B2K's Raz B Issues Statement Regarding Recent Domestic Violence Arrest

BY Erika Marie 5.3K Views
Link Copied to Clipboard!
Scott Gries/Getty Images
B2K
The singer "takes full responsibility for his actions" & claims it's a result of long-standing trauma in his life.

The men of B2K have made fans' dreams come true by reuniting and hitting the road with some of our favorite R&B artists, but the Millennium Tour has had its share of Raz B-centered hiccups. The 33-year-old B2K member first declared on social media that he quit the tour because he spotted Chris Stokes around, something that made him uncomfortable since he's repeated accused Stokes of being sexually inappropriate with him when he was a minor.

He continued on with the tour but was captured falling off the stage, and that clip circulated around the time another video made it's way through social media showing Raz getting freaky with a dancer. He also made a video where he let the world know he was angry after a woman who was visiting him in his hotel room walked off with his glasses, alerting the city of Dallas that he wanted his shades back ASAP. As the other members of B2K have laid low, Raz has made himself the center of controversial attention.

Carlo Allegri/Getty Images

That escalated on Wednesday morning after news broke that Raz was arrested for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend. Police reportedly took photos of the woman's neck and the singer was arrested on charges of strangulation. He issued an official statement on his Instagram Story about the incident through his team that reads:

Raz B was arrested in the early morning hours of May 1st in Minneapolis on allegations of domestic violence. He is currently being held without bond at the Hennepin County Jail. The incident comes after a long history of publicly documented trauma for the musician, and difficulties coping with its aftermath. Raz B will not perform with B2K at Wednesday night's Minneapolis show.

Raz B takes full responsibility for his actions. The incident represents a turning point after years of isolation, repressed emotions, and unhealthy coping mechanisms in response to childhood trauma. He intends to seek treatment to become a better man and grow beyond the pain of his worse mistakes.

At this time, Raz B needs support and privacy as he begins a journey towards greater healing. Raz B apologizes to his family, his fans, and most importantly his group mates of B2K — who he considers his brothers and never intended to disappoint in this way. Being on the tour has forced deep-seeded issues to resurface that just be addressed, and Raz B is committed to doing the work necessary to heal and grow.

About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.