De’Mario ‘Raz B’ Thornton, a prominent member of the early 2000s R&B group B2K, and his wife, Mona Li, are grieving the sudden and unexpected loss of their infant son, Astro Monte Thornton. The three-month-old passed away earlier this week, leaving the family devastated.
A Devastating Loss for the Thornton Family
The heartbreaking news was confirmed by sources close to the couple, who described the infant’s passing as both “unexpected and sudden.” The specific cause of death has not yet been disclosed. A spokesperson for the family released a statement expressing their profound sorrow: “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 of the R&B supergroup B2K. The family asks for privacy as they navigate this difficult time. They truly appreciate your love and support.”
Astro Monte Thornton was born earlier this year. His father, Raz B, had joyfully announced the impending arrival of his second child on Instagram on May 18. He shared a family photograph from the hospital, captioning it: “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.”
Family Background and Recent Milestones
Raz B and Mona Li welcomed their son Astro just three months after celebrating the birth of their first child together, a son named Versai Carter Thornton, who is now 23 months old. Mona Li also has a daughter from a previous relationship. The couple made their public debut as a married couple at a birthday celebration in Los Angeles in April 2023. Raz B surprised fans in September 2024 by announcing his marriage and the upcoming birth of their first child.
This period has been marked by significant personal and professional events 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 rapper Bow Wow, ran from February 12 to April 19. Mona Li was a visible source of support for Raz B throughout the tour, even while heavily pregnant.
B2K’s Resurgence and Musical Success
The reunion tour coincided with a resurgence for B2K, one of the most popular R&B groups of the early 2000s. The “Boys 4 Life” tour marked a significant moment for the group, which had previously reunited briefly between 2018 and 2019 before reforming again in 2025. The band, also known as the Boys of the New Millennium, was active from 1998 to 2004.
Adding to their comeback, B2K released their first new music in over two decades, a single titled “Mileage,” on July 17. The track quickly gained traction, reaching No. 1 on Apple Music shortly after its release and debuting at No. 38 on Billboard’s Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart in August. “Mileage” is slated to be the lead single from their upcoming album, expected later this year. The release of “Mileage” arrived exactly 25 years to the day that their 2001 debut single, “Uh Huh,” was released.
B2K’s self-titled debut album, released in 2002, achieved considerable commercial success, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and topping the U.S. Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The group’s enduring popularity was evident during their BET Awards appearance in June, where all four original members—Omarion, J-Boog, Lil’ Fizz, and Raz B—were seen together.
Navigating Grief and Seeking Support
The unexpected death of their son Astro casts a somber shadow over these recent professional triumphs. The family is currently focused on mourning their loss and requests privacy during this incredibly difficult period. The outpouring of love and support from fans and the music community is a testament to Raz B’s long-standing career and the impact of B2K. As they cope with this profound tragedy, the Thornton family is leaning on each other and their loved ones for strength.
