To hardcore R&B fans, Mario has been a fixture in the genre for over two decades.
But while his voice and chart-topping hits like Just a Friend and Let Me Love You brought him into the spotlight, his life hasn’t been without its struggles.
Mario’s Difficult Upbringing
From the beginning, Mario faced challenges, especially due to his difficult upbringing in Baltimore, Maryland.
Born on August 27, 1986, Mario grew up in a complicated family environment.
His mother, Shawntia, struggled with substance addiction, which left Mario spending time between her house and his grandmother’s.
Shawntia was still a powerful influence on his life and encouraged him to share his voice with others, taking him to perform at a local barbershop when he was still very young.
She even gifted him a karaoke machine, which Mario used to practice and prepare himself for talent shows.
Mario’s Rise To Stardom
At just 11, he won over the audience with his rendition of Boyz II Men’s I’ll Make Love to You.
It was there that Mario first crossed paths with a music executive who saw Mario’s potential and eventually became his manager and legal guardian.
Mario’s career began to take shape a short time after his grandmother tragically passed away.
With his new manager’s support, Mario recorded a demo tape that caught the attention of legendary producer Clive Davis, who quickly signed him to J Records.
His big break came in 2002 when he released his debut album, Mario, which included the hit single Just a Friend.
The song went on to top the Billboard charts and launched Mario into the national spotlight.
After the success of his first album, Mario didn’t slow down.
His second album, Turning Point, arrived in 2003 and included the massive hit Let Me Love You, a track that became one of the most popular R&B songs of the 2000s.
Billboard later named Mario as one of the artists of the decade because of its impact.
He quickly became known for his smooth voice and heartfelt lyrics, which resonated with fans around the world.
Why Mario Filed Lawsuit Against His Manager
But the early success came with complications that would eventually catch up to him.
By 2006, cracks were starting to appear in Mario’s relationship with his manager.
Mario felt that his management deal was restricting his career.
Tensions rose to the point that the two filed lawsuits against each other, though they eventually reached a confidential settlement in early 2007.
This episode left Mario at a crossroads, as he began to take more control over his career.
Mario’s Mother’s Drug Addiction
One of the most difficult aspects of Mario’s life has been his mother’s struggle with addiction.
It was a topic that Mario chose to address openly in 2007 with the MTV documentary, The Story of Mario and His Mom.
In it, he talked about growing up in a household where he witnessed substance paraphernalia and experienced the instability of his mother’s relapses.
He recalled worrying when his mother would disappear for days, feeling powerless to help her but never giving up hope.
Mario was constantly looking for ways to be a support system for her, telling her, “I want to give you the gift of life like you gave me”.
Despite his efforts, his mother’s addiction was a recurring challenge throughout his life.
In 2017, Mario’s mother sadly passed away due to an overdose.
She was only 49.
Mario’s Foundation Helps Others With Substance Abuse
Her passing deeply affected him, but it also reaffirmed his dedication to helping others.
Years before her passing, he had already co-founded the Mario Do Right Foundation, an organization committed to supporting kids with parents who struggle with substance abuse.
Through this foundation, Mario channeled his pain into purpose, hoping to provide the support to others that he often didn’t have growing up.
Mario’s Comeback
Music has always been a source of healing and growth for Mario.
After some time away from the spotlight, he made a comeback in 2018 with his fifth studio album, Dancing Shadows.
Released through his own label, New Citizen Music, the album marked a new chapter for Mario as both an artist and an entrepreneur.
He promoted it through various appearances, reminding audiences of his smooth melodies and effortless falsetto.
This comeback wasn’t just about reclaiming his place in music.
It was about embracing a sense of renewed confidence and maturity.
In 2019, Mario was cast in the live television production of Rent, which aired on Fox, and he joined the Millennium Tour alongside B2K.
Both experiences allowed him to reconnect with fans who had supported him from the beginning and introduce himself to a new generation.
Mario Speaks Out On Healing And Loss
That same year, in an interview with People Magazine, Mario reflected on his journey.
He talked about the importance of self-healing and accepting loss.
He said, “Realize that your love is the most important thing to that person,” adding that letting go of guilt and focusing on self-care were essential parts of his healing process.
Mario’s Confession: ‘Drained His Energy’
Mario has had his fair share of challenges in the music industry, too.
The pressure to conform to industry standards was a struggle for him, especially as he reached new heights in his career.
During one interview, Mario admitted that at times, the demands of the industry had drained his energy, making it difficult to stay true to himself.
But as he stepped back into the music scene, he brought with him a newfound sense of confidence and purpose.
He also began to explore acting and expressed an interest in writing a book.
Mario’s Mission
It was all part of a broader mission to grow, both creatively and personally.
In 2019, he also joined the TV series Empire, expanding his skill set beyond music and into acting.
Mario had made a conscious choice to set aside fear and embrace new opportunities, and it paid off.
He told ONE37pm, “Once we get rid of fear, we’re just going to have a better world. We’re just going to be unstoppable”.
Mario’s shift toward fearlessness marked a turning point, allowing him to push boundaries and explore new creative ventures without hesitation.
Mario’s Sixth Album
He was also thrilled to announce his sixth studio album, Glad You Came, set for release through his partnership with Epic Records.
He worked with well-known songwriter James Fauntleroy, who executive produced the album.
For Mario, this project was deeply personal, blending elements of classic R&B with modern influences.
He described Glad You Came as a celebration of vulnerability and intimacy, a tribute to the classic feel of R&B mixed with a “retro-futuristic” sound that could be enjoyed in any setting.
Mario Performs With Nicki Minaj And Drake
He performed at Nicki Minaj’s Pink Friday tour in Los Angeles, where he treated fans to his timeless hit, Let Me Love You.
He also made a surprise appearance in Toronto at Drake’s Nostalgia event, performing a medley of his hits and reconnecting with an audience that had grown up with his music.
In January, Mario will join Mary J. Blige on The For My Fans Tour, alongside fellow R&B artist Ne-Yo.
The tour is set to kick off a new chapter in his career, as he continues to focus on creating meaningful music and experiences for his fans.
Each performance is a testament to his resilience and love for the art.
Through ups and downs, Mario’s learned to face life’s challenges head on, using them as fuel for growth.
His journey isn’t just about fame; it’s about staying true to his roots, embracing vulnerability, and inspiring others.
