Mario

Early life Mario was born in Baltimore, Maryland and grew up in Pikesville, Randallstown, Gwynn Oak and other working-class neighborhoods in Baltimore County, Maryland.[1] He grew up with his grandmother in different areas of Baltimore, Maryland, who raised him while his single mother struggled with a drug problem.[1] Mario wanted to become a singer at the age of four. His mother supported his dream and bought him a karaoke machine. Mario was in a singing group with comedienne Mo'Nique's oldest son while in school. He was always dedicated in having his career.He learned to play the piano and used that skill to create musical melodies and songs. He was discovered at age eleven and signed on by producer Troy Patterson, after singing "I'll Make Love to You" at a Coppin State College talent show.[1] 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.[1] His musical influences include Stevie Wonder, Fernando & Q-Bah, Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, Nat King Cole, Brian McKnight, Boyz II Men, 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.

[edit] Mario (2002) Mario began recording his debut album Mario at age fifteen, 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 Bow Wow, Nick Cannon, B2K & Marques Houston. As of 2006, his debut album has sold over 700,000 copies.[1] During this period, he became a draw in the teen market.[1]Mario has had various shows joke about how big his nostrils are including Jay Leno and David Letterman.

[edit] Turning Point (2004) 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 Storch & Lil' Jon. He released his second album, Turning Point, in December 7, 2004. The album was more successful than his first, mainly because of the hit single "Let Me Love You" (The number 200 song played in radio history). The single, described by reviewers as "melodic and sweetly lilting, reminiscent of Michael Jackson's vintage romantic ballads",[1] was successul, peaking at the number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for nine consecutive weeks.[1] Other follow up singles include How Could You written by J. Valentine, with a cameo appearance in the video by rapper Cassidy, Here I Go Again, which video starred upcoming model and singer Cassie, and Boom featuring Juvenile. To date, Turning Point has sold over 1.7 million copies.

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. mario has homes in Baltimore, Atlanta and Los Angeles.[1]

[edit] Go! (2007) Mario's third album Go! is scheduled to be released on November 27, 2007 and includes collaborations with Jermaine Dupri, Ne-Yo, Janice Robinson, Eric West, Scott Storch, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Timbaland, Bryan Michael Cox, Nelly, Alicia Keys, The Neptunes, Shakebra Ghee, Jim Jonsin, Akon, Dre & Vidal, Warren Campbell, Sean Garrett, Trey Songz 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.[1] The first single to be lifted from the album was "How Do I Breathe." [2]

[edit] Knightwritaz Knightwritaz is a production team of which Mario is a part. The production team includes Mario and Sterling Simms. Aside from producing songs for Mario's album Go!, the team has produced songs for Jennifer Lopez, Chris Brown and Raven-Symoné. Mario claims to be more of the songwriter in the team. [3]

MTV is airing a special, "I Won't Love You to Death: The Story of Mario and His Mom," dealing with his mother's heroine addiction.