In "I might as well crank out another album because the tour money's slowing down" news, R&B stud Mario is headed back to the lab to work on his yet untitled third album. Apparently he's been in the studio over the last few weeks prepping new material. Rather than me telling it, let's hear from the little homey himself.

Here's Mario to MTV on his new album: I think the last album was more hip-hop and R&B, but this one is gonna be more soulful. There'll be] more singing involved because that's what my first love is: the sound of a voice touching somebody. Musically, there are different instruments and different sounds. It's more mature, more in-depth with the person I am [now] and some of the things I've experienced. Writing-wise, it's more direct ... and I'm doing a lot of writing on this album myself.

That's nice Mario. Let's hear some more jazz about the album.

Here's Mario talking more jazz to MTV about his new album: I'm really looking forward to working with Alicia [again]. We discussed it at [Clive Davis'] Grammy party, and her schedule's kind of crazy now, [but] I'll be getting in the studio with her soon. This is one of the only times I'm experimenting with my writing. I'm very free with my writing and it [holds value for me] because I know this is something that's going to last.

Okay Mario, enough already. Is there anything else worth mentioning EbenGregory?

No, but I'm sure Mario wouldn't agree. If Mario were writing this, he'd probably mention that he's trying to get his acting career off the ground. He would mention his feature film role, opposite two-time Oscar winner Hilary Swank, in the coming-of-age drama "Freedom Writers," is set to open this fall. He would also probably mention his other movie, the Disney flick "Music High" - a modern take on 1980 hit movie "Fame." He would even probably go as far as quoting himself.

Here's Mario to MTV on his budding acting career: There are a lot of young rappers and R&B singers who try to break into acting, but I think it's about the way you do it, the character [you choose to] play and the script.

But since Mario's not writing this and since there's nothing else worth mentioning.

Here's some brass jewelry being dropped by EbenGregory on Mario prepping a new album and trying to get his movie career poppin': Success is sweet to drink but bitter to pay for. You better get your money straight first playboy. Don't think I don't know about your money problems.

The Jewelry Man has eyes just like the hills.

Click here to Watch EbenGregory - Mario Taps Jermaine Dupri And Ne-Yo For New Album