Omarion Grows Up
R&B singer does the big two-one
R&B star Omarion, at 22-years-old, is barely legal. But with the release of his latest CD, "21," and its lead single, "Ice Box," the ex-B2K member hopes to dispel his boy band past once and for all, establishing a viable and thriving solo career in the more mature vein of urban music.
The album comes only one year after "O," Omarion's solo debut. While "O" had input from the Neptunes and Outkast's Big Boi, "21" includes a track ("Ice Box") produced by Timbaland, the mastermind who recently helped Justin Timberlake break out with "SexyBack." Omarion has also broken into the world of acting, most notably with roles in "Fat Albert" and the over-the-top dance flick "You Got Served."
Following several TV appearances, Omarion's Spring Shake-Off 2K7 tour came to Rams Head Live! on March 16. The singer took some time out from his hectic schedule to talk to Metromix about life post-B2K, his new direction, and why he hopes to get some well-deserved rest in Baltimore: The City that Sleeps.
MM: You got to work with some great producers on "O" and "21." How do you feel artists like Timbaland and the Neptunes impact the way you make music?
Omarion: Heavy, man. You see how much they charge, you know it's heavy. [Laughs] No, but seriously, they're the heavyweights. You sit in the studio with them, you say, "wow." It's like painting a picture with them, y'know? You gotta have the right colors, and they know all about it. It's definitely been great to watch them work.
MM: If you could collaborate with anyone on a track or an album, who would it be?
Omarion: Hmm ... Dr. Dre. Definitely Dre.
MM: Good answer. This past year Justin Timberlake took his solo career to new heights with "FutureSex LoveSounds" and managed to completely shed his past. Do you think the audience has been receptive to the more mature sound heard on "21"? What sort of approach were you going for?
Omarion: Hopefully, global. I think it's really a global thing. I started traveling before the last album, but now, I don't know, this is a whole new thing. I just visited the U.K. and London. I just got back Sunday, actually, and I've been in New York ever since, working.
MM: How is your relationship with the other guys from B2K?
Omarion: Truthfully, we established our friendships and we knew we had to be on good terms, and we are. Of course there are people who will be asking about getting back together, but I don't see that happening. I like that I don't have to rely on three other guys -- it's all me, you know? When I wake up in the morning and have to put blame on someone, it can only be me now, and that's how I want it.
MM: Have you ever been to Baltimore before? What are you hoping to check out here?
Omarion: Yeah, I been to Baltimore a few times, on previous tours and stuff. They got me running before I hit the ground, though. It's a crazy schedule. I'm there and then I perform. So, really, I want to sleep, sleep and perform. [Laughs] That's all I'll have time to do, you know?
MM: Any parting words?
Omarion: Well, I love the fans. They're the reason I'm doing this, for real. And, I guess -- check out my Myspace, check out "21" in stores, you know. Keep listening.