[2] On the album, Mario collaborated with familiar songwriters, such as Bryan-Michael Cox, as well as new partners, including The-Dream, Soundz, and Jim Jonsin, among others.

At the end of 2007 Mario told Billboard Magazine that he had already begun designing the concept for his new album and that production would begin in February 2008.

[3] In late 2008 a track titled "Emergency Room" leaked to the internet, credited to Mario and featuring Rihanna, and also played by various radio stations throughout the country.

Of the song Mario said "This was a rough cut that I was working on and wanted to present it to Rihanna and her record label.

"[5] Mario described the song "The Hardest Moment" which is set to be on his album as "Personal, because I say things in the record that have multiple meanings.

In early September 2009, Mario, Trey Songz, Day26 and Sean Garrett announced on 106 & Park that they will all tour with RichGirl across the U.S.[14] Upon its release, D.N.A.

[27] Ken Capobianco of The Boston Globe called the album an "unfussy, beautifully sung set" in which "the 23-year-old Mario taps into the tenderness of early Maxwell", producing "straight-up love songs without histrionics...and Mario's singing so smooth that Stevie Wonder would approve.

"[28] Andrew Rennie of Now argues the album is "grown-up, seductive and a little bit explicit (when it needs to be)...it's a small triumph for guys trying to get in touch with their emotions through the medium of R&B.

[23] Steve Jones of USA Today notes, "with each new album, Mario...has grown a little more adventurous artistically.

"kept a consistent setting giving the consumer the full on experience on what it's like for a man to endure a painful separation.

"[31] Though the reviews were mostly positive, there were a few criticisms leveled at D.N.A.. Andy Kellman of AllMusic laments, "while it will please the majority of the fan base, the material does not allow Mario -- a vocalist more versatile than many would like to admit -- to do much more than toggle between a Lothario and a softie.

"[20] Mikael Wood of Entertainment Weekly called Mario "forgettable" in his mixed review of the album, arguing: "lack of personality doesn't kill the disc's ample pleasures.