Bruno Mars Denies Appropriating Black Culture: This Music Comes From Love, If You Can’t Hear That I Don’t Know What To Tell You

After a long hiatus, Bruno Mars returned with new music, and a response to accusations that he appropriates black culture.

Silk Sonic released “Leave The Door Open” with Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak earlier this week, putting Bruno Mars back in the spotlight for the first time in months.

While making his rounds to promote the song, he stopped by The Breakfast Club and was asked for his reply to those who call him a “culture thief.”

“You can’t look at an interview, you can’t find an interview where I’m not talking about the entertainers that have come before me. And the only reason why I’m here is because of James Brown, is because of Prince, Michael [Jackson]. That’s the only reason why I’m here.”

He continued,

“I’m growing up as a kid, watching Bobby Brown [and] saying, ‘OK, if that’s what it takes to make it, then I’ve got to learn how to do the running man, I’ve got to learn how to do the moonwalk.’ That’s it. And this music comes from love, and if you can’t hear that, then I don’t know what to tell you.”

He also said,

“What is the point if us, as musicians, can’t learn from the guys that’ve come before us? What did they do?”

When asked if the scrutiny upsets him he said,

“… It comes with the gig. And there’s real merit to what people are saying about Black entertainers not getting their flowers, and I’m championing with that, I’m with that … I understand, but it’s just Twitter.”

What are your thoughts on what Bruno Mars had to say? Comment and let us know.