Every so often, a great male R&B singer is born. A singer who's voice touches the heart of young ladies and who's image and profile gets the nod of approval from the guys. Rumored to be the next Usher and inspired by the likes of Stevie Wonder and Joe, I introduce to you the youngest member of J Records, Mario Barrett.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Mario released his first single "Just A Friend 2002" when he was just 15. The track produced by Warryn Campbell was a fresh spin of the 1980s hip-hop hit by legendary rapper Biz Markie, "Just A Friend".

His self-titled album followed on July 23, 2002. Going straight into the US Top 10, the album featured label mate Alicia Keys and saw Mario work with top producers such as Harvey Mason (Brandy and Babyface), Gerald Isaac (Mary J Blige and Angie Stone). The result was a catchy disc filled with up-tempo jams and puppy-love ballads.

Following his London concert date at Shepherds Bush Empire on Tuesday 3rd June 03, TheSituation caught up with the rising star as he chilled out at his hotel.

What age did u start singing?

I've been singing since I was 4 years old. My mother actually saw me singing downstairs. She said I was the best young singer she ever heard. She got me into a whole lot of talent shows. From these, I met my manager, Troy Patterson and he got me signed to J Records through a meeting with Clive Davis? I was really nervous; it was really kinda crazy to me.

How old were you when the deal went through?

At that time I was about fourteen and three weeks later we started on the contract.

What age did you start taking singing seriously?

I didn’t start taking it seriously till like ten or eleven years old. The talent shows really inspired me. It made me believe in myself as everyone was telling me how I could really do this... they were like “go ahead, take it seriously and do it”. I never thought that I would be a signed artist.

How did you hook up with J records?

My manager knew a guy by the name of Peter Edge, from J Records who got me in a meeting with Clive. So we spoke to each other. One day he was like “Mario, so your gonna sing for me right?” I stood up, and he made me sing, I kinda hated it. I thought, why am I singing to him for? But it turned out to be a real good thing.

Who are your musical inspirations?

I used to listen to a lot of Stevie Wonder, Boyz II men, Joe, Usher… I listen to a lot of people, like Temptations. But my main inspirations are Stevie Wonder and Boyz II Men.

So who are you feeling right now?

Isley brothers came back out, they are doing their thing right now, so I would have to say them.

What are your favorite tracks on your album?

“Braid my hair”, “C’mon”, “Never” and “Chick with the Braids”. I think my album is kinda laid back. One of those albums you can listen to when you’re reading a book or something like that. Then I got the club bangers, like “Just a Friend”. “Put Me On” and “C’Mon”. My album has a variety of songs that you could pick from.

Did you write any songs on your album?

I co-wrote on “What your Name is”, I came up with the concept of “Braid My Hair” and I wrote, “Girl in a Picture”.

Being the youngest member out of J records, how was it meeting people like Alicia Keys, Busta Rhymes and Monica?

Everyone treats me like their son or their little brother or something. So its real cool knowing you got people around you who are inspirational to you. I look up to them.

Where have you performed in the world, and where has been your most memorable performance?

Everywhere in the US. I' ve also performed London, Amsterdam, Scotland, Germany, I haven’t been to Italy yet, I wanna go there.

My most memorable place? Wow… lets see well I have had my pants pulled off in shows, I have had draws thrown on stage to me , condoms, anything you could think of… rings, watches, hair...

But Where’s your favourite place to go and perform?

(Laughs) I love performing in London. Every time I come over here, the crowds are always big and hyped.

How do you balance your education while you’re on tour?

I don’t do school. I usually do tutoring before I do any work. It’s easier for me, get it out the way.

How was your show on Tuesday?

The show on Tuesday was wicked! (in a London accent)…. It was crazy. I got draws sent to me. A girl put it inside of an envelope, with a letter.

What did you do with the letter?

I kept it in my collection. It's just funny things, I go back and re-read a lot of what was sent to me. So fans out there, I really do get your letters and I really do read them.

Kept in a shoe box?

Shoe box? That ain’t big enough!

Opps sorry!

I got four or five big boxes full of letters.

What’s next for Mario?

I have a tour in the US called the ‘Scream Three’ tour. The show is gonna be pretty big as we’re gonna do 12,000 seaters. The tour is gonna be with B2K and Marcus Houston. I’m trying to bring the tour over here, but we’re not sure, but hopefully if things go right.

Do you see yourself doing any acting or anything like that?

I have actually done a lot of TV shows. I have done 'Sabrina the Teenage Witch', 'One on One' and I’m about to do 'Raven Simon'.

How did you get into that?

I have an acting agent and she looks for roles for me. I have done a movie with Master P. I’m trying to explore as I never limit myself to anything.

Was acting something you saw yourself doing when you were younger?

No, music was first. Acting became second.

With so many female fans screaming at you, is there a woman in your life that the fans should be envious of?

Not at the moment.

So who is your ideal woman?

I would love to go on a date with Selma Hayek or Jada Pinkett...oh and I love Beyonce.

If it all ended tomorrow, what would be your most memorable moment and what would you want people to remember you for?

I want people to remember me as a person, who loves what he do, loves his fans, not an ignorant person and a person who is dedicated to music. And my most memorable moment would be ….. going to my first Grammys.

Mario - The Self Titled Album - Out Now
The new single, C'Mon, Out on 30 June 2003

Related Sites:
www.click2music.co.uk/mario - Official UK Site
www.mario2u.com - Ofiicial Site
www.jrecords.com - Official J Records Site

Back To Interview Archive

 

US Music | Clubs | Front Page | UK Music | Events