Who Is Mario (singer)? Age, Biography and Wiki
Mario Dewar Barrett, popularly known as Mario, was born on August 27, 1986, in Baltimore, Maryland. As of 2025, the talented R&B singer is 38 years old. Mario gained prominence in the early 2000s with his hit singles such as "Just a Friend 2002" and "Let Me Love You," showcasing his smooth vocal delivery and captivating stage presence. Over the years, he has released several albums and has become a significant figure in the music industry.
| Occupation | Pop Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 27, 1986 |
| Age | 38 Years |
| Birth Place | Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Mario (singer)'s Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
As of 2025, Mario stands at an impressive height of approximately 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm). He maintains a well-toned physique, weighing around 152 pounds (69 kg). His body measurements reveal a fit and athletic build, which he has maintained through regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle.
In January 2009, Mario became the face of Pelle Pelle's European Spring/Summer campaign with various press shots running through the first part of the year. For his fourth album D.N.A., the lead single "Break Up" was released on April 28, 2009. The song features Sean "The Pen" Garrett and Gucci Mane.
In the U.S., the song peaked at number 2 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Chart and 14 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Mario's most successful single in five years. The single has been certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for a shipment of over 500,000 units.
"Thinkin' About You", was released as the second single reaching number forty-five on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Chart. "Stranded" never labelled as the third single due to the limited airplay that it received.
Lack of interest led to the single being cancelled, although in January 2010 the song entered on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs peaking at number 84. "Ooh Baby" was later confirmed to be the third single from the album, it peaked on the week of March 19, 2010 debuting on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 95.
The album was made available for the public to listen to on his Myspace page before its release. The album debuted at number nine on the Billboard 200, selling 38,000 copies in its first week, becoming Mario's lowest-selling debut in the United States. So far, it has sold 93,385 copies in the U.S.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Mario has been quite private about his personal life, though he has previously been linked to various notable women. As of 2025, he is rumored to be in a relationship, but details about his boyfriend have not been publicly confirmed. Mario often emphasizes the importance of family and has shared moments with his mother, who played a crucial role in his upbringing and career.
He also has a half-brother Derryl "D.J." Barrett Jr., who is a professional drummer. He grew up in west Baltimore and other working-class neighborhoods in Baltimore County, Maryland. He lived with his grandmother, who raised him while his single mother struggled with drug addiction.
At the age of four, Mario proclaimed that he wanted to become a singer. In support of his dream, his mother bought him a karaoke machine. Mario joined a musical group in Milford Mill Academy with the oldest son of comedian Mo'Nique and best friend Jaye Brebnor and also his younger god sister Chea Tyler.
Barrett learned to play the piano and used that skill as the basis for his melodies and songs. He was discovered at age eleven and signed by producer Troy Patterson, after singing "I'll Make Love to You" at a Coppin State College talent show.
Mario attended Milford Mill Academy up until the tenth grade where he was inspired by his music teacher, during his early teen years, and was offered a record deal at the age of fourteen, signing with Clive Davis' J Records.
His musical influences include Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, Nat King Cole, Brian McKnight, Boyz II Men, Michael Jackson, Usher, and Joe. His first introduction to the music industry was the Dr. Dolittle 2 movie soundtrack in 2001.
He sang a cover of the Stevie Wonder song "You and I" at Clive's Grammy party in 2002, and began recording an album.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Mario's estimated net worth is approximately $6 million. His wealth has been accumulated through his successful music career, including album sales, tours, and endorsements. Additionally, he has ventured into various business projects, contributing to his financial stability.
Career, Business and Investments
Mario's career took off in the early 2000s, with his debut album "Mario" reaching commercial success. With various albums and hit singles under his belt, he has continued to evolve as an artist. Besides his music career, Mario has made strategic investments in the fashion and entertainment industries. His entrepreneurial spirit has prompted him to explore new business avenues, further diversifying his income streams.
His third studio album, Go (2007) saw mild success with its singles "How Do I Breathe" and "Crying Out for Me". His fourth album, D.N.A.
(2009), matched his self-titled debut on the Billboard 200, while its lead single, "Break Up" (featuring Gucci Mane and Sean Garrett), peaked within the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100 and received platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). In the following year, Barrett was ranked No.
98 by Billboard on their "Artist of the Decade" list. His fifth album, Dancing Shadows (2018) saw further lyrical introspection and creative control than previous commercially-oriented projects, serving as his first independent release.
Social Network
Mario maintains an active presence on social media, where he engages with fans and shares insights into his life and career. His official accounts on platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook have a substantial following, reflecting his enduring popularity. Through these channels, he provides updates on new music, performances, and personal milestones.
In a 2009 interview with Rap-Up, Mario said that "Soul Truth Entertainment" was his new entertainment company.
Before the release of his third album Go, Mario confirmed in an interview with that he was working on a new album "by the time school starts back up, like after next summer" "But there's really even more than that, 'cause I'm gonna start recording, like, [at] the end of January".
The album is involving a wide range of producers and songwriters such as Darkchild, Babyface, Polow da Don, RedOne, and CJ of Charlio Productions, Malay, Jazze Pha, Stargate, KP, Tricky Stewart and The-Dream. Mario said that he would like to work with no more than four producers for this album.
Mario has described this album as world music, an old school R&B influenced with a modern dance pop sound. The album is being described as his "most personal, colossal album of his career."
Education
Mario attended various schools in Baltimore before his move to pursue a music career in his teenage years. He has often emphasized the importance of education and personal growth, even as he pursued his passion for music. While specifics about his formal education remain sparse, it’s clear that his life experiences have educated him in ways that transcend traditional learning.
