LISTEN: Mario’s That Grape Juice Shout-Out

I was fortunate enough to conduct a phone interview with R&B star Mario this past November. Now on the verge releasing his third studio album ‘Go!’, the singer spoke frankly on a number of topics including his mother’s cocaine addicition, record label drama and comparions to other R&B artists. It’s a long, yet great read. Enjoy. {Drop a comment and let me know what you think} 🙂

Sam: Hey Mario, how are you doing?

Mario: I’m good. How are you?

Sam: I’m great. Just got this interview here I wanted to get done with you.

Mario: For sure, I’m glad we’re able to do it.

Sam: It’s great to finally be able to catch up with you.

Mario: Thank you. I’m currently on the East Coast at the moment. I’ll actually be back in Europe next month (December).

Sam: Cool. So let’s crack on. Having signed your first deal at the tender age of fourteen with the legendary Clive Davis; how does it feel to still have your records anticipated – especially in light of the ever-changing nature of the music industry?

Mario: I mean, I think it’s about making classic records; and I think it’s because I’ve made great records that people are, definitely, anticipating more success and great music – as they should, because I’m going to give it to them. But it feels good; this is a dream of mine. When I go and sit down and talk to Clive and look at the pictures he has with some damn near early 70’s/late 60’s (artists), it hits me how he has been in the game for so long. To be signed with him and to be on his label, it’s great. So we’re gonna keep making some great records.

Sam: Your new album ‘Go!’ sees you embrace a much more ‘adult’ sound compared to your past efforts, for example ‘Lay In Bed’ and the CD’s title track. Was there a particular reason for this? Did you have any doubts considering your fan-base?

Mario: To be honest with you, I’m 21 now, so a lot of the fans that were coming to my shows then are 21 or possibly older now; in general, I think I have a wide fan-base. I feel this record shows natural growth. It’s not talking about literally bending a chick over or doing all that (laughs). It does hint at that intimacy and shit that we go though everyday. Even a record like ‘Go’. (‘Go’) is a very assertive record; talking about just really having fun and being young and not being one of them cats always trying to ‘game’ chicks or play games with them – just really letting them know what it is. I’m letting people know how I feel about what I’m seeing. It’s all fun. It’s music; we create music for entertainment, yet at the same time we also give a hint of who we are as well.

Sam: Let’s talk delays. ‘Go!’ has experienced several changes in its release date, having initially been set to drop back in 2006. Why has it taken so long to release the record?

Mario: Well, first of all, the initial date for the album was the label’s date. I wasn’t ready. You know, the album wasn’t done; it took an additional three to four months to get certain records done. Then we just kept finding great records as the album got close(r) to release. It’s a fight that the artist has with the label. I’m not asking people to understand the politics of the game; but, it’s some shit that we deal with. It hurts. To be honest with you, it hurts me more than it hurts my fans because I am disappointing some of my fans and I really don’t like to disappoint them. It’s the nature of the business, you know. But the album is coming out December 11th and that’s the final date, so I’m very excited about that. {Click to listen to Mario’s response}

Sam: That’s great. What producers and guest features can we expect to hear on the album?

Sam: Yes, I’ve heard about Knightwritaz. Could you tell me a little about the Knightwritaz?

Mario: For sure. We got two records on this project. We’ve been working together for about a year now. Knightwritaz is a team that when I met them, I just jumped into partnership with them and started helping them write. I just like the vibe that they’ve got going on. Everyone is real young and hungry; Sterling (Simms) is an artist and Marsha Ambrosius (of Floetry) is an artist. Just a very talented group of people. Like I said before, I came in a little later; they all knew each other and were a collective already. I came and started working with them – the chemistry has been pretty good since.

Sam: Are there particular moments that stick in your mind about the recording process (i.e. funny, emotional etc)

Mario: Probably recording ‘Go’ because that record kinda came about in a real life type of way. We were in the studio on South Beach- me and Pharrell- coming up with the idea of how we wanted the track to be. We look out the window and we can see chicks running down the street and everybody getting crazy. We, then, decided to take a break from the studio; the song’s hook had been done already. So we went on South Beach and chilled, partied it up. It kinda gave us a different vibe to go back into the studio with to make the record and it just came out dope. That was just real fun, because a lot of the time when you go into the studio, you don’t have that vibe, it’s real quiet and has a studio atmosphere. But not on South Beach, with everything going on. It was real cool.

Sam: Your current single ‘Crying Out For Me’ has been a fan favourite since surfacing last year. Which track(s) from the album are your personal favourites and why?

Mario: Ah man, ‘Crying Out…’ is definitely one of my favourite records – it’s a very passionate record. I always make passionate records, but ‘Crying Out…’ has that edge to it, a little more swagger to it. It’s not your regular Stargate ‘radio-sounding’ record; it’s more hard-hitting, more musical, different instruments, different sounds. Very entertaining to the ear.

Sam: Can I ask you something? Stargate produced ‘How Do I Breathe’, was it your choice for it to be the album’s first single or would you have preferred, perhaps, something like ‘Crying Out…’ instead.

Mario: I definitely wasn’t on board with ‘How Do I Breathe’. That was a Clive Davis call.

Sam: In terms of future singles, what can we look forward too?

Mario: Yeah, ‘Music For Love’ and ‘Skippin’’. It may change, but as of right now..

Sam: Moving on, many were surprised to learn of your mother’s 20 year addiction to heroin during your recent MTV special ‘I Won’t Love You to Death’.
– How do you feel that has affected you growing up and development into a man now?

Mario: It’s had its negatives and had it’s positives in terms of just being responsible, making good decisions and staying away from drugs. I saw it firsthand, so it was always something I wasn’t interested in.

Sam: Did you have any reservations about coming open with the situation?

Mario: I did, but at the same time I didn’t because it was already out there – people just didn’t talk about it much. To me you can’t be ashamed of where you come from. Where you come from and what you’ve been through is what makes you. No one can tell ‘your’ story better than you. It’s not a reality show, its real talk, real shit. 87% of the households in America, be it upper class, middle or lower, are suffering from substance abuse. {Click here to listen to Mario’s response}

Sam: How is your mother doing now?

Mario: She’s doing great. She can tell you herself; she’s writing a book.

Sam: That’s great.

Mario : Yep

Sam: What do you think separates you and your music from that of other male R&B artists out there?

Mario: What separates me, (is that) I am who I am. Nobody could ever be me and I can’t be anyone else. I hate when people ask me that question…

Sam: (laughs)

Mario: …what do you mean “what separates me”. Many couldn’t walk in my shoes. Don’t even let me get started. I can’t be compared to other artists. Musically, I just feel like a lot of the music I make is timeless, whereas a lot of other artists have ‘right now’ songs. My music is timeless. I make timeless records. When you hear my records, you know it’s me right off the bat. Whereas with someone else, you might sit there wondering who it is for a second. With me, you know my records, you hear that passion, that drive. Also, the way I do my records, the way I do my songs, the way they feel. Vocally, they’re very creative. It’s a lot of things a lot of detailed things.

Sam: With a significant number of tracks from your album having hit the net already, what’s your take on the internet and its effect on the music industry?

Mario: To be honest with you, the first time I saw one of my songs on the internet, I was very upset. I wanted to fire somebody, I wanted kick somebody’s ass, break some fucking walls and windows. What you’ve got to realize is that there’s a whole other world out there. That’s my take on it. I can go on the internet in my hotel room and stay on that shit for hours. I even go on there to listen to new music sometimes, but I still go out and buy the albums. So I think that it creates the awareness of what’s out there, what he/she is doing. I can do something right now and, if I want people to hear it, put it up on the internet.

Sam: So would you say its impact has been more positive or negative?

Mario: I think it’s an even cut. It’s just as positive as it is negative.

Sam: Having already stared in the critically acclaimed film ‘Freedom Writers’, as well as dance flick ‘Step Up’, do you have plans to do more movies?

Mario: Yeah I have a lot more plans. I’m just working towards them and wielding through the all projects to find that one project for you and the project that they want you in. It has to be a mutual thing between me and the studio making the movie.

Sam: Ok, several of our female readers wanted to know if you currently have anyone special in your life. Do you?

Mario: Well, I don’t have a girlfriend, but I do date. (I’m) just finding time to do the personal thing.

Sam: Apart from ThatGrapeJuice.net (laughs), do you log onto other music blogs, forums etc?

Mario: ThatGrapeJuice.net that’s where it is! I go to Youtube, Concrete Loop and Google is one of my favourite sites.

A few quick random questions:

Sam: What’s on your iPod right now/ what are you listening to right now?

Mario: I’m listening to Jay-Z’s new album (‘American Gangster’), The Beatles, the Bee Gees, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder…

Sam: Any Michael Jackson?

Mario: Absolutely. (You can hear) Michael is definitely on the album (laughs).

Sam: Who would you want to work with on a dream collaboration?

Mario: I want to do a record with Kanye. I’ve got a record that I want Jay-Z to get on called ‘Give It To Me’, its not on this album though. Beyonce also; I’d like to do a duet with her. Quincy Jones too.

Sam: So on an ‘off-day’, what do you do to relax?

Mario: Probably, surf the internet.

Wrap Up:

Sam: Describe ‘Go!’ in three words?

Mario: Eclectic, soulful and… fly!

Sam: Do you plan on touring with the album? I know heard something about you touring with Kelly Rowland.

Mario: We’re not going to get into that. She, erm…(long pause). It was supposed to happen…

Sam: (laughs)

Mario: I’ll be touring Europe and Australia through December and coming back to the States in February.

Sam: Any message for the fans?

Mario: Act out of choice, rather than out of habit. Go buy my album December 11!

Sam: Thanks very much for your time. Best of luck with the album.

Mario: Thank you.

———————————

Be sure to pick up ‘Go!’ when it hits stores on December 10th (Europe) / December 11th (US)

I caught up with the guys from renown R&B group Jagged Edge this past summer. Alongside promoting their new album ‘Baby Making Project’, the group spoke candidly on a number of things including their relationship with Jermaine Dupri, label drama and tabloid gossip. I, personally, thought they were great sports and the interview came out great. Enough of me rambling, enjoy the interview: )

—————————————-

Sam: Hey guys, how are you all doing?

Jagged Edge: We’re doing good, just sitting here chilling in the studio.

S: First of all, let me just say that it really is an honour speaking with you guys.

JE: Thank you very much, thank you very much.

S: It’s been a short while since the fans have heard anything from you; how have you been spending your time away from the limelight?

Wingo: Man, away from the limelight is work. Work never stops. We’re in the studio doing what we love. Recording, with our families, eating hanging out…enjoying life. One thing my father said ‘there’s nothing like having a job you enjoy going to everyday’. We go to sleep music, we wake up music. You, know what I’m saying. It is what it is.

S: Since hitting the scene almost a decade ago, you’ve maintained a great working relationship with Jermaine Dupri – recently (re)signing with his So So Def imprint over at Island/Def Jam. How did that come about?

Wingo: Actually, JD and Jagged Edge are brothers, man. He changed our life by giving us a record deal about 8 or 9 years ago. We’re still here and are just very thankful for it. He taught us a lot and we taught him a lot. We’re like a family – you can’t break a good family apart; It’s very hard to. Different obstacles may come in your way but you just knock them down and keeping it moving. There was some contractual stuff that we were dealing with back at Columbia and with Sony that wouldn’t allow us to be with him. So once we were able to leave, we did.

S: Your new album is aptly titled ‘Baby Making Music’ – a collection of ballads. Aside from being renown for your great slow jams, what inspired the concept?
Did you have doubts going into this project, after all the group’s up-tempos such as ‘Where The Party At’ have proved equally as popular?

Brian: That’s what we do (ballads). Our fans know us as balladeers. That’s where our heart and soul is. As far as the up-tempos – we do it all, all across the board. Saying that, we have a lot of fans come up to us saying ‘we made our first child to your music’ etc so we wanted to give them what they like us for. A child is a great thing. It’s all about pro-creation its how we keep the world moving. At the end of the day, that’s what we’re doing – keeping the world moving (laughs).

S: The first single from the album, ‘Put A Little Umph’ In It’ featuring Ashanti has been received really well, how did the collabo come about?

Wingo: The twins (Brian and Brandon) did Ashanti’s first demo tape back here in Atlanta and once the idea came up to have her on this record, we were with it. Her work ethic is good. We called her up and asked to be on the record and she sounded good on the record. So it was like ‘Hey, it’s on’.

S: What was it like working with her in the studio?

Wingo: Actually, we didn’t really get a chance to work with her in the studio. They sent the record to her. She did the record and had it sent back.

Brian: She was really easy to work with.

Wingo: She’s good people and done what she was supposed to do.

S: What other guest features and producers are featured on the album?

Brandon: Jagged Edge and Jermaine Dupri – that’s it. That’s another reason why we got back with Jermaine, because he respects our creativeness and we respect his. At the end of the day, we did half the album, he did half the album. We let him know what we wanted going into the project and he respected that. He loves our work just as much as we love his.

S: What have you been doing in-between recording the album and after?

Brian: We’ve been out on the road, doing a little promo, getting our relationship back established with radio, TV and with you guys – it’s going down. We’re here, we ain’t going nowhere.

S: Have any personal favourites emerged from ‘Baby Making Project’?

Wingo: My favourite the first single ‘Put a Little Umph In It’ because it’s straight to the point. You know when you get with that one you love; she ain’t going to be expecting no slacking. You gotta be a man (laughs)..put your back into it.

S: Ten years deep, you’re one of the only active R&B groups still around; what do you think has been the reason for your staying power?

Wingo: Our love for music, our love for what we do. As I said, Jagged Edge, we go to bed music, we wake up to music. That’s it. Everyday of our lives it’s music. When you love what you do, you’re not going to let anything deter you from it. You might get upset about a few situations and stuff like that. But the overall picture is music, we’re here to do music. Our fans love us for our music.

S: Despite achieving a high level of prominence, you’ve seemingly managed to stay out of the tabloids etc; how has this been so?

Brandon: We do not try to invite negative energy. We see them stories etc and we try to separate ourselves from it. We do ourselves: Jagged Edge.

Wingo: We don’t try and be with the ‘in’ crowd. We are the ‘in’ crowd.

S: Speaking of rumors/gossip, Brian – for the record – what was the situation with you and LeToya?

-Brian dodges the question, Wingo chips in with: –

Wingo: That was old. That was an old flame. They hung out for a while and that was that.

S: Nothing more?

Wingo: Nothing more, nothing less.

S: Who have been your musical influences?

JE: Everybody from the Tempations, to The Four Tops, Commondores, Lionel Richie, Marvin Gaye, Donnie Hathaway, New Edition, KC & Jo Jo, Jodeci, Gerald Levert. Everybody. We love music. If it’s done right and put together well, we like it.

S: With Nas proclaiming that ‘Hip Hop Is Dead’, what are your thought’s on the current state of R&B?

Brian: Current state of R&B? I think R&B is doing alright, straight up. I mean Usher came out with an album a year or two ago and sold 1.2 million or so in a week. You still have R&B artists selling half a million albums in a week. Mary J just came back and did over 700,000 and some change. We’re R&B. So R&B hasn’t died out too much – that’s my opinion.

S: Do you feel the Internet has made a positive or negative impact on the music industry?

Brandon: Both.

Brian: it makes more accessible, but no one’s paying for it.

Wingo: It’s now become a easier to get it for free. We’re in the business to sell records.

S: Do you think it was a boast to help your careers now, compared to the earlier stages?

Brandon: I think when you use it the right way, like Myspace and different websites, it can help to profile all the way. But when you have people who just use the internet to rip your music, that isn’t no help no way.

S: A few quick random questions:

– Current artists you’re feeling?

Wingo: T. Pain

Brian: J. Holiday, I like Omarion, I like a couple of Omarion’s records

JE: Ne-Yo, he’s great.

– Can Michael Jackson make a big comeback?

JE: YES!!!!

Wingo: all he has to do is get a song from Ne-Yo (all laugh). One song from Ne-Yo and he’s back!

– Beyonce or Kelly Rowland?

JE: Both of them. We have relationships with them, we used to tour and travel together. That’s our people.

S: When the dust has settled, how do you want Jagged Edge to be remembered?

Brandon: Man, put us up there with all the great groups, that’s how we want to be remembered. Like a star on the walk of fame, rock hall of fame. All that stuff. I think for some people, when you first get into the game all those things seem like they’re so far away. But in 10 years, we gotta be close. We closer than ever (laughs)..closer than a lot of others.

S: Do you guys have any message for the fans?

JE: We love our fans. We gonna be here. We’re not going anywhere. Continue supporting us.

S: Thanks for taking time out to answer our questions; it’s very much appreciated. Good luck with the project.

—————————————————-

Prior to now, producer/songwriter Sean Garrett has been renown for the hits he’s crafted for the likes of Destiny’s Child (‘Lose My Breath’) , Usher (‘Yeah’) and Nelly (‘Grillz’). However now, the Atlanta native is set to launch his own label Bet I Penned It Music via Interscope, with his currently untitled album serving as the label’s first release. Interscope CEO Jimmy Iovine says of Garrett “Sean Garrett is one of the greatest songwriters to come along in the last 10 years, Interscope will always jump to work with someone like him.” {Source}

I’m happy for Sean. His name has been cropping up on the credits of so many hits in recent years and it’s great that he’s finally set for mainstream exposure. Having already delivered this year on Kelly Rowland’s ‘Like This’ and Chris Brown’s ‘Wall to Wall’, Sean is currently busying himself with the new projects from Britney Spears and Michael Jackson. more power to him.

The Beyonce Experience tour made a stop in London last night, for the first of two dates here. Since purchasing my tickets way back in September, my interest in Beyonce had waned slightly after being let-down by her sophomore effort ‘B’Day’. However after yesterday’s show, I’m sold on the woman all over again. Absolutely fantastic.

After arriving at the arena around 7.30pm and purchasing the expected rip-off tour booklet (£12/$23!), we made our way to our seats. Once seated, I was surprised to see Matthew Knowles, as well as production trio The Bamma Boys, appear on stage to hype the crowd and introduce the opening act – Soul singer Katie Shotter. 20 year old Shotter was the winner of Matthew’s UK TV show ‘Chancers’ and is signed to his label Music World. She was generally well-received by the audience and her material was promising. Yet, by the third song it was like ‘hurry up and get off the stage’. Well, at least that’s what I was thinking Lol…

An already-hyped audience erupted at 8.50pm, when Beyonce finally hit the stage. The spectacle of her entrance alone was pretty amazing; raining pyro served as the backdrop to her grand entry. Beyonce then launched into a rousing performance of mega-hit ‘Crazy in Love’, which set the tone for the rest of the evening. I’d seen her live a few times before and she was great, yet it was evident yesterday that she was performing with increased vigour. She commanded that stage; it was if she was possessed. Sasha was officially in the building.

There were many highlights during the show; including the steamy ‘Baby Boy’ (which was remixed with Reggae classic ‘Murder She Wrote’) and her near-flawless rendition of ‘Dangerously in Love’. The Destiny’s Child Medley was also a standout, with Knowles singing a string of the group’s big hits- crowd participation here was off the charts. Knowles’ vocals were on-point throughout and all songs were sung live – aside from the passable ‘Suga Mama’.

Of the newer songs performed, I was most impressed with ‘Upgrade U’ and ‘Get Me Bodied’. Both performances stayed true to their video counterparts-hence the choreography was hot. Unfortunately the version of ‘Get Me Bodied’ she performed wasn’t the Extended Mix – so no ‘Naomi Campbell walk’ lol– but it was still great nonetheless. Even the limp ‘Flaws & All’ was brought to life via Beyonce’s raw stage presence; she shed a genuine tear during this performance.

The WHOLE arena – women, men, boys, girls and even the arena staff- went into a frenzy when the last song ‘Irreplaceable’ was sung. ‘To the left, to the left’, she encouraged us to sing ‘…even you gangstas too’ she added. At that point I let go of any reluctance and flung my hands up lol. Soon after, we we’re thanked for coming and she walked to the back. I knew that could not be the last song though. ‘Bass…High-Hat….808’ rang out and the audience went CRAZY, as Beyonce gave an encore performance of ‘Déjà Vu’.

So the night ended as just as it began – with a bang. The concert definitely lived up to its billing; it was an ‘experience’ and then some. On the night Beyonce showed just why – hate it or love it – she is the ‘Hottest Chick in the Game’.

* Kelly Rowland was heavily promoted throughout the show – her ‘Like This’ video was played, Matthew spoke about her album and numerous promotional posters/handouts were spotted/given out

* Matthew Knowles sat right behind us for the entire concert at the mixing/recording pit

* Crowd was hyped all the way through

* Her band was incredible…very talented.

* She gave both her band and dancers time to shine.

Bad Boy Records artist Cheri Dennis is finally set release her long-delayed debut album, with the Yung Joc collaboration ‘Portrait’ as the CD’s first official single. Label head Diddy confirmed the news at the ‘Bad Boy Upfront’ event in New York this week. For those not familar with Cheri, the talented singer/songwriter has been signed to Diddy’s label for several years and her project has constantly been pushed back in favour of other artists- including Diddy himself. The hold-ups haven’t stopped Cheri from carving out her own way through the industry; she has written tracks for numerous artists including Olivia and Danity Kane. Dennis also sang the theme tune to MTV’s ‘Making The Band’ – ‘Oh La La’. The currently untitled album is slated for a summer release and will feature productions from Ryan Leslie, Byan Michael Cox and Rodney ‘Darkchild’ Jerkins.

I’m really hoping her album sees the light of day. If anyone thinks Mya and Kelly Rowland have been pushed back into oblivion, then they don’t know about Cheri. Anyway, the single ‘Portrait’ – which surfaced a few months ago- is a great track and I think it’ll do well. Check it out…