Mario

Mario Dewar Barrett (born August 27, 1986), who performs under the mononym Mario, is an American R&B singer-songwriter, actor, dancer and model. He is best known for his hit singles "Just a Friend 2002" (2002) and "Let Me Love You" (2004), which won him two Billboard awards, as well as for appearing in the films Step Up and Freedom Writers. He has released four studio albums: Mario (2002), Turning Point (2004), Go (2007), and D.N.A. (2009). In the end of 2000's decade, Mario was ranked by Billboard #98 on their "Artist of the Decade" list. Mario grew up in Baltimore, Maryland and other working-class neighbourhoods in Baltimore County, Maryland. He lived with his grandmother, who raised him while his single mother struggled with a drug addiction. Mario said at the age of four that he wanted to become a singer. His mother supported his dream and bought him a karaoke machine. Mario joined a musical group in Milford Mill Academy with the oldest son of comedienne Mo'Nique and best friend Jaye Brebnor and also his younger god sister Chea Tyler. He was always dedicated to having a musical career. He learned to play the piano and used that skill as the basis for his melodies and songs. He