Like a young Billy Joel with his tilted derby and trusty piano keys, Bruno Mars is destined for Pop greatness. His marquee [solo] hit is so cheery, it’ll cure cancer while the sky showers gumdrops to stop world hunger. Opting to go creative over cute, director Ethan Lader takes a page from the artwork of Erika Iris Simmons for the sake of your entertainment. Read the rest of this entry »

Bruno Mars may be a “Billionaire” hopeful but he still sings to his woman like she invented the cheeseburger. If “Nothin On You” wasn’t enough to make a lady feel special and squeal in her seat, then his debut single “Just The Way You Are” should possess enough saccharin to have them fainting in his honor. Read the rest of this entry »

After how many plays do you decide that a song is one that you like? I think I’m about three plays away from marking Bruno’s “The Other Side” as a winner. Strange that his breakthrough solo track doesn’t feature the featured artists for the video. But it focuses the attention solely on Mr. Mars & brings the song back to the forefront of my consciousness, thus securing it a spot on my playlist. Read the rest of this entry »

After holding it down for others and gaining a good bit of shine in the process, we all know who Bruno Mars is by now. Or do we? With prominent placements alongside B.o.B and Travie, on “Nothing…” and “Billionaire” respectively, the crooner has made himself recognizable quickly. Yet, I’ve wondered how he’d fair solo and if he was going to specialize in the high-pitched, Terius Nash tone. Now, he’s begun pushing own product, his upcoming EP release It’s Better If You Don’t Understand so we’re about to get the answers we seek.

The first release, “The Other Side,” finds the new kid getting help from previous collaborator B.o.B but the more impressive part of the tune comes from Cee-Lo’s short appearance. Bruno doesn’t necessarily sound like the star of the track, yet you can tell its his song. Running alongside Mr. Green, it gives a better feel for Bruno’s voice, a measuring stick perhaps because we all know a singer has to belt out their verses in order not to be overshadowed by the portly Green’s bellows. Leaving the Black Jason Mraz comparisons behind momentarily, Mars brings forth a little more punch to his sound, matching Cee-Lo in soulfulness. In the end, “The Other Side” is quite the humdinger that should find a proper place the other hits Mars has amassed. However, this time his name will be listed first and remembered that way.

Bruno Mars Feat. Cee-Lo Green & B.o.B – “The Other Side” | Download

Below, the visuals for his featured spot with Travie McCoy for the aforementioned, big bucks song “Billionaire.” This one still hasn’t rightly grown on me but I see its lane for radio and fans.

When you’re featured on the number one song in the country and still a relatively new artist, striking while the iron is hot probably on the top of your list. That appears to be the plan of action for Bruno Mars as he gears up for the May 11 release of his It’s Better If You Don’t Understand EP. Read the rest of this entry »

One thing about being in a rental car and not having an iPod adapter cord handy is that you’re subjected to the local radio station’s repetitive playlist. The only saving grace was that it gave me a chance to hear Bobby Ray’s single multiple times throughout the weekend, reaffirming my thoughts that he has as the potential to be a remarkable artist who makes an impact. Read the rest of this entry »

In a recent interview with MTV, Gym Class Heroes’ front-man Travis McCoy said his upcoming album Lazarus is “music to have a good time to.” Seeing as I’ve downloaded, playlisted and repeatedly grooved shamelessly to the first single “Billionaire,” I’d like to approve the Nappy Boy’s message. Read the rest of this entry »

Young Bobby Ray scores a MTV premiere for his bonafide hit single “Nothin’ On You.” Taking a page (literally) from a LRG lookbook, this creative clip finds B.o.B. traveling everywhere you want to be like a Visa card. Read the rest of this entry »

By now, you should know Bobby Ray is involved in a lot of mixtapes, and he does them well. The kicker, and what makes May 25th so special is the fact that it was named after the release date for his Atlantic Records/Grand Hustle debut album The Adventures of Bobby Ray. That’s right, B.o.B.’s grind will finally pay off this spring but for now, enjoy the new flavor presented by DJ Drama, DJ Sense and LRG and contributions from Asher Roth, J. Cole and Bruno Mars. Read the rest of this entry »

Much in the same vein as “I’ll Be In The Sky,” Bob The Great brings an engaging musical element to the radio unlike the rest of his peers. With his Atlantic Records debut album nearing its approach date, the entire planet is soon to get a welcomed dose of this kid’s genuis. Read the rest of this entry »