O Solo: Omarion
Posted: 01/31/2007 by: Quinton Hatfield
When a major group breaks up in the music industry it's not a surprise that there are many factors at the root of the split. Nines times out of ten though the lead singer (or star of the group) always seems to land on his feet by going solo. Think back a few years ago when boy band B2K was holding it down and had teen girls screaming nationwide. Those days are now over (at least for B2K as a group) but lead singer Omarion has introduced those millions of screaming girls to his solo game. Omarion has topped the charts with hit singles like "O", "Touch" and "Icebox" and saw his new album debut at #1 on the Billboard charts.
HHNLive writer Quinton Hatfield gets real with R&B superstar Omarion. Q gets Omarion to open up about B2K, his song "Icebox", the inspiration behind his music, his future film roles and much more!
Q: How do you feel about the success of your new album?
Omarion: I feel blessed man; God has really put me in a position to have a great record like "IceBox". I'm only getting good feedback right now, people are saying the album is great, it's my best work by far and I don't want anything else but for people to really see I put my heart into this new record man...so you know life is good.
Q: What's the most difficult part about being a solo artist as opposed to doing the group thing?
Omarion: The difference is the responsibility. When I wake up having a bad day or something goes wrong it's totally based on me, it's not based on three other personalities. Being that I'm a man I really appreciate the responsibility and I love it.
Q: Now you did your thing when you were with B2K, but why does it seem you are the only one from the group doing something?
Omarion: Well you know Fizz is doing his thing, Raz is doing his thing as well. God has really blessed me and that's all I can get into at the end of the day.
Q: Why do you think a lot of groups break up instead of staying together long-term?
Omarion: I will say because of other influences...different people getting in each group members ear. Fame isn't for everyone and it's a difficult thing to handle. I would say the reason why is not because of the money other things just get difficult.
Q: What do you miss most about being in a group?
Omarion: Just the relationship we had, we were really, really tight. We had a lot of fun together.
Q: How much has family influenced your career?
Omarion: My family is my baby right along with the man upstairs. They keep me happy, grounded, and when I feel bad I can call them. My family is good to me because sometimes when people get all this money family can get out of hand.
Q: Talk about the new single "IceBox". Hoow did you come up with the idea for the song?
Omarion: Basically it was a situation where I was in a relationship and it was something that a lot of people go through. Guys are sometimes afraid to talk about being with a girl when it doesn't work out. It was about a past relationship and it just didn't work out. It was a personal experience.
Q: At least you keeping it real.
Omarion: Oh yeah, keeping it all the way true.
Q: Do you think it's an ego thing why dudes are afraid to talk about a girl?
Omarion: I wouldn't say it's an ego thing, it's more of a macho thing. I guess if you can put that under the same category that works well for me. There is a difference between a person being arrogant and cocky and just being macho. There are a lot of dudes that's just macho and they just be like "Nah I'm not feelin her like that", but they really be hurt in the inside. I just think it depends on how you feel. I think it's okay to fall in love with a girl. I just think it depends on how you feel about the situation and you just choose the best way to get over something.
Q: Now you the type of dude a lot of girls want. What's the groupie love like?
Omarion: [Laughs], What is the groupie love like? [laughs again]. What do you mean by that?
Q: [Laughs], You tell me.
Omarion: [Laughs], Don't get me wrong I love all my fans, but you know my fans are my fans and that's how I keep it.
Q: You're not going to tell me about a crazy groupie encounter?
Omarion: [Laughs], nah I didn't really have no crazy groupie encounters.
Q: Aw come O!
Omarion: [Laughs], Nah man my fans are my fans. If it starts getting personal you have to watch it before it goes to another level.
Q: Alright I respect that.
Q: How far do you see yourself going with your solo music career?
Omarion: I'm not gonna stop and hopefully I can go as far as God will take me.
Q: What do you think it will take to stay on top?
Omarion: Definitely a humble spirit, a humble heart, a great team, and good records.
Q: Any movies coming out?
Omarion: Yeah, I actually got a film called "Reggaeton" coming out this year and it's gonna be crazy. I also have a scary film coming out called "Somebody Help Me" with me and Marques Houston and what's dope about the scary film is that black people don't die first. The "Reggaeton" joint is dope too. Jennifer Lopez produced it. We shot most of it in Puerto Rico...Puerto Rico...man I just enjoyed myself out there.
Q: Doin' big things with the acting.
Omarion: I'm tryna let them know it's not just singing baby. I'm an entertainer.
Q: Any clothing line or anything coming?
Omarion: Yeah I'm actually part of this clothing line company making some moves. I'm mostly in the ads and stuff but I'm trying to keep my hands in everything.