Post by The Big PINK One♥ on Apr 21, 2008 18:10:59 GMT -5
Singer Omarion is no longer on Columbia Records.
A source at the label confirmed to the BV Buzz that the Sony imprint decided to drop the former B2K lead singer.
Omarion (real name: Omari Ishmael Grandberry) signed as a solo artist to Columbia Records after B2K broke up in December 2003. His boy band was actually signed to Sony's Epic division.
The 23-year-old singer released two solo CDs for the record company, including 2005's 'O' and 2006's '21.' Both albums were certified gold.
In December of 2007, Omarion partnered with rapper Bow Wow on the CD, 'Face Off.' To date, the set has sold 341,137 units according to SoundScan.
As an actor, Omarion starred in the films 'You Got Served,' 'Fat Albert,' 'Feel The Noise' and the straight-to-DVD release, 'Somebody Help Me.'
The personable star was also a series regular on Marques Houston's former UPN sitcom, 'Cuts.'
No word on what the singer's plans are for life after Columbia Records.
My source speculated that if former Sony executive David McPherson fills the late Ronnie Johnson's job as Executive Vice President and head of Urban Music at Capitol Records, its likely Omarion could end up there. McPherson was influential in B2K's success at Epic.
Another option could be Motown Records.
Omarion's management and production company, The Ultimate Group (TUG) has a deal with that label and released Omarion's good friend and business partner Marques Houston's last two CDs through Motown.
A rep for Columbia Records did not respond to my request for comment at press time.
{Source: Blackvoices.com}
