Mario (singer)
Encyclopedia
Mario Dewar Barrett who performs under the mononym Mario, is an American R&B
singer-songwriter
, actor
, dancer and model
. He is best known for his hit singles "Just a Friend 2002
" (2002) and "Let Me Love You
" (2004), which won him two Billboard awards, as well as for appearing in the films Step Up
and Freedom Writers
. He has released four studio albums: Mario
in 2002, Turning Point in 2004, Go!
in 2007, and D.N.A.
in 2009. In the end of 2000's decade, Mario was ranked by Billboard #98 on their "Artist of the Decade" list.
and used that skill as the basis for his melodies and songs. He was discovered at age eleven and signed by producer Troy Patterson, after singing "I'll Make Love to You
" at a Coppin State College talent show. Mario attended Milford Mill Academy
up until the tenth grade where he was inspired by his music teacher, during his early teen years, and was offered a record deal at the age of fourteen, signing with Clive Davis
' J Records
. His musical influences include Stevie Wonder
, Marvin Gaye
, Sam Cooke
, Nat King Cole
, Brian McKnight
, Boyz II Men
, Usher
, and Joe
. His first introduction to the music industry was the Dr. Dolittle 2
movie soundtrack in 2001. He sang a captivating performance of the Stevie Wonder
classic "You and I" at Clive's Grammy party in 2002, and began recording an album.
. A year before releasing it in July 2002. The lead single "Just a Friend 2002
", which was a cover of Biz Markie
's hit, was an instant success, peaking at #4 on the charts. Follow up singles were "Braid My Hair
" & "C'mon
" . He was the opening act on the Scream Tour 3, which featured B2K,Marques Houston, Nick Cannon
, Jhene, and AJA. As of 2006, his debut album has sold over 700,000 copies. During this period, he became a draw in the teen market.
& Lil' Jon. He released his second album, Turning Point on December 7, 2004. The album was more successful than his first, mainly because of the hit single "Let Me Love You
". The single, described by reviewers as "melodic and sweetly lilting, reminiscent of Michael Jackson
's vintage romantic ballads" was successful, peaking at the number one on the Billboard Hot 100
for nine consecutive weeks. The single is written by Ne-Yo
. Other follow up singles include "How Could You
" co-written by J. Valentine
, with a cameo appearance in the video by rapper Cassidy; "Here I Go Again
" (whose video starred model
/singer Cassie) and "Boom" featuring Juvenile
. To date, Turning Point has sold platinum and the lead single double-platinum.
In February 2006, Mario filed a lawsuit against his former manager, Troy Patterson, alleging that Patterson had paid him $50,000 for the sale of more than 3 million records, which was later found to be false accusations. Mario was later sued by Patterson and lost. Mario's new manager is J. Erving and he was chosen by Mario.
is dedicated to his mom Shawntia Hardaway and was released in South Africa
under Gallo Records on October 9, 2007, in the U.S. on December 11, 2007. The album includes collaborations with Jermaine Dupri
, Ne-Yo
, Janice Robinson
, Eric West, Lionell Davis, Scott Storch
, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis
, Timbaland
, Bryan-Michael Cox, Zane' Lord, The Neptunes
, Jim Jonsin
, Akon
, Dre & Vidal
, Warryn "Baby Dubb" Campbell
, Sean Garrett
and Mr. Collipark
. Mario, who has described the album as "sex...more personal...more passionate", had more creative control on Go than on his previous two albums. The first single to be lifted from the album was "How Do I Breathe
" which was released in May. The second single was "Crying out for Me
" after a poll on his website. The single was later certificated Gold by the RIAA
. On December 13, 2007, Mario was on "106 & Park
" where he stated that the third single off the album will be "Music For Love
". The entire album was made available for the public to listen to on his Myspace
page before its release. He also has a new song that came out on December 11, "Do Right
". Go!
has sold 331,540 copies in the U.S.
In an interview with DJ "Z", Mario stated that problems with the record label caused the album launch to be pushed back 6–8 months.
, Mario confirmed in an interview with that he was working on a new album "by the time school starts back up, like after next summer” “But there's really even more than that, 'cause I'm gonna start recording, like, [at] the end of January". The album is involving a wide range of producers and songwriters such as Darkchild
, Babyface, Polow da Don
, RedOne
, CJ
of Charlio Productions, Malay
, Jazze Pha
, Stargate
, KP, Tricky Stewart
and The-Dream
as confirmed by Mario. Mario said that he would like to work with no more than 4 producers for this album. Mario has described this album as World music, an old school R&B influenced with a modern dance pop sound. The album is being described as his “most personal, colossal album of his career.”
The album's lead single "Break Up
" was released on April 28, 2009. The song features Sean "The Pen" Garrett and Gucci Mane. In the US, the song, have peaked at number 2 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Chart and 15 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Mario's most successful single in five years. The single has been recently certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America
(RIAA) for a shipment of over 500,000 units as a ringtone. "Thinkin' About You
", was released as the second single reaching number forty-five on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Chart. "Stranded" never labelled as the third single due to the limited airplay that it received. Lack of interest led to the single being cancelled, although in January 2010 the song entered on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs peaking at number 84. "Ohh Baby" was later confirmed to be the third single from the album, it peaked on the week of March 19, 2010 debuting on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 95. The entire album was made available for the public to listen to on his Myspace page before its release. The album debuted at number nine on the Billboard 200, selling 38,000 copies in its first week, becoming Mario's lowest-selling debut in the United States. So far, it has sold 93,385 copies in the US.
Mario is currently working on his fifth album. He says: "I’m working on a new album right now. It’s gonna be totally different than D.N.A. Not typical R&B style but more like club songs." Recently, Mario took CJ Hilton under his wing and asked the newcomer to write songs for his next album. Mario did an Ustream
with CJ Hilton and stated that a possible title for the album is "Mario Barrett" which will show to people the real him, also he's going to have a meeting with the record label about the scheduling of his new album and play them ten records never heard before.
From the sounds of it, we'll be hearing more songs like "Green Light", "Starlight", and things of that nature on this new album. Mario wants to go with a more Euro-Pop/Electro/R&B sound this go-round now whether it catches on with the general public has yet to be determined. "The new album right now, I'm just focused on the album", says Mario. The Baltimore native explained that the genre's grooves were just too appealing not to flirt with on his upcoming project. "Stay tuned. I just came back from Europe — it's crazy out there," Mario said. "I just did a DJ/ house [music] tour in Europe; I did like 10 days. It was a huge thing, like 15,000-seat venue. It was incredible to see how many people are into house music and R&B music, and how house music influences R&B nowadays. You know, [it has a] real strong presence over there." The collection, due this summer, according to Mario, would be his fifth album and the follow-up to last year's set, D.N.A. That project spawned the hit "Break Up," featuring Gucci Mane and Sean Garrett.
Mario's yet-untitled album is tentatively slated to include a guest appearance by Chris Brown, though nothing has been confirmed so far. Mario said the two crooners recently spent time together in a Los Angeles studio — though admittedly Brown was working with Keri Hilson and not him — and the pair have high hopes to get something recorded between them soon.
"For the ladies," he said on his official twitter, "This album is for the world. I'm taking all my knowledge and love for music and puttin it out" and add "All new shit nothing recycled". On his twitter he made an announcement saying that he was going to Miami to work with Rico Love
and also to finish the album on the same week.
In an interview with Vibe, Mario was asked what direction he was trying to go with on his 5th album, his answer was, "I wanna give as much honesty as I can. I want to be honest, but grab the attention of everybody, but still compete so when you hear it on the radio it’s pushing the envelope. The melodies coming out of me now are unorthodox— melodies I've never expressed before". He also confirmed he has five tracks that are definitely going on. "These tracks are like movies, they are intense", he added. Nevertheless, the album will probably feature a song centered on his mother, written by himself.
In another interview with Rap-Up TV Mario revealed details on the new single and the album. Mario explained that the first single "The Walls" featuring Fabolous really pays homage to women who are comfortable with being sexy outside and they’re sexy with their men when they get home. In addition to that he revealed that he anticipates a November or January release.
On October 7, RCA Music Group
announced it was disbanding J Records
along with Arista Records
and Jive Records
. With the shutdown, Mario (and all other artists previously signed to these three labels) will release his future material on the RCA Records
brand.
and Jenna Dewan
in Step Up
, a dance-themed film released on August 11, 2006. For his next film, Freedom Writers
he acted opposite Academy Award
-Winner Hilary Swank
and Patrick Dempsey
of Grey's Anatomy
. It was released on January 5, 2007. Mario did not take acting classes before undertaking the role. Mario has stated that he would like to own his own film production company entitled "Inside Paris Productions" and become a director. On 5 March 2009, Mario said on Twitter
that he had made an ABC network testing for a new Pilot. As result, he made an announcement to "The Electric Company
" on PBS, with the "Soft G". Also starred in One on One
as Spirit's date to the dance.
, Warren "Oak" Felder
and Marsha
of Floetry
. Aside from producing songs for Mario's album Go!
, the team has written and produced songs for Jennifer Lopez
, Chris Brown, Jordin Sparks
, Usher
and Raven-Symoné
. Mario claimed to be more of the songwriter in the team. In an interview with Rap-Up he sentenced that he was no longer part of the Knightwritaz.
's European Spring/Summer 2009 campaign with various press shots for the campaign running throughout the next few months.
in the campaign against killing animals entitled "Ink, Not Mink". He tells: "Be comfortable in your own skin, and let animals keep theirs".
. They were eliminated in Week 8 of the competition.
Mario has also written a song titled Do Right that is dedicated to his mother. This song explains his mother's addiction and how it affected his childhood. The song is featured on his third album Go.
Mario has homes in Baltimore
, Atlanta and Los Angeles
.
Contemporary R&B
Contemporary R&B is a music genre that combines elements of hip hop, soul, R&B and funk.Although the abbreviation “R&B” originates from traditional rhythm and blues music, today the term R&B is most often used to describe a style of African American music originating after the demise of disco in...
singer-songwriter
Singer-songwriter
Singer-songwriters are musicians who write, compose and sing their own musical material including lyrics and melodies. As opposed to contemporary popular music singers who write their own songs, the term singer-songwriter describes a distinct form of artistry, closely associated with the...
, actor
Actor
An actor is a person who acts in a dramatic production and who works in film, television, theatre, or radio in that capacity...
, dancer and model
Model
- Physical :* Physical model, a physical representation of an object* Scale model, a replica or prototype of an object* 3D modelling, a 3D polygonal representation of an object, usually displayed with a computer* Model aircraft* Car model...
. He is best known for his hit singles "Just a Friend 2002
Just a Friend 2002
"Just a Friend 2002" is a R&B single by Mario. It is the first single from his first studio album Mario which was a cover of Biz Markie's hit, "Just a Friend". The single was released on May of 2002. The single was produced by Warryn "Baby Dubb" Campbell and written by Warryn "Baby Dubb" Campbell,...
" (2002) and "Let Me Love You
Let Me Love You
"Let Me Love You" is an R&B song by American recording artist Mario, from his second studio album Turning Point . It was co-written by Shaffer "Ne-Yo" Smith, and Scott Storch, who also produced it...
" (2004), which won him two Billboard awards, as well as for appearing in the films Step Up
Step Up (film)
Step Up is a 2006 American dance/romance film directed by Anne Fletcher starring Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan.Set in Baltimore, Maryland, the film follows the tale of the disadvantaged Tyler Gage and the privileged modern dancer Nora Clark , who find themselves paired up in a showcase that...
and Freedom Writers
Freedom Writers
Freedom Writers is a 2007 American drama film starring Academy Award winner Hilary Swank, Scott Glenn, Imelda Staunton and Patrick Dempsey. It is based on the book The Freedom Writers Diary by teacher Erin Gruwell who wrote the story based on Woodrow Wilson Classical High School in Long Beach,...
. He has released four studio albums: Mario
Mario (album)
Mario is a the debut album by singer Mario, released on March 19, 2002 when he was still 15 years old. It features hits "Just a Friend 2002," "Braid My Hair" and "C'mon". The album sold over 96,000 copies in the first week and was eventually certified Gold, selling over 596,000 copies...
in 2002, Turning Point in 2004, Go!
Go! (Mario album)
Go!, officially titled Go, is the third studio album by singer Mario released on December 10, 2007. It is Mario's first album to receive a parental advisory sticker in the United States, and his second to receive a parental advisory sticker in the UK.The album includes songs written and produced by...
in 2007, and D.N.A.
D.N.A. (album)
D.N.A. is the fourth studio album from American R&B singer Mario Barrett. It was released first in the United Kingdom on October 12, 2009 by RCA Records and the following day in the US with J Records...
in 2009. In the end of 2000's decade, Mario was ranked by Billboard #98 on their "Artist of the Decade" list.
Early life
Mario grew up in Baltimore, Maryland and other working-class neighbourhoods in Baltimore County, Maryland. He lived with his grandmother, who raised him while his single mother struggled with a drug addiction. Mario said at the age of four that he wanted to become a singer. His mother supported his dream and bought him a karaoke machine. Mario joined a musical group in Teaneck high school with the oldest son of comedienne Mo'nique and best friend Jaye Brebnor and also his younger god sister Chea Tyler. He was always dedicated to having a musical career. He learned to play the pianoPiano
The piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
and used that skill as the basis for his melodies and songs. He was discovered at age eleven and signed by producer Troy Patterson, after singing "I'll Make Love to You
I'll Make Love to You
"I'll Make Love to You" is a 1994 number-one hit single by R&B group Boyz II Men for the Motown label. The song, which was written by Babyface, was the lead single from their second album II. It was at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for 14 weeks, from August 27 to November 26, 1994...
" at a Coppin State College talent show. Mario attended Milford Mill Academy
Milford Mill Academy
Milford Mill Academy is a four-year public high school in Baltimore County, Maryland, United States. It is located on the west side of the county close to the Baltimore City border just outside of the Baltimore Beltway.-About the School:...
up until the tenth grade where he was inspired by his music teacher, during his early teen years, and was offered a record deal at the age of fourteen, signing with Clive Davis
Clive Davis
Clive Davis is an American record producer and music industry executive. He has won five Grammy Awards and is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a non-performer. From 1967 to 1973 he was the President of Columbia Records. He was the founder and president of Arista Records from 1975...
' J Records
J Records
J Records was an American record label, owned and operated by Sony Music Entertainment, and was distributed through the RCA Music Group.-Company history:...
. His musical influences include Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder
Stevland Hardaway Morris , better known by his stage name Stevie Wonder, is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer and activist...
, Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye
Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr. , better known by his stage name Marvin Gaye, was an American singer-songwriter and musician with a three-octave vocal range....
, Sam Cooke
Sam Cooke
Samuel Cook, , better known under the stage name Sam Cooke, was an American gospel, R&B, soul, and pop singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. He is considered to be one of the pioneers and founders of soul music. He is commonly known as the King of Soul for his distinctive vocal abilities and...
, Nat King Cole
Nat King Cole
Nathaniel Adams Coles , known professionally as Nat King Cole, was an American musician who first came to prominence as a leading jazz pianist. Although an accomplished pianist, he owes most of his popular musical fame to his soft baritone voice, which he used to perform in big band and jazz genres...
, Brian McKnight
Brian McKnight
Brian McKnight is an American singer-songwriter, arranger, producer, and R&B/Pop musician. He is a multi-instrumentalist who plays nine instruments: piano, guitar, bass guitar, drums, percussions, trombone, tuba, flugelhorn and trumpet....
, Boyz II Men
Boyz II Men
Boyz II Men is an American R&B vocal group best known for emotional ballads and a cappella harmonies. They are the most successful R&B group of all time, having sold more than albums worldwide. In the 1990s, Boyz II Men found fame on Motown Records as a quartet, but original member Michael McCary...
, Usher
Usher (entertainer)
Usher Terry Raymond IV , who performs under the mononym Usher, is an American singer-songwriter, and actor. He is considered around the world to be the reigning King of R&B. Usher rose to fame in the late 1990s with the release of his second album My Way, which spawned his first Billboard Hot 100...
, and Joe
Joe (singer)
Joseph Lewis Thomas , usually credited simply as Joe, is an American R&B singer and record producer.-Early life:Joe is a native of Cuthbert, Georgia and later moved to Opelika, Alabama. The son of two preachers, Joe spent much time in church singing, playing guitar, and even directing the choir...
. His first introduction to the music industry was the Dr. Dolittle 2
Dr. Dolittle 2
Dr. Dolittle 2 is a 2001 American comedy film, and the theatrical sequel to the 1998 film Dr. Dolittle. The continuing tale of the doctor who can talk to the animals—this time, it's Dolittle versus Darwin when the animals launch a labor strike to protect their forest from unscrupulous human...
movie soundtrack in 2001. He sang a captivating performance of the Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder
Stevland Hardaway Morris , better known by his stage name Stevie Wonder, is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer and activist...
classic "You and I" at Clive's Grammy party in 2002, and began recording an album.
Mario (2002-2003)
Mario began recording his debut album MarioMario (album)
Mario is a the debut album by singer Mario, released on March 19, 2002 when he was still 15 years old. It features hits "Just a Friend 2002," "Braid My Hair" and "C'mon". The album sold over 96,000 copies in the first week and was eventually certified Gold, selling over 596,000 copies...
. A year before releasing it in July 2002. The lead single "Just a Friend 2002
Just a Friend 2002
"Just a Friend 2002" is a R&B single by Mario. It is the first single from his first studio album Mario which was a cover of Biz Markie's hit, "Just a Friend". The single was released on May of 2002. The single was produced by Warryn "Baby Dubb" Campbell and written by Warryn "Baby Dubb" Campbell,...
", which was a cover of Biz Markie
Biz Markie
Marcel Theo Hall better known by his stage name, Biz Markie, is an American rapper, beatboxer, DJ, comedian, singer, reality television personality, and commercial spokesperson. He is best known for his single "Just a Friend", an American Top 10 hit in 1989...
's hit, was an instant success, peaking at #4 on the charts. Follow up singles were "Braid My Hair
Braid My Hair
"Braid My Hair" is a R&B single by Mario. It is the second single from his first studio album Mario. The single was released on October of 2002. The single it was produced and written by Warryn Campbell and written by Harold Lilly.-Charts:...
" & "C'mon
C'mon
- Songs :*"C'mon", a song on the Rustic Overtones album ¡Viva Nueva!*"C'mon", a song on Guster's Ganging Up on the Sun*"C'mon", a song on Mario's self titled album*"C'mon", a song by The Screaming Jets from their 1991 album All for One...
" . He was the opening act on the Scream Tour 3, which featured B2K,Marques Houston, Nick Cannon
Nick Cannon
Nicholas Scott "Nick" Cannon is an American actor, comedian, rapper, entrepreneur, record producer, radio, and television personality. On television, Cannon began as a teenage sketch comedian on All That before going on to host The Nick Cannon Show, Wild 'N Out, and America's Got Talent...
, Jhene, and AJA. As of 2006, his debut album has sold over 700,000 copies. During this period, he became a draw in the teen market.
Turning Point (2004-2006)
After his debut album was released, Mario wanted to record an album that was more mature. He enlisted a number of well-known producers to help him, such as Scott StorchScott Storch
Scott Storch is an American record producer. He produces a variety of music, particularly hip hop, reggaeton, and R&B. His label, Storch Music Company responsible for signing Brooke Hogan and Nox...
& Lil' Jon. He released his second album, Turning Point on December 7, 2004. The album was more successful than his first, mainly because of the hit single "Let Me Love You
Let Me Love You
"Let Me Love You" is an R&B song by American recording artist Mario, from his second studio album Turning Point . It was co-written by Shaffer "Ne-Yo" Smith, and Scott Storch, who also produced it...
". The single, described by reviewers as "melodic and sweetly lilting, reminiscent of Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson
Michael Joseph Jackson was an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. Referred to as the King of Pop, or by his initials MJ, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records...
's vintage romantic ballads" was successful, peaking at the number one on the Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
for nine consecutive weeks. The single is written by Ne-Yo
Ne-Yo
Shaffer Chimere Smith, Jr. , better known by his stage name Ne-Yo, is an American pop and R&B singer-songwriter, record producer, dancer and actor. Beginning his career as a songwriter, Ne-Yo penned the hit "Let Me Love You" for singer Mario...
. Other follow up singles include "How Could You
How Could You
"How Could You " is a R&B single by Mario. It is the second single from his second studio album Turning Point. The single was released on March, 2005.The single debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 93. How Could You also debuted in Australia Singles Top 50 at number 43. The song was produced...
" co-written by J. Valentine
J. valentine
J. Valentine, is an American R&B singer, and songwriter. He has written songs for likes of artist such as Tyrese “I Like Them Girls”, the title track to N’Sync’s 9x platinum Celebrity album which sold 1.8 million in the first week , Mario’s “How Could You,” and Omarion’s "I'm Tryna" can be...
, with a cameo appearance in the video by rapper Cassidy; "Here I Go Again
Here I Go Again (Mario song)
"Here I Go Again" is a R&B single by Mario. It is the third single from his second studio album Turning Point. The single was released on May 2005. It was produced by Drama Family Ent. and Ron "Neff-U" Feemster. The single debuted on the UK Singles Chart at number 11...
" (whose video starred model
Model (person)
A model , sometimes called a mannequin, is a person who is employed to display, advertise and promote commercial products or to serve as a subject of works of art....
/singer Cassie) and "Boom" featuring Juvenile
Juvenile (rapper)
Terius Gray, better known by his stage name Juvenile, is an American rapper, He is also a former member of hip-hop group the Hot Boys . At the age of 19, he began recording raps, releasing his debut album Being Myself in 1995...
. To date, Turning Point has sold platinum and the lead single double-platinum.
In February 2006, Mario filed a lawsuit against his former manager, Troy Patterson, alleging that Patterson had paid him $50,000 for the sale of more than 3 million records, which was later found to be false accusations. Mario was later sued by Patterson and lost. Mario's new manager is J. Erving and he was chosen by Mario.
Go! (2007-2008)
Mario's third album Go!Go! (Mario album)
Go!, officially titled Go, is the third studio album by singer Mario released on December 10, 2007. It is Mario's first album to receive a parental advisory sticker in the United States, and his second to receive a parental advisory sticker in the UK.The album includes songs written and produced by...
is dedicated to his mom Shawntia Hardaway and was released in South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
under Gallo Records on October 9, 2007, in the U.S. on December 11, 2007. The album includes collaborations with Jermaine Dupri
Jermaine Dupri
Jermaine Dupri Mauldin , known as Jermaine Dupri or JD, is an American record producer, songwriter and rapper.- Early life and career :...
, Ne-Yo
Ne-Yo
Shaffer Chimere Smith, Jr. , better known by his stage name Ne-Yo, is an American pop and R&B singer-songwriter, record producer, dancer and actor. Beginning his career as a songwriter, Ne-Yo penned the hit "Let Me Love You" for singer Mario...
, Janice Robinson
Janice Robinson
Janice Robinson, born and raised in Garfield, New Jersey, gained worldwide success in the early-mid 1990s with the Eurodance/Hi-NRG/Italo House group Livin' Joy as the lead singer before going solo in 1999. After Robinson left, Livin' Joy scored more hits during the 1995-1996 period with another...
, Eric West, Lionell Davis, Scott Storch
Scott Storch
Scott Storch is an American record producer. He produces a variety of music, particularly hip hop, reggaeton, and R&B. His label, Storch Music Company responsible for signing Brooke Hogan and Nox...
, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis
Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis
James Samuel "Jimmy Jam" Harris III and Terry Steven Lewis are an American R&B and pop-music songwriting and record production team...
, Timbaland
Timbaland
Timothy Zachery Mosley , better known by his stage name Timbaland, is an American record producer, songwriter and rapper....
, Bryan-Michael Cox, Zane' Lord, The Neptunes
The Neptunes
The Neptunes are a record production duo consisting of Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, who are credited with contributing the sound for many successful hip hop, R&B and pop artists in the late-1990s and 2000s...
, Jim Jonsin
Jim Jonsin
James Scheffer, better known by his professional name, Jim Jonsin, is an American Grammy award winning record producer, songwriter, record executive, and entrepreneur...
, Akon
Akon
Aliaune Damala Badara Thiam, better known as simply Akon , is a Senegalese American R&B recording artist and songwriter.According to Forbes, Akon grossed $21 million in 2010, $20 million in 2009 and $12 million in 2008. He rose to prominence in 2004 following the release of "Locked Up", the first...
, Dre & Vidal
Dre & Vidal
Dre & Vidal is a Multi-Grammy Award Winning songwriting and production duo consisting of Andre Harris and Vidal Davis, who are best known as the main producers for Jill Scott and Glenn Lewis...
, Warryn "Baby Dubb" Campbell
Warryn Campbell
Warryn Campbell is an American record producer. He specializes in gospel music and R&B.-Career:His work includes production and songwriting credits for Kanye West, Alicia Keys, Xzibit, Yolanda Adams, Dayna Caddell, Mos Def, Missy Elliott, Kierra Sheard, Brandy, Dave Hollister, Men of Standard,...
, Sean Garrett
Sean Garrett
Garrett Hamler, better known by his stage name Sean Garrett is an American singer-songwriter, rapper, and record producer. He has produced fifteen number one singles in only seven years of producing music. That number puts him in fifth place on the Billboard list of producers with the most number...
and Mr. Collipark
Mr. Collipark
Michael Crooms, better known by his stage name Mr. Collipark and also known as DJ Smurf, is a hip hop producer and the president of his own Atlanta-based record label, Collipark Records....
. Mario, who has described the album as "sex...more personal...more passionate", had more creative control on Go than on his previous two albums. The first single to be lifted from the album was "How Do I Breathe
How Do I Breathe
"How Do I Breathe" is an R&B single by Mario. It is the first single from his third studio album Go. The single was released on May 15, 2007. It was produced by Stargate. On the issue date of July 7, 2007, the single debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 91...
" which was released in May. The second single was "Crying out for Me
Crying out for Me
"Crying Out for Me" is an R&B song from Mario's third studio album Go, which was released on December 11, 2007 and is the secondofficial single. It was produced by Polow da Don and written by Amber Rives and Jasper Cameron.The song has been listed for 15 week in the Billboard Hot 100. Its first...
" after a poll on his website. The single was later certificated Gold by the RIAA
Recording Industry Association of America
The Recording Industry Association of America is a trade organization that represents the recording industry distributors in the United States...
. On December 13, 2007, Mario was on "106 & Park
106 & Park
106 & Park is a Top Ten Hip-Hop and R&B music video show, set up in a countdown format, that airs weekdays at 6:00 PM on BET . Since its inception, it was the network's #1 rated show...
" where he stated that the third single off the album will be "Music For Love
Music for Love
"Music for Love" is an R&B song from Mario's third studio album Go, which was released on December 11, 2007 and is the third official single...
". The entire album was made available for the public to listen to on his Myspace
Myspace
Myspace is a social networking service owned by Specific Media LLC and pop star Justin Timberlake. Myspace launched in August 2003 and is headquartered in Beverly Hills, California. In August 2011, Myspace had 33.1 million unique U.S. visitors....
page before its release. He also has a new song that came out on December 11, "Do Right
Do Right
"Do Right" is an R&B song from Mario's third studio album Go. It was released on December 11, 2007 as a promotional single. It was produced by Akon and written by Akon, LSG, Harold Lilly, Giorgio Tuinfort and Mario. This song is dedicated to his mother...
". Go!
Go! (Mario album)
Go!, officially titled Go, is the third studio album by singer Mario released on December 10, 2007. It is Mario's first album to receive a parental advisory sticker in the United States, and his second to receive a parental advisory sticker in the UK.The album includes songs written and produced by...
has sold 331,540 copies in the U.S.
In an interview with DJ "Z", Mario stated that problems with the record label caused the album launch to be pushed back 6–8 months.
D.N.A.
Before the release of his third album Go!Go! (Mario album)
Go!, officially titled Go, is the third studio album by singer Mario released on December 10, 2007. It is Mario's first album to receive a parental advisory sticker in the United States, and his second to receive a parental advisory sticker in the UK.The album includes songs written and produced by...
, Mario confirmed in an interview with that he was working on a new album "by the time school starts back up, like after next summer” “But there's really even more than that, 'cause I'm gonna start recording, like, [at] the end of January". The album is involving a wide range of producers and songwriters such as Darkchild
Rodney Jerkins
Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins is an American songwriter, record producer, and musician. Jerkins received two Grammy nominations in 2011.-Biography:...
, Babyface, Polow da Don
Polow Da Don
Polow-Freache Jamal Fincher Jones , better known by known by professional name Polow da Don or Awesome Jones, is an American record producer, songwriter, rapper, and singer. His cousin is Atlanta singer Monica. He has produced for a variety of artists including Usher, Nelly, Christina Aguilera, T.I...
, RedOne
RedOne
Nadir Khayat , known by the stage name RedOne, is a Moroccan producer and songwriter. Renowned for co-producing hit singles such as "Just Dance", "Poker Face", "LoveGame", "Bad Romance", "Alejandro" and "Judas", he is attributed by some as the key to Lady Gaga's success...
, CJ
CJ
-Vehicles:*Jeep CJ series, a military-based offroad vehicle*Cessna CitationJet - a line of business jets by Cessna Aircraft Company-Businesses:*The Classical Journal...
of Charlio Productions, Malay
Malay (producer)
Malay is an R&B/Pop/Rock/Hip-Hop producer and songwriter who is believed to be of Asian descent.-Discography:-External links:...
, Jazze Pha
Jazze Pha
Phalon Anton Alexander , also known as Jazze Pha , is an American singer, and songwriter.raised in Memphis, TN; son of James Alexander ....
, Stargate
Stargate (production team)
This is a list of songs written and produced by the Norwegian production team Stargate.-Produced singles:-1999:5ive - Invincible*05. "Two Sides to Every Story"*06. "You Make Me a Better Man"Noora Noor - Curious*01. "Curious"...
, KP, Tricky Stewart
Christopher Stewart (music producer)
Christopher "Tricky" Stewart is an American songwriter, music producer, music publisher, executive producer, recording industry executive and recording studio owner. In a career spanning 16 years, Stewart, at the helm of his company RedZone Entertainment, is responsible for over 25 million...
and The-Dream
The-Dream
Terius Youngdell Nash , better known by his stage name The-Dream, is an American singer-songwriter and record producer. He is known for co-writing "Umbrella" for Rihanna and "Single Ladies " for Beyoncé, as well as for his three solo albums, Love Hate, Love vs...
as confirmed by Mario. Mario said that he would like to work with no more than 4 producers for this album. Mario has described this album as World music, an old school R&B influenced with a modern dance pop sound. The album is being described as his “most personal, colossal album of his career.”
The album's lead single "Break Up
Break Up (song)
He describes the song as, "it’s a little bit of everything on this record. That’s why I love it. Sean is like a brother to me. He knows me. So, when he did this record, he was definitely thinking about me. It’s a club record and every man has experienced this situation before. It’s like why would...
" was released on April 28, 2009. The song features Sean "The Pen" Garrett and Gucci Mane. In the US, the song, have peaked at number 2 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Chart and 15 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Mario's most successful single in five years. The single has been recently certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America
Recording Industry Association of America
The Recording Industry Association of America is a trade organization that represents the recording industry distributors in the United States...
(RIAA) for a shipment of over 500,000 units as a ringtone. "Thinkin' About You
Thinkin' About You (Mario song)
"Thinkin' About You" is a song performed by American Contemporary R&B singer-songwriter Mario. It was written by Rico Love and produced by The Runners and The Monarch. It was released on September 4, 2009 as the second single from his fourth studio album D.N.A..The song debuted on the U.S....
", was released as the second single reaching number forty-five on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Chart. "Stranded" never labelled as the third single due to the limited airplay that it received. Lack of interest led to the single being cancelled, although in January 2010 the song entered on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs peaking at number 84. "Ohh Baby" was later confirmed to be the third single from the album, it peaked on the week of March 19, 2010 debuting on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 95. The entire album was made available for the public to listen to on his Myspace page before its release. The album debuted at number nine on the Billboard 200, selling 38,000 copies in its first week, becoming Mario's lowest-selling debut in the United States. So far, it has sold 93,385 copies in the US.
Mario is currently working on his fifth album. He says: "I’m working on a new album right now. It’s gonna be totally different than D.N.A. Not typical R&B style but more like club songs." Recently, Mario took CJ Hilton under his wing and asked the newcomer to write songs for his next album. Mario did an Ustream
Ustream
Ustream is a website which consists of a network of diverse channels providing a platform for lifecasting and live video streaming of events online. Established in March 2007, the site has over 2,000,000 registered users who generate 1,500,000+ hours of live streamed content per month with over ten...
with CJ Hilton and stated that a possible title for the album is "Mario Barrett" which will show to people the real him, also he's going to have a meeting with the record label about the scheduling of his new album and play them ten records never heard before.
From the sounds of it, we'll be hearing more songs like "Green Light", "Starlight", and things of that nature on this new album. Mario wants to go with a more Euro-Pop/Electro/R&B sound this go-round now whether it catches on with the general public has yet to be determined. "The new album right now, I'm just focused on the album", says Mario. The Baltimore native explained that the genre's grooves were just too appealing not to flirt with on his upcoming project. "Stay tuned. I just came back from Europe — it's crazy out there," Mario said. "I just did a DJ/ house [music] tour in Europe; I did like 10 days. It was a huge thing, like 15,000-seat venue. It was incredible to see how many people are into house music and R&B music, and how house music influences R&B nowadays. You know, [it has a] real strong presence over there." The collection, due this summer, according to Mario, would be his fifth album and the follow-up to last year's set, D.N.A. That project spawned the hit "Break Up," featuring Gucci Mane and Sean Garrett.
Mario's yet-untitled album is tentatively slated to include a guest appearance by Chris Brown, though nothing has been confirmed so far. Mario said the two crooners recently spent time together in a Los Angeles studio — though admittedly Brown was working with Keri Hilson and not him — and the pair have high hopes to get something recorded between them soon.
"For the ladies," he said on his official twitter, "This album is for the world. I'm taking all my knowledge and love for music and puttin it out" and add "All new shit nothing recycled". On his twitter he made an announcement saying that he was going to Miami to work with Rico Love
Rico Love
Richard Preston Butler, Jr. , better known by his stage name Rico Love, is an American singer-songwriter and record producer. Love wrote and produced hit records such as Usher’s "There Goes My Baby" and "Hey Daddy ”, Nelly's "Just a Dream" and "Gone", Beyoncé Knowles' "Sweet Dreams"...
and also to finish the album on the same week.
In an interview with Vibe, Mario was asked what direction he was trying to go with on his 5th album, his answer was, "I wanna give as much honesty as I can. I want to be honest, but grab the attention of everybody, but still compete so when you hear it on the radio it’s pushing the envelope. The melodies coming out of me now are unorthodox— melodies I've never expressed before". He also confirmed he has five tracks that are definitely going on. "These tracks are like movies, they are intense", he added. Nevertheless, the album will probably feature a song centered on his mother, written by himself.
In another interview with Rap-Up TV Mario revealed details on the new single and the album. Mario explained that the first single "The Walls" featuring Fabolous really pays homage to women who are comfortable with being sexy outside and they’re sexy with their men when they get home. In addition to that he revealed that he anticipates a November or January release.
On October 7, RCA Music Group
RCA Music Group
RCA Music Group was an umbrella group of labels distributed by Sony Music Entertainment that existed between March 2004 and 2009 and for a short period of time between July 2011 and October 2011 until all RCA Music Group labels were merged with RCA Records....
announced it was disbanding J Records
J Records
J Records was an American record label, owned and operated by Sony Music Entertainment, and was distributed through the RCA Music Group.-Company history:...
along with Arista Records
Arista Records
Arista was an American record label. It was a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment and operated under the RCA Music Group. The label was founded in 1974 by Clive Davis, who formerly worked for CBS Records...
and Jive Records
Jive Records
Jive Records was a record label based in New York City, operating under RCA Music Group. Jive was primarily known for a string of successes with hip hop artists in the 1980s, and in teen pop and boy bands in the late 1990s. The word "jive" was inspired by Township Jive, a form of South African...
. With the shutdown, Mario (and all other artists previously signed to these three labels) will release his future material on the RCA Records
RCA Records
RCA Records is one of the flagship labels of Sony Music Entertainment. The RCA initials stand for Radio Corporation of America , which was the parent corporation from 1929 to 1985 and a partner from 1985 to 1986.RCA's Canadian unit is Sony's oldest label...
brand.
Acting career
Mario starred alongside Channing TatumChanning Tatum
Channing Matthew Tatum is an American actor and film producer. He began his career as a fashion model and appearing in television commercials for Pepsi and Mountain Dew before turning to film roles...
and Jenna Dewan
Jenna Dewan
Jenna Lee Dewan-Tatum , better known by her birth name Jenna Dewan, is an American actress, dancer, and former model.-Early life:...
in Step Up
Step Up (film)
Step Up is a 2006 American dance/romance film directed by Anne Fletcher starring Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan.Set in Baltimore, Maryland, the film follows the tale of the disadvantaged Tyler Gage and the privileged modern dancer Nora Clark , who find themselves paired up in a showcase that...
, a dance-themed film released on August 11, 2006. For his next film, Freedom Writers
Freedom Writers
Freedom Writers is a 2007 American drama film starring Academy Award winner Hilary Swank, Scott Glenn, Imelda Staunton and Patrick Dempsey. It is based on the book The Freedom Writers Diary by teacher Erin Gruwell who wrote the story based on Woodrow Wilson Classical High School in Long Beach,...
he acted opposite Academy Award
Academy Awards
An Academy Award, also known as an Oscar, is an accolade bestowed by the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to recognize excellence of professionals in the film industry, including directors, actors, and writers...
-Winner Hilary Swank
Hilary Swank
Hilary Ann Swank is an American actress. Swank's film career began with a small part in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and then a major part in The Next Karate Kid , as Julie Pierce, the first female protégé of sensei Mr. Miyagi...
and Patrick Dempsey
Patrick Dempsey
Patrick Galen Dempsey is an American actor, known for his role as neurosurgeon Dr. Derek Shepherd on the medical drama Grey's Anatomy. Prior to Grey's Anatomy he made several television appearances and was nominated for an Emmy Award...
of Grey's Anatomy
Grey's Anatomy
Grey's Anatomy is an American medical drama television series created by Shonda Rhimes. The series premiered on March 27, 2005 on ABC; since then, seven seasons have aired. The series follows the lives of interns, residents and their mentors in the fictional Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital in...
. It was released on January 5, 2007. Mario did not take acting classes before undertaking the role. Mario has stated that he would like to own his own film production company entitled "Inside Paris Productions" and become a director. On 5 March 2009, Mario said on Twitter
Twitter
Twitter is an online social networking and microblogging service that enables its users to send and read text-based posts of up to 140 characters, informally known as "tweets".Twitter was created in March 2006 by Jack Dorsey and launched that July...
that he had made an ABC network testing for a new Pilot. As result, he made an announcement to "The Electric Company
The Electric Company (2009 TV series)
The Electric Company is an American children's educational series for young children aged 4–8 on PBS, derived from the 1971 series. The series premiered as a four-episode mini-marathon on PBS on January 19, 2009, then became a weekly series with an episode shown each Friday. On September 7, 2009,...
" on PBS, with the "Soft G". Also starred in One on One
One on One (TV series)
One on One is an American sitcom that aired on the now-defunct UPN from its September 3, 2001 premiere until May 15, 2006. The series stars Flex Alexander as a single sportscaster, who becomes a full-time dad when his ex-wife decides to accept a job out of the country and his teenage daughter...
as Spirit's date to the dance.
Knightwritaz
Knightwritaz is a production team of which Mario was part of. The production team included Mario and includes Sterling SimmsSterling Simms
Sterling Simms , is an American R&B singer-songwriter. His debut album, Yours, Mine & The Truth was released on December 23, 2008 by Def Jam Records. He is currently working on his sophomore album on J Records, and recently released a mixtape entitled July's Finest.- Biography and career :Sterling...
, Warren "Oak" Felder
Oak (producer)
Warren Okay "Oak" Felder is an Atlanta-based Turkish-American record producer. He is known as Oak and is part of a production team known as The Knightwritaz, with singers Mario, Sterling Simms, and Marsha Ambrosius of Floetry.-Production credits:...
and Marsha
Marsha Ambrosius
Marsha Ambrosius or Marsha is an English singer/songwriter. A former member of the English Soul/R&B duo Floetry, she released her first solo album Late Nights & Early Mornings on March 1, 2011.-Early career with Floetry:...
of Floetry
Floetry
Floetry was a British R&B duo comprising Marsha Ambrosius and Natalie Stewart . The group recorded two studio albums, one live album, and sold over 800,000 records worldwide. Formed in 1999, Floetry started on the performance poetry stage.In 2002, the duo released their first album entitled, Floetic...
. Aside from producing songs for Mario's album Go!
Go! (Mario album)
Go!, officially titled Go, is the third studio album by singer Mario released on December 10, 2007. It is Mario's first album to receive a parental advisory sticker in the United States, and his second to receive a parental advisory sticker in the UK.The album includes songs written and produced by...
, the team has written and produced songs for Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lynn Lopez is an American actress, singer, record producer, dancer, television personality, and fashion designer. Lopez began her career as a dancer on the television comedy program In Living Color. Subsequently venturing into acting, she gained recognition in the 1995 action-thriller...
, Chris Brown, Jordin Sparks
Jordin Sparks
Jordin Brianna Sparks is an American pop / R&B singer-songwriter and actress. She hails from Glendale, Arizona who rose to fame as the winner of the sixth season of American Idol. Sparks won when she was 17 years old, making her the youngest winner in Idol history...
, Usher
Usher (entertainer)
Usher Terry Raymond IV , who performs under the mononym Usher, is an American singer-songwriter, and actor. He is considered around the world to be the reigning King of R&B. Usher rose to fame in the late 1990s with the release of his second album My Way, which spawned his first Billboard Hot 100...
and Raven-Symoné
Raven-Symoné
Raven-Symoné Christina Pearman , known professionally as Raven-Symoné , or simply Raven, is an American actress, singer, songwriter, comedian, dancer, television producer and model. Symoné launched her successful career in 1989 after appearing in The Cosby Show as Olivia...
. Mario claimed to be more of the songwriter in the team. In an interview with Rap-Up he sentenced that he was no longer part of the Knightwritaz.
The Mario Do Right Foundation
Mario's Do Right Foundation was established on March 2008 to educate and inspire kids who suffer from the drug addictions of their parents. In May, Mario published a notice on the Facebook page of the foundation, saying that he had been in a studio in Miami all night re-recording the hit song "Do Right" from his 2007 album "Go". This remix "Do Right" will be the theme song for Mario's Do Right Foundation. The song debut is expected to be at this years African American Heritage Festival in Baltimore.Modeling
On 10 January 2009, Mario ventured to be the face of Pelle PellePelle Pelle
Pelle Pelle is an urban fashion brand designed by Marc Buchanan. Pelle Pelle was launched in 1978 and started as a leather outerwear company. The brand was also the first brand to launch the designer baggy pants...
's European Spring/Summer 2009 campaign with various press shots for the campaign running throughout the next few months.
Soul Truth Entertainment
In an interview with Rap-Up, Mario said that "Soul Truth Entertainment" was his new entertainment company.PETA
Mario is the new face of PETAPeople for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is an American animal rights organization based in Norfolk, Virginia, and led by Ingrid Newkirk, its international president. A non-profit corporation with 300 employees and two million members and supporters, it claims to be the largest animal rights...
in the campaign against killing animals entitled "Ink, Not Mink". He tells: "Be comfortable in your own skin, and let animals keep theirs".
Dancing With the Stars
Mario competed in Season 6 of Dancing With the Stars, being partnered with Karina SmirnoffKarina Smirnoff
Karina Smirnoff is a Ukrainian professional ballroom dancer. She is best known for her appearances on Dancing with the Stars, where she held a runner-up title, a semi-final title, and several quarter-final titles...
. They were eliminated in Week 8 of the competition.
Personal life
MTV aired a special on October 21, 2007, "I Won't Love You to Death: The Story of Mario and His Mom," which dealt with his mother's heroin addiction. The documentary is about how the singer strives for help to stop his mother's addiction. While doing this, he seeks help from family and friends. Mario wrote a letter to his mother stating how appreciative he is and begs her to stop her addiction. At the end of the letter he says, "I love you, but I won't love you to death". The documentary, produced by Gigantic! Productions, won a 2008 Prism Award for its accurate portrayal of drug abuse.Mario has also written a song titled Do Right that is dedicated to his mother. This song explains his mother's addiction and how it affected his childhood. The song is featured on his third album Go.
Mario has homes in Baltimore
Baltimore
Baltimore is the largest independent city in the United States and the largest city and cultural center of the US state of Maryland. The city is located in central Maryland along the tidal portion of the Patapsco River, an arm of the Chesapeake Bay. Baltimore is sometimes referred to as Baltimore...
, Atlanta and Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
.
Discography
- MarioMario (album)Mario is a the debut album by singer Mario, released on March 19, 2002 when he was still 15 years old. It features hits "Just a Friend 2002," "Braid My Hair" and "C'mon". The album sold over 96,000 copies in the first week and was eventually certified Gold, selling over 596,000 copies...
(2002) - Turning Point (2004)
- Go!Go! (Mario album)Go!, officially titled Go, is the third studio album by singer Mario released on December 10, 2007. It is Mario's first album to receive a parental advisory sticker in the United States, and his second to receive a parental advisory sticker in the UK.The album includes songs written and produced by...
(2007) - D.N.A.D.N.A. (album)D.N.A. is the fourth studio album from American R&B singer Mario Barrett. It was released first in the United Kingdom on October 12, 2009 by RCA Records and the following day in the US with J Records...
(2009) - RestorationRestorationRestoration may refer to:-Historical examples :* Kemmu Restoration * Restoration * Portuguese Restoration War...
(2012)
Films
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Uncle P | Himself | minor role |
| 2003 | One on One One on One (TV series) One on One is an American sitcom that aired on the now-defunct UPN from its September 3, 2001 premiere until May 15, 2006. The series stars Flex Alexander as a single sportscaster, who becomes a full-time dad when his ex-wife decides to accept a job out of the country and his teenage daughter... |
Himself | minor role |
| 2006 | Step Up Step Up (film) Step Up is a 2006 American dance/romance film directed by Anne Fletcher starring Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan.Set in Baltimore, Maryland, the film follows the tale of the disadvantaged Tyler Gage and the privileged modern dancer Nora Clark , who find themselves paired up in a showcase that... |
Miles Darby | lead role |
| 2007 | Freedom Writers Freedom Writers Freedom Writers is a 2007 American drama film starring Academy Award winner Hilary Swank, Scott Glenn, Imelda Staunton and Patrick Dempsey. It is based on the book The Freedom Writers Diary by teacher Erin Gruwell who wrote the story based on Woodrow Wilson Classical High School in Long Beach,... |
Andre Bryant | lead role |
| 2009 | Destination Fame | Wizzy | lead role |