Omarion Says B2K Is Retiring R. Kelly’s Music After Reunion Tour

Omarion joins a short list of artists and former collaborators speaking out against R. Kelly, after once working with the documented abuser.

BySarah Jasmine Montgomery

Jan 07, 2019

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Image via Getty/Jesse Grant

Omarion joins a short list of artists and former collaborators speaking out against R. Kelly after once working with the documented abuser. On Monday, he published a series of tweets about retiring the B2K songs ("Bump, Bump, Bump," "Girlfriend") written by Kelly following the iconic group’s reunion tour in Spring 2019.

“I haven’t seen but felt compelled to voice my position on this very serious issue since #rkelly has written songs for #B2K,” he tweeted. “EVERYONE has to be RESPONSIBLE. Many have bared witness to the unthinkable and yet have remained silent.”

He continues to explain that while fans will be disappointed if they don’t perform some of the iconic B2K songs on tour, the tracks will be retired after the shows.

As an artist & a champion of the arts, I am moved to share my position on #SurvivingRKelly which I haven’t seen but felt compelled to voice my position on this very serious issue since #rkelly has written songs for #B2K.
— OMARION (@Omarion) January 7, 2019

It’s important first to ACKNOWLEDGE that this has been an ugly truth in our industry for years and as opposed to dismissing it’s existence | its time to discuss it. EVERYONE has to be RESPONSIBLE. Many have bared witness to the unthinkable and yet have remained silent.
— OMARION (@Omarion) January 7, 2019

Those responsible must be held accountable. #rkelly was both a victim & a predator & accordingly must be held accountable but also get professional help. His artistic genius inspired us all. His music is being muted by the darkness of his actions. The dark always comes to light.
— OMARION (@Omarion) January 7, 2019

While I know our fans would be greatly disappointed if we didn’t perform those songs on #TheMillennoumTour , after the tour I am retiring those songs from my set list . I too am raising a future queen. #A.A.R.T.
(Artists Acknowledging Responsibility & Truth) Peace y’all. ~O
— OMARION (@Omarion) January 7, 2019

While the tweets are well-meaning, they might come up short for those who would prefer Omarion and B2K not perform the songs at all in light of Surviving R. Kelly and the many decades-old reports about Kelly’s abuse of underaged black girls.

Many other celebrities have spoken out against R. Kelly, including Bun B, 6lack, and John Legend, as well as former collaborators like Chance the Rapper.

this surviving r kelly series really has me pissed to start the new year. get this man tf outta here. please. he beyond trash.
— black (@6LACK) January 6, 2019

B2K announced its 2019 Millennium Tour in December. The group will be joined by other '00s R&B and hip-hop legends, including Mario, Ying Yang Twins, Lloyd, Pretty Ricky, and Chingy. As you can probably tell, this show is going to be jam-packed with nostalgia.