Omarion and Bow Wow’s collaborative album, Face Off, is a collection of songs much different than their 2005 collabo, “Hold You Down.” On November 12th, 2007 the teen heartthrobs hosted a listening party at New World Stages, in New York City. The theater was packed with Columbia Records executives, members of the press, and of course, screaming fans. Omarion stepped on stage rocking a leather jacket, jeans, blue scarf, and shades, while Bow Wow dressed it down a bit and wore a comfortable blue track suit.

The newly formed duo told the receptive audience that their joint album was an effort they both tried to create for years and that finally “it was the time to get together.” Chad Elliot, Columbia Records A&R, revealed his sentiments on Face Off, proclaiming the album “the biggest project in music history.” Omarion and Bow Wow didn’t just collaborate together; they also called upon R. Kelly and T-Pain, among others. Noticeably absent from this album was Jermaine Dupri, to which Bow Wow claimed there was a “…difference in musical opinion” with the man who helped launch his career. But the rapper did explain that Dupri still gave the duo support.

During the night’s festivities, Bow Wow wished Omarion a “Happy Birthday” and kicked off the listening session with their first video, “Girlfriend,” complete with a light show. staging-rapup.kinsta.cloud also got to watch the exclusive premiere of their new video, “Hey Baby”—a definite party banger filled with big bass and crazy vinyl scratches. The video was complete with shots of the duo at a club and Omarion’s unbraided hair, which hailed loud screeching and howling from fans. Packed with heavy Bow Wow club-hitter tracks and slick Omarion vocals, Face Off will be a must-have come its release on December 11th.

Watch our video interview with Bow Wow and Omarion on Rap-Up TV.

–Jonathan Reyes