Born and raised in Chicago, Mario remembers his earliest experiences of music were through his family.
"My uncle Arthur, uncle John David, grandmother Nez and Mother, Ora Abney. Arthur, my youngest uncle, played lounge style piano at home and taught me how to play around the age of 7. My uncle John David introduced me to James Brown as it was something he always listened to around us. My grandmother was a huge blues fan and my mother Ora was the choir president. Thus I always heard that soulful Chicago gospel sound that reminds me of jazzy music." Outside of this, hip-hop and 90s rap were important influences from an early age, as well as long time friend and bandmate, drummer Phil Fornett at Thornton Township Highschool.