Interview: Mario Winans

July 20, 2007

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why is he famous?

After making a name for himself as a producer, and making a cameo vocal performance on P. Diddy's "I Need A Girl (Part 2)," Mario Winans made sure everyone knew his name with his hit "I Don't Wanna Know," from the 2004 album, Hurt No More.

quick bio

Mario Winans didn't waste any time getting into music production. Fresh out of high school, Winans dove into the industry, starting with his family's material and graduating to other gospel artists like Fred Hammond and The Clark Sisters. Relying on his background as a percussionist and composer, Winans became a highly sought-after producer for the likes of Pebbles and R. Kelly.

While he wasn't initially planning on starting a career as a singer, the multitalented Mario signed onto Motown Records in 1997 and released Story of My Heart. The album hardly made a bleep, but one track, "Don't Know," did crack the Top 50 R&B/hip-hop singles chart.

Undeterred, Winans continued producing and banging out beats, most notably for P. Diddy's Bad Boy Records. From there, he signed a new solo contract, going on to release his Bad Boy debut Hurt No More in 2004. This time, the breakthrough single was not "Don't Know," but rather "I Don't Wanna Know;" it cracked the Top 5 of Billboard's Hot 100.

Check out what the man behind the music has to say about working with P. Diddy, his upcoming projects, and more.

Q: Mario, thanks for granting us this interview. You've worked with so many artists; which one did you most like working with?

Each artist has their own unique individuality, so it's been really cool to work with all the artists I've had the opportunity of collaborating with.

Q: So you're also a diplomat (laughs). Is there one artist that you are most proud of having worked with?

That's an easy one — Vickie Winans, my mom...

Q: Did you forget to buy her a gift or something? So what's your favorite song that you produced or wrote for someone else?

There are a few: "Emotional" for Carl Thomas, "I Need A Girl" (Part 1 & 2) for P. Diddy and "Peaches & Cream" for 112.

Mario Winans, who hails from Detroit, is a member of the legendary, gospel, award-winning Winans' family. He is the son of singer Vickie Winans and the stepson of her former husband, Marvin Winans.

Q: One week out of high school, and you produced an entire album for a local group. Was this something that was brewing in you or was it really a creative outburst?

It was something from inside. Producing is what I've always wanted to do.

Q: Songwriting and producing go hand in hand, but which one do you prefer?

Producing, because that's my first love... but songwriting is gaining fast, 'cause you can express your feelings and what's going on in your life.

Mario on signing with P. Diddy's Bad Boy Records, his hit "I Don't Wanna Know," and more...