De’Mario ‘Raz B’ Thornton, a prominent member of the early 2000s R&B group B2K, and his wife, Mona Li, are grieving the unexpected loss of their infant son, Astro Monte Thornton. The three-month-old passed away earlier this week, with sources close to the family describing the event as “unexpected and sudden.” The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
Family Confirms Devastating Loss
A spokesperson for the family released a statement confirming the tragic news: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Astro Monte Thornton, beloved son of Mona and De’Mario ‘Raz B’ Thornton.” The statement continued, “The family asks for privacy as they navigate this difficult time. They truly appreciate your love and support.” The infant was only three months old at the time of his passing.
Astro’s Birth and Family Life
The couple had announced they were expecting their second child together on May 18, when Raz B shared a family photo from the hospital with the caption, “Right now we’re at the hospital getting ready to welcome our newest addition, Astro [rocket and baby emojis] another baby boy to the Thornton family.” Astro Monte Thornton was their second child. The couple also have a 23-month-old son, Versai Carter Thornton. Mona Li also has a daughter from a previous relationship. The family made their red carpet debut in April 2023 at a birthday celebration in Los Angeles.
Raz B’s Recent Career Milestones
The announcement of Astro’s death comes during a period of significant professional activity for Raz B. Earlier this year, he reunited with his B2K bandmates Omarion, J-Boog, and Lil’ Fizz for the “Boys 4 Life” tour, celebrating the group’s 25th anniversary. The tour, co-headlined by Bow Wow, ran from February 12 to April 19. Mona Li publicly supported her husband throughout the tour, even while heavily pregnant.
B2K’s Resurgence and New Music
The “Boys 4 Life” tour marked a notable reunion for B2K, one of the defining R&B groups of the early 2000s. The group, also known as the Boys of the New Millennium, was active from 1998 to 2004, achieving significant chart success. Their self-titled debut album reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200 in 2002 and topped the U.S. Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Following their reunion, the group also released new music, including the single “Mileage” on July 17. This track, the lead single from an upcoming album, quickly reached No. 1 on Apple Music and debuted at No. 38 on Billboard’s Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart in August. The release of “Mileage” coincided with the 25th anniversary of B2K’s 2001 debut single, “Uh Huh.” The group had previously reunited briefly between 2018 and 2019 before reforming again.
Navigating Grief and Seeking Support
The sudden loss of their infant son is an immense tragedy for Raz B and Mona Li. The family has requested privacy as they cope with their grief. The outpouring of support from fans and the music community is a testament to Raz B’s enduring impact. While the cause of Astro’s death remains undisclosed, the focus for the family is on mourning and supporting each other through this profoundly difficult period.
The Thornton family, while facing this heartbreaking loss, has the support of their existing children and the wider community. The R&B group B2K, known for hits like “Bump, Bump, Bump” and “Girlfriend,” has a dedicated fanbase that is expected to rally around Raz B and his family during this time of sorrow.
