Mario is an American R&B singer who since his mid-teens has developed a convincingly strong career. Born and raised in Baltimore and now living in New Jersey, he was signed to the New York label 3rd Street/J Records, working with producer Clive Davis. After contributing to the soundtrack of Dr. Dolittle 2 (2001), Mario released his self-titled debut album in July 2002 while he was still 15, preceded by the single "Just A Friend 2002" based on a hit by Biz Markie. After touring America with other young artists Mario returned with the "Turning Point" album in December 2004, at the age of 18. The first single, "Let Me Love You", became Mario's first US number one and an international hit, and the album's fresh sounds and often surprising lyrics introduced him to a wider audience. With a range of creative music videos, plans of attending college and a part in the coming-of-age drama Destination Fame (2004) as the beginning of what he hopes to be an extensive acting career, Mario is an already well-established star even before the end of his teens.