[Gina1201]

Are B2K Breaking Up?

B2K fans have a new reason to scream over their favorite group, but unfortunately it's not in jubilation — they're yelling in angst. For the past few days radio stations have been saying the foursome has split.

Could it be that the "B" in B2K can now stand for "broken," as in the hearts of girls across the country, because Omarion, J-Boog, Raz-B and Lil Fizz are breaking up? Here's where you need Columbo or maybe just a good lawyer to figure things out.

On Monday morning (January 5), longtime B2K manager Chris Stokes released a statement saying that the act he was instrumental in putting together had disbanded because of something B2K's rabid following would deem unfathomable: the seemingly tight-knit collective had fallen victim to inner turmoil.

"We've had a great run together making hit songs, albums and now movies," Stokes said in the statement. "The kids are growing up and are interested in pursing their own careers. I have enormous respect for each of them, and I wish them success in their pursuit of their individual careers. B2K was an extremely talented singing group that will surely be missed."

Stokes also said he would continue to guide the career of the group's lead singer, Omarion. Here's where the situation gets sketchy. Pictures have surfaced of the remaining B2K members at a contract signing over the weekend with the sports and entertainment company CMX. Cozying up at a table together, the three don't look like they're ready to split from each other anytime soon. CMX chairman Antonio Demetrius Brown was unable to be reached for comment.

Whether Stokes' declaration of the group calling it quits holds true or whether Omarion is just vying to go the solo route remains unclear. A spokesperson for their label, Epic, had no comment.

B2K as we've known them for the past few years had the strongest following of any male R&B group in the market. Their movie "You Got Served" hits theaters at the end of this month, they released the film's soundtrack shortly before Christmas, and they had scheduled auditions for their next music video later this week.

In the middle of a short tour, the quartet postponed its remaining dates on the eve of Friday's show at New York's Beacon Theater, claiming an injured Omarion as the reason.

Prior to Stokes' announcement, the foursome revealed plans for solo projects from Omarion as well as Lil Fizz later this year. There's no word yet on whether those albums will still come or if the joint LP between B2K and Bow Wow that was beginning to take shape will see the light of day.

—Shaheem Reid