Editing B2K

{{short description|American contemporary R&B group}}
{{other uses}}
{{More citations needed|date=January 2020}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2025}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name            = 
| image           =
| caption         =
| image_size      =
| landscape       =
| alias           = Boys of the New Millennium 
| origin          = [[Los Angeles]], [[California]], U.S.
| genre           = {{flatlist|
* [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]]<ref name="Raz B">{{cite web|url=https://allhiphop.com/news/raz-b-addresses-omarion-being-the-last-member-to-join-b2k/|title=Raz B Addresses Omarion Being the Last Member to Join B2K|publisher=All Hip Hop|last=Kyle|first=Yohance|date=January 6, 2023|accessdate=July 27, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Pop music|pop]]<ref>{{allMusic|artist|mn0000468938/biography|title = Andy Kellman|accessdate=29 July 2023}}</ref>
* [[Hip hop music|hip hop]]<ref name="Raz B"/>
}}
| years_active    = {{flatlist|
* 1998–2004
* 2018–2019
}}
| label           = {{flatlist|
* [[Epic Records|Epic]]
* [[The Ultimate Group|TUG]]
}}
| website         = {{URL|b2kofficial.com}}
| past_members = * 
* [[J-Boog]]
* [[Raz-B]]
* [[Lil' Fizz]]
* [[Omarion]]
}}

'''B2K''' ('''Boys of the New Millennium''') was an American [[boy band]] that was active from 1998 to 2004, and again from 2018 to 2019. In 1998, the group was formed by American dance choreographer [[Dave Scott (choreographer)|Dave Scott]] and Interscope A&R Keshia Gamble. The members consisted of [[Lil' Fizz]], [[J-Boog]], [[Raz-B]], and [[Omarion]]. The group released their self-titled debut album on March 12, 2002. The album peaked at number two on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] and number one on the U.S. [[Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums]] chart.

== History ==
The group was originally formed in 1998, when Jarell "J-Boog" Houston, De'Mario "Raz-B" Thornton and Dreux Pierre "Lil' Fizz" Frédéric were a part of another group called Melodic.<ref>
{{cite web|url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=dnGGOL5XmDg|title=Raz B on How B2K Came Together, Omarion Being the "Missing Link" |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> On New Year's Eve in 1999, Omari "Omarion" Grandberry was invited to join the band. Together, they would adopt the name B2K, an acronym for "Boys of the New Millennium," and a reference to the [[Year 2000 problem|Y2K]] era.<ref>
{{cite web|url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=QKDmN1o0Dfk&pp=ygUJQjJrIGJ1aWxk|title=B2K Talks About Their Reunion For "The Millennium Tour"|website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>

In 2001, B2K released their debut single, "[[Uh Huh (B2K song)|Uh Huh]]," produced by [[Tricky Stewart]]. Their [[B2K (album)|self-titled debut album]], which also included the singles "[[Gots ta Be]]" and "[[Why I Love You (B2K song)|Why I Love You]]", was released in March 2002 and peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart, later being [[RIAA certification|certified Gold]]. Their second album, a Christmas album entitled ''[[Santa Hooked Me Up]]'', was less successful upon its release in October, peaking at No. 132 on the Billboard 200, but their third and final album ''[[Pandemonium! (album)|Pandemonium!]]'', released two months later, debuted at No. 10 on the Billboard 200. The lead single from ''Pandemonium!'', a collaboration with [[Sean Combs|P. Diddy]] entitled "[[Bump, Bump, Bump]]", reached No. 1 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|Hot 100]], becoming the group's sole number one song.<ref>
{{cite magazine|url=https://www.vibe.com/features/digital-covers/b2k-cover-story-647668/|title=The Long Road: The Triumph And Truth Of B2K|magazine=[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]]}}</ref>

In 2003, the group won a [[Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards|Kids' Choice Award]] for Favorite Singing Group. That same year, all of the members filmed the movie ''[[You Got Served]]''. In 2004, around the time the movie was released, B2K's manager [[Chris Stokes (record producer)|Chris Stokes]] announced the group's split, with their label [[Epic Records]] claiming internal disagreements as the cause. Lil' Fizz, Raz-B, and J-Boog issued a joint statement confirming the end of their professional relationship with Stokes. The trio also said they "just want[ed] to be treated fairly".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/b2k-moving-on-without-omarion-1448560/|title=B2K Moving On Without Omarion?|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] }}</ref> Omarion would remain under Stokes' management and pursue a solo career.

=== 2005–2018: Solo ventures, ''Love & Hip Hop'' ===
Omarion went on to release several solo albums, as well as a collaboration album with [[Bow Wow (rapper)|Bow Wow]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/omarion-talks-about-being-vulnerable-career-longevity-and-his-new-album/|title=Omarion Talks About Being Vulnerable, Career Longevity, and His New Album|last=Burney|first=Lawrence|date=2017-03-07|website=Noisey|language=en-US|access-date=2018-12-24}}</ref> From 2005 to 2007, Lil' Fizz guest-starred on [[FOX network|Fox's]] comedy series [[The War at Home (TV series)|''The War at Home'']] which aired for two seasons. After much controversy, Raz-B relocated overseas to China in pursuit of a solo career, as well as becoming an entrepreneur and manager of his own record label.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.essence.com/entertainment/b2k-raz-b-breakfast-club-interview/|title=5 Things We Learned From Raz B's 'Breakfast Club' Interview|website=Essence|date=3 November 2020 |language=en-US|access-date=May 1, 2021}}</ref> In 2009, J-Boog collaborated with Lil' Fizz on the 5-Track [[Electronic Press Kit|EP]] album ''"Nightlife"''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hellobeautiful.com/509457/interview-former-b2k-members-fizz-and-boog-back-as-a-duo/|title=Interview: Former B2K Members Fizz and Boog Back As a Duo|date=2009-10-02|website=HelloBeautiful|language=en|access-date=2018-12-24}}</ref> He also partnered with [[IMx]] member and relative [[Marques Houston]], becoming a writer, producer and vice president for Houston's film production company, Footage Films.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hellobeautiful.com/3019158/marques-houston-footage-films-running-out-of-time/|title=Marques Houston's Film Company Has Employed Over 300 People In The Last Year|date=2018-11-30|website=HelloBeautiful|language=en|access-date=2018-12-24}}</ref>

In 2014, Omarion and Fizz became main cast members of [[VH1]]'s reality show ''[[Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood]]'', where both members showcased their private lives and relationships.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thisisrnb.com/2014/08/omarion-ray-j-teairra-mari-soulja-boy-join-love-hip-hop-hollywood/|title=OMARION, RAY J, TEAIRRA MARI & SOULJA BOY JOIN 'LOVE & HIP HOP: HOLLYWOOD'|date=2014-08-18|website=thisisrnb.com|access-date=2018-12-24}}</ref> Omarion left after two seasons to focus on his personal life with his then girlfriend and newborn child, while Fizz remained as supporting cast for the remainder of the seasons. During the series in 2017, J-Boog made an appearance as Fizz attempted to get the band back together with Omarion not being present and possibly having co-star and long time friend [[Ray J]] be a part of the group as a replacement.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vh1.com/news/xhb681/ray-j-j-boog-b2k-love-hip-hop-hollywood-sneak|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406150547/https://www.vh1.com/news/xhb681/ray-j-j-boog-b2k-love-hip-hop-hollywood-sneak|url-status=live|archive-date=April 6, 2023|title=Ray J Feels Disrespected by J Boog's Comments and is Ready to Square Up in the Love & Hip Hop Hollywood Sneak|last=Michel 10/9/2017|first=Sarah|website=VH1 News|access-date=2018-12-24}}</ref> Ultimately, Ray J's ego caused tension between him and J-Boog,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/theshaderoom/p/BaWvDcYlbyb/|title= The Shade Room on Instagram|website=Instagram}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hollywoodlife.com/2017/10/16/ray-j-dissed-j-boog-b2k-love-and-hip-hop-hollywood-recap/|title='L&HH' Recap — Ray J Slammed As 'Fake Michael Jackson' & Denied From Joining B2K|last=Benitz|first=Samantha|date=2017-10-17|website=Hollywood Life|language=en|access-date=2018-12-24}}</ref> which resulted in Fizz and Boog deciding it was best to just let the group rest in their history and reunite the right way.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vh1.com/news/twmmau/bonus-clip-j-boog-feels-ray2k-will-never-happen-because-some-people-are-not-realistic-about-their-current-celeb-status|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405090650/https://www.vh1.com/news/twmmau/bonus-clip-j-boog-feels-ray2k-will-never-happen-because-some-people-are-not-realistic-about-their-current-celeb-status|url-status=live|archive-date=April 5, 2023|title=Bonus Clip: J-Boog Feels Ray2K Will Never Happen Because Some People Are Not Realistic About Their Current Celeb Status|last=Michel 10/17/2017|first=Sarah|website=VH1 News|access-date=2018-12-24}}</ref>

=== 2018–2020: ''The Millennium Tour'' Reunion ===
On December 31, 2018, it was announced by group managers Michelle Le Fleur and Damuer H. Leffridge that after 15 years, B2K would reunite for [[The Millennium Tour]] in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |website=Billboard.com |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/b2k-reunion-2019-millennium-tour-announcement-8491206/ |title=B2K to Reunite in 2019 for The Millennium Tour: Exclusive }}</ref> The 3-month city tour occurred during March, April and May 2019. The location and dates were released through the G-Squared Events website.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gsquaredevents.com/
|title= G Squared Events}}</ref> The tour featured all four members of B2K, as well as several other mid-2000s urban artists, including [[Pretty Ricky]], [[Chingy]], [[Ying Yang Twins]], [[Mario (American singer)|Mario]], [[Bobby V]] and [[Lloyd (singer)|Lloyd]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8491206/b2k-reunion-2019-millennium-tour-announcement|title=B2K to Reunite in 2019 for The Millennium Tour: Exclusive|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2018-12-24}}</ref> During the NYC show at Madison Square Garden, [[Ashanti (singer)|Ashanti]] made a brief surprise appearance performing with Lloyd on their hit single "[[Southside (Lloyd song)|Southside]]".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://thesource.com/2019/03/10/millennium-tour-recap/|title=Top 6 Moments of NYC Stop of The 'New Millennium Tour'|last=Miss2Bees|date=2019-03-10|website=The Source|language=en-US|access-date=2019-03-20}}</ref>

==== Raz-B's various incidents during the tour ====
During the 3-month Millennium Tour, Raz-B was involved in multiple incidents, which were set to be documented as he officially joined the cast of VH1's ''[[Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood]]'', and agreed  to chronicle his life experiences while on tour.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vibe.com/2019/05/raz-b-love-and-hip-hop-hollywood|title=B2K's Raz B To Join 'Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood'|date=2019-05-06|website=Vibe|language=en|access-date=2019-05-10}}</ref> This never came to fruition as the reality show was postponed indefinitely due to the [[Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on television|COVID-19 pandemic]] in 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://foxy99.com/2020/05/07/love-hip-hop-franchise-allegedly-shut-down-indefinitely-due-to-covid-19-pandemic/|title='Love & Hip Hop' Franchise Allegedly Shut Down Indefinitely Due to COVID-19 Pandemic|date=May 7, 2020}}</ref>

* During the first few weeks of the tour, Raz-B reported to [[Instagram]], explaining on video that he may recuse himself from the tour due to feeling uncomfortable and unsafe after allegations former manager Chris Stokes was possibly in the presence of the group while on tour. Hours later, the group made a statement that Raz-B would remain on tour, disclosing they were in support of their bandmate's mental well-being.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bet.com/article/7c09du/here-s-the-reason-raz-b-dropped-out-of-the-tour|title=B2K's Raz B Dropped Out Of The Millennium Tour For This Reason|website=BET.com|access-date=2019-05-10}}</ref>
* During the [[Nashville, Tennessee]] tour stop, Raz-B walked off stage mid performance. He took to Instagram and posted ''"It really sucks, this being my dream tour. It’s not right! I’m the spirit of the group! I’m clearly alone in this, Omarion thanks for showing me love when nobody else would. I suggest nobody talk to me! Cause none of y'all understand what I'm going through!"''  He then mentioned his dislike for their performance set opening sequence introduction: ''"Change the f---ing intro, I hate it!"''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ebony.com/news/fan-defends-raz-b-after-he-walked-off-stage-mid-performance/|title=Fan Defends Raz-B After He Walked Off Stage Mid-Performance|last=Washington|first=Jasmine|date=2019-03-26|website=EBONY|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-10}}</ref>
* In late April, Raz-B was arrested in [[Minneapolis]] after reports of [[domestic violence]] with his actress girlfriend. It was alleged that he physically strangled and choked her outside of a [[Macy's]] store. However, the County Attorney's Office decided not to prosecute him due to the lack of evidence provided. The producers and camera crew of Love & Hip Hop were not present during this event.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tmz.com/2019/05/06/raz-b-joining-love-and-hip-hop-hollywood-b2k/|title=Raz B Joins Cast of 'Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood'|website=TMZ|language=en|access-date=2019-05-10}}</ref>
* In early May, during a 27-minute [[Lyft]] ride in [[Jacksonville, Florida]], Raz-B slept through the ride and was half awake exiting the vehicle, leaving his $2,500 [[Louis Vuitton]] bag. He contacted the driver and said that he hung up on him, which resulted in Raz-B making claims that the driver would not give it back. However, the driver did in fact return the bag by dropping it off at a secure location.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tmz.com/2019/05/09/raz-b-claims-lyft-driver-stole-louis-vuitton-bag-jacksonville-show/|title=Raz B Claims Lyft Driver Jacked Louis Vuitton Bag After Falling Asleep|website=TMZ|language=en|access-date=2019-05-10}}</ref>
*On May 10, 2019, B2K announced that Raz-B was taking a break from the tour to cater more to his health and well-being, and would not appear for the remainder of the tour. The group was also said to be in support of him receiving self care and hoped to see his return later.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hot97.com/hot-news/raz-b-is-taking-a-break-from-the-b2k-millennium-tour|title=Raz B. Is Taking a Break From The B2K Millennium Tour|website=HOT 97 {{!}} #1 For Hip Hop|language=en|access-date=2019-05-10}}</ref>

=== 2021–present: Brief feud and occasional appearances ===

In 2021, Omarion did an interview with the ''[[New York Post]]'', addressing issues with his bandmates. He stated that he had "matured" and that within the group, there was "a lack of communication" and "lack of knowledge".<ref>{{cite web|title=Omarion talks to Jalen Rose about growing up and moving on|url=https://nypost.com/2021/11/11/omarion-of-b2k-talks-to-jalen-rose-about-growing-up-and-moving-on/amp/|website=[[New York Post]]|date=November 11, 2021}}</ref>

On June 23, 2022, Omarion performed a ''[[Verzuz]]'' where he insinuated his former bandmates were "glorified backup dancers", prompting J-Boog to negatively respond.<ref>{{cite web|title=It's Been Omarion Versus Everyone Since He Called B2K Groupmates His Backup Dancers|url=https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/omarion-verzus-b2k-groupmates-backup-dancers-drama-1234672050/|website=[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]]|date=27 June 2022 |access-date=June 27, 2022}}</ref> Shortly after, Omarion announced the arrival of his five-part docuseries titled ''Omega: The Gift & The Curse'', where he finally addressed issues during the 2019 Millennium Tour, the group's downfall, Lil' Fizz's relationship with the mother of his children, and more.<ref>{{cite web|title=Omarion Announces Five-Part Docuseries 'Omega: The Gift & The Curse': Watch Trailer|url=https://ratedrnb.com/2022/07/omarion-announces-five-part-docuseries-omega-the-gift-the-curse/|website=ratedrnb|date=7 July 2022 |access-date=July 7, 2022}}</ref>

On September 3, 2022, J-Boog, Raz B and Lil' Fizz appeared on the [[Revolt (TV network)|Revolt]] series ''Drink Champs'' as a trio to discuss their side of the turmoil.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fizz, J-Boog, & Raz-B Are Telling All About B2K & Omarion On "Drink Champs"|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/fizz-j-boog-and-raz-b-are-telling-all-about-b2k-and-omarion-on-drink-champs-news.157038.html?_amp|website=hotnewhiphop|access-date=August 13, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=B2K Talks Omarion Fallout And 'Verzuz' In 'Drink Champs' Teasers|url=https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/b2k-drink-champs-teaser-1234686599/amp/|website=[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]]|date=August 16, 2022}}</ref>

On July 31, 2024, B2K reunited on stage at a concert held by [[Jhené Aiko]] in [[Los Angeles]], [[California]], seemingly ending their feud.<ref>{{cite web|title=A B2K Reunion And More Surprise Guests From Jhené Aiko’s 'Magic Hour' Los Angeles Tour Stop|url=https://www.vibe.com/news/events/b2k-reunion-jhene-aiko-magic-hour-tour-los-angeles-1234902135/|website=[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]]|date=August 1, 2024}}</ref>

==Members==
* [[Omarion]] – lead singer
* [[J-Boog]] – vocals
* [[Raz-B]] – vocals
* [[Lil' Fizz]] – rapper

==Discography==
{{main|B2K discography}}
;Studio albums
* ''[[B2K (album)|B2K]]'' (2002)
* ''[[Santa Hooked Me Up]]'' (2002)
* ''[[Pandemonium! (album)|Pandemonium!]]'' (2002)

==Filmography==
* 2004: ''[[You Got Served]]''

==Tours==
* Scream Tour I (2001)
* Scream Tour II (2002)
* Scream Tour III (2003)
* [[The Millennium Tour]] (2019)

==Awards==
;BET Awards
{{awards table}}
|-
| rowspan="3" | [[BET Awards 2002|2002]] || "Uh Huh" || Viewer's Choice Award || {{Won}}
|-
| rowspan="2" | B2K || Best New Artist || {{Nominated}}
|-
| Best Group || {{Nominated}}
|-
| rowspan="3" | [[BET Awards 2003|2003]] || "Girlfriend" || Video of the Year || {{Nominated}}
|-
| "Bump, Bump, Bump" || Viewer's Choice Award || {{Won}}
|-
| B2K || Best Group || {{Won}}
|}

;Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards
{{Awards table}}
|-
| [[2003 Kids' Choice Awards|2003]] || B2K || Favorite Music Group || {{Won}}
|-
| rowspan="2" | [[2004 Kids' Choice Awards|2004]] || B2K || Favorite Music Group || {{Nominated}}
|-
| "Bump, Bump, Bump" || Favorite Song || {{Nominated}}
|}

;Soul Train Music Awards
{{Awards table}}
|-
| rowspan="2" | [[2003 Soul Train Music Awards|2003]] || ''B2K'' || Best R&B/Soul Album – Group, Band or Duo || {{Won}}
|-
| "Bump, Bump, Bump" || Best R&B/Soul Single – Group, Band or Duo || {{Won}}
|-
| rowspan="2" | [[2004 Soul Train Music Awards|2004]] || ''Pandemonium!'' || Best R&B/Soul Album – Group, Band or Duo || {{Won}}
|-
| "Girlfriend" || Best R&B/Soul Single – Group, Band or Duo || {{Nominated}}
|}

;Nickelodeon Australian Kids Choice Awards
{{Awards table}}
|-
| Nickelodeon Australian Kids' Choice Awards 2005 || B2K || Favourite Music Group || {{Nominated}}
|}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{Official website|http://www.b2klovesyou.com}}

{{B2K}}
{{Navboxes
|title = Awards for B2K
|list =
{{BET Award for Best Group}}
{{Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Music Group}}
}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:American boy bands]]
[[Category:African-American musical quartets]]
[[Category:American contemporary R&B musical groups]]
[[Category:American hip-hop groups]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1998]]
[[Category:Musical groups disestablished in 2004]]
[[Category:Musical groups reestablished in 2018]]
[[Category:Teen pop groups]]
[[Category:Sony Music Publishing artists]]
[[Category:1998 establishments in California]]