Omarion says he doesn’t detect any “respect” from Mario, who recently assessed his vocal ability as “hit or miss.”
Speaking to the Sway in the Morning team on Nov. 7, the “For War” artist and B2K alum was asked about “turbulence” among him and his peers centered on “who can sing and who can’t,” leading to laughter.
“Which is a wild conversation, because we’re supposed to be here to uplift,” Omarion interjected. “I think when people critique artists, they gotta look at themselves, as well. … Art is art. Also, we’re at different levels. Our experience, the things that are occurring in our lives. That’s not to make any excuse, but I think those are important factors.”
While neither Sway nor Omarion directly mentioned Mario initially, the impetus behind these remarks became clear when the host asked a follow-up, using Omarion and Mario’s previous Verzuz match as a lead-in to inquire about whether the two might work together in the future.
“I’m not sure,” Omarion said. “I don’t think so. I think that, for me, it’s all about respect. I think you can have your opinion, but the moment I feel like there’s no respect there, I’m cool. I’d rather step back. I don’t think there’s respect there, especially for somebody like me who has been doing it before him. … It’s not by chance, it’s by hard work. It’s true.”
Omarion’s comments come after Mario’s appearance on Cam Newton’s Funky Friday podcast in October, during which the host asked his guest to assess the vocals of multiple artists, Omarion included.
“Omarion, it be hit or miss for me sometimes,” Mario, who was also asked to give his take on Chris Brown and Bryson Tiller’s respective singing abilities, said at the time.