Says New Label, Album 'Beautiful Thing'". http://www.singersroom.com/news/4924/Omarion-Says-New-Label-Album-Beautiful-Thing. Retrieved 2009-12-15. 
2. ^ Kellman, Andy. "Omarion Biography". Billboard. http://www.billboard.com/artist/omarion-featuring-gucci-mane/484526#/artist/omarion/bio/484526. 
3. ^ http://www.billboard.com/#/song/omarion/o/5797016
4. ^ ^{a b} "Recording Industry Association of America". RIAA. http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&title=&artist=omarion&perPage=100. Retrieved 2011-05-12. 
5. ^ "Bow Wow". AllMusic. 1987-03-09. http://www.allmusic.com/artist/bow-wow-p440722/charts-awards/billboard-singles. Retrieved 2011-05-12. 
6. ^ "Omarion". AllMusic. 1984-11-12. http://www.allmusic.com/artist/omarion-p528354/charts-awards/billboard-singles. Retrieved 2011-05-12. 
7. ^ http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&title=&artist=omarion&perPage=100
8. ^ "Omarion Splits From Young Money". Rap-Up.com. 2009-08-20. http://www.rap-up.com/2009/08/20/omarion-splits-from-young-money/. Retrieved 2011-05-12. 
9. ^ "Omarion : Omarion Parts Ways With Young Money - Rhapsody Music Downloads". VH1.com. http://www.vh1.com/artists/news/1619186/20090820/omarion.jhtml. Retrieved 2011-05-12. 
10. ^ "Omarion explains why he didn't want to join Lil Wayne, Drake, & Bow Wow at Young Money". YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i294Z2AoCsE. Retrieved 2011-05-12. 
11. ^ Posted on Oct. 2nd, 2009 by Denise (2009-10-02). "Omarion Signs With EMI, Preps New Album 'Ollusion' and Label Imprint". Hiphoprx.com. http://www.hiphoprx.com/2009/10/02/omarion-signs-with-emi-preps-new-album-ollusion-and-label-imprint/. Retrieved 2011-05-12. 
12. ^ Rodriguez, Jayson (2009-09-24). "Omarion's New LP, Ollusion, Due November 24 - Music, Celebrity, Artist News". MTV. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1622301/omarions-new-lp-ollusion-due-november-24.jhtml. Retrieved 2011-05-12. 
13. ^ Langhorne, Cyrus (2010-01-20). "Ke$ha Finds Her Instinct At No. 3, Alicia Keys Roams Free In Top 5 & Omarion Lands On The Charts". Sohh.Com. http://www.sohh.com/2010/01/keha_finds_her_instinct_at_no_3_alicia_k.html. Retrieved 2011-05-12. 
14. ^ "Omarion - The Awakening Hosted by DJ Drama // Free Mixtape @". Datpiff.com. http://www.datpiff.com/Omarion-The-Awakening-mixtape.227956.html. Retrieved 2011-05-12. 
15. ^ "OMARION Interview". HipHop-Elements.com. http://www.hiphop-elements.com/article/read/6/7216/1/. Retrieved 2011-05-12. 
16. ^ Harrington, Richard (2006-12-29). "R& B's Omarion: On His Own and Loving It". washingtonpost.com. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/28/AR2006122800330.html. Retrieved 2011-05-12. 
17. ^ "What to Watch on BET. | Goliath Business News". Goliath.ecnext.com. 2007-10-24. http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/gi_0199-7105543/What-to-Watch-on-BET.html. Retrieved 2011-05-12. 
18. ^ McDonough, Kevin (Aug 19 2005). "Famous voices animate new features". Eugene Register-Guard. http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=AmBWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=efADAAAAIBAJ&pg=6655,4042719&dq=omarion+proud-family&hl=en. Retrieved 12 May 2011. 
19. ^ Scheck, Frank (2007-10-06). "Feel the Noise appealing despite cliches". Reuters. http://www.reuters.com/article/2007/10/06/review-film-noise-dc-idUSN0625265920071006. Retrieved 2011-05-12. 
20. ^ Howell, Peter (2007-10-07). "'Feel the noise': This movie barely even lets us hear it". Toronto: thestar.com. http://www.thestar.com/Movies/MovieReview/article/264339. Retrieved 2011-05-12. 
21. ^ Bentley, Rick (2007-10-10). "Movie Review | Feel the Noise: Story discovers its rhythm after slow start | The Columbus Dispatch". Dispatch.com. http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/life/stories/2007/10/10/2_FEEL_THE_NOISE.ART_ART_10-10-07_D3_498506G.html?sid=101. Retrieved 2011-05-12. 

External links

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

Persondata
Name	Omarion
Alternative names	Grandberry, Omari Ishmael
Short description
Date of birth	November 12, 1984
Place of birth	Los Angeles, California, United States
Date of death
Place of death