Biog :
Raz-B, (born De'Mario Monte Thornton on June 13, 1985 in Cleveland, Ohio) is an African-American multi-genre singer, also one of the former members of urban Hip-Hop/R&B boy band B2K.B2K had huge world wide hit albums and hit singles with "Bump Bump Bump" a World wide number one single and alnum Pandimonium a multi platinum album around the World. Suddenly, the group broke up in January 2004, and as months grew into the post break-up of this widely known group, the reality of it all urged the passionate Raz (formerly Raz-B, he dropped the "B"), got up just enough courage to get into the studio and record the thoughts in his mind for his first solo effort.
The LP is entitled 'Revealer of Secrets', that interestingly enough is inspired by a scripture instilled of the Holy Bible which reads in Deuteronomy, scripture number 29 which is as follows, 'The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.' All of this adds up to a high percentage of the album being recorded at a studio in Seattle, WA. Raz is collaborating with music pro's productions wise and lyrically wise.
Known for his skilled business savvy, Raz has created many ventures, he is working with his brother Ricky Romance on his label JMC Records and also with their uncle, in which their company is named Wiseprince Productions. Also, in conjunction of revealing secrets and much truth, Raz will be releasing an autobiography in the coming months. To reveal so much more the now 20-year-old has been working on his long awaited and highly anticpiated debut since mid 2004. The genres of this album are very diverse and has much variety, from urban hip-hop, to urban inspirational(such as Kanye West with the critically-acclaimed 'Jesus Walks'), to country tastes. The artist can only be defined as alternative. That of which reveals another talent of the multi-talented artist, Raz most recently worked with writers/directors/producers, Skee Skinner and Paul Branton to create a spiritually conscious film which Raz's character 'Vic' (which he has the same character identity in the film 'You Got Served') is the only familiar face featured in the credits of this emotional and empowering piece. The film was shooting around early spring in the location of Alton, Ilinois. The cast and crew of this film are attempting to go for the the shot of a greenlight from a major studio that therefore the film receiving a national release in theaters could take place. Which comes to this man as being a soulful one. Raz has a strong spritual side, and this shows vibrantly.
Last year Raz has created a foundation called The Razbeatz Foundation in which ensures that many children places to stay and that they are truly happy in spirit. So to conclude this entry in the encyclopedia, Raz is doing very much in his colorful career and should recieve as much of accolades and vivid critiques in return.
Born in Ohio, Raz B was a member of the teen R&B group B2K. He is of African American descent. As a multi-platinum-selling artist, he developed his production talents and business sensibilities early on while also assisting in organizing the group's tours and performances.[citation needed] The release of B2K’s album, Pandemonium! and an accompanying tour finished the year for him that concluded with the release of the group’s first feature film, You Got Served.
Raz B is to continue his career in the music industry. Part of his agenda is the release of a compilation record project that will convey positive messages and in his words, 'bring families together.' Distributed through his newly created production company, RazBeatz Entertainment: Heal the World will feature collaborations with a host of emerging artists.
Along with the release of the 'Heal the World' project, Raz has a solo venture in the making. Anticipating the release of his solo album, titled 'Raz B: Boy 2 King', Raz hopes to bridge cultures through entertainment and create music that speaks from the soul with his first solo debut. Leading up to his official unveiling as a soloist, Raz released his first debut single, 'Fire' in May of 2007. 'Fire' officially debuted on the Billboard charts (the week of 5/12/07) on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles Sales charts debuting at #2 and also hitting the Billboard Hot Singles Sales charts at #11. At the time there was literally no promotion behind the single as it debuted.
An avid reader, Raz has future plans to release his autobiography, which will be both reflective and revealing to many of his fans. Additionally, projects on the immediate horizon include television, film properties, charity ventures and several international ventures.
Extra information :
Raz-B Plans Gospel LP, Says He Thinks B2K Will ReunitePlus he plans autobiography detailing drug use and dealing.
By Shaheem Reid
Views 2,069
Die-hard fans of B2K know there's more to 18-year-old Demario 'Raz-B' Thornton than just singing and dancing. Under the wing of estranged manager Chris Stokes, the former B2K singer was developing his business sensibilities by helping put together the group's tours.
Now, as rumors continue to fly regarding B2K's future (see 'B2K Plan Summer Tour, Still Hope To Reconcile With Omarion'), Raz is ready to share even more facets of his talent and his past. He's putting together a compilation that he hopes will bring families together, he's going to record a gospel album that he hopes will convey more positive messages, and — most startlingly — Raz plans to write an autobiography in which he'll reveal that he not only sold drugs but used them as well.
'Raz-B is a human being and I've tried weed before,' the singer said Monday from Las Vegas. He said he's not advocating drug use and hopes that his book will set a positive example. 'Sincerely, [this is] from a cat that's been in group homes, foster homes, sold drugs, did drugs. This is a message from him to the world.' Although Raz's book is quite a long way from completion, he has a few ventures that are ready to pop off now.
One is his label. Raz is working with the entertainment and sports company CMX, and he says his partners have helped him ink a distribution deal with EMI for his Raz Beatz Entertainment label. Bizzy Bone's contract with the label is just about finalized, and another LP that Raz is hoping to release soon is a compilation titled Raz Beatz Presents Heal the World 2004.
'It's a family album,' he said. 'No gangsta/killing type of records. You can enjoy good music with the family, it don't have to be all this cussing. We're telling everybody, 'It's time to heal the world.' We all, collectively, can make a change. This album reflects everything: It's a lot of positive-driven stuff, but it's gonna have some bangers [too].' Raz would like some of the proceeds from the album to go to charity; the album is due May 18 but may be pushed back.
So far, Raz says 3LW and 3rd Storee have officially signed on to contribute tracks to the compilation, but he's also talking with Solange Knowles, Nick Cannon, Amerie, Mario, Ray J and, of course, other members of B2K. One cut he wants to put on the album is a remix of B2K's "Boys 4 Life,' on which Raz will be alone, talking about his group's breakup and possible makeup.
'Everybody is doing their own individual thing. My goal is to bring the group back together,' Raz wished aloud about the platinum foursome. 'B2K really came out and changed the game. I think we'll get back together.'
Raz said all four members have been meeting but no resolution to their split has been set forth.
Although B2K's future is uncertain, Raz has come to find spiritual serenity, which will presumably be reflected in songs on his planned gospel album. He's hoping to enlist R. Kelly and Kirk Franklin to work with him, but he doesn't want his fans to feel that they cannot enjoy his inspirational offering as much as they've loved his B2K records.
'I'm going to take my time on that one,' he said. 'I'm going to be focusing on negative and positive notes. I need it to be bangin'. It's going to be real, real different [from traditional gospel]. You gonna be like, 'Damn, that sounds like 'Bump, Bump, Bump.' ' Everything I'm doing, I'm following God. God has really blessed me. I've always been spiritual, I've always had a calling all my life.'
One of those callings, he said, is to make sure that every needy church in the U.S. has a building fund. With all his new business ventures, Raz may be able to build a few new churches if everything goes according to plan. In addition to his autobiography and record label, Raz said he also wants to put out a children's book, and he's working with a merchandising company to sell T-shirts and dolls with celebrity likenesses in China.
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