Bruno Mars has long paid homage to Black music and his many idols.
From Charlie Wilson to Bobby Brown to Babyface to Michael Jackson. The star is renowned for saluting the icons whose careers have facilitated his.
Despite this, a small set of social media users insist on lambasting the singer – who is of Puerto Rican and Filipino heritage – with claims of cultural appropriation.
Currently on the promotional rounds for Silk Sonic – his joint project with Anderson.Paak – Mars was quizzed on the topic during an interview on The Breakfast Club.
His interesting response awaits below…
Speaking to Charlamagne Tha God, DJ Envy, and Angela Yee, Mars acknowledged the broader issue with people and institutions not giving Black music and musicians the flowers.
He did, however, remind that he has long championed his influences:
Extremely well said.
Bruno is not new to this, he is true to this. He’s always been so genuine, so vocal, and so consistent about his acknowledgement of his influences. So those harping on with critique are doing the definition of the most.
Watch the full interview: