Best of full interview: Mario Talks Growth, Going Song For Song With Ray J, Interracial Relationship, New Album + More

Summary

The Breakfast Club – Best Of: Mario Talks Growth, Ray J, Interracial Relationship, New Album + More

Date: January 6, 2026
Featured Guest: Mario
Hosts: DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, Charlamagne Tha God, Lauren London

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Episode Overview

In this energetic and wide-ranging “Best Of” interview, R&B artist Mario joins The Breakfast Club to discuss his personal and professional evolution. The episode covers Mario’s new EP "Mood Swings," the complexities of his public persona, music industry changes, shadow work and healing, his interracial relationship, and fatherhood. Laced with frankness, humor, and occasional tough subjects, Mario opens up about growing pains, public perception, artistry, and what keeps him motivated after 24 years in the industry.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Mario's Career Resurgence and Tour Life

[01:03-04:12]

• Mario discusses being back on tour and promoting his new EP "Mood Swings."
• The hosts debate Mario’s place in R&B and poke fun about Ray J’s potential to outdo him in a Verzuz battle.
  • Notable Quote: “Y'all gotta stop taking me out of these conversations, bro. I get passionate about it, and I love all my peers... But I think some people, like, have fun on the Internet. And then some people really take it serious. I'm one of those that take it serious.” – Mario [03:24]
• DJ Envy reminisces DJing for Mario and is reminded of Mario’s long list of hits and enduring fanbase.

2. Evolution as an Artist & Navigating the Music Industry

[05:18-08:22]

• Mario reflects on how his approach to music and creativity changed over time:

  • No longer "falling in love" with his own creations, focusing on constantly evolving as an artist.
  • "Mood Swings" is intentionally a departure from his older work, showcasing growth.
  • Sound and business in R&B have changed—artists need to be more versatile and business-savvy.
  • Quote: “Being as versatile mentally as possible so that all these other opportunities can attract you. That’s where I’m at now.” – Mario [06:37]

• On collaborating, Mario trusts “the foundation” with his creative circle and prefers organic, real relationships with collaborators.

3. Ray J, Peer Dynamics & Taking Nothing Personally

[08:38-10:03]

• Mario describes his dynamic with Ray J as playful competition rather than real beef, noting Ray J’s reputation as a “troller.”
  • Quote: “Ray J don’t want no smoke with me on any level. He’s a major troller, though… even if you execute him, he gonna come back from the dead.” – Mario [08:42]
• Mario emphasizes not taking industry drama personally and expresses a desire for more fun and less seriousness in artist rivalries.

4. The "Mood Swings" EP: Inspiration & Themes

[11:42-13:31]

• Mario discusses the creative process behind "Mood Swings":
  • Inspired by '90s and early 2000s R&B, but updated for today.
  • Explores love, intimacy, and “different moods as an R&B artist.”
  • Song "Fortune Cookie" uses women as a metaphor; relationships are always surprising and multi-layered.
    • Quote: “I think women are like fortune cookies, bro… if you really dive in and really get to know a woman… you gotta crack open a Fortune Cookie.” – Mario [12:45]

5. Interracial Relationship, Public Reaction, and Social Media

[13:31-16:11]

• Mario addresses public scrutiny after posting about his pregnant girlfriend, who is Mexican:
  • Talks about his girlfriend handling online negativity and their decision to be open publicly.
  • Quote: “Until they understand you got something real, people hate you before they love you… the internet highlights more of the ugly than the love.” – Mario [13:43]
• Expresses pride in providing his forthcoming son with a different start than he had and being publicly open about family.

6. Personal Growth, Shadow Work, and Healing

[16:15-24:54]

• Mario shares his journey with shadow work, therapy, and self-forgiveness:
  • Doing “shadow work” made him a better man, friend, and future father.
  • Quote: “With greatness comes the opportunity for leadership… and when you take on that role of being vulnerable and being a leader, which means coming up with solutions—it could be in work, in life, for your family…” – Mario [17:13]
  • Describes using spiritual and holistic healing to process childhood trauma, addiction in his family, and being thrown into stardom young.
  • 26-day fast and spiritual/physical cleansing was pivotal for his mental reset.
  • Quote: “I cried on nights, I had cold sweats… I was really like traveling through these different portals of everything that I’ve been hiding from.” – Mario [21:12]

7. On Relationships, Motherhood, and Spiritual Forgiveness

[44:29-49:50]

• Mario talks about becoming a father and the absence/presence of his mother after her passing:
  • Wishes his mom was here, finds healing in spiritual practices, and focuses on forgiveness (for both himself and his mother).
  • Quote: “Spiritually, no one ever really dies, right? The energy doesn’t die… sending her forgiveness and support… for whatever her soul may still be struggling with.” – Mario [46:29]

8. Purpose Beyond Music & Building the Community

[48:11-51:03]

• Mario declares his life’s purpose is bigger than music—citing community building, tech, financial literacy (i.e., investing in Redemption Bank), and creative ventures.
  • He’s writing multiple books, working on a music/tech museum, and seeking to sign new raw talent to help them thrive beyond music alone.

9. Masculinity, Applauding Growth, and Letting Go

[51:03-53:02]

• Shares advice for men:
  • Applaud other men’s personal growth.
  • Be unafraid to step back from people to pursue your own growth when needed.
  • Quote: “Maybe save some bread… if something’s calling me to grow, are these people around me going to help me grow? … Sometimes we gotta do that, man. And then circle the block and be like, yo, I see things from a different perspective.” – Mario [51:08]

10. Final Thoughts: R&B, the Internet, and “Villain” Narratives

[55:41-57:38]

• Mario addresses rumors (e.g., snubbed Monica at a show, alleged issues with black women) frankly, refutes negative narratives, and pushes for honest conversations rather than clickbait.
• Mario believes R&B remains vital for exploring love and connection, and he seems more excited than ever for what’s next.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Outgrowing Drama:
  "Niggas take shit too serious, bro." – Mario [10:37]

• On Forgiveness & Healing:
  “Sometimes we can do the work, but we still haven’t really forgiven ourselves… Tell your younger self, I love you.” – Mario [26:17]

• On His Changing Relationship to Fame:
  “There’s a bigger call on my life that I’m tapping into that’s so multidimensional… I’ve been learning so much and wanting to be a part of changing the narrative.” – Mario [29:09]

• On Navigating Internet Speculation:
  “You can’t just leave that out in the air. That’s crazy… I’d rather confront it so people understand that it’s a lie and it’s not true.” – Mario [39:54]

• Positive Affirmation, Giving Flowers:
  “I want to give you your flowers… Just wanted to say that. Yeah, for sure.” – Mario to Jess Hilarious [16:07]

• Self-Reflection on Shadow Work:
  “It scared me when I felt like people weren’t respecting the work I was doing on myself… I realized, bro, it doesn’t matter if people don’t see the work that you’re doing.” – Mario [18:43]

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Important Timestamps

• Mario on Versus Battles & Ray J Rivalry: [01:17–04:12]
• The Drive Behind 'Mood Swings' EP: [11:42–13:31]
• On Public Scrutiny About Interracial Relationship: [13:31–16:11]
• Deep Dive: Shadow Work, Trauma, and Healing: [16:15–24:54]
• Discussion about Kicking Cameraman off Stage: [34:17–36:56]
• On Family, Motherhood, and Spirituality: [44:29–49:50]
• Message for Men and Growth: [51:03–53:02]
• Clearing the Air on Internet Narratives: [55:41–57:38]

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Closing Reflection

This episode is a candid, unguarded window into Mario’s growth from teen heartthrob to mature, reflective artist and soon-to-be father. He balances industry insights, spiritual healing, and community ambitions with vulnerability, humor, and the signature Breakfast Club ribbing. Listeners leave with a sense that Mario’s journey, both as an artist and a man, is far from over—if anything, it’s just entering its most interesting chapter yet.

"Let’s get back to love. Let’s keep R&B alive." – Mario [57:48]

Transcript

[Podcast Host]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.

[Julian Edelman]

This is Julian Edelman from Games With Names. Now let's get into the serious stuff. We're talking football food, specifically Daisy French onion dip. These are so delicious. They're like homemade dips made with real herb and spices. Also made with some daisy sour cream. Daisy sour cream is a long standing staple for Taco Tuesday. They also have daisy ranch dip. So get out there and give Daisy French onion dip a try. You will not regret it.

[Mario]

Hold up. Every day I wake up.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Wake your ass up. The Breakfast Club.

[Mario]

Finish or y' all done?

[DJ Envy]

Morning, everybody. It's DJ Envy. Just hilarious. Charlemagne the guy. We are the Breakfast Club. Lauren laros is here as well. We got a special guest in the building.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yes, indeed.

[Mario]

Mario, sir.

[DJ Envy]

What's up?

[Mario]

What's up? What's up? What's up?

[DJ Envy]

How you feeling, man?

[Mario]

What's up, gang? What's up? Yo, how you doing? You already know. Yeah, yeah, I'm good, bro. I'm good. Feeling good.

[DJ Envy]

Back on the road, back on tour.

[Mario]

Yeah, on tour right now. Mood swings, you know what I'm saying? The new EP out on tour. It's been amazing.

[DJ Envy]

I want to tell you. I want to start right now. You shook that man's hand. That man fronted on you the other day.

[Mario]

Fronted on you the other day.

[DJ Envy]

What did he say? What did he say, Jess?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

That Ray J can beat him in a verse.

[DJ Envy]

Yes, you did.

[Mario]

That's. You said Ray J can beat me in a verse. I mean, you know, he had to. You know he had to. He had to be on the other side.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I ain't talking about singing. I'm not talking about, like, this is a. I'm not talking about singing vocally. Yes. Music. Yeah.

[Mario]

You think.

[DJ Envy]

What nigga lost his mind?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You ain't let him on that stage that night. Cause you knew what was gonna happen at the Wally. Yeah, Ray J. Y.

[Mario]

You said, I didn't let him on stage. Ray J wanted to do the verses right there. You could ask Ray J what happened backstage. I was like, yo, let's do it. Let's make it happen. He was like, nigga, shrink me. Just. Just. I don't care what you do. Just. Let's just make it happen. I'm like, I didn't even know he was gonna be there. I said, I bet. I got you. They didn't let him on stage. It wasn't me.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

That's not Ray J's story. Ray J's story was I wanted to do the verses right then and there. So Mario Was like, nah.

[Mario]

Out of all people, you trust Ray J's story? Damn. Damn. You told him you trust Ray J's story? Out of all people? Why would you. I don't know. I don't know. I didn't know what was happening back then. Like, it was a plan and then it did happen. So, you know. Well, you know. We gonna run into each other again.

[DJ Envy]

Sleeping on you, though.

[Mario]

I know.

[Lauren London]

Yeah.

[DJ Envy]

Why they keep sleeping on you?

[Mario]

Tell me why they keep sleeping.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I don't know vocally.

[Mario]

Hold on. You said. Hold on.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

We gotta go back.

[DJ Envy]

Yes, he did.

[Mario]

Hold on, bro.

[DJ Envy]

He said it with his.

[Mario]

He said it with his chest.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Ray J got three in a possible. I don't think you can with crazy.

[Podcast Host]

Five, about 10, six.

[Mario]

Yeah, that's. That's kind of crazy, bro. By the way, this is the same.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Thing with one, though. He said one song for one song.

[Podcast Host]

And he said new music.

[Mario]

Because he can only do one song. Damn right. That really, like, really, like, people be like, all right, that was a straight cause versus you got. It's like, it gotta be strong. You gotta have some strong. It's not, you know, that's. It's not a joke. If you're going with the right. If you're going up against the right person, you gotta have a strong record. Because people. People. You don't know how they gonna be feeling that day. They might love the song one day. One day. It might be like, that's better. People aren't consistent.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

But he could do one wish three times. Because technically he gonna do three wish three times.

[Mario]

He definitely could, but he only got one wish.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

And then. But. But he could do it three times. And then you got sex.

[Mario]

No, for sure. He got some nice.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Wait a minute, bro.

[Mario]

He got a couple records, bro.

[Podcast Host]

And then what?

[Mario]

But, like, yeah, they not timeless classic records that make you feel some. Like, it's just a different. Y' all gotta just stop taking me out of these conversations, bro. Honestly. Y' all gotta stop taking me out of these conversations. You know what I'm saying? I get passionate about it, and I love all my peers, bro. Like, you know what I'm saying? The Internet shit is. The Internet shit. Like, whatever. But, like, y' all gotta put me in different conversations. But I get that, you know, during my hiatus, like, I've had to prove, like, remind people that, yo, like, I really. God, put me in this. Because the gift is really there. My persistence and my ability to continue to push and continue to put out music is still there. My passion's still There. I'm still hungry. You know, I take it serious, you know, But I think some people are like, Internet, have fun on the Internet. And then some people really take it serious. I'm one of those that take it serious.

[DJ Envy]

I think people forget that because of your hiatus, right? And the reason I say that. Cause I forgot. And we went on tour. We went on, like, an R and B tour, and I DJed for Mario during that tour. And when you understand when we're playing six songs and that 15,000 arena is singing them six songs only because we.

[Mario]

Only got 15 minutes, we would play more music. But, yeah, go ahead, continue.

[DJ Envy]

But the six songs, you understand is like, oh, I get it now.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

That's why when you said it the.

[DJ Envy]

Other day, I'm like, nah.

[Podcast Host]

When we did our makeup the other.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Day when Envy was playing, I'm like, oh, yeah, I forgot that.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Oh, yeah, I did forget that one.

[Mario]

Yeah, yeah. Night happens. I think it's natural, you know, I saw your interview with Mike Epps the other day. I was like, yo, it was a great interview because he. He made some good points about people forget. You know, you got to remind people. And I think that it's just the way of the Internet as well as just like, this. This new world of, like, everybody's receiving stuff so fast, and it's like, if you don't put music out for six months, nigga, you where you been at? You know what I'm saying? But for us as artists, a six months, that's a small campaign it might take. Especially in R B, it might take six months for people to even know you got a joint that's less. That's heating up, you know? But that's just a part of the process.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You've been in the game since you were a teenager. What's something the grown version of you had to unlearn from the young version of you?

[Mario]

A lot of things, bro. But I would start with, you know, not falling in love with my creation. Meaning, you know, when you. When you create music and you put it out to the world, you got to let it go, you know, you got to let the people that connect with the music and connect with what you're doing connect with it. And you got to keep creating. Like, keep creating. Don't pigeonhole yourself to, oh, you got to make another hit like, let me love you. You got to make it. It's really just about evolving, bro, because there's so many other things that happen in life as to why the music sound the way it does. Now, right? Mood Swings is a completely different vibe from glad you came, which I released just a year ago. Completely different energy work with completely different people. My creativity's in a different place, so really just being free in the creative process because we're in a world now where it's about exploring. I was talking to an exec yesterday and we were talking about, you know, how different the game is even for labels. Like, labels now have to play a different game. If they're not in the game of having a movie, syncs their songs, sync the movie, their songs, you know, as many places as possible that they own, they not gonna have the lion's share sometimes, you know, so it's like you have to tech even, like, you know, investing in different things. Even though Dr. Dranum, they already did that, right? They was like, yo, we wanna show y' all how to get this music money, but we gonna show y' all how to also have some headphones and some speakers and do it. So it's just about being as versatile mentally as possible so that all these other opportunities can attract you. That's where I'm at now.

[Podcast Host]

Who are you, like, picking up the phone and calling when you're going through the process of, like, I gotta re remind people, or I'm trying to make this sound different than that and not chase that record, but ego wise, like, there has to be a part of Mario that's like, this has to be big because I'm Mario. Like, who coaches you through those battles?

[Mario]

Coaches me or just somebody? Honestly, God, I'm be honest with you. Because, you know, I think a lot of people that surround me every day, they just believe in me. You know, they tell me real shit, but they believe in me. And it's like they understand how strong I am mentally. But there's no person that I call to ask advice about those types of things because I think that my journey is my journey and I just have to trust God and I gotta trust the people that I entrust creatively, right? So when I went in the studio to start Mood swings, me and my boy Draymond, who I met through one of my managers, AK with 365, we've been knowing each other for years. Like, he did a bunch of future records, but he never hopped into his R and B back, but he's always wanted to. I said, yo, let's like, I wanna hop into this darker, moodier part of me as an R and B artist that's like moody and still musical and R and B, but just like More authentic. And so he was like, yo, let's get in the studio. Let's go. And it was like working with a friend and somebody that you go over their house, they come over your house. You know their kids, you know their family. But y' all both really young goats. It's different than working with somebody that's like, I'm a fan of your music. I've always wanted to work with you, but I don't know where you live. I don't know, you know, what you into. It's a different thing.

[Lauren London]

It's the foundation there.

[Mario]

The foundation is there. So that to me, and I trust the team that I work with, and we just make the music that we love. We go in the studio. We might go in the studio and play verses with ourselves. Like, yo, you play your. Your favorite five records ever, and I'm gonna play mine against yours. And that inspires to get the studio session started.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

But you won't do that with Ray J, though.

[Mario]

I'm trying to. Ray J don't want no smoke with me on any level. He know that's why he gotta always. He. You know, he. He's a major troller, though. It's like, how do you. How do you. How do you execute a major troller? Even if you execute him, he gonna come back from the dead.

[DJ Envy]

When did you realize that and not take it personal? When did you realize that and not take it personal?

[Mario]

Real nigga shit. Because it's different from, like. And I had other people that, like, hit me. Really got on some. Really. Some sissy shit. But, like, Ray J, like. Like, we. We talk. You feel me? So it's like, he could say some wild shit, and I might say some wild shit the next day, but it's like, he's a major troller, so he gonna go deep into quicksand. Whereas I got other shit going. I'm on tour right now. You know what I'm saying? I ain't gonna go that deep in the quicksand. But, yeah, it's whatever.

[DJ Envy]

Omarion was mad, too. He was pissed off.

[Mario]

They didn't seem trouble. He seemed like he was hurt, you know? It's crazy. Can I be honest?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yes.

[Mario]

The honesty is this. No, no, no. For James, gotta be honest. The honesty is that all we were doing is having conversations about things y' all have, but nobody don't really talk about it all the way. We just having a conversation. It's the same shit everybody do. People in the comments actually went crazier on everybody I spoke about or Answered the question about. Than I did. Like, you giving niggas too much grace. And it's like, damn, is it that serious? Why is it that serious?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Cause you an artist.

[Lauren London]

Yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

That can actually say. And you're talented. And I'm sure they look. They like, damn. I think Mario dope as shit, but he don't feel the same way about.

[Mario]

That's crazy. I feel like everybody got strengths and weaknesses. Like, if somebody. If somebody can dance, they ass off. And they ask somebody a question like, yo, who the. Who out of these people? I'm gonna ask who can dance or who can't? Let's just say always on that, he was like, yo, can Mario dancing? He was like, ah, hit or miss. I would laugh. I would laugh. I would be like, damn, he right.

[DJ Envy]

Cause I don't singing, though. Cause that's the craft.

[Mario]

But dancing, they know him for dancing, right? They know that's his craft. I get what you're saying, right? So that's. You know, it's just. Niggas take shit too serious, bro.

[Podcast Host]

So y' all haven't spoken since he said he's not gonna do no more songs with you or any collabs with you?

[Mario]

I seen him at the Ebony event, and we were sitting at the same table.

[Podcast Host]

That was before. Yeah, that's what. I was literally right next to y'.

[Mario]

All. Well, I don't know when he did. When. When it was recorded and all that.

[Podcast Host]

So the time. So. Okay. Ebony power 100.

[Mario]

No, after that. I didn't see him after that Ebony thing. I didn't see him.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah, okay.

[Mario]

Cuz I'm like, he ain't say nothing to me about it.

[Lauren London]

That's right. Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

Y' all never heard of it.

[Mario]

If I really feel some type of. Listen, everything I love. If I really feel some type of way about something, somebody said, I'mma pull him to the side something. I might not say it in front of everybody. I'm gonna figure out a way to get it off my chest. I didn't know. I had no idea. He felt some type of way about. About that. You know what I'm saying? I've had days where I've been hit or miss on stage. I don't always hit every note the same every night. Like, let's be real. We just gotta be real, have fun, and, like, not take it too serious, bro. Listen, we. We young, black. We got opportunity. We still here, bro. 24 years later, like, we still here. It's a blessing, bro.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

What do you feel like, Mark?

[Lauren London]

Mood swings, right? So you up and down on that. This is, like, mood swings, love, angry.

[Mario]

It's a mixture of, like, love, you.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Know.

[Mario]

It'S really a conversation. It's a conversation for you. When I started Mood Swings, it was just about 90s R&B vibes. And when I think of the word mood swings, I think of 90s R&B, I think about 2000s R&B, and I'm like, yo, how do we take that feeling and, like, update it? And this was, like, the approach. And then I would have, like, a couple different. Draymond executive produced it. Worked with a lot of great producers on here. But, yeah, the conversations are different. And also the textures of what I sing in is different. Like, I got a song called Fortune Cookie in there that I've never spoken like this before. But the actual texture of the way I'm using my voice song called Moan. Same way I'm giving you different moods of who I am as an R and B artist, how I think about intimacy, how I think about love, and just, you know, just talking. My honestly inspired fortune cookie.

[Lauren London]

Damn it, man.

[Mario]

Yo, with Asian woman. That is crazy. It wasn't the Asian woman. It's just. It's just women in general. I think women are like fortune cookies, bro. Like, you know, it's like you never know what you're gonna get if you really dive in and really get to know a woman on those more intimate levels, you know? And it's something that I've always prided myself on when getting to know somebody. I'm in a relationship now, and I'm still learning, my girl. I'm still learning, like, how to unlock certain parts of her and, you know, how to make her feel safe in moments where I'm not around. And, like, there's so many elements to having a relationship with a woman, whether you're just a friend or whether you in something deep like I am, it's just you never know what you're gonna get. You gotta crack open a Fortune Cookie. Obviously, record goes a little deeper into some, like, more intimate shit.

[Podcast Host]

But, like, yeah, how does your girlfriend deal with all of the. Like, being Mario's girlfriend, everything's public. Like, when you post to her, there's, like, such a big response because they're like, she's not a black woman. How does she deal with seeing stuff like that?

[Mario]

I think that she. She's a very, like, analytical person, like me. Like, she dives into things to understand the psychology behind it. And, like, what's the. Like, what does it really mean? She Understood to a certain degree, but she's also human, you know? So we've had conversations. She's like, I clapped back at people before. She clapped back at a couple of people. I'm like, yo, just don't. Don't even. Don't let it. You know. And then once that first initial one happened, she was like, oh, okay, I get it now. And I told her, you know, it's one of those things where people. Until they understand that you got something real, people hate you before they love you. You know what I'm saying, Sometimes. And that they don't even have to know you, right? But then there's a lot of support I don't want. And I think sometimes the Internet, like, the dark and the ugly shit get more highlighted than the love, right? Even with me sometimes I. I see all these love you. No, I love what you doing. We know you love black. When we know you don't gotta. And then that one or two comments, that's like, dark. You're like. You know what I'm saying? And that's just human nature, right? So we just working through it together. It's my first, like, real public relationship in this way. Whereas, though, like, the picture. We were going on vacation for my birthday, and we had took some pictures, and she posted a picture of her pregnant on her page before I did. But her page was probably like, babe. Nobody's gonna say, I'm like, babe, go ahead.

[Lauren London]

Right?

[Mario]

Next thing you know is, you know. So I was trying to tell her, like, you know, but I was. I'm not ashamed of it. So I was like, yo, go ahead, do your thing. And so it was beautiful. Like, I'm really proud that I'm able to say, out of all the men in my family, especially on my mom's side, like, that I can give my son something that I didn't have. You know, when he touches. When he incarnates on this planet, he's gonna have a different life than I had. And I'm proud of that, you know, and the growing pains of being an artist who's now more open with his life. I should have did this seven years ago, 10 years ago, but now I'm being more open. So this is the part. This is a part of it. You gotta go through it. I'm ready. Come on, jump me in.

[Lauren London]

Congratulations.

[Mario]

Put me in. Congratulations to you. Hold on real quick. Yo, I want to give you your flowers. I'm so proud of you, Jess. I'm so proud of you. You know, where we come from, you Know you're raising a young king. You got another baby that you just had. You're married now, right? Yes, I am married now. Like you doing your thing. And I'm proud of you, you know what I'm saying? I love you and I'm proud of you.

[Lauren London]

I love you too, y'.

[Mario]

All. You know what I'm saying? Just wanted to say that. Yeah, for sure.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Where do you feel Mario the man has grown the most compared to Mario the artist?

[Mario]

That's a great question. Thank you. I think that I've been able to shadow work myself on a more honest and authentic level than I have before because. Not just because I'm about to be a father, but because I see the world around me changing in ways that I'm like when things get out of control. If you can't always control how your environment is going to. What is going to happen in the environments around you. Because when you're an artist, things happen around you. You have to be exposed. If you want to have success, you got to be out here, right? And so it's really important for me to have control of myself on a deeper level and controlling my emotions and control of my. How I view the world, how I view people, how I view my relationships with people. Getting better at relationship building because I wasn't good at that as a young kid and as a young adult. And so just really doing that shadow work, bro, and also becoming a better friend to people that I consider important in my life instead of being closed off or being like, okay, I can't trust nobody. Like, I'm not opening up to no. Like, having a little bit more grace and understanding that, bro. With greatness comes the opportunity for leadership. And with the opportunity for leadership, you're able to actually see the world from a different space. When you take on that role of being vulnerable and being a leader, which means coming up with solutions, right? And it could be anything. It could be in work, it could be in your personal life, it could be for your family, it could be for free. And I think that that's something that God blessed me with experiences to get so that I can help people come up with solutions, you know? And it could be small things, bro. Somebody could call me one day and be like, yo, I'm going through this. You know what I'm saying? I just made my first, you know, $20,000, bro. My first hundred. Like, how should I.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Woo, woo.

[Mario]

It's like those small things. I fucked up money before I know how to. I could give you advice on that. If I can't give you advice on something, I know somebody who can. Just being more open and vulnerable about life, man, and knowing that everybody's not out to hurt you, you know? And that comes from growth and doing shadow work.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

When you first did your shadow work, did your shadow self scare you?

[Mario]

It scared me when I felt like people weren't respecting the work that I was doing myself. And that triggered me. It was like, what the fuck is the purpose of doing it if nobody cares and they still going to judge you? They still. And I realized, like, yo, bro, it doesn't matter if people don't see the work that you're doing. You can't change their perspective. You can't change how people see things, because they can only understand things on the level that they're experiencing. Right? I was reading this book called. I forgot the author's name is called Power versus Force. I don't know if you read that, but it's really good. And it basically talks about life by way of calibration. Like, it's from zero to 600, right? So you can have a conversation with your homie about running down on somebody that might be calibrated at like a 10 or a 20, but then you can have a conversation about growth and health and building, community building that's calibrated at like a 450, 500. It just talks about how these things affect your body, how it affects your mind. And I got it from this chiropractor, but he doesn't do regular chiropractor work. He does, like, spiritual chiropractic work. Whereas, though he finds where your traumas are, you know, where you're lying to yourself, where you're not being honest. When. The first time I worked with him, he brought me. He does it, like, in his backyard. He lives in la. And then he was like. He said, hold both your arms out. He's like, I'm gonna ask you a question. And you could choose to tell me the truth or tell me a lie. The one where I lied on him, my arm got weak. Like, literally. I'm not bushing. It was like, if it was like. And I knew I was lying. And then the one where I told the truth, it was like my arm was steady, it was strong, and I was like, damn, that's crazy. You don't think that, like, your body and your mind and how everything worked, like the truth, even if it's ugly, is more powerful than a lie. And, I mean, you could take that in so many different ways. But I Would like to think that I want to live in a space where I can live as much truth as possible. And the lies aren't as. That I tell myself.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Absolutely.

[Mario]

You know what I'm saying? So I don't know. All of that stuff is just a part of my journey now.

[DJ Envy]

You talked about the hiatus.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You want to try it?

[Mario]

Let's try it. Here you go. You know him better than I do.

[Podcast Host]

Try it.

[DJ Envy]

You talk about the hiatus, right? And for most that don't know during that time, which was a long time, what was Mario doing during that time?

[Mario]

Yeah, man, You know, I was exploring. I was exploring so many things in life, like, just really trying to understand what it was all. What the purpose was, you know, what's the purpose of relationships? What's the purpose of family? What's the purpose of me being an artist? What's the purpose of it all? Why am I here? You know, what is religion? What is all these things? You know, what is fear? What is trauma? What is. You know, why do people choose addiction over going to get help and really fighting through it? Because it's such a strong. Like, it's such a strong intention. Like when people are addicted to something, like they will go through anything to get that fix, you know, how do you transmute that into something towards something you want to build for yourself in life, how you transmute that to your family level, all that. So really just started studying and understanding, like, human behavior, right? I started there and, like, you know, wanted to understand, you know, what was hell, what is heaven, you know, what is all of this? Because I got thrown in at such a young age that I wasn't able to process the death of my grandmother. I wasn't able to process being adopted. I wasn't able to process, now you're an artist, now you moving around, now you in this world. I wasn't able to process that and enjoy the process. Like maybe a lot of other younger artists, I don't know their process, but sometimes they looked happier, right? So I think that at that time of, like, after Let Me Love youe, after going on tour with Destiny's Child, after all these things, it was like, bro, I moved back home. And then I went through another dark moment. And I was like, yeah, I gotta get out of here, left. That's when my process of, like, getting through everything started, like, processing it, putting it all on the table, being confused, being hurt, being in the dark, not having nobody around me. And it just brought me closer to myself and brought me closer to God. And that's when I started to realize that life and cycles and time and space and all of it is. It's all happening all at once, right? And you know, you really just got to like pull everything, pour all the fragments back in, and then balance it out, release, which like releasing, truly releasing it. For me, it was a 26 day fast where I released so much, you know, I cried on nights, I had cold sweats on nights. I was seeing things, hearing things. I was really like traveling through these different portals of everything that I've been hiding from. And that's what kind of brought me back. And then after that, so I had met this doctor named Dahuti and Cali handmade these organ cleansing tablets. And I was taking those and I was doing. During this time, it was a popular fast, but most people were doing it for like three to five days. I did it for 26 days. Cayenne, you know, honey, lemon. What else was in Ginger? Ginger.

[Podcast Host]

People doing that.

[Mario]

And yeah, it was a lot back, but I took it further. I was like, yo, once I got to like my second, my first week, I was like, nah, this is. I feel too. The first week, after the first five days, those, the next two days you feel great. Then you feel like shit for like three days. Then you feel empty. Now your, your skin is tingling and you hearing like things that the highest capacity and you're the light, you could see things clear. Like, it's just everything. I wasn't asleep. I was only asleep for like three hours, four hours. I couldn't sleep longer. I had so much energy. And so then I was like, okay, who's the person? Like, what? How does food affect you? Then I started studying what I was feeling. I was like, how does food affect your mind? How does food affect your energy? How does it affect your sleep? And I was realizing like, damn, we overeat in this country.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

It's a fact.

[Mario]

And like, I'm like, yo, we really. We eat emotionally. We eat when we feel, you know, out of a breakup, we eat when we horny and we don't get no. We eat like, you know, so consumption, right? And so then I started really diving into, like, why physical, mental and spiritual consumption all leads to your decisions, all leads to what you're attracting in your life, how you attract things, and it affects everything in your life. So I went down that road for years of just like being, becoming a mystic and studying different things and not being afraid to be judged by people. During that time, if you were practicing and working with crystals, I was doing this in 2011, 12, when it wasn't cool, you know, And I just wasn't talking about it. I didn't share it because my journey was different. And, yeah, so I did that for years, bro. And then I decided, I'm like, okay, I'm ready to start making music again. Like, I think I'm ready to start. And the first record I released out of that, I think was somebody else with Nicki.

[Lauren London]

That is my shit.

[Mario]

Yeah, it was like that one and Fatal Distraction. Fatal, yeah. Fatal distraction, yep.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

That makes so much sense because the shadow work gives you greater self awareness because it helps you understand a lot of your blind spots that you might not even have been aware of, man.

[Mario]

It's a real thing. It's so true, bro. And it's like you gotta. It's almost like you gotta forgive yourself because you. Sometimes we can do the work, but then we still haven't really forgiven ourselves. We still haven't really been like, yo, tell your younger self I love you. Forget, you know, forgive yourself for the people that may have hurt you. I'm still working through it, bro. They don't stop, bro. They don't. The truth is it never stops because we live in a space where we're constantly reminded of our past. You know what I'm saying?

[Podcast Host]

That's the first thing that came to mind when I heard you talk about all this work you were doing. Because I watched you on Cam's podcast, Funky Friday.

[Mario]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

And hearing you talk about a lot of things I didn't know, like your mom and your adoption, and I'm like, you never had the time to kind of make friends with all that stuff because you were famous at 14.

[Mario]

Yes.

[Podcast Host]

So what was Mario saying to. For, I guess 12, 11 year old Mario, during a time where you got away from everybody, like, how are you dealing with your younger self?

[Mario]

I didn't know how to speak to my younger self then, so I wasn't really speaking to my younger self at the time. I was more so processing what I was trying to understand and, like, doing the work of at least getting to a point where I could actually look at it and see it from a different perspective in terms of, like, the science of it and the actual work of it. Like, why do I make these decisions? Why do people make this decision? Where am I lacking at for me not to be able to be happy today? What is this thing I'm holding onto? Right. So I had to work through that first. I think that talking to my younger self is going to happen more even when my son is here, right, Being able to understand, give him the thing, I think he's gonna help my healing. I'm not putting it on him to help me, but I think being a dad will also help me work through my issues with my younger self, if that makes sense.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

That makes all the sense in the world, man. It's like, man, God is so amazing because you've done the work, you're doing the work, but God didn't even allow you to have your first child until you was a much more healed, clear version of yourself, man. That's crazy, bro.

[Mario]

It's. I consciously, obviously, just, like, I didn't want a child yet, and I'm. And I did certain things to make sure I didn't have a child yet. But what you're saying is so true. And, you know, it's. One day, the story can. The plot thickens there. But, like, that's one of the things me and my girl talk about all the time. It was like, yo, like, I knew I loved her, and I knew I felt safe for her. I knew we knew each other for a long time. We knew a lot of things about each other, but it was all God when it came to her actually conceiving. Like, it was all God, bro. And it's like, I feel this energy already. Like, we both pray about it a lot. It's amazing, bro. It's amazing. I'm excited about it.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

How has healing shaped the man you are now?

[Mario]

Gave me more confidence. It gave me more confidence. Being an artist that, you know, took time away and making a resurgence during this digital crusade, you know, gave me so much confidence in who I am as a person. I don't think that there's anything that could happen in these phones or online that could change or make me want to be anything other than myself and have my foundation be strong for the things that really matter. I think that that is why God put me through all of these different obstacles. There's a bigger call on my life that I'm tapping into that's so multidimensional in terms of, like, even the things that I'm into now and the things that I'm attracting and the people, for example, you know, investing in Redemption bank, who is. Which was founded by Bernice King and Ashley Bell. And they're great people who have a great vision for our community, but just financial literacy in general. I've been learning so much and just really wanting to be a part of changing the narrative for us. As you know, there's so much work to be done. You've been in a room with a lot of people who understand what needs to be done and so just wanted to be a part of something bigger. So God's been preparing me for that. Right. So as I was saying, when we had these conversations about music, I'm like, yo, it's. It's so funny because I'm like, my day to day life is not. Is so far from that in terms of the conversation and people I talk to. But I get it. It's just. No, isn't it? We having fun. Whatever. Whatever. But yeah, so it's a lot. It's a lot of work. And I think God's just been preparing me for it all. Yeah. So look, this tool.

[Julian Edelman]

Yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yes.

[Mario]

Yeah, yeah.

[Lauren London]

You going to add a comedy component.

[Mario]

Yo.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

To it.

[Mario]

Listen, we could put something together. I know we was talking about during the pandemic. We was talking about some stuff.

[Lauren London]

Yeah. And you had a great idea. And I wish I would have, like, honed in on it.

[Mario]

That's cool.

[Lauren London]

I wish I would have jumped on it. You had an idea to do, like, I think it was like comedy virtually, like, where people. Cause it was something.

[Mario]

It was something.

[Lauren London]

I thought it was so smart. And then I see somebody else doing. I'm like, damn, yo, Mario put me. Tried to put me on today, like five fucking years ago.

[Mario]

Yeah, yeah. Nah, you good. Listen, just you naturally listen. Like Mike was saying, like, it's some people who wake up and just funny, bro. Like, you different. Yes, you different.

[Lauren London]

Appreciate it.

[Mario]

Like, you know how many days, like, I'm having up days and all your pages, come on.

[Julian Edelman]

This is Julian Edelman from Games with Names. Now let's get into the serious stuff. We're talking football food, specifically Daisy French onion dip. These are so delicious. They're like homemade dips made with real herb and spices. Also made with some daisy sour cream. Daisy sour cream is a long standing staple for taco Tuesday. They also have daisy ranch dip. So get out there and give Daisy French onion dip a try. You will not regret it.

[Mario]

And that just changed my whole. My whole shit. Like, you different. Like, you're literally one of. I think you're one of the young goats. Like, you know what I'm saying? Like, keep doing that. Like, I know you hustling thoughts, but, like, tap in. Like you really wanted them for real.

[Lauren London]

Yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Now think about all the people who had good days and you clown them and then they ended up having a bad day. Think about that.

[Mario]

That's a part of it, though.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I just Want you to think about all aspects, exploring.

[Mario]

I feel like true comedy comes from truth, though. Like, real comedy comes from truth. It does.

[Lauren London]

And depending on where you from. Yo, people don't understand the Baltimore. They just think, yeah, we just straight all aggressive.

[Mario]

Nah, for sure.

[Lauren London]

You know what I'm saying?

[Mario]

We be saying shit that they think about, and I think that that's like. That's the thing, you know, we gonna always get the. You know, the backlash for it. But we say shit that people.

[Lauren London]

That's why it was so many people that got mad at you and Cam asked you them questions.

[Mario]

Yeah, man, it's that. Yeah, that interview was interesting, man. It was interesting.

[Lauren London]

But did you have fun, though?

[Mario]

Not all the way. Honestly, it was cool. But then it just got to a point where, like, when he wasn't being real about shit, then it wasn't fun no more. Now now I'm like, you not being even. Even. You talking so much about your own life, and I fuck with Cam, right? But it was just. Everybody saw it. It was just moments where I was like, yo, you're not being real. I'm like, all right, cool. I see what this is. Let me just. Let's see.

[Lauren London]

But this your show, so.

[Mario]

Yeah, yeah. I'm like, all right, listen, I. With Cam, though.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Hold on real quick. Just said that you can't remember all the moments.

[Mario]

There's too many just real.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Just say one time your accent be going in and out. Your Baltimore accent.

[Mario]

I say that you talking to me.

[Podcast Host]

About the Ebony Pop 100.

[Mario]

It's cool. Nah, nah, it do. It do sometimes.

[Podcast Host]

And then I forget what I asked you about. And he was like. And I was like, oh, yeah, he. He from there.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Because I haven't heard it yet, this interview. That's why I've been living.

[Mario]

I've been living in la for, like, 15 years now, so just. But if I go home for two weeks.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You said when he get mad and come out.

[Mario]

Yeah, it's crazy.

[Lauren London]

When he get upset about something that.

[DJ Envy]

He'S trying to get you mad.

[Mario]

Snigger, You definitely don't at all. So question.

[DJ Envy]

Right when they got mad at you for kicking the cameraman off stage.

[Mario]

Yeah, yeah.

[DJ Envy]

I thought that was kind of crazy because that's your time to perform. You don't know who this dude is on stage.

[Mario]

I think that it was just people not used to seeing me like that, bro. Like mad. Yeah, like you. So it's like, I try not to get mad, bro, because when I get mad, I get mad. You know what? I'm saying. And then it's like, I'm like, it takes a lot to get me mad, right? So when I get there, hopefully I don't want it to be seen ever. Like, I don't want people to see that side of me, like. And it's not like I'm not human. I just. It can get taken out of context, which it did, right? So I'm gonna tell the story officially here on Breakfast Club.

[Podcast Host]

Yes.

[Mario]

They hit us for this fair. I'm like, okay, it's close to la. We'll take the sprint up. Go up there, do it, knock it out. We come back to crib, right? Cool. Family already say, oh, all right, cool, Lloyd. A couple of artists, I bet. Let's do it. I get to my shows, usually if it's shows with other people, I get there like. Like, when we doing a drink, probably get it like 10, 15 minutes before. Because I don't like sitting in the dressing room. I get antsy. Like, man. So no one told me that a cameraman was going to be on stage at all. So when I go on stage, I'm performing and I keep seeing a figure. Pretty big, but I keep seeing a figure. I'm like, okay. Then when I saw him for the first time, I'm like, damn. Did he jump up from. Cause he didn't have a camera, bro. He had an iPhone on a joint. Go look at the video. So I'm like, he must have jumped from out of the crowd and came on. Ain't tripping or whatever. He over there. But then he got comfortable, and on the stage, they got. They had too many speakers. They had more speakers. Cause usually every artist get to say what they wanted their stage to be like. They left the other artist speakers on the stage, so it was more speakers than it was supposed to be. So I'm looking for where he about to go. And I tripped one time over court. I ain't say nothing. I'm like, man, shit crazy. I gotta watch out. Then as I'm walking back to the right side of the stage, he's all the way downstage, like, near the speaker. Like, you should be like, further back. Like, you feel me? And then that moment, it's like, yo, you gotta get the fuck off the stage, bro.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Right?

[Lauren London]

You done already tripped.

[Mario]

I'm like, you gotta get the fuck off the stage. It wasn't even like, I hate you. N. Get off the. It was just like, n. Get the fuck off the. I just. Right. You feel me? It was like that.

[Lauren London]

Apologized shortly after, and it Was like.

[Mario]

Oh, that was a half ass apology. But I didn't even realize he went on tour.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

What do you mean?

[Mario]

He went on a press tour about it. So, like, oh, wow. I was like, I'm like, bro, you know, let me just do this. But yeah, that's what happened. He was. Yeah, but he was supposed to be there, apparently. And then, you know. But it really was just. I didn't know he had an iPhone. Damn it be happening.

[Lauren London]

Are we getting any visuals?

[Mario]

Yeah, yeah. So I'm about to put a video out for home in like a week period. Yeah, yeah, Coming. The visual for home is coming. And it's. It's fire. It's fire. It's. You know, it's 90s R B. I'm giving y' all real R B on this project, so.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yeah.

[Mario]

And more to come as well. Moose swings, too. More music. Definitely tapping back into the movie space as well. I'm building a lot of things behind the scene with new citizens. The investment side, the creative side. Hopefully signing some artists. I got my eyes on a few. I want to say it. Cause last time I did, somebody signed them, but it's just like. Yeah. When was the last artist? Huh?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Who was it?

[Mario]

It was this kid. His name is Chozen. I forgot his last name. His name is Chozen. But, like, he's super soulful. I'll show him to you off of the joint. But he got signed by quality Control, you know what I'm saying? And we was talking, but he had already been signed by, so. But yeah, super talented, but really looking for, like, raw talent, man, that I can help evolve through this industry, you know, and. And understand that, like, outside of music, there's so many other opportunities. Right? So generational wealth, like, that's. That's really what the whole new citizen for me represents, you know? So. Yeah.

[Lauren London]

Have you taken your girl to Baltimore? And she.

[Mario]

Where's she from? She's been in Baltimore like, three. She went with me on Thanksgiving one year. We went to Baltimore. We went to Philly. Family affiliate, Baltimore. She from. She's Mexican.

[Lauren London]

Okay.

[Mario]

She's from. She's from Sacramento. Wait, hold on.

[DJ Envy]

As well.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yeah.

[Lauren London]

Thank you. But he black and Mexican. I. I think straight Mexican.

[Mario]

All right. Can I ask y' all a question?

[Lauren London]

What's up?

[Mario]

Y. Doesn't matter.

[DJ Envy]

Nope.

[Lauren London]

It don't matter.

[Mario]

Yo, you see how it matter? You know what I'm saying?

[Lauren London]

No, I just wanted to know how.

[Podcast Host]

It matter that your girlfriend is Mexican.

[Mario]

Yeah, like, doesn't matter.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

It don't matter to me. It might matter. And Dr. Umar.

[Lauren London]

No, she not that kind.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

She.

[Mario]

She legal. Yeah, man. Everybody legal, bro. Everybody good.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I think love is love.

[DJ Envy]

Love is love.

[Mario]

Love is definitely love.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

But. But I do like the see black men with black women, though. But that. That's. That's just because that's what I feel.

[Mario]

N. For sure. I love to see all of it. I love to see all.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

But I want you to be in love if you love her.

[Mario]

Love is, man. I wouldn't be. I wouldn't be here if I didn't love her. I wouldn't. We wouldn't be here if we didn't.

[Lauren London]

Love each other or procreating like this.

[Mario]

Exactly. 1,000%. Like, we having a beautiful experience right now. The only. You know, the hardest part, obviously, is always the traveling, right? Being away from home, checking in, being like, damn, if I'm on stage and something's happening, I will not. I can't get the crazy. You know what I'm saying? It's hard. This. This has been. This has been hard because it's like things were already in motion. These toys were already playing, you know? But I get off tour in December, and I'll be home for all the holidays.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I don't think you owe anybody an explanation, though. I think that's right.

[Podcast Host]

I was tricky.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

It's like, why are you explaining who you love?

[Mario]

You know, it's not so much explaining who I love is. It's. It's the. The. The narrative of, oh, Mario doesn't like black women that I have an issue with, and where this narrative was created from. That's the thing about the Internet is, like, you can't just leave that, you know, out in the air. That's crazy. You know what I'm saying? So that's what they mind, though I'd rather confront it so people understand that it's a lie and it's not true versus not saying anything about it, which I've done in a couple interviews since that interview, you know? But the way he axed it was. So he set me up.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

What was the question?

[Mario]

You know what I'm saying? Set me up.

[Podcast Host]

Like, what's your relationship with black women? Right. No, that wasn't the first question. What was the first question?

[Mario]

No, that was like the. He was like, do you have a problem with black women?

[Podcast Host]

Yes.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

That's a wild question.

[Podcast Host]

The way you answered it. The way you answered it, that we played that clip here. The way you answered it. I don't think it. It didn't make it any worse, but I think it made people try to find another reason why you don't like black people psychologically.

[Mario]

These podcasts and people. When people are. Listen. Everybody doesn't have the same way they receive things. And we're dealing with. Y' all know, we dealing. Brian gotta say it, you know, we dealing with. In the coming. You know, and so it's like, yes, of course. Like, I come from. I'm a black man who comes from a black city, who comes from the struggles of black people in this country. So I come from what my core. A lot of my core fans come from. So of course, it's like, if someone says something like, do you have a problem? People who never even heard that question will be like, wait, you got a problem?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Right?

[Mario]

It's like. It's a site.

[Podcast Host]

It's like here.

[Lauren London]

Right?

[Mario]

So of course, I gotta say, you know what I'm saying? I'm defending that.

[Podcast Host]

But then you bring in to say.

[Mario]

That I love black women and black women are the most beautiful creatures on this planet, and so why do you hate him?

[Lauren London]

No, he talks about.

[Mario]

What did you talk about, bro?

[Podcast Host]

That's what I want to say. I feel like it made people do what he. He doing right now.

[Mario]

Hey, bro, I. Hey, look, for everybody who hate Charlemagne. Hey, listen.

[DJ Envy]

But where did y' all meet?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

What did y.

[Mario]

Me. We met. I met. I met her in Florida, like, years ago when I was living in Miami. We met, and her mom was living at the time we. Yeah, we met. She was like. We met. We've known each other for, like, for, like, nine years, you know what I'm saying? So we've seen each other through relationship. We've been friends for so long.

[Lauren London]

Yeah, it's about your experience when you talked about your experience.

[Mario]

Experience.

[Lauren London]

I. I had a problem with people having a problem with that. Like, you just talked about. You went into it more. You were saying because. Yeah, the question was asked. Oh, why don't you. Why do you have a problem with black women? You're like, not. It's not that I don't have a problem with black women. You talked about your experience with. Yeah, the black woman who was. You know, who raised.

[Mario]

Yeah, we got to that. The questions. It was just outrageous. Like, I don't even know. I don't know where these allegations began, these questions begin. That's. That's the point. I don't. Let's just set this straight. I don't know where they begin, and they're not. I don't hold those. Yeah, like, that's for like clickbait and all that. But when we got around to speaking about my experience, that, that came out of me saying, how could I have like, hate? Like, it's not right. It's not hate. Yes. I haven't had a beautiful experience as far as like the, the, the. My story, you know, but that doesn't lead to hate, bro. That doesn't lead to hate.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You know, so interesting. You're right about the questions because I, you know, I'm interviewing you for years. I've never heard that before. But so when you hear a question like that, you think to yourself, what did I do?

[Mario]

Yeah, I'm gonna go do some research.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Right.

[Mario]

Oh, he has a problem with it. So, you know, but I think it's just, it's a matter of people getting to know me more.

[Lauren London]

Yeah.

[Mario]

You know, and I'm like, okay, this is why interviews are important. This is why. And then when you get to a certain level and you don't want to do interview no more. Cool. Because now they just talking about your music, but you have to have something in place of that for them to talk about. Right. So, yeah, I get it.

[Podcast Host]

You answered the question I was gonna ask. I was gonna ask, do you think doing the interviews is even helpful? Because you explain and then they find another reason to.

[Mario]

Then I will say this. I think that there's always different perspectives based on how you enter the conversation. This is a different podcast, this is a different platform. Different minds, you know, different energy. Like everything is different. I don't mind. I'm an open book at this point. I don't mind having conversations. You know, I understand now how to navigate it better, but, you know, you gotta go through the mud sometimes. I understand, like, all right, cool. We gotta make sure we stay and stand on solid ground.

[Lauren London]

When you talk about your girl being pregnant and you can't be there all the time because you want tour and things like that, and you're a first time dad and it's like, wow, right? So you only this first time you ever going through this. Are these the times where you like say like, damn, you wish your mom was here?

[Mario]

Oh, my God.

[Lauren London]

Or you like, damn, I wish I could just ask her what the hell I could do for this.

[Mario]

I wish my mom was here for a lot of things. I wish my mom was here because she's one of the realest people I've ever known. You know, mother was. She's one of those people, like, anything that she wanted, she could have had. She had a scholarship, playing tennis. She was the number one tennis player in Maryland. You know, when she was young, she had a chemist. She was a major in chemistry, bachelor's in chemistry. She loved God, you know, and she was a hustler, so she could have transmitted that energy into anything. I think that we would have made a great partnership in business, because I'm. I feel like I'm more thorough than I've ever been. I don't have any plans on not expand. Like, I'm expanding in other ways. And I think that she could have been right here with me. And of course, having another grandmother for my child and having her be a part of my life, that's. May she hear in spirit. But of course I would want that. Yeah. But, you know, my. My girl's mom is an incredible abuela. So far, you know, she's been there. She's home right now, and. And making sure she's straight. She's excited about it. You know, God, don't make no mistakes in terms of, like, you know, what is meant for you and how. When you pray for things and you prepare for things, how God shows up. I think we're blessed.

[Lauren London]

Yeah.

[Mario]

But. Yeah, I would love that.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

After doing the work on yourself that you've done, finding so many personal answers, did that cause you to have more questions for your mom that you probably didn't get to ask?

[Mario]

I've asked a lot of questions. You know, I think the thing that I've. The thing that I've been sending her love for lately because, you know, is. Is me forgiving her. Because spiritually, no one ever really dies, Right? The energy doesn't die. It's just transmuted. So it's like sending her forgiveness and support, you know, for whatever her soul may be still struggling with or whatever her next journey is. I think that that's, you know, that's what I do now. That's what I focus on now, you know, is that forgiveness for her, forgiving myself and just sending her so much support and love. Because there's been moments where during my spiritual journey when she would come visit me, and, you know, anybody who understands the spiritual realm, there's been blockages. Like, just when I'm able to. Like, we're able to. There's something that comes in between and blocks it. I've had that happen a lot of times, so I'm like, okay, so I have. There's still something I have to work on. So the more and more I work on it, the closer and closer I feel that these other entities and things can't even block it in the spiritual realm. Yeah, because there's. That is so much power. Because she has things that she tells me that I need to know, and when those blockages are there, I can't get those. And so it's a real thing. And it happens in real life too. You know, with family, there's entities that are built out of trauma and they become their own entities in your life. And if you don't work through those things, you can't heal with your dad or your mom or your sister or your wife or your whatever, you know what I'm saying? So that's a real thing. And I think it doesn't change in the spiritual realm.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Do you believe, you know, after doing all this work on yourself, do you believe your life's purpose is bigger than music 1,000%?

[Mario]

Absolutely, bro, absolutely. I think that there's a spiritual side of it, there's a community building side of it. When I say that, I mean using my relationships to help build our communities. You know, I've been building myself back up over these past few years, but now I'm like branching out to be like, okay, how can I use my relationships to make sure in this new world that's happening, you know, my people, my community, you know, we just have a, you know, we're put in a position where people understand our power and understand our unity in a different way. And it's going to take a lot of work, but that's like where my head is at. But also just owning things and being able to be creative. Like, I'm working on a museum right now that I don't know exactly where I'm going to put it yet, but it's going to be everything. Sound. I can't say the whole concept because there's a lot of rich people out there that can make this shit happen. But like. But yeah, it's gonna be incredible. And then just a lot of other things, man. And I feel like it's showing not only my fans and people who've been watching my career for a long time, that, yo, you can be whoever you want to be. And we have always been some of the most creative beings on this planet and creating things that's never been created before. This is what I want to do. That's my goal. And it goes for everything from music to tech, business, you know, social experiences, restaurants, all types of things. You know, there's. There's a lot of things happening, you know, and even writing, being an author, I have like three books that I've I've written, but that I haven't put out yet because I don't know, every time there's a new version of me, I'm like, fuck.

[Lauren London]

Like, gotta go back and change.

[Mario]

Yeah. I'm like, I gotta go back and change. Have you ever experienced that, like, you put out books, like, what. How does that.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I could do that with every single book that I've written.

[Mario]

Yeah. Go back and change. Certain.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yeah. You know, my first book was, you know, up to a certain point in my life. So it was these lessons that I learned.

[Mario]

Yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

My second book, I was completely empty because I had started doing the work on myself and started to go into therapy and stuff. So everything I thought I knew, I was like, yo, I really don't know nothing. I was just. I learned a whole bunch of stuff. And then my third book, you know, it really came to me after a plant based experience, you know, with ayahuasca, I went on ayahuasca journey.

[Mario]

Beautiful.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

And the same thing came up for me that came up for you. It's like, yo, stop lying to yourself and stop volunteering those lies to other people. So it's like, yo, every. Every book has been a different version of me.

[Mario]

Yeah. So that's where I'm at now. It's just like, okay, which, which there's all these like, versions. All of them have truth. Right. But which ones connect the dots to where I am right now? So that's kind of where I'm at with that. But yeah, that's. This is. I'm just. Bro, I'm just ready to continue to grow. You know, music is my passion, but, you know, with that comes all these other things. Moratorium. Bigger, bigger shows and bigger opportunities and just, you know, just growing. Me and my team growing.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

What's the message you think men need to hear today that we don't talk about enough?

[Mario]

I don't think men applaud the better things about each other enough. It's like, you know, if you see a homie like that been struggling with something for years and he. He's getting over it, or he's trying to get over it, applaud that. You know what I mean? Show him some love. Show him. You see that. Like, yo, that shit cool, bro. That shit, that's. I'm inspired. You know what I'm saying? I think escapism, escaping our traumas with drugs and, you know, maybe nightlife or whatever, you know, I mean, everybody like to have fun, but you know, just really like taking like the time to really take Your future serious, you know, sit down for a minute. Like, maybe save some bread. Like, sit back. You know what I mean? Look at your life. Look at the people in your life and really analyze, like, okay, if I. If something's calling me to grow, are these people around me going to help me grow? All their part of that. Do they want to grow, like. Cause we get comfortable with our relationships. And I realized this because I've had so many different people come in and out of my life and at different parts of who I am in my life, you know, different parts of my journey. And sometimes we get scared to let people go and not let them go. As in, like, oh, I don't fuck with you, but just let them go. As in, like, yo, I need this next few months to myself, bro. Or sis, you know, I gotta level up in life. There's some things that God is putting on me, you know, and hopefully I can help you with that, you know, But I just need some time. And it's not personal. Not everybody gonna take that well. But sometimes we gotta do that, man. And then circle the block and be like, yo, I see things from a different perspective. I don't think we talk about that enough in terms of it being something real that can really change your life. There's a few things, man. I mean, that's. Yeah, that's just to name a few.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Word.

[Mario]

Yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Real quick.

[Lauren London]

This ain't even no question, yo. I've always wanted to tell you, you snapped on the cry with.

[Mario]

Thank you. Appreciate it, man.

[Lauren London]

What?

[Mario]

Yep.

[Lauren London]

That's crazy. You'd be snapping on these features, y'.

[Mario]

All.

[Lauren London]

I'm just.

[Mario]

Thank you.

[DJ Envy]

I appreciate it.

[Mario]

I might put a whole project out with Features, you know, I mean, just for fun. For sure.

[Lauren London]

Just snap with that.

[Mario]

Nah. Yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Ray J got features. You never heard that joint with the new. Who is Tommy Down? Tommy Down.

[Mario]

Ray is a streamer at this point.

[DJ Envy]

Ray J's coming up this week. Charlamagne invited him. What. What would you say to Ray J?

[Mario]

What would I say to him?

[DJ Envy]

Yeah, what would you say to Ray J? That we could play.

[Mario]

I already told him, man, stop. Stop his car before his brakes break. You know what I'm saying? Like, break it. You know what I mean? But I told y' all before. He. Ray J, you know, he.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

He.

[Mario]

Is he a troller. He gonna troll. But he know what time it is, man. He know. He said, one wish was bigger than let me love you. But anyway, listen, I'm on tour right now. Nothing but us tour, right? You know What I'm saying, we outside New York was amazing. The energy in New York, you know, we got, like, I think, like, eight or ten more dates. Project Moose Swings is out right now. Yeah, we. We outside, man. I was in New York. This is the thing that's all about to say. You got to put me in different conversations.

[Lauren London]

Like, right.

[Mario]

I was on Brandy show, like, two weeks ago. We did last weekend what we do. Before that, we was. We did Jonas Brothers Wale, Johnny's brother Wale. Like, you know, it's just any stage. I'm on too many stages for Ray J to even. He can't Come on. He know what's up.

[Lauren London]

Big, Big Mario. Not the little one. Not Luigi brother. Like, stop playing.

[DJ Envy]

Let's play a Jordan.

[Podcast Host]

Wait, I got a question.

[Mario]

Yeah. Mood swings.

[Podcast Host]

Honest question.

[Mario]

Go stream that.

[Podcast Host]

You just did it here, and it made me think of it.

[Mario]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

When you came out at the Brandy and Monica show, you think Brandy, but not Monica.

[Mario]

It wasn't even. Not. It wasn't even that type of thing.

[Podcast Host]

People tried to make it a thing on accident. Just right now, Brandi, and I'm like.

[Mario]

Was that like, nah, Shout out to Monica, bro. There's nothing. It's. I came out on Brandi set. You know what I'm saying? So I was just giving her, like, yeah, it was not. First of all, Monica's amazing. I love Monica. Like, me and, like, every time, like. Like, it's something dope on her. Like, she always comment on her. I comment like, it's all love. Like, that's gang. So, like. Yeah, I think these narratives get crazy. It's just the worst. And in the moment, like, when you on stage in a moment, sometimes you just, like, trying to remember everything and be present, like, you know what I'm saying? But, yeah, it's nothing. I'm happy to see both of them on tour. Even when I post it. When I was on the stage, I congratulated both of them. Like, I gave them both flowers. Yeah. So people just be taking shit out of proportion, man. Stop. Let's get. Not trying to make me an R and B villain, man.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Right.

[Mario]

Yeah. I don't want to embrace it. Embrace it.

[DJ Envy]

Too late now.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yeah, embrace it.

[Podcast Host]

That one was unfair, though, because.

[DJ Envy]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

By the way, that's the thing about the shadow side, though. When you feel comfortable over there, like.

[Mario]

Nah, I'm not trying to embrace that, bro. I got a kid on the way, bro. Me, I'm gonna tell me embracing that is different, bro.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

From.

[Mario]

It's not. I don't need, like, I don't need drugs to be dark. I don't need, like, I don't want to be dark. I don't want to go there. I don't want to go there no more. I don't want to go there because I. I can't. What if I like it?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

That's what I'm saying. It's a little. That's the scary part, when you don't.

[Mario]

Want to be there.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I feel good.

[Mario]

Yeah, I like it. And then it's. Now I gotta create this whole other thing around me. And it's like, nah, bro, listen. I got too many blessings in my life right now. Too many things that I'm creating. Great partners that are just, like, wanting to, like, invest in things I'm doing. I got too much. There's just too much to lose.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yeah, I'm happy for you, brother.

[Mario]

I appreciate you trying to.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I really enjoy this conversation.

[Mario]

Let's do it.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Hearing you do the work is good, man.

[DJ Envy]

What you wanna hear?

[Lauren London]

Hell, yeah.

[Mario]

What we missing? Yeah, we out. We outside. I just wanna make sure I ain't missing nothing. Mood swings out right now, you know? Everybody having mood swings right now, you know, and it's, hey, invite the mood swings. Balance it out, enjoy it, you know, let's get back to love. Let's keep R and B alive, bro, listen, R and B is such an important genre, you know, it allows us to explore love. It allows us to explore intimacy. It allows us to have fun. We can have different conversations in it. It's just. It's just an all encompassing genre. I wouldn't want to pick any other genre. Moose Ring's out right now. I don't even know what to play over. We could play home. We could play. Have y' all heard the EP yet?

[Lauren London]

No.

[Mario]

All right, cool. When y' all get a chance, press play when you get back to the crib.

[Lauren London]

Got you.

[Mario]

Do that thing.

[DJ Envy]

What do you want?

[Mario]

Here, Yo, Play. All right, cool, cool. Let's hear nobody but us.

[DJ Envy]

Nobody but us.

[Mario]

Yeah. Yeah. Let's go.

[DJ Envy]

It's the Breakfast Club. Is Mario.

[Mario]

Hold up.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Every day I wake up. Wake your ass up. The Breakfast Club show.

[Mario]

Y' all done.

[Podcast Host]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.