Bruno Mars appears to have mastered the art of being omnipresent and illusive all at once.

Indeed, for as much of a resident as he is in the upper echelon of the charts, he evades controversy and tabloid columns with wizard-like precision.

He isn’t one to shy away from tricky topics, though, as is apparent in the latest issue of Latina Magazine.

Born to a Filipina/Spanish mom and Puerto Rican/Jewish father, Mars is more than aware of the response to the ambiguity of his look, sound, and stage name.

In this intriguing feature interview, he skilfully and candidly addresses some of the critique levelled his way.

Bruno, in his own words, below…

On Making “Black” Music:

“When you say ‘black music,’ understand that you are talking about rock, jazz, R&B, reggae, funk, doo-wop, hip-hop, and Motown. Black people created it all. Being Puerto Rican, even salsa music stems back to the Motherland [Africa]. So, in my world, black music means everything. It’s what gives America its swag. I’m a child raised in the ‘90s. Pop music was heavily rooted in R&B from Whitney, Diddy, Dr. Dre, Boyz II Men, Aaliyah, TLC, Babyface, New Edition, Michael, and so much more. As kids this is what was playing on MTV and the radio. This is what we were dancing to at school functions and BBQs. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for these artists who inspired me. They have brought me so much joy and created the soundtrack to my life filled with memories that I’ll never forget. Most importantly, they were the superstars that set the bar for me and showed me what it takes to sing a song that can get the whole world dancing, or give a performance that people will talk about forever. Watching them made me feel like I had to be as great as they were in order to even stand a chance in this music business. You gotta sing as if Jodeci is performing after you and dance as if Bobby Brown is coming up next.”

On Claims He Tries To Hide His Heritage:

“I’d love to clear that up in Latina magazine,” he says, raising his voice. “I never once said I changed my last name to hide the fact that I’m Puerto Rican. Why would I fucking say that? Who are you fooling? And why would anyone say that? That’s so insulting to me, to my family. That’s ridiculous. My last name is Hernandez. My father’s name is Pedrito Hernandez, and he’s a Puerto Rican pimp. There’s no denying that. My dad nicknamed me Bruno since I was 2 years old. The real story is: I was going to go by ‘Bruno,’ one name. Mars just kind of came joking around because that sounds bigger than life. That was it, simple as that. I see people that don’t know what I am, and it’s so weird that it gets them upset. It’s an oxymoron—the music business; like the art business. You’re making a business out of these songs that I’m writing. And how are you going to tell me that this song that I’m writing is only going to be catered to Puerto Ricans or to white people or only Asian people. How are you going to tell me that? My music is for anybody who wants to listen to it.”

On Whether Losing His Mother Changed His Music:

“I don’t know how to answer that question. My life has changed. She’s more than my music. If I could trade music to have her back, I would. I always hear her say, ‘Keep going and keep doing it.’”

The full feature can be read here.

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Much respect to Bruno for giving respect to those who paved the lane he plays in.

It’s noteworthy because so many artists act aloof when it comes to those whose careers allowed theirs to exist. So, once again, kudos to Mr. Mars.

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