Is Bruno Mars Guilty of Cultural Appropriation? As Bruno Mars Says Black Musicians Don’t Receives Proper Credit They Deserve

Coming back to Bruno Mars, who his recent album 24K Magic borrows heavily from New Jack Swing-era R&B—a hip-hop influenced genre dominated by black artists like Boyz II Men, Babyface, and R. Kelly—and he’s drawn frequent comparisons to Bobby Brown throughout his career. In one of his recent interview with Latina Magazine, he noting how many genres black musicians have pioneered:

⚡ “Is Bruno Mars guilty of cultural appropriation?” https://t.co/3Tl19yiTGT

— TeaTopics (@TeaTopicLogic) March 10, 2018

Some valid points were raised but others could be explained a bit more. Cultural Appropriation is complex and far more nuanced than doing styles of music. Bruno doesn’t dismiss the culture – in fact he gives credit to origin. He’s not claiming he invented or revolutionized it.

— Jester⚡J (@Jestereye7x) March 9, 2018

Bruno Mars constantly says “if it weren’t for them (Black People) and their (Black music) I wouldn’t be here. No one is giving him a pass; he’s good, his team is mostly Black, he’s got the culture behind him with actually good music and performances. He does a good job unlike…

— Arrolyn (@TheArtistFKA) March 9, 2018

What Miley, Justin, and others like them have done i.e. Taken from without due credit and respect to Black People and our music. Enjoy the music, accept it for what it is and from whom it came from. Just my 2cents. #brunomars

— Arrolyn (@TheArtistFKA) March 9, 2018