Mario, born Mario Barrett on August 27, 1986, in Baltimore, Maryland, is a well-known American R&B singer and songwriter who has made a lasting impact in the music industry. From an early age, Mario showed immense talent, and by the time he was just 14 years old, he had already signed a record deal with J Records. His journey took off with the release of his self-titled debut album in 2002, marking the beginning of what would become a dynamic career.
As Mario continued to grow as an artist, his second studio album, Turning Point, dropped on December 7, 2004, further solidifying his presence in the R&B world. Around this time, Mario also expanded into acting, taking on the role of Miles Darby in the popular dance film Step Up in 2006—a role that introduced him to even broader audiences.
In 2007, Mario released his third album, Go, a heartfelt project dedicated to his mother. The album found international reach when it was released in South Africa under Gallo Records on October 9, 2007. Not one to stay confined to music alone, Mario showcased his versatility by joining season 6 of Dancing With the Stars in 2008, where he impressed fans and judges alike alongside his professional partner, Karina Smirnoff.
The following year, in January 2009, Mario stepped into the fashion spotlight as the face of Pelle Pelle’s European Spring/Summer campaign—an exciting new chapter that highlighted his style and charisma beyond the stage.
Mario stayed active in the studio over the years. On May 17, 2013, he announced he was working with producer Polow Da Don on a new single titled “Somebody Else,” which featured rapper Nicki Minaj. That track was followed by the release of “Fatal Distraction” on September 10, 2013, showing Mario’s continued evolution as an artist.
Fast forward to July 20, 2018, when Mario dropped the emotional track “Drowning,” reconnecting with fans through powerful vocals and raw storytelling. Then, on April 24, 2020, Mario released another compelling single, “Closer,” proving that his voice and artistry remain as relevant as ever.
Throughout the years, Mario has consistently demonstrated passion, resilience, and growth—qualities that continue to define his journey. Whether through music, dance, or fashion, Mario remains a standout figure in entertainment.
When it comes to Mario’s taste in movies and music, there’s a clear standout that fans seem to love the most—Freedom Writers (2007) takes the top spot as his highest rated film. It’s no surprise, really, given its powerful storytelling and emotional depth. On the other hand, not every title in Mario’s collection has received the same level of acclaim. Step Up (2006), while popular with some audiences, ended up being Mario’s lowest rated movie or musical pick. So, whether you’re exploring Mario’s cinematic preferences or just curious about his musical journey, it’s clear that Freedom Writers really resonates with him, whereas Step Up didn’t quite hit the right note. Mario definitely has an eye for impactful narratives, and that shows in how he rates his favorites.