His concerts divide audiences. His public comments rarely go unnoticed. Whether people admire him or question him, Msb Mario has become difficult to ignore. Following his performance at The Folklore Rooms in Brighton, we sat down for a conversation that wasn’t designed to promote a tour or sell a record. It was designed to find out who survives when the performance ends.
HipHopHerald: Let’s start with the obvious. You’re not a conventional singer, and I don’t think you even want to be. So why should anyone buy a ticket to watch you instead of someone who can simply sing better?
Msb Mario: Hahaha, I like you. Let’s go. I studied journalism because my parents worked very hard to force me into doing it, but despite everything I still do it to make my family happy. So I get home and buy a ticket to see El Niño de la Pili. Do I sing better now?
HipHopHerald: I walked out of your show with one thought I couldn’t shake. You’re a far more convincing performer than you currently are a songwriter. Does that frustrate you, or do you think I’m completely wrong?
Msb Mario: I think you’re st—pid, brother. Have you read my novel? No? Then you’re very st—pid.
HipHopHerald: Call me stupid if you like. I still don’t think people leave your shows talking about the songs. I think they leave talking about you. Isn’t that a problem for someone who makes records?
Msb Mario: No, if I can keep calling you st—pid, then it’s not a problem.
HipHopHerald: Every time you pushed towards rock, the room seemed to hesitate. Then Chela Chele arrived and suddenly everyone relaxed. Isn’t that your audience telling you exactly who you are?
Msb Mario: Oh, so the frustrated Harvard journalism student has come to tell me where I belong. I think you’re right about everything, honestly.
HipHopHerald: Fuetaso divides opinion. Some people hear satire. Others hear straightforward sexism. Can you honestly blame listeners for questioning where the line is?
Msb Mario: I’m going to cut this interview quite short, actually. At this rate, you’re going to break the record for the shortest interview ever. But I’m sorry, you haven’t understood the poem. It’s completely about an incredible bl—wjob from a woman. What exactly do you find sexist about it? Hahaha. Today is your lucky day, Harvard man.
HipHopHerald: Let’s keep this respectful, Mario. You’re free to disagree with me, but there’s no need for insults. Now, if you’ll allow me, I’ll continue. You introduce almost every song with spoken passages. Those moments often feel stronger than the choruses. Have you ever wondered whether your greatest talent isn’t writing songs at all, but holding people’s attention?
Msb Mario: Con el Chela Chele de tu pelo yo me hago mil te quieros. Do you see how respectful that is? Can I not call you Harvard man anymore? I was actually enjoying it quite a lot.
HipHopHerald: You seem obsessed with refusing labels. Spoken word. Flamenco. Reggaeton. Rock. Is that artistic freedom—or are you afraid that choosing one path means giving something up?
Msb Mario: That’s an incredible question, my brother. This one is a 10, honestly. At Harvard they would be on their knees for this one. Wow, I love you.
HipHopHerald: Publicly, you’ve criticised parts of hip hop. Did you expect people to admire your honesty, or were you deliberately looking for a reaction?
Msb Mario: I love hip hop. You haven’t read me properly. Freddie Mercury was the greatest rapper in the world.
HipHopHerald: You don’t look, move or behave like a reggaeton artist. Some people would even say the genre doesn’t suit you. Why keep insisting on it?
Msb Mario: Because I’m good at every musical genre. You’re judging with your eyes before you think. That’s the real limitation. You’re trapped inside predictable social conventions. If I didn’t make reggaeton, everything would be much more boring.
HipHopHerald: Tell me about the last review that genuinely upset you. Not because it was cruel. Because it was accurate.
Msb Mario: I only listen to my father. He’s the only person who can criticise me.
HipHopHerald: You project enormous confidence. How much of it is real, and how much is fear dressed up as certainty?
Msb Mario: Confidence is so temporary that even you are starting to look like a professional journalist now. Imagine that.
HipHopHerald: Your public image generates conversation. Sometimes your identity seems to attract as much attention as your music. Has that ever made you feel misunderstood?
Msb Mario: I thought you were going to answer that one yourself. You know everything. You don’t need me because I’m one of those misunderstood people who don’t give a f—ck about what someone asks when they’re only understanding me out of obligation.
HipHopHerald: You’ve built a career proving that charisma can sometimes outweigh technique. But let me ask you this: do you think you’ve become a successful artist despite your voice—or because you found a way to make people stop caring about it?
Msb Mario: A very deep question, worthy of a diploma. Excellent. I think believing is relative and relativity is an act of belief, therefore we can once again confirm that you are a Harvard man.
HipHopHerald: Do you think people have spent more time trying to define your sexuality than trying to understand your work?
Msb Mario: I think whatever you think. Who am I to disagree with a journalist of such a high level as yourself? Anyway… what is sexuality to you?
HipHopHerald: Your songs often sound brutally personal. Is there a story you’ve never written because somebody you love would recognise themselves immediately?
Msb Mario: I like you, you see? I’ve been messing with you for 15 minutes and you still haven’t really found the right angle on me until now. And you know what? I’d snort you.
HipHopHerald: What’s the hardest thing your parents have ever said to you about your career?
Msb Mario: I’m obviously not going to answer that.
HipHopHerald: Have you ever sacrificed a relationship because you believed the career mattered more?
Msb Mario: You’re intense now, aren’t you? Melissa, I love you. Your bed is always here.
HipHopHerald: Everyone sees the applause. Nobody sees the hotel room afterwards. During the UK trip, was there ever a moment when you questioned whether all of this was worth it?
Msb Mario: Better that you don’t see the hotel rooms. It’s absolute chaos, brother. I didn’t like your last two questions, but for the money I’m going to keep almost answering you, even the ones your boss marked. Carry on.
HipHopHerald: Mario, my intention isn’t to make you uncomfortable. My job is simply to ask the questions people want answered. So, if I asked the five people who know you best to describe you in one word, do you think they’d choose the same word your fans would?
Msb Mario: There aren’t five people who know me well enough to describe me. The only two are in Heaven.
HipHopHerald: What’s the biggest misconception about you that you’ve secretly benefited from?
Msb Mario: I think Declan Rice is an excellent midfielder, and honestly, Harry Kane could absolutely win the World Cup.
HipHopHerald: Sorry, but this has been a challenging conversation, and I respect that you’re not someone who gives easy answers. We only have two questions left, so I’d appreciate your honesty here. Here’s something I genuinely can’t work out: has fame changed you, or has it simply revealed a side of you that was always there?
Msb Mario: Honestly, Harvard changed you.
HipHopHerald: I feel there’s been a bit of resistance throughout this conversation, so I’ll leave you with one final question. When the applause stops and there is no audience left to convince, will people still care about Mario or was the world always more interested in “El Niño de la Pili”?
Msb Mario: Will you be able to come to Heaven and ask me when that happens? Amen.