Overview of INTERVIEW: Mario Talks Growth, Going Song For Song With Ray J, Interracial Relationship, New Album + More
This is a wide-ranging sit-down with R&B singer Mario on The Breakfast Club (iHeartPodcasts). Mario discusses his new EP Mood Swings and current tour, addresses public drama (Ray J, past interviews and internet narratives), and goes deep into his personal growth: shadow work, spiritual practices (fasting, ayahuasca, therapy), fatherhood, relationship dynamics, and building businesses beyond music. He also outlines his creative process, collaborations, upcoming visuals, and long-term goals around community and generational wealth.
Key topics discussed
- New music and touring
- Mood Swings EP: moody, 90s/2000s-R&B-inspired textures and songs such as "Fortune Cookie," "Moan," "Home," and "Nobody But Us."
- On tour (Nobody But Us tour); upcoming visuals (video for "Home").
- Performance anecdotes (cameraman incident on stage).
- Creative process and collaborators
- Working with Dre Moon and other producers; playing records back-and-forth in sessions to spark ideas.
- Philosophy: don’t fall in love with a creation — keep evolving and let audiences connect.
- Public drama and industry impressions
- Back-and-forth with Ray J (song-for-song debate, trolling) and responses to interviews (Cam/Charlemagne moments).
- Internet narratives about him “not liking Black women” and why he felt compelled to confront that.
- Hiatus and personal growth
- Long period away from music: deep introspection, shadow work, and studying human behavior.
- Spiritual/physical practices: a 26-day fast, organ-cleansing regimen, crystals (earlier), ayahuasca, therapy, and spiritual chiropractic work.
- Family and relationships
- Public relationship (girlfriend from Sacramento with Mexican heritage); pregnancy and becoming a first-time father.
- Navigating public scrutiny of an interracial relationship; how his partner deals with comments and privacy.
- Business and community focus
- Investments (example: Redemption Bank, financial literacy initiatives); New Citizen project (creative + investment ambitions).
- Plans for signing artists, building experiences, tech, restaurants, a museum concept, and authorship (has written three books, revises as he evolves).
- Advice and perspective for men
- Encourages men to applaud peers’ growth, avoid escapism, take future seriously, and reassess social circles to support growth.
Main takeaways
- Mario is intentionally evolving artistically: Mood Swings intentionally revisits and updates 90s/2000s R&B moods while exploring new vocal textures and themes of intimacy and vulnerability.
- His hiatus was a period of deep personal work — not avoidance. The result: more self-awareness, emotional regulation, and readiness for broader roles beyond music (father, investor, community leader).
- He’s conscious of how internet narratives form and will speak up to correct false or harmful stories rather than ignore them.
- Mario is expanding into business, culture, and community projects with a focus on generational wealth and platforms that uplift Black communities.
- Fatherhood is reframing priorities: he wants to provide what he didn’t have and be more present, even while touring.
Notable quotes & insights
- On creativity and letting go: “When you create music and put it out to the world you gotta let it go… keep creating.”
- On growth and faith: “My journey is my journey. I just have to trust God.”
- On relationships and discovery: he likens intimate relationships to a “fortune cookie” — you don’t always know what you’ll find until you open it and learn someone deeper.
- On men supporting men: “If you see your homie getting over something or trying to grow, applaud that… show him you see that.”
- On purpose beyond music: “1000% — life’s purpose is bigger than music… community building, generational wealth, creative ventures.”
Concrete developments & projects to watch
- Mood Swings EP — available now (features songs: "Fortune Cookie," "Moan," "Home," "Nobody But Us").
- Visual for “Home” — due within a few weeks (he says).
- Touring dates: currently on the Nobody But Us tour; a run of dates remains.
- Business ventures: New Citizen initiatives, intent to sign and develop artists, investments (including financial literacy work and Redemption Bank partnership).
- Books: he has three manuscripts written; revises them as he evolves emotionally and spiritually.
Action items / recommendations (for listeners who want to follow up)
- Stream Mood Swings and singles mentioned ("Home," "Nobody But Us," "Fortune Cookie," "Moan").
- Watch for the upcoming “Home” music video release.
- If interested in Mario’s non-musical work: follow his public channels for New Citizen updates and any community/financial-literacy initiatives.
- For artists: note his creative approach — collaborate with trusted peers, stay flexible, and don’t “fall in love” with a single formula.
- For men and peers: take his advice to heart — publicly acknowledge friends’ growth and prioritize long-term stability (financially and emotionally).
Who’s in the room / context
- Interview on The Breakfast Club (hosts DJ Envy, Charlamagne Tha God, Jess Hilarious, Lauren LaRose).
- Guests/figures referenced: Ray J, Omarion, Brandy, Monica, Dre Moon, Nicki (featured on "Somebody Else"), and various industry peers.
This interview is useful for fans who want to understand Mario’s current creative direction, his personal transformation, and his plans beyond music — as well as for anyone interested in how artists navigate public narratives, relationships, and reinvention.