I know this was something of a foregone conclusion at this point, but I like to wait for confirmation. Following up on the comments from B5's manager and the report on AOL's BlackVoices blog, I have confirmed with a label source that B5 has been dropped from Bad Boy.

Here at Bad Boy Blog, since we launched, we've covered B5 perhaps as closely as any publication online and, though there have been random people to the contrary, we received a lot of good support from B5 fans. So, I wanted to take a moment to say thank you for that. We wish them well.

Jawn Murray of AOL's BlackVoices blog reports that B5 has been dropped by Bad Boy. As I reported last week, they were at least working on the details. I'm just waiting for some official confirmation, as to whether or not it is actually completed.

The News Journal reports that B5 participating in a celebrity softball game at Frawley Stadium Wilmington, Delaware on August 2. The event will benefit the Duffy's Hope charity. Before the game, B5 will be giving a performance.

Tickets are $15 each and can be purchased on the Duffy's Hope website. They are also selling $40 VIP tickets at the stadium (in advance or at the time of the event). With this ticket, you are able to participate in celebrity meet and greets (they don't mention which celebrities, though) and receive reserved seating and food in the VIP area.

Over the weekend, B5 manager Jim McMahan confirmed to me that "we [referring to B5] are leaving Bad Boy."

"We wish P. Diddy and staff all the luck in the world," he continued. "We needed to move on to a label that understands a group like B5 more! We are shopping [for] a new home now..."

It's unclear if it is a done deal, contractually, but I've asked for confirmation.

B5 has a brief cameo in the new O'so Krispie video for "Slumber Party". Kelly is the easiest one to pick out.


Via Dustingul904 in the B5 forums.

The Screamfest website now has a header image beaturing B5 with the caption: "Can These Bad Boys Make a Scream'n Comeback?" This appears to mean that the group is being considered for the lineup of this year's iteration of Screamfest. I've got an e-mail into what I hope is the press rep for the tour and hope to hear back with more details.

This afternoon, B5 was featured on "All My Children", ABC's long running daytime soap. One of the main characters on the show is Erica Kane, portrayed by Susan Lucci.

On the show, at this point in time, Kane is in prison. Outside of the facility, a group of supporters is rallying for her release. When, all of a sudden, B5 shows up. One woman in the jail instantly recognizes them. They immediately begin a performance of "Erika Kane", a track named in honor of the popular soap character.

They performed a portion of the track before a commercial break and then performed the rest (or close) after the show returned, including Kelly's rap verse.

B5 has been nominated in the "Music Group or Duo" category in the Popstar! Magazine Poptastic Awards! You can vote online.

On the B5 forums, the group's manager, Jim McMahan, announced that they are now offering personalized video messages (along with autographed items) for a fee, ranging from $50 (video message from one member of B5 plus an autographed picture from that member, personalized) to $200 (video message from all members of B5 and both members of Myxx, another act managed by McMahan's JAMM Entertainment, a phone call from both members of Myxx and some members of B5 and a personal item from a B5 member, autographed by that member).

Personally, I think this is a cool idea because it offers something I can see people wanting and offers it at an affordable price. B5 is in an interesting position in that they do have a number of fans, but not the fanbase of a major act. So, they can do something like this at an affordable rate and not have it become overwhelming. It allows them to generate extra revenue in a unique way while giving fans a unique gift experience.

Update: According to B5's management, it's unclear when the video will air. Stay posted.

B5 will be featured on ABC's daytime soap, "All My Children" on April 25. For those that don't know, Erica Kane is a long running, popular character on the show. On the show, she is apparently locked up in one way or another with people holding a rally for her freedom. B5 will appear at this fictional rally and perform their song.

The article also notes that B5 has shot a video for the song, that features Erica Kane in handcuffs. But, it's unclear when this will be appearing - perhaps it will be a part of the show.