Black Celebrities Defend Bruno Mars After Cultural Appropriation Accusations

Last week, the subject of Bruno Mars’ race and musical choices, once again, became a hot topic throughout social media. Following singer and bassist Meshell Ndegeocello calling Mars’ style ‘karaoke,’ a clip from The Grapevine accusing the “24K Magic” singer of cultural appropriation went viral.

this is why i hate bruno mars @seren_sensei says it all pic.twitter.com/CRLktsA2ea

— hannie (@hannahmburrell) March 9, 2018

While some agreed with their assessment, most feel Mars has made a point to pay homage to his influences and has no intentions of being a “culture vulture.” Producer 9^th Wonder came out in defense of the Grammy-winner.

“Is it Bruno Mars fault that…he was influenced by BabyFace, Teddy Riley, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis…around the same time from a hip-hop side I was influenced by DJ Premier, Pete Rock, and The Beatminerz? This is a Sociology study on influence and exposure.”

NOW! Do I agree with the sediment of mainstream only accepts “black” sounds such as “24 Karat Magic” from certain boxes….in some ways…MAYBE…but DONALD GLOVER made AWAKEN MY LOVE…which is 1970s PIMP BLACK…..which also made the album of the year category..

— 9th Wonder (@9thwonder) March 12, 2018

So is it Bruno Mars fault that…he was influenced by BabyFace, Teddy Riley, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis…around the same time from a hip-hop side I was influenced by DJ Premier, Pete Rock, and The Beatminerz? This is a Sociology study on influence and exposure….

— 9th Wonder (@9thwonder) March 12, 2018

….not…”Oh Bruno wanna just copy us….”. How many of us black folk has seen people from different backgrounds growing up surrounded by black culture and being heavily influenced by it? How many “Jon B”’s was at your high school? How many Teena Marie’s was it in the 80s?

— 9th Wonder (@9thwonder) March 12, 2018

North Carolina MC Rapsody also encouraged the Filipino and Puerto Rican popstar to keep making great music.

Keep making that funky ish, @BrunoMars!!!! Do you always ❤️🌹

— Rapsody (@rapsody) March 10, 2018

9^th and Rapsody join Charlie Wilson, who sent words of encouragement Bruno last week.

Just want to join in the convo and stand up for my friend @BrunoMars!✌🏾🎤🕺🏽#callingallmylovlies #chunky #versaceonthefloor #finesse #24kmagic pic.twitter.com/v2xHF9GPB8

— Charlie Wilson (@ImCharlieWilson) March 9, 2018

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Jessica Bennett

Born and raised in Compton, California, Jessica Bennett began her career as an intern at The Oakland Post, and later, The Source Magazine. She went on to write for respected hip hop publications such as DJ Booth and Hip Hop DX before becoming the Urban Editor of pop culture website, Wetpaint.com. She joined Ebony as the Entertainment Editor August 2017. Bennett has interviewed such names as Vanessa Williams, Spike Lee, Tyra Banks, Forest Whitaker, Magic & Cookie Johnson and several others.