New Music: Mario feat. Rick Ross - 'Forever'

Mario is the latest artist to join the deluge of early ’00s stars announcing comebacks this year. After parting ways with RCA Records and going independent, the “Let Me Love You” singer has been in the studio with Scott Storch and is gearing up to release Never 2 Late, his first album in six years, on Nov. 27.

Now we get to hear the first single “Forever,” and it comes with a Rick Ross feature. The gruff rapper and the golden-voiced singer collide over timeless R&B production, with strings and rattling percussion.

“I want this forever, I want you forever,” croons Mario on the chorus, adding, “Stay here with me, baby / I just want to love you till you scream.”

It’s another excellent addition to Mario’s canon of middle school slow dance songs.