Mario Romero Iglehart Jr., known professionally as Silent To The Mouth, is an American hip hop and R&B artist whose career has been shaped by rhythm, persistence, and creative evolution. Born on March 27, 1984, in San Antonio, Texas, Iglehart developed his musical identity through years of performing, freestyling, and recording, building a reputation as an artist who blends lyrical precision with melodic expression. His unique sound merges the storytelling qualities of hip hop with the emotional tone of R&B, earning him comparisons to artists such as Q-Tip, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Slick Rick, and Ludacris. Over the course of more than two decades, he has established himself as a versatile performer who thrives on both improvisation and structured artistry.
Iglehart’s musical roots trace back to his childhood in Austin, Texas, where he was raised after being born in San Antonio. Moving through different states and cities exposed him to a wide range of musical styles, from soulful R&B to rhythm-driven hip hop. He began singing at an early age and, according to accounts, was participating in freestyle rap battles as young as three years old. This early exposure to rhythm and competition became the foundation of his future in music. As a teenager, Iglehart was already competing in Austin’s local freestyle contests and gained early recognition for his quick wit and flow. Between 1997 and 2001, he won several freestyle competitions, a streak that set him apart as a promising young talent in the city’s underground scene.
Seeking to refine his craft and expand his understanding of the industry, Iglehart attended the Gary Job Corps in San Marcos, Texas. While studying there, he focused on developing both his lyrical skills and his confidence as a performer. He competed against fifty-six rappers in freestyle battles, advancing undefeated until his first loss, and then returned to win against another thirty-four opponents, including the same rapper who had previously defeated him. This determination became a defining part of his artistic character. In addition to his performance experience, Iglehart earned an associate degree in music business, giving him a deeper understanding of how to manage and sustain a professional music career.
By the early 2000s, Iglehart had become well known throughout Austin and other parts of Texas for his battle rap achievements. His dedication soon took him beyond state lines. After relocating to Utah, he entered and won the “Dogge’m Out” challenges, defeating around sixty rappers and further solidifying his reputation as a skilled lyricist. These victories helped him gain a foothold in new music circles and brought him opportunities to perform on bigger stages. His live performances included shows alongside prominent artists such as Ice Cube and Fabolous, marking his growing presence in the national hip hop scene. He also participated in radio contests, including a memorable “three rapper” challenge that came with a one-thousand-dollar prize, which he won.
In 2010, Iglehart released his debut album Keep Your Mouth Closed, marking his transition from freestyle performer to recording artist. The following year, he followed up with Silent: Collaborations of a Quiet Artist, a project recorded after his success in radio competitions. During this period, he claimed to have sold one hundred thousand copies of his independent release, an impressive feat for a self-managed artist. His music began to reflect not just his lyrical abilities but also his interest in melody and vocal arrangement. In 2011, he recorded his first full studio project and continued to engage with the public through appearances on radio platforms, including a notable performance on U92.5 FM in 2012. These experiences strengthened his reputation as a consistent artist dedicated to improving his craft.
Throughout the 2010s and 2020s, Iglehart maintained a steady output of singles and collaborations that reflected both experimentation and authenticity. In 2014, he released the singles “Twerking Everywhere” and “Banging Wit Swangaz,” which showcased his versatility and connection to southern hip hop sounds. In 2016, he released the teaser Right to Remain Silent (EP) along with tracks like “Ride to San Antonio” and “Hot Sauce” featuring SirDoughBoi. The following year saw the release of Snake, and in 2018, he delivered “WGWTB” featuring SoulBaBy and A.B, along with other tracks like “No Chances” and “Lonely.” His collaborations continued into 2019 with “Texas Born and Raised” alongside Jstyles Da Vinci and into 2020 with “I Got What You Need.” That same year, he also recorded live and remix versions of “If You Feel Free,” displaying his adaptability as both performer and producer.
In 2021, he released “You Chose” and “Club Romance,” continuing his exploration of emotional and rhythmic balance. His 2023 single “What I’m Bout” carried forward his signature combination of reflective lyricism and energetic delivery. By 2024, he returned with “Come and Vibe with Us,” featuring Lonzo, another track that highlighted his commitment to collaboration and musical reinvention. Alongside his solo projects, Iglehart also contributed to extended remixes, including a version of GoldLink’s “Crew,” and collaborated with T-Krazie, a member of the San Antonio hip hop group 15Five. These projects strengthened his connection to his regional roots while also showcasing his openness to cross-genre creativity.
Iglehart’s musical approach stands out for its blend of rhythmic rap verses and soulful R&B choruses. His smooth delivery has drawn comparisons to Q-Tip, while his intricate vocal phrasing and rhythmic layering resemble the style of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. His narrative calmness mirrors Slick Rick’s storytelling, while his intensity and stage energy have been likened to Ludacris. The combination of these influences, combined with his personal originality, gives his music a sound that is both familiar and distinctive. His songs often explore themes of perseverance, self-identity, and ambition, capturing both the struggles and triumphs of a life dedicated to music.
His official discography includes three studio albums: Keep Your Mouth Closed (2010), Silent: Collaborations of a Quiet Artist (2011), and Right to Remain Silent (2019). His singles and EPs extend across a range of sounds and collaborations, including “WGWTB” featuring SoulBaBy and Adrianna, “You Chose” with Detre Val, “Club Romance” with The Real Melanin Monroe, and “Come and Vibe with Us” with Lonzo. Other notable works include “Snake,” “Hot Sauce,” “Twerking Everywhere,” “Ride to San Antonio,” and “Slow Banging.”
Throughout his career, Iglehart has earned recognition not only for his studio work but also for his long history of freestyle victories. He has won numerous rap battles, including five consecutive years of competitions in Austin between 1997 and 2001, the Dogge’m Out challenges in Utah, and the thousand-dollar radio contest that helped raise his profile. These achievements reflect his discipline, quick thinking, and creative adaptability.
Mario Romero Iglehart Jr. has spent his life turning rhythm into resilience and reinvention into an art form. From his early days in Austin’s freestyle circuits to his years of independent recording and collaboration, he has remained committed to evolving while staying true to his sound. Silent To The Mouth represents more than a stage name. It symbolizes an artist who lets his music speak louder than words and whose journey through rhythm continues to inspire those who believe in the power of persistence and self-expression.
