Mario Blesses R&B Live Atlanta: Baltimore's Crooning Salsero

Sobe Live and Miami Live are two of South Florida's major venues for live Hip Hop and R&B performances. Being that I attended the grimy Sobe live in the depths of South Beach Miami, Florida, I expected the same excitement of live "energy" when I received an invitation to attend R&B Live Atlanta. On the south side of Atlanta's 10th street lies a new lofty event space waiting to be christened by a plethora of "urban chic" events. This nights R&B Live Atlanta featured performances by newly solo artist Marsha Ambrosius of soul group, Floetry, one of Hip Hop's finest, Common and R&B crooner turned Salsa recruit, Mario. In the midst of flashing cameras and bustling activity on the semi red carpet, I managed to get Mario's attention. Fresh off of his stint on "Dancing with the Stars," Mario was in the house on hand to talk about his charity, salsa, and boxing?

I asked him about his newest project, "Mario's Do Right" Foundation, and his mission behind starting it. "Well, its a A foudation that is inspiring kids to live a healthy drug free life, which entails getting your education. You can't do anything without a clear mind. Its something that im an advocate for, you know, being that I grew up watching my family members and a lot friends of mine get their lives taken away by drug abuse. So, I just wanted to inspire them [kids] by starting my foundation this year and hopefully I can reach a lot of kids around the world."

Rapper, Lil' Wayne, has blessed many a song with his "raspy" voice and Mario is one of many artists that chose him to remix a single (song). I wanted to know his thoughts on this experience: "Wayne actually did the remix to "Crying Out for Me," and I guess it was a record that he liked, and [he] jumped on it. He's obviously somebody who is a multi- talented guy. Im glad he got on there and did his thing on it."

Not only is he apart of the "Lil' Wayne is on one of my songs" group, but he's also amongst the many stars who have joined the ranks of, ABC TV's "Dancing with the Stars." I asked him if he's preserved those new skills of his and gone out salsa dancing lately. "Actually I have, I have. I went to Europe about 3 weeks ago and I was at this salsa club out there, but I haven't been to a Salsa club in Atlanta or the U.S. really. I would love to go if you were to invite me out, or somebody [else] would, I would love to go salsa dancing." I told him he's definitely got to go out in Atlanta and that there's a good latin dance social scene out here.

Not only does he have skills on the dance floor but also in the ring. "I wanted to ask if you were a boxer, I saw you [Mario] up at my Gym, Knuckle up?" "Yea. You know to me, its a mind, body and soul thing. Boxing is a sport that not only requires for you to be in good shape, but also requires thinking. And I really enjoy that sport. One, because of that (mind sport) but, its a great work out, and you know, defense. If you can fight, its a good feeling to know, and be confident in your hand skills."

Just when I thought he was going to bust a boxing move, he was beckoned back to the red carpet frenzy. I thanked him for his time and wandered off to the side and later stood as I listened to his on stage performance amongst flowing drinks and fiending female fans.

Happy crooning,

Ms. Unique