After learning of Omarion’s impressive resume of singing, acting, songwriting and producing, it’s hard to believe that he is only 25 years old. He’s what you would call a veteran in the entertainment field, and his latest album, Ollusion, could prove he’s got staying power.

Omarion’s self-described “aggressive, energetic, exciting and passionate” sound that will be demonstrated in Ollusion, out Tuesday (Jan. 12), has already excited his fans, after the recent release of the single, “I Get It In” featuring Gucci Mane. The video features Omarion’s slick dance moves in a simple black-and-white contrast that compliments the catchy beat.

“I wrote every song,” Omarion tells andPOP. “I think people can connect with personal moments in the album. When you’re singing about something that’s true to you, it’s like talking about something that’s true to you. So that’s the reason why the whole album is really personal I guess. I think it’s better that way.”

So what led this talented performer to his success?

“I would say my mom,” Omarion admits humbly. “She was a dancer, and overall she was a huge influence so I would definitely credit her for that. I was actually a rapper before I was a singer and she was like ‘you should sing.’ So I tried it out. And it’s my soul, it’s my passion, it’s everything that I am.”

Along with influence from both parents, Omarion lists Michael Jackson, his peers and old-school artists such as the unflappable Stevie Wonder as inspirations. What really makes these influences stand out are their passions for their crafts, and that’s where Omarion feels he parallels that emotion, love and dedication. “They’re just so passionate,” he says.

“And that’s how I sing, from my gut. The reason why I say my peers is because I believe the gang should have a level of, not just competition, but competitiveness. I really like when I see Usher or Chris Brown come up with something dope, and that they took a lot of time to be creative and I appreciate what they have come up with. And I’ll see that and be like ‘hmm, okay, now watch this,’ you know? I think that’s what keeps the game interesting and alive. I love it, I love it all.”

Omarion’s enthusiasm transfers over to other aspects of his life. When he’s not busy writing, recording or essentially being immersed in the entertainment labyrinth, he enjoys other competitive activities on the side. “I’m naturally competitive,” he reveals. “Bowling, basketball, all kinds of sports. Video games are always fun too. For the most part I just try to relax and enjoy myself.”

This is easier said than done.

With Ollusion hitting the stories soon, Omarion is excited to see how fans will react to his newest creation. “Ollusion is by far my best work,” he raves.

“I’m so excited about Ollusion because I feel like since I’ve been in the game as long as I have, it’s amazing to be this involved in my career at this point. To have my own company, StarWorld Entertainment, and to be in this position is just amazing. The thing about this position is the responsibility that is granted with it and I think that I am ready for this responsibility of personally writing for my audience, along with some other really great writers, that will be shown in my album. The interesting thing about that is when you’re an artist, sometimes you get writers or producers that will dictate to you what kind of music you want to do. This is different, and I feel like that’s the reason that Ollusion is my best work, because it’s from Omarion, it’s completley me.”

This raw approach to the young singer’s viewpoints on life, love and relationships is shown through a song on the album entitled “Temptation.”

“So in the song, there’s this particular girl that I work with, and she’s always like ‘you know, Omarion, if you want to come get this, you can come get this’,” he laughs. “I kind of go through in my mind how it could happen, how sexy she is, she’s rubbing my arm, stuff like that. But then I’m thinking to myself, I have a girl at home, and at the end of the song, I go home to my girl. I don’t touch the girl.”

Don’t worry though ladies, this song isn’t completley representative of his personal life, because Omarion is currently single, and “very much so” as he so eloquently describes it.  As for everyone else, when asked about advice for staying in the game, Omarion has learned from his success in the music business. “I think timing is everything, and I always tell people even Kobe has to sit on the bench every now and then. At the end of the day, I think it’s all what you put out there, and if you want to survive and you want to be an entertainer for the rest of your life, it’s all about paying attention and being true to yourself. People may not like it, but that’s what being expressive is about, being true to you.”

As an additional bonus, Ollusion is being offered on Amazon for only $3.99 on the first day of sales. “I love my fans, I love everybody,” says Omarion. “Holla’ at me on Twitter, check my website at omariononline.com, and let me know what you think about Ollusion!”






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