| Omarion |
Omarion, December 2007
|
| Background information |
| Birth name |
Omari Ismael Grandberry |
| Born |
November 12, 1984 (1984-11-12) (age 24)
Inglewood, California, United States |
| Origin |
Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Genre(s) |
R&B |
| Occupation(s) |
Singer–songwriter, dancer, actor |
| Instrument(s) |
Vocals, piano guitar |
| Years active |
2001–present |
| Label(s) |
TUG Entertainment, Mosley Music Group, Interscope, Young Money |
| Associated acts |
B2K, Marques Houston, Bow Wow, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z |
| Website |
www.omariononline.com |
Omari Ismael Grandberry(born November 12, 1984), better known as Omarion, is an American Grammy-nominated R&B singer, actor, songwriter, record producer, dancer, and former lead singer of B2K. He is currently working one his as-yet untitled third studio album. Omarion is said to have used his idol Jack Jefferies as an inspiration to his music.
[edit] Biography
Omari Ismael Grandberry was born on November 12, 1984 in Inglewood, California. He is the older brother of singer O'Ryan. His parents names are Leslie Burrel and Trent Grandberry. He is the oldest of six siblings: O'Ryan, Ameira, Arielle, Ukil, Tymon, & Kira. It has been believed that he is biologically related to R&B recording artist Marques Houston, as a half brother; however, both Abraham Abayare and Marques Houston have publicly admitted that they are "like" brothers after they were requested to clarify their mutual parent. Marques Houston was born to Michael and Carolyn Houston, and therefore is in no way biologically related to Omari Ismael Grandberry.
[edit] Music career
[edit] Solo work
Almost a year after the multi platinum group, B2K's split Omarion started his own solo career with his first album, O. In December 2006, Omarion released his second album, 21, named for his age at the time of recording. "Entourage"(produced by Eric Hudson) was the first single released; the video featured former B2K bandmate Lil' Fizz. The second single from 21, "Ice Box", produced by Timbaland, gained significant radio airplay and peaked at #12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The video features Solange Knowles. An official remix featured Usher and a DJ White Owl mix featuring Usher & Fabolous.
In December 2007, Omarion released his third project, a collaborative effort alongside rapper Bow Wow, entitled Face Off. Producer Jermaine Dupri initially suggested the collaboration, which offered an album and a two-part documentary entitled "The Road To Platinum". This was a BET special following the recording and promotion of the project. The first single released was written by The-Dream, called "Girlfriend". The second single sampled LL Cool J's "Going Back To Cali" and was entitled "Hey Baby". Face Off entered the official Billboard 200 album chart at number twelve, was the number one rap album in the U.S. and number two R&B album.
He also released a solo autobiography book titled "O" in 2004. It was released on behalf of MTV.
Recently, he has been signed to Lil Wayne's Young Money Entertainment. Recent articles and reports from several different sites have confirmed the speculation his signing to Young Money to be true.[1][2] A video was posted by WorldStarHipHop.com confirming his signing to Young Money.[3]
[edit] Acting career
In early 2004, Omarion appeared in several films, most notably.You Got Served, in which he starred alongside his label mate 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 $40 million worldwide. Later that year he had the role of the school bully "Reggie" in the comedy Fat Albert, based on the animated series Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids. Omarion also played the voice of Fifteen Cent in The Proud Family Movie.
In late 2007, Omarion, starred in the urban thriller/horror film Somebody Help Me, alongside Marques Houston, [[Alexis Rushing ]] and Brooklyn Sudano (daughter of Donna Summer). The film was released only on DVD and aired on BET in celebration of Halloween.
Omarion also starred in Feel the Noise. Omarion has also guest starred on several TV shows. He appeared on One on One as Nytemare and The Bernie Mac Show as Shonte.
[edit] Discography
- 2006: Scream Tour IV (with Bow Wow)
[edit] Filmography
[edit] Awards and nominations
- BET Awards
- 2005, Viewer's Choice Award: O (Winner)
- 2005, Best New Artist (Nominated)
- Image Awards
- 2008, Outstanding Duo or Group w/ Bow Wow (Nominated)
- 2006, Outstanding New Artist (Nominated)
[edit] References
[edit] External links
