This piece is part of The FADER’s ‘The Opener’ series, offering informal interviews with emerging artists.
Supah Mario boasts an enviable production resume, having collaborated with Young Thug from the outset of his career. His work includes tracks such as 2013’s ‘2 Cups Stuffed’ and 2017’s ‘Wyclef Jean’. Mario’s beats consistently feature a natural, effortless musicality, a trait he attributes to his instrumentally gifted family and his formative years performing in church.
(A YouTube video for Young Thug’s ‘Wyclef Jean’ was originally embedded here.)
Beyond his work with Thug, the South Carolina native has crafted beats for a diverse array of artists over the last ten years, including YoungBoy Never Broke Again, Lil Uzi Vert, Big K.R.I.T., and Travis Scott. More recently, he’s lent his talents to a new generation of rappers like Yeat, Megan Thee Stallion, Jace, Bktherula, Cochise, GloRilla, Joony, Molly Santana, PLUTO, and Showjoe. However, his primary artistic pursuit lately has shifted to jazz.
Last autumn saw Mario release DEMO TAPE, his inaugural venture into jazz. This collection features warm, analog sounds and smoothly arranged suites, showcasing a richness and intricacy comparable to his layered productions for Drake. The album’s title, DEMO TAPE, suggests a humble approach, and song titles like ‘TIME 4 JAZZ (UNC)’ underscore his ambition to demonstrate his versatility in an entirely new musical landscape, rather than simply catering to his established fanbase.
Currently residing in Atlanta, Supah Mario is collaborating with Washington Heights rapper LIFEOFTHOM on a mixtape slated for release this spring. Their debut joint single, ‘The World Is Yours,’ dropped recently, featuring THOM’s confident lyrical delivery over a rhythm section dominated by toms and snares, complemented by undulating synths. The FADER connected with Supah Mario via email to discuss his creative journey and personal insights.
(A YouTube video for LIFEOFTHOM & Supah Mario’s ‘The World Is Yours’ was originally embedded here.)
What were the coolest things to do in your hometown?
“I grew up in a small country town where entertainment was limited. Our main activities involved playing basketball at the gym, attending drag races, and riding dirt bikes and four-wheelers. These were definitely the highlights of my childhood.”
Can you tell us about the first album you ever bought?
“The very first album I purchased with my own money was a Korn album, which might surprise some people. Around 11 or 12 years old, I was really into alternative and heavy rock music.”
What was the last movie you watched, and what did you think of it?
“I believe the last movie I saw was Bugonia. It was absolutely hilarious and quite wild. The plot revolves around a man who abducts a woman, convinced she’s an alien. I won’t reveal any more to avoid spoilers!”
How do you spend your free time when you’re not making music?
“I’m a father, so most of my free time is dedicated to my daughters and all the ‘dad stuff’ that comes with it. It’s time I wouldn’t exchange for anything else in the world.”
If you could remix any song, what would it be and why?
“It would definitely have to be Frank Ocean’s ‘PYRAMIDS’.”
(A Vimeo video for Frank Ocean’s ‘Pyramids’ was originally embedded here.)
What’s the best thing you’ve bought for $100 or less?
“There are so many options, but I’d have to say my handheld back massage gun.”
What’s your ideal level of fame?
“Honestly, my ideal level of fame is none at all. However, receiving appreciation for my art is more than enough for me.”
Describe the best concert you’ve ever attended.
“It was a Rolling Loud show featuring Post Malone. I can’t recall the exact year, but the setlist was fantastic, and I had the opportunity to be backstage and meet many interesting people. It was a truly great experience.”
What’s the longest you’ve ever spent working on a single song?
“One day, I spent a full 17 hours on a single beat. I took short breaks, but I was determined to complete it in one go and avoid having to come back to it later. Literally, 17 hours!”
What’s a motto you believe everyone should live by?
“My motto is: ‘You get one life on this earth! Chase your dreams and spend time with the ones you love!'”
Can you share the last meme you saved to your phone?
“It’s not exactly a meme, but it’s a hilarious caricature of Kevin Gates.”
(An image of a Kevin Gates caricature was originally included here.)
Describe your perfect afternoon.
“My perfect afternoon would involve my kids coming home from school, being fed, finishing their homework, getting cleaned up, and relaxing. Then, I’d get to immerse myself in the studio, making music until I’m too exhausted to continue. That would truly be a dream come true for me, haha.”
What are you currently looking forward to?
“I’m really excited about working on my next project and having the chance to perform it live with some incredibly talented musicians.”
Tell us about your favorite accessory.
“I’d have to say it’s a gold grill I got in Florida some time ago. I rarely wear it now, but it serves as a reminder of when I first started achieving significant success in my music career.”
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
“The best advice I’ve gotten recently was to handle as much as possible myself to cut down on expenses! Haha.”
And the worst advice?
“The worst advice I ever got was, ‘We should open up a restaurant.’ Absolutely not!”
What’s the last thing you wrote in your Notes app?
“Funnily enough, it was the answers to these interview questions!”
(A portrait image of Supah Mario was originally included here.)
