R&B singer Omarion says he has no plans to collaborate again with fellow artist Mario, citing a breach of trust and what he describes as “unnecessary drama” after their much-publicized showdown.
During a recent interview on WGCI in Chicago, Omarion said, “There’s no real respect there anymore,” adding that, “I’m not willing to go back and recreate something with Mario under these circumstances.” He referenced the viral Verzuz Battle between the two, calling it “a moment that changed the tone of what we could’ve done together.”
The Origin Behind the Tension
The tension between the two singers originated during their Verzuz event in June 2022, when Omarion claimed that Mario’s team was involved in sabotaging his sound. “Mario’s people were representing the sound in the beginning… there could have been some level of sabotage there,” Omarion said.
Mario responded on Instagram, writing, “This guy man! How can someone sabotage your [vocal] chords bro?!” and also apologized to his team for the public dispute.
In his radio interview, Omarion also urged artists to maintain professionalism. “If you’re going to step to this level, you have to protect your brand,” he said. “I’m not putting myself back into a space where things get unchecked.”
And while Mario has publicly reflected on the battle and related friction, Omarion says the relationship crossed a line. “I’m at the point where I’ve learned too much to go backwards,” he stated.
The split could alter future plans for both artists. Omarion is now focusing on his upcoming documentary series and other solo projects. According to his Wikipedia profile, he recently launched a five-part docuseries titled “Omega: The Gift and the Curse.” Mario, meanwhile, continues to release music and perform, though the drama may have overshadowed potential collaborations.
Industry observers say the split signals the high-stakes nature of public performances and image in the streaming era. One source remarked that what happens on social media and live streams now “affects future alliances and brand deals more than ever.”
For fans, the decision could mean no future joint tracks from Omarion and Mario. Omarion closed the interview by saying, “I’m focused on quality, respect and clarity. I won’t recreate something just for nostalgia’s sake.”
As both artists move forward independently, the question remains whether the door might ever reopen. But for now, Omarion’s stance is clear: “I’m not looking back with Mario.”