Bruno Mars has been a staple in the music industry for over a decade, but no one could’ve predicted a comeback this big. He made his name with unforgettable collaborations beside the likes of B.o.B’s “Nothing on You,” or with Travie McCoy on “Billionaire.” Mars would dominate the industry with solo hits such as “Uptown Funk,” “Just The Way You Are,” and “That’s What I Like,” only to be met with radio silence towards the latter half of the 2010s.
But this past year saw Mars is in his element again — this time with a fresh roster of collaborators, including A-list pop stars like Lady Gaga on “Die With a Smile”, which won the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance in the 67th Grammy Awards. There’s also “APT” with K-pop Icon ROSÉ, and “Fat Sexy & Wet” with rising rapper Sexyy Red. These releases have proven Mars as a constant hit-maker, dominating the charts and signalling his triumphant return to music’s top-tier despite the long absence since his last solo album, 24K Magic, dropped in 2016.
It’s hard to imagine a return this big after reports circulated of Mars’ $50 million gambling debt with MGM Grand, Las Vegas. In addressing the rumors with his signature humor, Mars joked on Instagram, “KEEP STREAMING! I’ll be out of debt in no time.” His team quickly debunked the claims, clarifying the rumors were false. Whether fact or fiction, the moment only added to Mars’ larger-than-life persona.
With “APT” surpassing 1 billion streams on Spotify, Mars is currently the most-streamed Filipino-American artist of all-time. It’s hard to picture anyone else claiming this title away from him, especially as Mars’ career only gets brighter and bigger.
