Raz
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The best kept secret in music

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"Inside the Buzz"

June 5, 2006

Raz-B has shared with the Buzz that it was his relationship with God in the post-B2K days that helped him cope, and that's why he's readying an inspirational album called 'Raz-B: Revealer of Truths.'

Straight Talk

Life after the boy band B2K hasn't been a cakewalk for Raz-B (aka DeMario Thornton). Things fell apart in Dec. 2003 when Raz-B and group members J-Boog (Jarrell Houston) and Lil' Fizz (Dreux Frederick) parted ways with B2K's manager Chris Stokes and lead singer Omarion (Omari Grandberry). The guys entered into a business partnership agreement with Las Vegas- based CMX Entertainment in Jan. 2004, but that union was short-lived as well.

Two years on, Omarion has released a platinum-selling solo record, and the other three guys are still trying to come into their own. Raz-B, who turns 21 on June 13, said despite the challenges he faced during the ordeal, he wouldn't change a thing.

"Transition is life. It was rough and shaky but it was worth it. I wouldn't trade it for a zillion dollars," he said. "It taught me about working with people, taught me how important love was and loyal and how money is and all of that stuff. But I knew the Lord wanted me to walk through that transition to build my character and what not. Now I'm even stronger."

Raz shared that it was his relationship with God that helped him cope during the tumultuous times, and that's why he's readying an inspirational album called 'Raz-B: Revealer of Truths.' The CD is being produced by Michael Winans Jr. and executive produced by Michael Winans Sr., of the legendary group The Winans.

"This album is about me. I want to stand for truth, and I want to seek the truth out for myself," he said. The project is an independent venture through M & R Productions. However, Raz said that several major labels have expressed interest.

In addition to promoting two DVDs that document his post-B2K transition-'Prince & The Wiseman Present: Life After B2K' and 'B2K Unchained'-Raz will star in a forthcoming episode of 'Noah's Arc.' The show airs on the Logo network, the cable channel geared toward the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

The singer couldn't disclose too much about his role, however he did confess that "there wasn't any kissing or anything of that nature." He plays a gay character in the episode, which centers on HIV and AIDS. "It was a very, very positive role. It was to raise the awareness for kids with HIV and the kids who have AIDS. That's our demographic. Fifty percent of those people are our people. I felt like it was a mature decision for me to play a gay character," he said.

His performance last July at the Oakland International Black Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Film Festival & Pride Celebration caused speculation about Raz's sexuality. Was he concerned that his role on 'Noah's Arc' would further fuel the rumors? "The rumors and stuff like that, I don't really care. I don't let anything kind of really hold me back. I believe in trying to improve and trying to make a change and some people will look over and see that was a very mature decision, you know, to try and inspire the youth to think different. I kind of got tired of being like, if I got a gay friend I can't hang around them without someone thinking that we're dating or we're doing something together. I just want to let people know that I am a supporter, and I'm a strong supporter and here's the way I'm a show you. I'm not here to judge," he added.

'Noah's Arc' isn't his only acting role either. He'll star in two upcoming movies - an indie film called 'Pieces of a Dream' and 'Rhythm of the Night' alongside Ginuwine, Vida Guerra and former band mate J-Boog. As for J-Boog and the rest of the B2K gang, Raz said they have spoken.

"We've talked," he said. "I actually just invited them to come to my benefit concert. I am hosting a benefit concert at the Apollo Theater in October. It's to raise money for the Crystal Life Youth Academy, which is for special children who have been molested and abused and been in foster homes and things like that. My goal is to speak for the children who can't speak for themselves. There was a time in my life when I was a special child. Kids are our future and there are a lot of kids out there who are being misled."

- Jawn Murray, AOL Black Voices Columnist


Discography

Still working on that hot first release.

Photos

Feeling a bit camera shy

Bio

Producer - Songwriter - Artist
_________________________________________
While many in the entertainment industry strive for the exclusive “hyphen,” De’Mario “Raz” Thornton effortlessly wears the creative hats of producer, songwriter and artist. Confident yet thankful, “Raz” expresses his appreciation of the creative gifts bestowed upon him by continually cultivating his musical talents.

A 21-year-old Los Angeles native, “Raz” is a founding member of the popular teen R&B/Pop group B2K. As a multi-platinum-selling artist, the young prodigy developed his production talents and business sensibilities early on while also assisting in organizing the group's tours and performances. The triumphant release of B2K’s album, Pandemonium and an accompanying tour capped a phenomenal year for Raz that concluded with the successful release of the group’s first feature film, You Got Served.

With the future of B2K currently on hold, “Raz” is poised to continue his quest of expanding upon an already impressive career in the music industry. Part of his agenda is the release of a compilation record project that will convey positive messages and in Raz’s words, “bring families together.” Distributed through his newly created production company, The Prince & The Wiseman Productions Presents: Heal the World 2007 will feature collaborations with a host of young, emerging talent and many of Raz’s close friends, such as Nick Cannon, Jesse McCartney, Solange Knowles, Paris Hilton, Mario, Nicole Richie, 3LW, The Olsen Twins, Raven Symone, Lindsay Lohan, Ray J, and members of B2K.

With the anticipated release of his solo album scheduled to be released in 2007 titled Raz: Boy II King along with upcoming DVD titled, The Prince & The Wiseman presents “Life after B2K”. With a new urban inspirational sound along with an outstanding collaboration with Michael Jackson, Raz, which means “revealer of secrets,” will help bridge cultures through entertainment and create music that speaks from the soul.

Raz B’s performance at a gay pride event in Oakland, California last summer caused controversy in the world of hip-hop. With a song entitled ‘They Kill for The Money’ Raz hit back at the critics and made public his feelings about the homophobia in the music industry. He continued to show his support for the gay community by performing at a popular black gay club in Washington DC earlier this year and he called upon his fellow artists to show love to everyone regardless of race, religion or sexuality.

The controversy continued with an appearance on Noah’s Arc, the groundbreaking show from MTV’s Logo network, about four African-American gay men living in Los Angeles. The episode featuring Raz aired August 2006.

To support his vision of creating a universal platform that promotes youth and family-related initiatives and causes,
Raz has established the National Association of Unheard Artist along with partners Carlos and Pierre Montel. The purpose for which this corporation was organized is to promote struggling unheard artist and to introduce disadvantage youths to the world of music. As well as to contribute to various charitable organizations especially those that supports the wellbeing of our children. Raz is the national spokesmen for the American Society of Young Musicians, an organization committed to the enrichment and progression of young musicians.

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 the release of a children’s novel, television and film properties and several international ventures. For more information please visit our web site at www.razme.com or www.myspace.com/razme