The debate over Bruno Mars’ cultural appropriation has been going on in recent years with critics accusing the singer of using his racial ambiguity to cross historically black genres. The Grammy-winning artist addressed the claims during a recent Breakfast Club interview alongside his Silk Sonic partner, Anderson .Paak.
“People love to accuse you of being a cultural thief, which I find interesting because you are a person of color,” said host Charlamagne, the God, to Bruno (21:50). “What would you say to these people?”
Bruno explained that he always gave credit to the funk, R&B and pop artists who came before him and insisted that there was nothing but love behind his material.
“I would say: you cannot attend an interview, you cannot find an interview in which I am not talking about the artists who came before me. And the only reason I’m here is because of James Brown, it’s because of Prince, Michael [Jackson]- that’s the only reason I’m here ”, said Bruno. “I’m growing up as a child, watching Bobby Brown [and] saying, ‘OK, if that’s what I need to do this, then I have to learn to do the running man, I have to learn to do the moon walk.’ That’s it. And this song comes from love, and if you can’t hear it, then I don’t know what to say to you. “
He went on to say that he uses his inspiration in the manga and hopes that future artists will also enjoy his work.
“What’s the point if we, as musicians, can’t learn from the guys who came before us? What did they do? “He said, before Charlamagne asked if criticism upset him.” … That comes with the show. And there is real merit in what people are saying about black artists not getting their flowers, and I I’m defending this, I’m with this … I understand, but it’s just Twitter. ”
The meeting came just hours after Bruno and .Paak released “Leave the Door Open” – the first track from their newly formed band Silk Sonic.
You can check out the full interview above.
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