Omarion
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Omari Ismael 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 a boy band B2K, which disbanded after being successful for few years. His third album Ollusion was released January 12, 2010 with the lead single I Get It In. Omarion is currently the newest judge on America's Best Dance Crew.[2]
Early Years
Born in California, Los Angeles, to Leslie 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 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.,[3]
Music career
- B2K career
In 2001, Omarion became the leading man of the hip hop/R&B boy band, B2K. The band, including Omarion, was made up of four members, Jarell J-Boog Houston, DeMario Raz-B Thornton, and Dreux Lil Fizz Frederic. 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. In Omarion's early career he was part of the hit group B2K that was founded and managed at the time by music producer Chris Stokes with other band members Lil' Fizz, J-Boog & Raz-B. B2K was an R&B/Hip-Hop boy band of the early 2000s, but they eventually broke-up in 2004 leaving Omarion a Solo act.
- Solo career
O (2004-2005)
After the break up of B2K Omarion started his solo career he was eventually signed to Epic Records & Sony. In 2004 Omarion released his debut single "O" the single was a top 30 hit on the U.S. Billboard. Then in 2005 Omarion released his second single "Touch" which was not as successful than his first single. Then he released his third single "I'm Tryna". Then in 2005 Omarion released his debut album which was entitled O which was his nickname. The album went Platinum selling over 1,000,000 units. That same year, he was featured on Bow Wow's hit song "Let Me Hold You". The song reached #4 of the Billboard 100, becoming Omarion's first top-ten single as a solo artist.
21 (2006-2007)
On December 26, 2006 Omarion released His sophomore album, 21, dominated radio airplay and also debuted #1 on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart and #1 on the Billboard 200 chart. The first single from the album was "Entourage". The second single from 21, "Ice Box" produced by Timbaland, reached the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart and was a platinum selling ringtone & it is Omarion's highest single to date. Even though 21 only sold over 300,000 copies it was as successful as his first album on the Billboard charts. It has sold over 390,000 copies in the United States up to November 2008 eventually the album went Platinum. In late 2007 Omarion & Bow Wow decided to do a Collaboration album entitled Face Off. The first single from the album was "Girlfriend". Then "Hey Baby" was the second single. The album sold over 100,000 copies in its first week & eventually sold over 500,000 copies making it Omarion's second album to be certified Gold. Omarion has toured with Bow Wow, Ciara, Yung Joc, Ne-Yo, Usher, Lloyd, Mario (singer), Pretty Ricky, Jibbs, and many others.
Ollusion (2009-2010)
On March 30, 2009 Lil Wayne confirmed that Omarion was officially signed to Young Money Entertainment but only after two months rumors were circulating that Omarion was dropped from the label. It was latered rumored he had gotten kicked out the label for releasing his first single "I Get It In" prematurely without Lil Wayne's consent as the song was yet to be finished. But after a month Lil Wayne & Omarion confirmed he was out for business reasons. In early 2010 Omarion signed with EMI & created his own label, StarrWorld Entertainment. Omarion later re-released the single "I Get It In" & Lil Wayne was replaced with Gucci Mane. Then he released his second single "Speedin'". He released his third studio album Ollusion it sold 21,200 copies its first week.
King O (2011-present)
It is currently known that Omarion is working on his fourth studio album which working title is King O that may be released in the Fall of 2011.
Other Ventures
Acting career
Career In Acting 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. The movie centered around a group of friends in a hip hop dance crew who take part in underground dance competitions. It earned $48 million worldwide.The movie You Got Served, which was based on groups taking on each other in a dance competition, exhibited Omarion's sleek dance moves, which were appreciated by teenagers all over the world. 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. The movie was relatively well received. Towards the end of 2007, he displayed his acting skills in the thriller Somebody Help Me. This movie, which was released exclusively on DVD and aired on BET in celebration of Halloween, failed to attract viewers. Omarion has also made several appearances in a number of TV shows. The TV series One on One, in which Omarion made an appearance, garnered attention of viewers all over America. Omarion also played the voice of Fifteen Cent in The Proud Family Movie. The animated movie was a rage among kids. His portrayal of a rapper, who gets involved with thugs, in the movie Feel The Noise, received rave reviews from critics. Omarion also co-produced Feel the Noise.
Americas Best Dance Crew
In 2010 Omarion became a new judge on the fifth season of America's Best Dance Crew, replacing former Judge Shane Sparks.
Personal life
Omarion is the older brother of O'Ryan. Omarion is also close with fellow R&B singer Marques Houston - they have starred in mutiple films together such as the dance drama film You Got Served. In late 2008, Omarion had his signature braids cut off. He currently resides somewhere in Los Angeles. Omarion is also known as "King O" & "King of Dance" because of his smooth dance choreography in his music videos.
Discography
- Studio albums
Filmography
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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)
- 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)
References
- ^ http://www.monstersandcritics.com/people/archive/peoplearchive.php/Omarion/biography/
- ^ "Omarion Says New Label, Album 'Beautiful Thing'". Retrieved December 15, 2009.
- ^ Kellman, Andy. "Omarion Biography". Billboard.
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External links
- Use mdy dates from August 2010
- Cash Money Records artists
- 1984 births
- African American dancers
- African American male singers
- American pop singers
- American rhythm and blues singers
- Hip hop singers
- B2K members
- Living people
- People from Inglewood, California
- Singers from California
- African American record producers
- African American actors
- African American singer-songwriters
- Songwriters from California