DETROIT – Detroit native Mario Wilson has quite the story to tell. He was a teenage gang member who never let go of the beliefs his grandmother taught him, even when he was furthest from them. By sharing his story he hopes to show others it's never too late to turn your life around.
Wilson, now a gospel music artist, just released his first single called "He paid for it." At Detroit's Greater Grace Temple, Wilson will soon take the stage with fellow gospel artists Marvin Sapp and Tamela Mann. It's a big step for the 24-year-old, whose life could've gone in a different direction.
Wilson said he used to be very involved in gang life. Between the ages of 16 and 18, he was a part of the Gangster Disciples and Young Certified Bosses.
Did he ever get caught?
"Never," Wilson said.
In fact, during that time, he maintained a 3.0 GPA and high honors in school. But, he soon realized it was time to change.
"I guess when you just get fed up. You know?" said Mario. "When you get to a certain age like now, I'm worried about my financial stability. Now I'm worried about how my family's going to be in the future. I want to get my mom out the hood and get her to a better situation in life."
Pursuing a career in R&B music, Wilson packed his bags and moved to Hollywood. But he suddenly had a change of heart.
"I went to my bedroom and I laid down in the bed and pretty much just closed my eyes and asked, 'God, what do you want me to do?'" Wilson said. "At that time, clear as day, he came to me and said basically, ‘Be obedient. Do my will.'"
That sparked his interest in gospel music.
"It's very exciting. I didn't even think this would be happening right now," Wilson said. "It's amazing. It's amazing. I didn't expect for it to go like this."