Raz B rejoins B2K’s Millennium Tour after quitting for ‘safety’ reasons
Earlier this week, Raz B told fans he was quitting The Millennium Tour due to personal safety concerns. He has now changed his tune and is rejoining his group to perform at upcoming dates across the country.
» RELATED: B2K reunion: The Millennium Tour announced for 2019
On Wednesday, the singer, born De’Mario Thornton, took to Instagram to announce the news. His group, who had hits like “Girlfriend” and “Bump, Bump, Bump,” will headline the tour, which will make stops in Atlanta, St. Louis, Missouri and Philadelphia.
"I am a work in progress," the B2K member wrote in an Instagram Story.
“I appreciate the outpouring of love, empathy, and understanding from my supporters. I look forward to continuing The Millennium Tour for ours fans. You all deserve it!”
In a previous post, he revealed he didn't feel safe, because he felt Chris Stokes, his cousin and ex-manager, would be involved with the tour. In 2007, Raz B accused Stokes of sexually abusing him as a child for several years. Stokes has denied the allegations. In 2018, he tweeted about the claims prior to the announcement of the tour.
“I never hurt any of B2K & Always had their best interest at heart including financially. I forgive any negative energy or tweets,” he tweeted.
In the singer’s Instagram post, he said quitting the tour was due to his concern about working alongside Stokes.
“I’m officially off the tour,” he said in the previous video upload.
"I guess we're about to shoot the new 'Surviving Chris Stokes' ... Call Lifetime. I'm ready to talk," he said in reference to the network's "Surviving R. Kelly" docuseries, which delved into R. Kelly's history of alleged sexual assault against women.
After news about Raz B quitting the tour spread, many took to Twitter to show sympathy and express concern for him.
Raz B quit the #MillenniumTour ALREADY, because Chris Stokes is around. Honestly, I don’t blame him. Your KNOWN molester is parlaying on tour like everything Bool?! Nah. They definitely should’ve put “No Chris Stokes” in the contract.
— IG/Youtube: BrentonTarantino (@SilkSmooth) March 13, 2019
Regardless, praying for Raz B’s healing. 🙏🏾
My heart’s really hurting for Raz B.
— liyah❣️ (@_xLiyah) March 13, 2019
i'm worried about raz b man.
— big spliffer (@chikkerd) March 13, 2019
I feel bad for Raz B I definitely believe everything he said about Chris stokes
— Auntie Dany, Mother of Dragons (@WinterTimeCold_) March 13, 2019
Others condemned people who were cracking jokes about why Raz B decided to leave the tour.
Folks really joking about what Chris Stokes did to Raz B pic.twitter.com/jjsayWs6Ax
— 🐯♿️ (@tigergood_s) March 13, 2019
Check to see why Raz B was trending and before I even got to the real tea, I had to scroll past hundreds of women cracking jokes which is wild considering today’s climate. If Raz B really did quit the tour, he’s got my support!
— 🧘🏽♀️🧘🏽♀️ (@DrEstrogen) March 13, 2019
Raz B left the tour because he says he feels unsafe that Chris Stokes is around...smh it’s sad that people keep minimizing his trauma and trying to brush it under the rug!
— Bee_Jones (@Junniebee_Jones) March 13, 2019
Once Raz B announced his return to the tour, several shared how excited they were to see him on stage in the coming weeks.
I’m glad Raz B is back on the tour cus i wanted to see all of them, but he shouldn’t feel forced to be around Chris stokes. I’ve never seen so many ignorant ppl, like who would want to be around their abuser!? Oh ok.
— Noelani 🌸 (@idolizeTYLA) March 13, 2019
I just think it's so problematic & unfair that people aren't keeping the same energy they have towards R Kelly with Chris Stokes. I'm glad Raz B is staying on the tour, but still respect his decision if he chooses he doesn't want to work alongside his alleged abuser.
— #TashaTaughtYou (@VoGueViXenTASH) March 13, 2019
I’m glad Raz B returned on tour because I was about to say “Raz B I pay to see three B2K members. I paid to see you too. Bring your behind back on this tour!!”
— Lady Geni (@erjefferson) March 13, 2019
Last year, B2K announced they would be reuniting for The Millennium Tour, which also features Mario, Ying Yang Twins, Lloyd, Pretty Ricky and Chingy.
The tour kicked off in the United States in March and will stop in Atlanta
on Apr. 4 and 5 at State Farm Arena.
About the Author
Najja Parker is a multimedia journalist covering Black culture for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She is an engaging on-air talent, who has served as a host for the newsroom’s special projects and events, such as the movie premiere of “The South Got Something To Say,” a documentary chronicling the rise of Atlanta hip-hop.
