HOME      EXCLUSIVES    FEATURES    MOVIES    REVIEWS    CONTESTS    TALK TO US    SUBSCRIBE  MARIO: THE CHOCOLATE BOY Age: 18 From: USA Top Track: Let Me Love You The Music: Influenced by artists like Usher, Brian McKnight and Stevie Wonder, Mario established himself with his debut album itself, when it struck gold. His latest album is called Turning Point, and it features the mega hit single Let Me Love You, a smooth ballad which was the number 1 most-added record at Top 40 radio when it came out. On Turning Point Mario has a mix of club-hits and lush ballads, all showcasing his strong melodic sense and talented vocals. He worked with the A-list of hip-hop and R&B’s top hitmakers, including Scott Storch (Beyoncé, 50 Cent), crunk-master Lil’ Jon (Usher, Ludacris) and Harold Lilly (Alicia Keys, Luther Vandross and Monica.) Listen If You Like: Usher, Justin Timberlake, Destiny’s Child, Ashanti FYI: Mario realised early what he wanted out of life. Ever since he was 4 years old he knew that what he really wanted was to be an entertainer. He says, “I was downstairs in my house, barely dressed, wearing mismatched shoes. My mother heard me singing and at first she thought it was the radio playing loud. When she came downstairs she was shocked when she realized that it was me.” Upon discovering her son’s vocal ability his mother provided Mario with a karaoke machine and a piano. That was all that the budding musician needed. He spent all his time practising and developing his already considerable skills. It was no wonder that he found success when he was only a teenager. Mario made his debut on the Dr. Doolittle 2 movie soundtrack album in 2001. His own debut album featured five-time Grammy winner Alicia Keys who contributed on two stand-out tracks, Put Me On and 2 Train. She says “Not only is he full of personality, he has one of the most beautiful and original voices I've ever heard from such a young man. He doesn't sound like anyone else and he already knows what he wants to do vocally. With time, he will only master this even more. That's my lil' man and I'm watchin' over him.” We suggest you keep an eye on this bright star too. You can read the rest of our feature on The Young Ones in the April 2005 issue of The Record Music Magazine available at your local newsagent. ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: The Record has been around since 1998. Do you have every issue of your favourite magazine? to order back issues Would you like to have your favourite music magazine delivered directly to your doorstep? Website: Thrillpill Design © THE RECORD MUSIC MAGAZINE. All Rights Reserved.