Mario (singer) Bio: Net Worth, Age, Parents, Wife, Children, Songs, Albums, Instagram

Biography

Mario Dewar Barrett, known professionally as Mario, is a talented American R&B singer born on August 27, 1986, in Baltimore, Maryland.

Raised by his grandmother while his mother battled drug addiction, he discovered his love for singing at the age of four. At 14, he signed with J Records and released his self-titled debut album in 2002, which featured the hit single Just a Friend 2002.

His breakthrough came with Turning Point (2004), which included the chart-topping Let Me Love You, earning him widespread recognition.

Beyond music, Mario has explored acting, starring in films like Step Up (2006) and TV series such as Empire (2018–2020). In 2024, he finished as the runner-up on The Masked Singer Season 12, performing as “Wasp.”

American singer
Mario
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	Mario Dewar Barrett
Stage Name:	Mario
Born:	27 August 1986 (age 38 years old)
Place of Birth:	Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Nationality:	American
Education:	N/A
Height:	180 cm
Parents:	Shawntia Hardaway, Derryl Barrett Sr.
Siblings:	Derryl “D.J.” Barrett Jr.
Spouse:	Not Married
Girlfriend • Partner:	Jillian Barberie (2004), Nicole Narain (2007), Dez (2010), Tinashe (2012), Kris Stephens (2021)
Children:	N/A
Occupation:	Singer • Actor
Net Worth:	$4 million (USD)

Early Life & Education

Mario Dewar Barrett, professionally known as Mario, was born on August 27, 1986, in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. He was raised in a challenging environment, primarily cared for by his grandmother due to his mother’s struggles with drug addiction.

Despite these hardships, Mario discovered his passion for music early, beginning to sing at the age of four. His love for music, combined with his determination to overcome adversity, paved the way for his rise to stardom.

Of African-American descent, Mario has kept his religious beliefs private, with no widely available information confirming a specific affiliation. He is the son of Shawntia Hardaway and Derryl Barrett Sr.

His father, a member of the gospel group Reformation, likely influenced Mario’s early interest in music. Meanwhile, his mother’s struggles with addiction profoundly shaped his upbringing, making his grandmother a central figure in his life.

Mario has a younger half-brother, Derryl “D.J.” Barrett Jr., who shares his passion for music and has built a career as a drummer and producer. Regarding his education, details are scarce, as his music career took precedence from an early age.

He attended a local school in Baltimore but left to pursue music full-time after signing with J Records at 14. Before this breakthrough, he gained recognition at age 11 after participating in a talent show, which caught the attention of a producer and set the stage for his entry into the industry.

Career

Mario Dewar Barrett, known professionally as Mario, has built a successful career as an American R&B singer, songwriter, and actor, earning chart-topping hits, critical acclaim, and roles in television and film.

Born on August 27, 1986, in Baltimore, Maryland, his journey into music began early. At 11, he won a talent show that caught the attention of a producer, leading to a record deal with J Records at 14.

His self-titled debut album, Mario (2002), was released when he was just 15, peaking at No. 9 on the Billboard 200. The album featured the hit single Just a Friend 2002, a remake of Biz Markie’s classic, which reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and established him as a rising star in R&B.

Mario’s breakthrough came with his second album, Turning Point (2004). The lead single, Let Me Love You, written by Ne-Yo and produced by Scott Storch, became a defining moment in his career. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 for nine weeks, reached No. 1 in multiple countries, and earned two Grammy nominations in 2006 (Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and Best Contemporary R&B Album).

The album peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard 200 and was certified platinum, cementing Mario’s status as a leading R&B artist. His smooth vocals and ability to blend contemporary R&B with emotional depth earned him praise from critics and fans.

In 2007, Mario released his third album, Go, featuring collaborations with Juelz Santana and Rich Boy. While it didn’t match the commercial success of Turning Point, singles like How Do I Breathe and Crying Out for Me performed well, with the latter reaching No. 5 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Around this time, Mario also ventured into acting, making his film debut as Miles in Step Up (2006), a role that showcased his charisma and dance skills.

In 2009, after parting ways with J Records, Mario founded his own label, New Citizen. His fourth album, D.N.A., released that year under Epic Records, peaked at No. 2 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.

The lead single, Break Up (featuring Gucci Mane and Sean Garrett), became a Top 20 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached No. 2 on the R&B charts, proving his ability to adapt to evolving musical trends.

Following D.N.A., he took a break from music to focus on personal growth and acting, later appearing in Empire (2018–2020) as Devon and starring in Rent: Live (2019).

Mario returned to music with his fifth album, Dancing Shadows (2018), released through New Citizen and Empire Distribution.

Featuring the single Drowning, the album marked a more introspective and mature phase of his career, though it didn’t reach the commercial heights of his earlier work. In 2021, he continued experimenting with his sound through the EP Closer to Mars.

Beyond music and acting, he gained renewed attention in 2024 as the runner-up on The Masked Singer Season 12, performing as “Wasp.”

Throughout his career, Mario has sold over 1.8 million albums in the U.S., earned multiple award nominations (including Grammys and BET Awards), and maintained a loyal fanbase.

His ability to navigate the industry independently while expanding into acting and television highlights his versatility and lasting presence in entertainment.

Social Media

• Wikipedia: Mario (singer)
• Instagram: MARIO (@marioworldwide)
• Facebook: Mario
• IMDb: Mario
• TikTok: Mario (@marioworldwide)

Personal Life

Mario Dewar Barrett, professionally known as Mario, was born on August 27, 1986, in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. He is 38 years old.

He has never been married and has no publicly known children. His height is reported to be around 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm), though some sources vary slightly.

Over the years, Mario has been linked to several women. In 2004, at age 18, he had a brief fling with Canadian television host and actress Jillian Barberie, who was 38 at the time. In 2007, he was spotted with Jamaican actress Nicole Narain at the Freedom Writers premiere, sparking dating rumours.

In 2010, he was rumoured to have been involved with Dez, a socialite and friend of Amber Rose, though details remain scarce. In 2012, speculation arose about a relationship with singer Tinashe, his co-star in Rent: Live, after they were seen together, though neither confirmed the rumours.

Since January 2021, Mario has been in a public relationship with singer-songwriter Kris Stephens.

Net Worth

Mario Dewar Barrett, known professionally as Mario, has an estimated net worth of approximately $4 million. This figure reflects his earnings from a successful career as an R&B singer, songwriter, and actor spanning over two decades.

His wealth primarily stems from album sales, with hits like “Let Me Love You” and “Just a Friend 2002,” as well as revenue from tours and performances. Mario has sold over 1.8 million albums in the U.S. alone, contributing significantly to his financial success.

Additionally, his acting roles in films like Step Up (2006) and TV shows such as Empire (2018–2020), along with his appearance as the runner-up on The Masked Singer Season 12 in 2024, have bolstered his income.

His establishment of the independent label New Citizen in 2009 and subsequent music releases, including Dancing Shadows (2018) and the EP Closer to Mars (2021), have also added to his earnings.

Discography

Albums

1. Mario (2002) – J Records
   • Debut album featuring singles like “Just a Friend 2002,” “Braid My Hair,” and “C’mon.”
   • Peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard 200, certified Gold by the RIAA.
2. Turning Point (2004) – J Records
   • Breakthrough album with the hit “Let Me Love You.”
   • Other singles include “How Could You” and “Boom.”
   • Peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard 200, certified Platinum by the RIAA.
3. Go (2007) – J Records
   • Featured singles “How Do I Breathe,” “Crying Out for Me,” and “Music for Love.”
   • Peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
4. D.N.A. (2009) – New Citizen/Epic Records
   • Released under his own label, New Citizen.
   • Singles include “Break Up” (featuring Gucci Mane and Sean Garrett), “Thinkin’ About You,” and “Ooh Baby.”
   • Peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
5. Dancing Shadows (2018) – New Citizen/Empire Distribution
   • More introspective album with singles “Drowning” and “Dancing Shadows.”
   • Marked a mature evolution in his sound.

EPs

1. Closer to Mars (2021) – New Citizen
   • A five-track EP featuring songs like “Mars” and “Pretty Mouth Magick.”
   • Showcased experimental elements in his music.

Notable Singles

• “Just a Friend 2002” (2002) – No. 4 on Billboard Hot 100.
• “Braid My Hair” (2002) – No. 18 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.
• “C’mon” (2002) – No. 28 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.
• “Let Me Love You” (2004) – No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 for nine weeks, Grammy-nominated.
• “How Could You” (2005) – No. 14 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.
• “Boom” (featuring Juvenile) (2005) – No. 23 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.
• “How Do I Breathe” (2007) – No. 18 on Billboard Hot 100.
• “Crying Out for Me” (2007) – No. 5 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.
• “Break Up” (featuring Gucci Mane and Sean Garrett) (2009) – No. 14 on Billboard Hot 100, No. 2 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.
• “Thinkin’ About You” (2009) – No. 11 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.
• “Drowning” (2018) – Charted on R&B charts.
• “Mars” (2021) – From the Closer to Mars EP.

Filmography

Movies

1. Step Up (2006) – Played Miles Darby, a supporting role in the dance film.
2. Freedom Writers (2007) – Cameo appearance as Andre Bryant.
3. Rent: Live (2019) – Played Benjamin “Benny” Coffin III in the televised musical.
4. Empire (TV Series, 2018–2020) – Recurring role as Devon in Seasons 5 and 6.

Television Appearances

• The Masked Singer (Season 12, 2024) – Competed as “Wasp” and finished as the runner-up.
• One on One (2004) – Guest appearance as himself.
• Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (2002) – Guest appearance as himself.

Other Contributions

• Mario has appeared as a featured artist on tracks like “Get Out” by Macy Gray (2003) and “Whatcha Say” by Jason Derulo (2009, sampled “Let Me Love You”).