Omarion’s solo effort aptly titled, 21 shot him straight into the spotlight. Of the album concept he acknowledges, “everyone can relate because it’s a memorable time. It’s a universal topic. It’s a celebration.”
While the number twenty-one is symbolic of the card game Black Jack, it also is representative of the number young people aspire to become and the reflective age that older folks wish they could return to. “The thing is- it’s control. When you reach 21, you’re buying property, you’re setting your life up- it’s a different place. You feel stable mentally. At 18 - 19, you’re so confused. To me, at 21, it was kind of a realisation of who I want to become – just me practicing my morals as a man and getting better in my craft.”
21 is an intimate portrayal of Omarion the man: “It’s a personal testimony to his life and development up to this juncture on this journey.” He says: “I feel like this time around with me writing on pretty much everything, it’s personal. Every situation on the album has personally happened to me. It’s me.”
The topic of love makes a return guest appearance throughout 21. Omarion says: “When any artist tries to make a classic album, they try to make it from their heart and relay it from situations that everybody can relate to, and just make good music. That’s the same thing I tried to do, but I took the elements of old school because I remember how it used to make me feel when I heard a song.” Influenced by Teddy Pendergrass, Marvin Gaye and Earth, Wind & Fire, 21 is music you can feel.
Focusing on his craft is at the forefront of Omarion’s world, however he also wants balance in his life. “A lot of people are surprised that I say I want to settle down soon. When you’ve been in the industry as long as I have, you’re not looking for the one night fling, at least I’m not. I’m looking for a potential wife to spend time with. Even if it’s just friendship in the beginning, I’m not looking to rush. You travel years and years on the road, and you want to have someone that you can count on and be there for you.”
Fueled with passion and honesty, 21 has Omarion breaking out of the pop-teen idol mold and moving into his grown man status. Recognising the biggest misconception about him, “people still have their doubts or are in limbo that I’m real. When you mention anyone that has longevity, you can hate, but that’s who they are. I hope that with this album I can prove that your boy ain’t going nowhere, I’m here to stay.” |
