Preme Magazine Issue 15 : Omarion + Coi Leray

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g n a g h t r a 6 . E Y A R E L

I 1 0 . C O

M A R 2 2 . D 4 2 . L I L B N O I R A M 5 4 . O “The launching of PREME MAGAZINE WAS developed through the REALIZATION that many creative individuals lack the recognition that they deserve. PREME MAGAZINE is created to give light to individuals from beginners to professionals to behind-the-scenes creatives. This includes photographers, singers, models, stylists, designers, songwriters, record producers, make-up artists, directors, musicians, and more. Our mission is to provide a platform and opportunity for individuals to showcase their work and talent.�

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photograohy by Zhamak Fullad STyled by Maz assisted by @ellejeffreystylz Denim look by @mannfolk Cream suit by @fivestarvintage Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribution

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DRAM IS DRAM BACK IS BACK

DRAM DRAM SI BACK

DRAM IS BACK

IMAGES BY ALLEN jiang STORY BY Gregory Gagliardi Lucien Battiste - Gaffer/Lighting Jay Mac - Assist

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Gregory: Today I am joined by, and I am going be honest with you, I've always struggled with your name. Please don't take that offensively.

DRAM: Nah nah it is cool. You know the best way I put it, think of the word drama erase the a, and what do you get?

Gregory: DRAM, and how did you get it?

DRAM: Oh, it is an acronym. DRAM stands for does real ass music.

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Gregory: We were talking off-camera about remaining true to yourself and how when I listen to your music; it is in touch — speaking of your music where have you been? We are almost coming up on a year of prototype we need something new.

DRAM: Bro, I am going to keep it a band the past couple of years like I really been going thru the ups and downs of life. I am dealing with many things, like regular things. I've built some bridges, and I've burned some. Family stuff, love life, keeping fresh it has been a roller coaster experience within its self.

But, these past 6-9 months, I've really been fine turning this new sound, and all it really is a reflection of my life, rather than a brand. It is everything the good the bad, the ugly; it is my life.

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Gregory: It is refreshing to hear somebody like you who has a huge smile, and every time I think of positivity and happiness I think of you say there are highs and lows of life, and I am feeling it.

DRAM: Oh yeah, I mean some days are better than others. On the ones that are not you got to make sure there will always be a tomorrow. So what do you do? You go to sleep and wake up.

I'm really excited for what's to come. This shit sounds so incredible, and I feel as though if I didn't go through the past couple years, I wouldn't be in the stance, to make it the way I feel as though it is.

Gregory: Is there anything you can tell us about the album or all that top secret?

DRAM: I'm still very much in the creation of the album.

Definitely, have this record it's something like a phenomenon.

Damn this is him, but it's not my typical main record, and as far as my real fans, they actually adore my singing more. So this time around it is mostly unadulterated singing. I feel as though I'm one of the best to do it. This next work will embody it.

Gregory: Do you consider a singer or rapper?

DRAM: I consider myself as cliche as it is an artist. But this time around I am honing in on this r&b, how about DRAM&B, my take on it.

Gregory: I remember listening to your last full-length album you had Young Thug, Erykah Badu, and Trippie Redd on there. You two made a song called Ill Nanna, which is amazing, what does that mean?

DRAM: Oh, it's pussy! Good pussy, the best pussy.

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Gregory: So, how I would use that in a sentence?

DRAM: Ay, you left the club with Barbara? Oh yeah, yeah she got that ill nanna that shit snapping!

Gregory: I'm going to try to inďŹ ltrate Connecticut with this slang, see what happens.

DRAM: Yeah, but you know who birthed that?

Foxy Brown, back in the 90s.

Gregory: Is Foxy Brown from Virginia?

DRAM: She is from Brooklyn!

Gregory: Who was from Virginia? Missy Elliot!

You are from Virginia, right?

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DRAM: Yeah, broodie seven ďŹ ve.

Gregory: Where in Virginia?

DRAM: I'm from Hampton.

Gregory: What is Hampton by?

DRAM: North of Virginia beach. It is the seven cities. On the peninsula side, which is my side you got Hampton and Newport news. Then you cross the water; the main ones are Norfolk, Virginia Beach Portsmouth, Chesapeake, and Suffolk.

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Gregory: From me, I feel like Virginia does not come up in the hip-hop conversation as much as it should. We forget who is from there because that list is crazy!

DRAM: Okay yeah yeah, on a list, paper or whatever it might slip your mind. Regardless if you say it or not the people you are putting on the list nine times out of 10 had records made by these Virginia people.

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Gregory: You guys changed music multiple times. Pharrell and Timbaland came out of there. They changed the shape of hip-hop. If there were one producer, we would never think you would work with who would it be?

DRAM: Oh, that's a good question! Toro Y Moi! He's the fucking truth!

Gregory: And he is hip-hop too, he got on Travis Scott's record back in the day.

DRAM: What I'm saying though, is we can do whatever together, glitchhouse, anything. His whole persona is the fact that he lives, walks, talks, and breathes music. For a guy like me, that would be fireworks

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Gregory: I would love to see that happen. What type of music do you listen too?

DRAM: It is a very wide range. When I was growing up, musically was my shit. The way my brain retains songs, you know those Timelife commercials where they had the collages of songs, big band, 80s rock ballads, and soul and body. There is this one song that I stumbled across its at the end of this Jeffery Dahmer movie its called "Lady Doubonette" by The Bizarros. It's so hard, its got that rock to it, and of course, all the way to (Young) Nudy.

Gregory: That's why I love to be around musicians and hear what they play.

Now I feel like I know you better. Music is such a pure reflection of someone. If I were to go to the studio with, what would a session be like?

DRAM: If we are working together, it can be your greatest dream or worst nightmare.

Gregory: What do you mean?

DRAM: I am going to give 120% so if you are not coming to work, to catch these vibes then might as well not come at all. Because it is go time. It is fun, especially getting in with the right people and sounds.

Gregory: When you made the song Wifi with Badu was that made in the studio?

DRAM: No, so basically I went in dolo vibing around. Then I'm like okay let's get something going; I start hearing the bass. Then I started thinking and matter of fact I did need the wifi! So I went into the booth and freestyled it. That whole thing you hear was one take Queen Badu is my best friend in music, so I called her like Queen ima send you this record lemme get an opinion. She loved it. I wrote out her verse, and I gave her a reference she sang it back, and it was magic. We sound very good together. The way it came out, you would have thought we were in the same room.

Gest human alive.

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Gregory: I've always been infatuated with Badu. I feel like if I spent 10 minutes in a room with her, my perception of life would change. That woman is magically, so many people have written songs about her. You mentioned Badu being your best music friend. Was there ever a moment when you got a co-sign from an older artist that made you take a step back?

DRAM: Yeah, damn anywhere from Q-Tip, Uncle Snoop the big homie, Queen Badu, and Beyonce the list goes on...

Gregory: Well, it should. You've made great music!

DRAM: Thank you!

Gregory: I'm a massive Frank Ocean fan, and he made a list of like 20-25 songs that inspired "Blonde" and your song $ with Donnie Trumpet was on there.

Now I am not going to repeat the words because there is a word in there, I can't say.

DRAM: hahaha as long as you know Gregory: But oh my god! I could be having the worst day, but if that song comes on, I become the happiest human alive.

DRAM: Even like to motivate. I was broke as fuck when I made that song that was recorded on a $100 mic.

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Gregory: WHAT! See those are the things we as fans would never know. How many times you get asked "Broccoli" in interviews DRAM: Shit! is my first interview in like a year and a half.

Gregory: Really?

DRAM: Swear to god.

Gregory: That's an awesome song, but there's a line that's struck me "at the restaurant with the why you gotta stare face" can you elaborate on that?

DRAM: It is like this. I'll make it even deeper; you know the flagship lounges in the club or at the airport that is the pure epitome of that. When I'm standing there tryna get me a burger or whatever everyone in there has that face like what are you doing here? It's like being financially stable, in here, living my life, how about you? It's classicism.

Gregory: We don't look the same, I don't have that struggle nor will I pretend I know whats it's like. But I do know whats it's like to have tattoos and painted nails and have everyone be like who is this dude? Why is he in this room? What do you do with those feelings?

DRAM: Tackle and fuel like Bobby Boucher in Waterboy. You take the good; you take the bad, you take them both, you take it all in. The thing with me and the way I create is, I can literally make music off any subject. It just can't be all shits and giggles. Like damn lady cheated on me, you make something about.

Like hey man, this orange was ripe today! This bathroom smells, don't you hate when bathroom smell. That's the fact that I should tell.

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Gregory: Its authenticity, goes back to what we were talking about before. I'm curious reviews is touring fun?

DRAM: Oh, tours are the greatest. The biggest thing I learned to do is perform. There a with it (a song), recording it, then performing it. The funniest thing to do is to showca Gregory: Do you make songs for live performances

DRAM: No, I make songs for the sake of making a song. So ultimately if its a good reco performance. I feel like you start to fuck your shit up when you're like this is for this purely, like how life is. Somebody might think it is a facade, but no matter what, on th No matter how somebody perceives you, you still living your life. The music has to be

Gregory: Absolutely, and that makes me think about your hit records. I don't want to you know how big "Broccoli," "Cha Cha," and Cash Machine would be?

DRAM: Absolutely not. I am going, being honest with you, "Cha Cha" was really suppo crowd hyped. I am back in Virginia at these local showcases. I had no idea. Then it goe

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Gregory: From a fan's perspective, I remember going on a blog and seeing DRAM and anthem, and it was like1 million, 2 million, 3 million, oh there is something going on h seeing a song explode? Is it like, oh my god?

DRAM: It's more like whoa, damn, that's what's up. But the thing is you never let one by that. It's a blessing as well, the time that has been separated between releases you

Gregory: Well, I'll be the first person to admit I loved the new EP, "DRAM That's a Gir

DRAM: Yeah, it's just some songs, nice transitional period. It's not like a straight-up p Gregory: Yeah, totally. I remember seeing it on Reddit. You like to interact on Reddit.

DRAM: Yeah, it's cool they are really asking about a lot of shit.

Gregory: What else can you tell us about the new music?

DRAM: When this music drops, it will sound like whoa this guy has matured. He has g sing his ass off. This is an experience; it is going to feel like I just went through some some shit listening to the product of me going through some shit.

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about this, I've heard mixed

are many different parts, coming up ase it. It's like we are celebrating

ord it will become a good s, and that is for this. Just make it he inside, you really live it for real. as real as that.

say they came out of nowhere. Did

osed to be something to get the es down.

Lil Yachty hook up for a weed here. What was that feeling like

e song define you. I am not defined know?

rl's Name" it is an EP, right?

project.

gone through some shit, and he can shit. You are going to go through

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LIL B WHERE YOU BEEN ?

Photographer: Nicolita Bradley Assistant: Luis Arellanes Story By Malcolm Trapp

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California cultural influencer Lil B, known by many monikers, remains one of hip-hop’s strangest phenomenons with over a decade in the game. Born Brandon McCartney, the self-proclaimed Based God has released dozens of mixtapes during his time, some of them including hundreds of tracks. The world considers Lil B an internet legend, and there’s a reason why. “I’m in it to push the culture and push music, I’m not in it for anything,” he humbly states.

Lil B emerged onto the scene as a part of high-school rap group The Pack with their breakout record “Vans.” The sneaker anthem was released via MySpace and arrived at the peak of the Bay Area’s hyphy movement. Nearly a year later, The Pack went on to drop their first studio album Based Boys under Too Short’s Up All Nite Records imprint. “I didn’t finish school because we were doing so much, so I was always struggling with traditional education.” Unfortunately, after inking a deal with the short-lived label, they were dropped due a year later to lack of sales and eventually parted ways.

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Following the group’s dispersal, Lil B went on to kickstart his very successful solo career with 2009’s I’m Thraxx. Since then, the Berkeley-native has unveiled nearly fifty projects containing several thousands of music. Some of his most notable works include the 2010 debut Blue Flame and collaborative efforts with Soulja Boy and Chance the Rapper. “Me and him did a very rare mixtape only released through SoundCloud and this is right before he won his Grammy,” Lil B talks about his 2015 mixtape titled Free. Elsewhere, he exclusively shares information about their unreleased collaboration: “I have one more song with Chance the Rapper, it’s about six minutes [long].”

46 In 2016, Lil B made an appearance in Frank Ocean’s Boys Don’t Cry magazine, which he initially teased a year ahead. The zine arrived fresh off of Frank’s visual album Endless and came packaged alongside his criticallyacclaimed full length, Blond. It featured acts such as Kanye West and Tom Sachs as well as two lengthy interviews with Lil B and Ocean’s mother, Katonya Breaux. “I remember the last time we were talking, it was about potentially working on some records,” B teases. “The relationship is love, it’s always going to be love if I see Frank again.”

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Aside from Lil B’s music career, he’s given a number of speeches at college universities and became a published-author. “I feel like it’s the biggest honor to be a part of any educational system because… It really did slow me down and make me cry. Even the American people bringing the thugs, the goons, in the house,” B wittingly notes. Takin’ Over, a book written and published solely by Brandon McCartney exhibits one of the most meaningful projects in his career.

The print finds Lil B delving into subject matters of self-acceptance and fulfillment, while encouraging its readers to choose happiness over material objects.

51 Although considered a rap mogul by the masses, Lil B still looks up to many of hip-hop’s rap veterans. Kanye West being one of them. “Without Kanye West there is no Lil B, there’s no The Pack. No one has ever heard me say that,” he states. Previously, Lil B released a song titled “New York Subway” that sampled “Living So Italian,” an unreleased track that was slated to appear on Kanye and JAY-Z’s joint album Watch The Throne a year later.

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Humble of his beginnings, Lil B resides where it originally all started for him: the Bay Area.

The 30-year-old artist is on a mission for motivational inspiration nowadays. In tune with his surroundings, B finds himself working on music and soaking in interactions from outsiders.

Aside from touring and festivals, he details that he’s lived in the Bay Area for the majority of his life in addition to learning how to produce records of his own. “It’s been a really interesting journey, there were some times I had to take a break.”

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“I love the world, literally. If you’re reading this, my fondness love to you,” Lil B finishes.

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OMARION 54

Photos by $ha Styling by MAZ assisted by @ellejeffreystylz Denim look by @mannfolk Cream suit by @fivestarvintage interview by Tiffany Bullock

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Omarion will be the first to tell you that his positive vibrations are high and this year is looking different. “I been actin' hella different lately, can you hear me?” he sings on his latest single, “Can You Hear Me?” featuring T-Pain, the bouyout R&B earworm is setting precedent for an “Omarion 2020”. Currently on his second Millennium Tour, an album on the way, and the #Unbothered movement- Omarion’s authenticity, artistry, and natural ability to connect to people’s emotions has enabled him to have longevity, a devout fan base, and undeniable star power. Tuesday afternoon, Omarion dialed in from New York to get candid about being in the game for twenty-one years, how he transcends in a social media era , and what’s to come.

1. You’re currently touring on the second Millennium Tour. You posted on your Instagram story after the first show had ended of you thanking everyone.

Everyone that has helped put the show together- why is it important for you to thank the staff and share that with your fans?

It’s always important for people to know that there is a lot of energy that goes into putting on such a big production. These are people that have families too! In respect and in light of all of the hard work that everyone is doing- it’s natural to pay homage for an amazing experience for the fans. I think it’s important!

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You’ve been in the game for about 21 years, do you come across moments where you are still in shock by the support you receive?

I don’t know if I would use the word shocked. It is very refreshing. To know that the connections that were made many, many years ago are still in effect. It reminds me that love, admiration, respect, inspiration, and infectiousness- was all real. It wasn’t a moment in time. It has stood the test of times. I am always so thrilled and very happy when people share their experiences with me about my music. How it has affected them or helped them, I’m always appreciative of that.

You’ve had so many huge cultural moments- B2K, Icebox, “O”, the Bow Wow collab in the early 2000s, “You Got Served”, Post to Be running the 2014 summer, Millennium Tour, #Unbothered. What is one of your favorite cultural moments that you were a part of?

Currently the #Unbothered vibration. A lot of the time, artists are self- proclaimed and that’s cool. It’s better when the fans rally with your move to create that thing for you. I didn’t create it, the fans created it. It’s a connection.

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As your life changes, how do you imagine that it will shape your music in the future?

It will continue to shape my music in a major way.

One of the things that I believe people forget and that people don’t use as much is the truth. The truth resonates, it is a powerful tool to have within your own scope of creativity. I use the truth all the time to connect with people. It is something that people can connect to. I would imagine in the future my music would continue to resonate with the truth. As long as I keep that ingredient in there I will be able to keep connecting.

Being a vet in the industry, when creating new music is there a destination you are trying to reach? Is there a final point, award, recognition that you are trying to

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achieve?

At this moment, as an artist, you want to be able to win a Grammy or get certain accolades. To be honest, as long as I can continue to do what I love and share my creativity, I’m all good- I’m going to be here! I was just telling someone, Ron Isely is in his late 70’s and he’s still putting on shows til’ this day. I just want to continue to perform and do what I love.

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Music consumption has changed since the late 90’s when your career first began- there is a multitude of ways to sell it and consume it. How do you create a timeless song when we are now in the culture of hyping a song for a week and then getting over it by the next?

Let’s talk about all the songs that are timeless- “Happy Birthday”, nursery rhymes. Timeless music is connected to good memories. It has to do with the context and the content of your lyrics whatever vibrations you are speaking to through your music. Those are the ingredients that will never change because music connects us all. As long as there are connective elements in the music, the good elements- love, relationships, adversity- those are things we all face and things we have to deal with. If you have those ingredients in there, then you are able to create timeless music.

Do you feel like you have to do things outside of just making a great song for people to appreciate it, or for it to get the recognition it deserves?

Every special song- has a special case. There are so many

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different mediums that songs can blow up on. For instance, there are certain people that are introducing their songs via new apps like Tik Tok or Triller. Songs are blowing up from apps because there are so many users. It’s cool that there are so many unconventional ways to support your music.

Everyone can have a small fan base in the world now

because everyone has Instagram. You have to put the work in, in order for people to see and feel the record. All and all it has to do with the music! It starts with the music and the vibration- then seeing where that vibration carries you. There are so many songs that aren’t popping in the world but lit locally. As an artist, you have to put in that groundwork and do what’s necessary to amplify and bring awareness to your music. Again like I said it starts with the lyrics, the song, and music.

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You seem like an artist that makes your own choices artistically. Do you feel as your vision has been limited by the control of other people or other people’s perspectives of who you are?

I used to feel that way a lot when I was younger.

I didn’t feel like creative people were giving me the reverence and the respect that I deserve. I started out so young and I worked with many different writers. At times, it was like “sing this”, and I would be like, “well, I wouldn’t sing that because I didn’t feel that way.” It was a challenge for me at times. When you are an artist, and you are presenting music or any type of product you will have to be inside of it too or it will just be a moment in time. What if I did not go through Icebox, what if I was not able to connect

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to getting my heart broken- that song would be sung differently. I was able to tap into true emotion because I actually experienced it! Being truthful in your product is key to selling it and marketing it to people.

Are there any lessons that you have received from your musical career that you carry over into fatherhood?

Don’t take things personally! My kids have their own ideas and they want to do their own thing.

People’s comments and the things that they want to see from you, don’t take it personally.

Listen, hear it, if you can apply it- that’s dope but if not cool, keep it pushing. [Laughs] That’s definitely something that I would be telling my kids.

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So Icebox is a classic record- one of my favorite moments is at the end of the record when you say “Omarion, bitch”. It’s unexpected but I feel as if it was necessary as an announcement to your arrival. Why add that part to the end?

Oh yeah, that’s funny! In the studio, you always have these moments. I’m cutting all these backgrounds, going line for line, note for note, and then it is like oh okay you are finished. Then it was like alright let me say something at the end. [Sings] Girl, I really want to work this out because I’m tired of fightin’, fightin’ Omarion, bitch. [Laughs] I was actually leaving the studio and cut all my vocals. So it was like I was done, I’m out! That’s really what that was, it was like I’m out. That was the vibe.

If you could start your musical career over again, would you do anything differently? Why, and what would you do?

The only thing I would do differently is to spend more time

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with the creative process with certain producers. I sat there and watched Pharell make Touch and some other songs that we worked on, that never came out- I would ask more questions, have more input. I don’t know if I would change anything. A lot of the special songs that I have had over my career like O, the songs were made with me in mind. I was still considered rather than a writer’s pool and them stating, “This is a hot record who can this work on? Oh, Rihanna or Usher.” With those types of songs, you can get wrapped up as a creative trying to find those songs in reference to business and record company. Versus truly being able to express yourself as a creative. Even if it doesn’t work, you are expressing yourself and that is the main component of creativity. You have to express yourself!

If I had to change anything, I wouldn’t. The only thing I would add is in the moments where I was sitting next to one of the worlds best writers I would ask about the formulas they use, the format, why they choose that sound, what that sound base is and where they are getting it fromstuff like that.

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You started out as a backup dancer, your passion for dancing has remained constant throughout your career. Outside of just being a performer what keeps you dancing?

Dancing is a passion of mine and something very personal to me.

Growing within the scope of dance and learning new styles, there is so much to learn and know. There is so much I’ve learned already. Within the vast knowledge of dance, I’m not satisfied with how I dance now- I want to continue to grow. Some of my biggest influences is Jimmy Fly, a tap dancer, he danced until he was gone. Gregory Hines, Nicholas Brothers, Michael Jackson, when you’re a true dancer you never stop dancing. Dancing is joyous! I keep learning more there is just so much to know.

Do you view your contributions to music as successful? In what ways?

Yes, I invoke feeling, emotion, and thought. That is one of the elements of music that I grew up with and will continue to carry on throughout my career. I can’t say music always provides those things but they’ve always provided a mood and a vibe. When you listen to me, you are definitely inspired rather you want to dance, or you are in the mood. I like that element, for sure. That is my contribution, my music gets people going. If you listen to Touch, you might want to dance. You listen to Icebox, you might be feeling cold. You listen to Can You Hear Me?, which is my new joint featuring T-pain, you want to dance and catch a vibe. That is the main purpose of music- I want people to move, feel good, and be positive.

When you think of the future of r&b, what gives you a sense of hope? What makes you concerned or worried?

Nothing makes me concerned or worried about the transformation of any genre or class of music. Things change and things have to change in order to grow and transform. R&B will be around for the end of time.

To be able to express yourself through melodies is a special thing. If you are really good it could truly capture a moment in time. Everything will be alright! People will always talk about love- it’s a great thing.

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You’re often being asked about your past bandmates is that something you hope ends or don’t mind talking about?

I understand why I’m being asked now. We just came off the 2019 Millenium Tour, and it’s been 15 years prior to that tour. I understand it, I don’t know if I would feel that way in a year in a half or two years.

People didn’t ask Michael in his solo career about his other brothers, Beyonce about Destiny’s Child, or Jay-Z about Roc-a-fella. The natural progression happens in everybody’s life. It doesn’t bother me, it’s obviously a part of my history. So I understand it but at times I do not because 5 years from now we'll all be in different places in life.

What’s the best part about the next thing you’re working on?

The best thing about not only the next thing but all things is preparing a really high volume 2020, Omarion year. I have an album already ready, being released at the end of the year entitled Passport. I and the amazing James Fauntleroy did this project and along with that, I will be dropping more songs doing more collabs. Shooting movies, mini-movies- we are going to be doing a lot this year! There won’t be a shortage of Omarion vibrations. We got the Unbothered essential oil

by Omarion coming out. We are going to be providing you all with the vibrations!

Word-up.

How do you want to be remembered?

It is a bit of a taboo thing. What you truly leave here when you are gone, is up to the people to champion and be your voice. Just like Unbothered, I did not come up with that, the fans did. I would want to see how I would be remembered, celebrated, and revered. I don’t want to choose, of course, I want to be remembered in a positive light.

As a person that no matter what adversity I faced, I continued to smile and take my lessons in strides. All and all one of the best performerswhat performer doesn’t wish that. I would want people to have respect for all of the hard work that I put forth in my art and appreciate it.

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