I'm a big believer that anyone can make any kind of music they want because music genres are not "owned" by anyone. Music is for all to enjoy and create, regardless of ethnicity or race. Just my opinion.
The history of Puerto Rico included the slave trade, so there is a high probability that there might be some Black ancestry. It is not Bruno Mars fault that the music industry promotes ambiguously Black or soulful non-Black artists. He always acknowledges Black music influences. Remember, almost all American music is derived from Black music. This country's foundation is racism, so it's going to be harder as a Black artist to breakthrough, because they don't hold the reins to the music industry. He is not cosplaying, he is paying homage to Black music. Have you seen Mars in concert? His entire band is fully highlighted during the concert. They are not just the background. So Hall and Oates, Teena Marie and other non-Black singers are not allowed to sing R & B? What about Jimmy Allen or Micky Guyton, Black country singers. Are they not allowed to sing country music? I like the 70's soul music that music style. Because of Silk Sonic, older Black singers have had their record collections increase in sales because listeners ARE going back to the source. There are articles written about this Soul Renaissance. I know this just your opinion, but I'm older and I remember many White artists appeared on Soul Train because their sound was pleasing to the ears of Black folks (Averege White Band, who were from Scotland). Bruno's hair is not a perm, it's naturally curly. You would know that with some research. Should all musical genres be segregated? Country star, Chris Stapleton sounds soulful, should I not listen to him because I'm Black. Why has White audiences embraced Megan Thee Stallion? If you are lucky enough to crossover, just do it. Don't listen to Silk Sonic if you find them so offensive, but for me, they bring back memories of good Soul music and they make me go back and listen to my old Soul records.
Thank you for your comment. While it is not his fault that the music industry promotes this, it is his fault that he feeds into it. He has a choice to make the kind of music he makes and he has not always made this kind of super soulful sound. It was only until now. And because it is so much harder for black artists to break through like you said, it is worse that he is reaching so much more acclaim than Black artists would.
@@azizawright This is not Bruno's fault. Have you checked out his second album 'Unorthodox Jukebox'? There is a variety of styles, because he likes all types of music. Whatever sounds good to me, I will listen to it. I'm older and I love Kendrick Lamar, I'm not staying in one lane because of my age or color. Variety is the spice of life. No one complained when David Bowie or Elton John appeared on Soul Train. It was just good music. People are checking out Earth, Wind and Fire, The Isley Brothers, The Dramatics, Spinners and Stylistics because of Silk Sonic. Sales of the catalog of Con Funk Shun has increased because of Silk Sonic's cover of 'Love's Train'. There is an interview with the original members of Con Funk who are grateful for the recognition and their concert bookings have increased. There are still performing to this day.
@@vanessaseymour2634 Thank you for all of this information! This is good to have on here. Overall, artists who dabble in soul sounding music will achieve WAYYY more success that artists who are Black and making the same kind of music. I do not hate Bruno, he should do whatever he wants, but he is winning Grammys and making so much money and fame from him having the privilege to not only dabble in all kinds of sounds, but achieve more success than the people who invited that sound. That is the problem and it’s not just Bruno doing it. Thank you for watching!
As a child of the 60s and 70s and in all of my blackness, I applaud and sing out loud with Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak. This is such an old, tired argument…..brought out every time Bruno, now collaborating with Anderson, opens his mouth to sing. And every time he wins award after award…..here it comes….he’s not black…he’s not whatever. He, Bruno does not have to be black to enjoy and have a passion for the music he so loves and is inspired by. I love the fact that he and Anderson are creating music that resonates with those who want to listen to it and appreciate their obvious talents. I am hoping that Bruno and Anderson - both melanted - continue to sing the songs that they sing and showcase old school music that is fresh and relevant. Here’s the thing……if you object to him creating music that is reminiscent/ inspired by the best of R&B….you are free to not listen. My playlist has always been R&B , along with other genres, and now includes Silk Sonic. I’m not sure how you see Anderson .Paak since he is the other half of Silk Sonic. Is this just about Bruno Mars or Anderson .Paak as well? I”m in appreciation of your point of view and fully understand supporting the culture.
I wonder why there is so much animosity for Bruno Mars when artist like Enimem and J Lo to name a few also copy black a sound. Also, the audience has a choice in what they buy and listen to. Finally, this type of music was not being made anymore with today's artist chasing the next big thing. I am grateful that Silk Sonic loved the music from this Era enough to capture it and introduce it to the youth of today so that they can hear real music not just rap and hip hop which in my opinion is not music. Don't attack the artist attack the industry and educate our people so we don't throw away our musical history and artist.
That’s exactly what I did in the video if you watched it through and exactly what I do on my channel. Like I said at the end, give to and support the actual Black artists who made this music from back in the day. That’s what I want people to take away from this. Also I mentioned other artists that do this and clearly state that it’s NOT just Bruno lol
Bruno has been nothing but respectful to all of the artists that inspired him but somehow still gets hate like this... Please someone make it make sense
@@azizawright I’m not sure if you understand the concept of blackface or blackfishing. How is a man, who is presenting in his naturally tanned skin blackface/fishing? Because neither term has anything to do with one’s talents or musical preference.
This is also kind of an ironic video to make seeing as how Jon Batiste just won Album of the Year for We Are, so I think the foundation of your argument (black artists not reaching the same level of success for creating soul music) falls a little flat.
I don’t think that that one example takes away from the whole argument and everything I said in the video. I also mention a history of this being done all throughout America, not just recent times.
I'm sure you aren't aware of the background Black/Soul & R&B. R&B and the grittier Soul music that began around the 1940's. Its following grew in the 60's with the availability of the TV and the passing of the Civil Rights Bill which elevated Black culture because the movement toward those rights was a diverse one. The TV shows these hosting these acts were Bandstand and Shingding and the audience was mostly White (see Five Stairsteps live singing "World of Fantasy". By the 70's R&B was thriving and was the music that many (of all races) grew up listening to. It was admired and played around the world and inclusive of other races or ethnicities. There is a whole subculture called LowRider Music that illustrates the Hispanic love of Black oldies. Without videos the focus was the MUSIC not the physical appearance of the singer and that includes their race or ethnicity. Your view would mean singers and groups like Teena Marie, The Average White Band, and Lisa Stansfield should not have been found success or support from the Black community. But they did. Contemporarily many of the newer Black singers categorized as R&B really have a more Rock, Electronica sound. They are missing the Rhythm in R&B and sometimes are missing the Blues too. That breathy or throaty singing that's so popular with some is a style that was mostly one used by non-Black singers, so one could argue that they have taken on the sound of another race or ethnicity. And, many of these younger singers rely heavily on autotune to make sure that they stay on pitch which gives everything a irritating (in my view) robotic electronic sound. However, they are accepted and have fans in many young folks. Note that I write "young folks" which is also part of the reason that some of these young singers have a narrow audience and may not "win" in these Awards arenas. Even if their great singers songs that glorify violence or at least don't exhibit a sense of or respect for community narrow their appeal. And, some aren't very compelling performers or they are too sexually explicit in both lyrics, and performance for older folks like myself. Classic soul/R&B typically sought a wider audience (older & younger people). That's why Silk Sonic wins. Because they are great musicians and performers whose sound appeals to a broad audience across generations. Additionally, the entire discussion seems contrived because Anderson .Paak is Black. It was AP's fusion sound and style that interested me in Silk Sonic because I was already a fan of his music. AP's mother's father was a Black man and she is part Korean and he has Black sibs and was raised and played in the Black church. Bruno brings a pop crowd and some of his fans don't like Silk Sonic because it's more "earthy" than they're used to from him. It's too Black, in other words. But, I think Bruno has always liked Soul/R&B best and his Pop success allows him to do whatever he wants these days. Now, Adele might have been a better example since she pretty much gets support for a soulful sound by a Pop audience, but that's even shaky since Whitney had similar support as a Pop artist. I think the support Usher has gotten for his latest Tiny Desk demonstrates that good music that's true to the genre of R&B/Soul will command a broad audience of those who love that type of music. Some younger singers may be coming into their own and that's not always overnight and so their time for awards may be coming. But I don't think you can criticize folks or try to isolate those who you think shouldn't be allowed to participate in Black culture to gain supporters for those you like. If these artists' goal is to win awards, they may need to try to appeal to a less narrow group, and study the success of others and work to broaden their own audience.
You said that you are not going to make this about Bruno Mars, yet your title is the first indication that you are going to make it about Bruno Mars. LOL. The music industry IS racist, no doubt and there has been a history of black artists not getting proper credit for their work and as you say, straight up THEFT! And black folks certainly let people come to the barbecue who don’t deserve the invite! That said, much of the controversy happens around the award shows. Again that is a fair critique of AWARD Shows-and worth calling out every time, every time. I don’t believe it helps to make it about one person, because the issue is structural. Anyway, its an important conversation but I think the argument has more powerful resonance if it is about an industry that steals our ingenuity and then are rewarded for it.
You hit it right on the nail and I absolutely agree. Nobody is mad that Bruno wants to try different sounds and genres. That is apart of being an artist ( I guess lol), But its the 70s Black funky performance he is doing right now that is WRONG. It is wrong, i dont careeeeeeeeeeee. It's Blackface. period. And it goes to show that Black art is more respected and awarded when non Black people do it.
That’s really what I am saying! Thank YOU! Especially since I know next year it’ll probably be a whole different sound, and it is the act that he is putting on as well as the music!
@@azizawright If you have a problem with Bruno then you also have a problem with Anderson, they both wrote the songs for the Silk Sonic album. As far as his sound, he does not sound black.
I'm a big believer that anyone can make any kind of music they want because music genres are not "owned" by anyone. Music is for all to enjoy and create, regardless of ethnicity or race. Just my opinion.
I definitely see where you are coming from! I just think it is terrible when non Black people triumph over Black artists who created the sound.
The history of Puerto Rico included the slave trade, so there is a high probability that there might be some Black ancestry. It is not Bruno Mars fault that the music industry promotes ambiguously Black or soulful non-Black artists. He always acknowledges Black music influences. Remember, almost all American music is derived from Black music. This country's foundation is racism, so it's going to be harder as a Black artist to breakthrough, because they don't hold the reins to the music industry. He is not cosplaying, he is paying homage to Black music. Have you seen Mars in concert? His entire band is fully highlighted during the concert. They are not just the background. So Hall and Oates, Teena Marie and other non-Black singers are not allowed to sing R & B? What about Jimmy Allen or Micky Guyton, Black country singers. Are they not allowed to sing country music? I like the 70's soul music that music style. Because of Silk Sonic, older Black singers have had their record collections increase in sales because listeners ARE going back to the source. There are articles written about this Soul Renaissance. I know this just your opinion, but I'm older and I remember many White artists appeared on Soul Train because their sound was pleasing to the ears of Black folks (Averege White Band, who were from Scotland). Bruno's hair is not a perm, it's naturally curly. You would know that with some research. Should all musical genres be segregated? Country star, Chris Stapleton sounds soulful, should I not listen to him because I'm Black. Why has White audiences embraced Megan Thee Stallion? If you are lucky enough to crossover, just do it. Don't listen to Silk Sonic if you find them so offensive, but for me, they bring back memories of good Soul music and they make me go back and listen to my old Soul records.
Thank you for your comment. While it is not his fault that the music industry promotes this, it is his fault that he feeds into it. He has a choice to make the kind of music he makes and he has not always made this kind of super soulful sound. It was only until now. And because it is so much harder for black artists to break through like you said, it is worse that he is reaching so much more acclaim than Black artists would.
@@azizawright This is not Bruno's fault. Have you checked out his second album 'Unorthodox Jukebox'? There is a variety of styles, because he likes all types of music. Whatever sounds good to me, I will listen to it. I'm older and I love Kendrick Lamar, I'm not staying in one lane because of my age or color. Variety is the spice of life. No one complained when David Bowie or Elton John appeared on Soul Train. It was just good music. People are checking out Earth, Wind and Fire, The Isley Brothers, The Dramatics, Spinners and Stylistics because of Silk Sonic. Sales of the catalog of Con Funk Shun has increased because of Silk Sonic's cover of 'Love's Train'. There is an interview with the original members of Con Funk who are grateful for the recognition and their concert bookings have increased. There are still performing to this day.
@@vanessaseymour2634 Thank you for all of this information! This is good to have on here. Overall, artists who dabble in soul sounding music will achieve WAYYY more success that artists who are Black and making the same kind of music. I do not hate Bruno, he should do whatever he wants, but he is winning Grammys and making so much money and fame from him having the privilege to not only dabble in all kinds of sounds, but achieve more success than the people who invited that sound. That is the problem and it’s not just Bruno doing it. Thank you for watching!
Preach!
As a child of the 60s and 70s and in all of my blackness, I applaud and sing out loud with Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak. This is such an old, tired argument…..brought out every time Bruno, now collaborating with Anderson, opens his mouth to sing. And every time he wins award after award…..here it comes….he’s not black…he’s not whatever. He, Bruno does not have to be black to enjoy and have a passion for the music he so loves and is inspired by. I love the fact that he and Anderson are creating music that resonates with those who want to listen to it and appreciate their obvious talents. I am hoping that Bruno and Anderson - both melanted - continue to sing the songs that they sing and showcase old school music that is fresh and relevant. Here’s the thing……if you object to him creating music that is reminiscent/ inspired by the best of R&B….you are free to not listen. My playlist has always been R&B , along with other genres, and now includes Silk Sonic. I’m not sure how you see Anderson .Paak since he is the other half of Silk Sonic. Is this just about Bruno Mars or Anderson .Paak as well?
I”m in appreciation of your point of view and fully understand supporting the culture.
I wonder why there is so much animosity for Bruno Mars when artist like Enimem and J Lo to name a few also copy black a sound. Also, the audience has a choice in what they buy and listen to. Finally, this type of music was not being made anymore with today's artist chasing the next big thing. I am grateful that Silk Sonic loved the music from this Era enough to capture it and introduce it to the youth of today so that they can hear real music not just rap and hip hop which in my opinion is not music.
Don't attack the artist attack the industry and educate our people so we don't throw away our musical history and artist.
That’s exactly what I did in the video if you watched it through and exactly what I do on my channel. Like I said at the end, give to and support the actual Black artists who made this music from back in the day. That’s what I want people to take away from this. Also I mentioned other artists that do this and clearly state that it’s NOT just Bruno lol
@@Canela927 There is no such thing as “reverse racism”
Bruno has been nothing but respectful to all of the artists that inspired him but somehow still gets hate like this... Please someone make it make sense
The 70’s Black musical artists act he puts on is Blackface.
@@Canela927 He’s a POC but he’s not Black so it’s Blackface
@@azizawright I’m not sure if you understand the concept of blackface or blackfishing. How is a man, who is presenting in his naturally tanned skin blackface/fishing? Because neither term has anything to do with one’s talents or musical preference.
Not only natural skin but natural curl pattern too.
This is also kind of an ironic video to make seeing as how Jon Batiste just won Album of the Year for We Are, so I think the foundation of your argument (black artists not reaching the same level of success for creating soul music) falls a little flat.
I don’t think that that one example takes away from the whole argument and everything I said in the video. I also mention a history of this being done all throughout America, not just recent times.
I'm sure you aren't aware of the background Black/Soul & R&B. R&B and the grittier Soul music that began around the 1940's. Its following grew in the 60's with the availability of the TV and the passing of the Civil Rights Bill which elevated Black culture because the movement toward those rights was a diverse one. The TV shows these hosting these acts were Bandstand and Shingding and the audience was mostly White (see Five Stairsteps live singing "World of Fantasy". By the 70's R&B was thriving and was the music that many (of all races) grew up listening to. It was admired and played around the world and inclusive of other races or ethnicities. There is a whole subculture called LowRider Music that illustrates the Hispanic love of Black oldies. Without videos the focus was the MUSIC not the physical appearance of the singer and that includes their race or ethnicity. Your view would mean singers and groups like Teena Marie, The Average White Band, and Lisa Stansfield should not have been found success or support from the Black community. But they did. Contemporarily many of the newer Black singers categorized as R&B really have a more Rock, Electronica sound. They are missing the Rhythm in R&B and sometimes are missing the Blues too. That breathy or throaty singing that's so popular with some is a style that was mostly one used by non-Black singers, so one could argue that they have taken on the sound of another race or ethnicity. And, many of these younger singers rely heavily on autotune to make sure that they stay on pitch which gives everything a irritating (in my view) robotic electronic sound. However, they are accepted and have fans in many young folks. Note that I write "young folks" which is also part of the reason that some of these young singers have a narrow audience and may not "win" in these Awards arenas. Even if their great singers songs that glorify violence or at least don't exhibit a sense of or respect for community narrow their appeal. And, some aren't very compelling performers or they are too sexually explicit in both lyrics, and performance for older folks like myself.
Classic soul/R&B typically sought a wider audience (older & younger people). That's why Silk Sonic wins. Because they are great musicians and performers whose sound appeals to a broad audience across generations. Additionally, the entire discussion seems contrived because Anderson .Paak is Black. It was AP's fusion sound and style that interested me in Silk Sonic because I was already a fan of his music. AP's mother's father was a Black man and she is part Korean and he has Black sibs and was raised and played in the Black church. Bruno brings a pop crowd and some of his fans don't like Silk Sonic because it's more "earthy" than they're used to from him. It's too Black, in other words. But, I think Bruno has always liked Soul/R&B best and his Pop success allows him to do whatever he wants these days. Now, Adele might have been a better example since she pretty much gets support for a soulful sound by a Pop audience, but that's even shaky since Whitney had similar support as a Pop artist.
I think the support Usher has gotten for his latest Tiny Desk demonstrates that good music that's true to the genre of R&B/Soul will command a broad audience of those who love that type of music. Some younger singers may be coming into their own and that's not always overnight and so their time for awards may be coming. But I don't think you can criticize folks or try to isolate those who you think shouldn't be allowed to participate in Black culture to gain supporters for those you like. If these artists' goal is to win awards, they may need to try to appeal to a less narrow group, and study the success of others and work to broaden their own audience.
Bruh if the song is a good song your gunna listen to it
Not the point of the video but yes that is a statement
You said that you are not going to make this about Bruno Mars, yet your title is the first indication that you are going to make it about Bruno Mars. LOL. The music industry IS racist, no doubt and there has been a history of black artists not getting proper credit for their work and as you say, straight up THEFT! And black folks certainly let people come to the barbecue who don’t deserve the invite! That said, much of the controversy happens around the award shows. Again that is a fair critique of AWARD Shows-and worth calling out every time, every time. I don’t believe it helps to make it about one person, because the issue is structural. Anyway, its an important conversation but I think the argument has more powerful resonance if it is about an industry that steals our ingenuity and then are rewarded for it.
You hit it right on the nail and I absolutely agree. Nobody is mad that Bruno wants to try different sounds and genres. That is apart of being an artist ( I guess lol), But its the 70s Black funky performance he is doing right now that is WRONG. It is wrong, i dont careeeeeeeeeeee. It's Blackface. period. And it goes to show that Black art is more respected and awarded when non Black people do it.
That’s really what I am saying! Thank YOU! Especially since I know next year it’ll probably be a whole different sound, and it is the act that he is putting on as well as the music!
@@azizawright If you have a problem with Bruno then you also have a problem with Anderson, they both wrote the songs for the Silk Sonic album. As far as his sound, he does not sound black.