Mario (1986– )

US hip-hop artist. He released his first single, a cover of 1980's rapper Biz Markie's ‘Just a Friend’ (2002), at the age of 15. His self-titled debut album followed the same year, with contributions from Alicia Keys. Turning Point (2004) followed two years later, featuring the critically acclaimed hit single ‘Let Me Love You’.

He was born and grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, where he practiced singing with a karaoke machine, and was discovered in a local talent show at the age of 11. Soon after he moved to New York, where he signed with 3rd Street/J Records, working with record producer Clive Davis. He appeared on the soundtrack of the family film Dr Doolittle 2 (2001). Other singles include ‘Chick Wit Da Braids’, ‘Never’, ‘Let Me Love You’, ‘Boom’, and ‘How Could You!’. He also appeared on television series such as The View (2005) and in the musical drama Destination Fame (2004).