That B-more sound

Mario

Mario a.k.a. Mario Dewar Barrett

Maryland ties: Born in Baltimore and grew up in various parts of Baltimore City and County

Musical style: R&B

Musical contribution: Mario knew he wanted to be a singer by age four and honed his craft by singing along to a karaoke machine his mother had bought him. By the time he was 16 he had released his debut R&B album, "Mario," which included hit singles "Just a Friend" and "Braid My Hair." His most recent album, "Go," was released in the fall of 2007.

Extra notes: In 2007, MTV aired a documentary called "I Won't Love You to Death: The Story of Mario and His Mom." The film explores Mario's relationship with his mother and her struggle with heroin addiction.