At the time of our interview the 24 -year-old is busy cooking a well-deserved meal after a long day in the studio. "I’m cooking some BBQ black beans and some teriyaki chicken and I’m ‘bout to put some rice on", he explains. "Today I’ve been in the studio, in the lab, getting it right!"

At this point Omarion’s already crackly phone line drops out. After a few minutes he is, thankfully, back on board but poses the following question: "Do you wanna sit down and do this in person when I get there?" Given this story is for today’s issue, I explain such a meeting is unfeasible although I would be the total envy of my younger sister! He laughs with an easing sense of humility and answers the next question: how does he manage to stay so grounded? "My family and friends. I’ve had some great people around me that help me keep some respect".

Omarion would also like to be respected and recognised by the industry; in particular the way the King Of Pop, Michael Jackson, was during his primal years. "I want to be respected as an entertainer the way he was", Omarion explains. "That’s really what I mean more than anything cause he has inspired so many".

It can, however, be safely said the talent has already been a source of inspiration for many: from lead singer of teenage R&B outfit B2K, to independent and mature solo artist. Omarion reveals that during his time with B2K, "I learnt everything that got me prepared for where I’m at today. It helped me understand what it means to be on stage and performing, but it also helped me learn camaraderie, teamwork and all that good stuff".

This passion for music has obviously brought Omarion success but of course with success comes fame and misconceptions. So what does he think to be the biggest misconception about R&B artists? "That they’re all sluts", he answers swiftly. So you’re not all sluts? I ask, laughing. "No I’m not a slut no," he exclaims adamantly. "I just think that relationships are important, I don’t feel like a man shouldn’t have morals, it shouldn’t be about having sex all the time, it should be about bonding and knowing whether or not a person is for you".

Refreshing, indeed. And although Omarion has already achieved much in his young life, he admits the one thing still on the cards is his need to achieve "patience". Explaining further, "I’m extroverted. I’m kinda complex. And I like the idea of creating things and learning new things – I don’t think a lot of people know that about me".

Many will know he is also an actor, but at the moment music is his leading role. "I’m just focusing on the new Omarion album. I’m so excited to come to Australia and share my entertaining – I’m gonna give you a heck of a show! It’s gonna be high energy, if you guys wanna be involved I’m happy waving your hands, I’m gonna have you doin’ all kinds of dances, I mean, I might even bring up some ladies on stage – ain’t no tellin’ what’ll happen at an Omarion show, you just have to be there to see it!" O-utstanding.

OMARION plays Winter Jam 09 at Mystique (The Arena) on Sunday Jul 5, alongside Fat Man Scoop, Phinesse, DJ Nino Brown and Panjo 5. www.rocthablocktour.com

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