R&B veteran Mario has returned with his new single “Space,” produced by BNYX. He co-wrote the track with James Fauntleroy.
Over a sleek production accented by brassy horns and a funky bassline, Mario lets a woman know that she’s welcome to visit his spot to further enjoy each other’s company.
“Hey! / You got that look on your face / Like you still want to place / Come over to my place / Let you into my space,” he sings on the grown and sexy track.
“Space” is Mario’s first single release of the year. It’s also the lead single from his upcoming album, which will release later this year on Epic Records.
In 2023, he dropped three tracks: “Used To Me” featuring Ty Dolla $ign, “Like Her Too” with Sabrina Claudio, and “Main One” featuring Lil Wayne and Tyga. The latter track marked Mario’s first release under his new deal with Epic Records.
“Right now, Epic comprises some of the greats in the music game like Sylvia Rhone and Ezekiel Lewis. I’ve been independent for eight years, so this is definitely a new chapter for me and New Citizen,” Mario said about his first major-label deal in a decade. “We’re going to be one of the chariots for R&B, and we’re bringing it back.”
Although Mario’s musical output has been quiet for much of the year, he did collaborate with German rapper Luciano on “Love Ya” from his Seductive project and with Chris Brown on “Won’t Keep You Waiting” from his 11:11 (Deluxe) album.
Further, he joined Ne-Yo on the U.K./Europe leg of his Champagne & Roses Tour.
Most recently, Mario made a surprise appearance at Nicki Minaj‘s Pink Friday 2: Gag City Reloaded Tour stop in Los Angeles. He performed his signature hit “Let Me Love You” from 2004’s Turning Point. (The song is Mario’s first to reach one billion streams on Spotify.)
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Speaking of tours, Mario will join the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige, on her For My Fans Tour, which kicks off in January 2025. Ne-Yo will also join them on the road. A list of tour dates has not been unveiled at the time of publication, though it’s expected to be shared soon.
Mario’s forthcoming album will mark his first full-length project since 2018’s Dancing Shadows. In 2020, he treated fans to his Closer to Mars EP, which included standout tracks like “Closer” and “Mars.”
Stream Mario’s new song “Space” below.
