NEW YORK — Zooming the halls on a scooter, baby-faced Mario could be mistaken for just a typical 16-year-old.
Except for the fact that he's zooming down the halls of J Records, the record label of music mogul Clive Davis. And he's become a certified teen idol, thanks to hits such as "Just a Friend 2002," and his most recent single, "Braid My Hair."
Clearly, Mario — whose full name is Mario Barrett — is not just another teen.
"I don't get much time to be a kid," he jokes, explaining his indoor scooter ride.
Mario started singing at 4, and spent much of his childhood competing in one talent contest after another in his quest to become the next superstar. It also gave him something to do besides hanging out on the mean streets of Baltimore.
"There's a lot to get into," says the singer, sporting his trademark cornrows.
He finally landed an audition with Davis, founder of J Records. Davis signed him to the label, introducing an unknown Mario at his traditional pre-Grammy party this year. He did the same for Alicia Keys in 2000; she swept the Grammys this year.
Keys also worked with Mario on his self-titled debut disc, which was released in July. The teen seemed enamored with his labelmate, saying: "I look up to Alicia like a big sister. She's beautiful, inside and out."
Mario has kept a busy schedule since his album was released in July, going on tour with Bow Wow and making numerous appearances. He won't slow down anytime soon; he's scheduled to perform at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade in New York City.
1: Who are your favorite artists?
Mario: Joe, Usher, Stevie (Wonder). For me, I have times where I just feel like old music, I don't feel like new music. I got my man Frankie Beverly, the Isley Brothers, The Temptations . . . I could bring out the collections.
2: Why did you start listening to the "oldies" hits?Mario: I had to find out what real music is. I'm not that type of artist where I'm just going to say, 'OK, this is what's happening and this is what it is.' It had to be something else, it had to come from somewhere else.
3: Do you plan to branch out into acting?Mario: I might . . . but I don't want to rush it. Maybe do a couple of cameos first, see how I work with the camera before I can jump into a big movie with Jada (Pinkett) Smith. (Laughs.)
4: Your song, "Just a Friend," talks about romancing an older woman. Do you like older women?
Mario: It's not the age, it's the maturity. In Baltimore, I always hung around people older than me. I was always trying to be older.
5: Do you have a girlfriend?
Mario: (Smiles.) I have friends who are female.