Bruno Mars and Cardi B joined forces for the explosive “Finesse” Remix, and it’s the collaboration fans didn’t know they needed. Released just before midnight on January 4, 2018, the remix breathed new life into Mars’ 2016 hit, creating a fun and funky track that quickly became a favorite.
A Throwback to the ’90s
The duo’s remix of “Finesse” came with a heavy dose of ’90s nostalgia. Hours before the release, Bruno Mars teased the track on Instagram, posting artwork featuring him and Cardi B dressed in vibrant, retro outfits reminiscent of the decade. Cardi B, rocking a yellow crop top, cutoff denim shorts, and a colorful bomber jacket, looked every bit the ’90s queen. She completed her look with large hoop earrings and a backward baseball cap. Mars sported a striped T-shirt layered over a white sweatshirt, accessorized with gold chains and a cross necklace, embodying the retro vibe.
Mars captioned the post: “Start your 2018 with Big Bronx Boogie Herself @iamcardib and me Midnight Tonight EST #Finesse.” Fans were instantly hyped for the track.
The Music Video: A Tribute to 90s TV
Along with the remix came a new music video, directed by Bruno Mars himself. The video paid homage to one of Mars’ favorite TV shows, In Living Color, a popular sketch comedy show from the ’90s. He even thanked Fox Studios and Keenan Ivory Wayans, one of the show’s creators, for inspiring the visuals. The music video mirrored the style of the iconic show, with both Mars and Cardi B dancing on brightly colored sets, surrounded by graffiti and retro outfits, perfectly capturing the essence of ’90s pop culture.
Rumors Leading to the Collaboration
Rumors of the remix had already begun circulating in late 2017, after an Instagram post from someone who claimed to have worked with Mars and Cardi B on the project. These whispers followed a deleted tweet from Billboard’s associated director of charts, which suggested Mars was gearing up to drop new music in early January. Adding fuel to the fire, fans remembered a tweet from Bruno Mars in which he revealed he was listening to Cardi B‘s music at the time, sparking excitement for a potential collaboration.
When the rumors proved true, Cardi B shared her excitement on Instagram, posting, “This is soooo crazy. Can’t believe he even knows me @brunomars soooo Dope!“
A Hit Collaboration
The “Finesse” Remix became an instant hit, blending Bruno Mars’ signature funk and Cardi B’s infectious rap energy. The original track, co-produced by The Stereotypes, was already a standout on Mars’ Grammy-winning album 24K Magic, but the remix took it to another level. The combination of the nostalgic ’90s aesthetic and the catchy beat made it a massive success.
This collaboration between Bruno Mars and Cardi B not only delivered a fresh remix but also showcased their ability to create a musical moment that resonated with fans, proving once again that these two superstars know how to make magic happen.
