Finesse (Remix) – Bruno Mars feat. Cardi B
Bruno Mars’ “Finesse (Remix)” featuring Cardi B is a vibrant, energetic track that pays homage to 1990s hip-hop and R&B culture. Released in January 2018, the song is a remix of Mars’ original track “Finesse” from his third studio album, 24K Magic (2016). The remix brought the song new life with the addition of Cardi B’s high-energy verse, and the music video accompanying the track took fans on a nostalgia-filled trip back to the ’90s.
With its infectious beat, retro sound, and visual references to classic TV shows like In Living Color, the “Finesse (Remix)” became an instant hit, further cementing Bruno Mars’ reputation as an artist with a talent for blending modern music with timeless influences. The song also helped Cardi B’s meteoric rise, coming off the heels of her breakout hit “Bodak Yellow.”
The Song: A Tribute to ’90s Hip-Hop and R&B
“Finesse (Remix)” is a perfect blend of Bruno Mars’ signature style, combining funk, pop, and R&B with a retro twist. The song’s production is reminiscent of the sound pioneered by groups like Bell Biv DeVoe and New Jack Swing artists, which dominated the early ’90s. The crisp snares, syncopated beats, and funky basslines evoke a feeling of nostalgia for the golden age of hip-hop and R&B.
Lyrically, “Finesse” is about confidence, style, and feeling good. Mars sings about how he and his lover are “dripping in finesse,” referring to the way they carry themselves with grace and charisma. The word “finesse” itself implies smoothness and skill, and the song embodies that vibe through its upbeat, feel-good rhythm and catchy chorus.
Cardi B’s contribution adds an extra layer of energy to the remix. Her verse is packed with her trademark bravado and charisma, setting the tone for the song right from the beginning. She raps about her rise to fame, fashion sense, and staying true to herself, all while confidently affirming her place in the music industry. Cardi B’s verse blends seamlessly with Mars’ vocals, and her playful, punchy delivery adds an edge to the song that contrasts with its otherwise smooth, laid-back vibe.
The Official Music Video: A Visual Ode to the ’90s
The “Finesse (Remix)” music video is a nostalgic love letter to ’90s pop culture, particularly the sketch comedy show In Living Color. Directed by Bruno Mars himself, the video is filled with visual elements that reference the bold colors, fashion, and style of that era. The entire video is set on a soundstage that mimics the set of In Living Color, complete with brightly painted backdrops, energetic dance routines, and colorful wardrobe choices.
Mars and Cardi B appear in outfits that are a nod to ’90s fashion—baggy clothes, bold prints, and bucket hats. Mars’ retro style is apparent throughout, as he channels the vibe of the era with his dancing, choreography, and overall aesthetic. Cardi B, meanwhile, fits right into the theme, sporting neon colors and oversized jackets, looking like she stepped straight out of the early ’90s.
The video is full of dynamic group dance scenes, a hallmark of ’90s music videos, with backup dancers executing complex, synchronized moves that perfectly match the beat of the song. The choreography, combined with the lively camera work, brings a sense of joy and fun to the video that mirrors the carefree nature of the song itself.
The choice to reference In Living Color goes beyond mere nostalgia—it also pays tribute to a show that was groundbreaking for its time, known for its diverse cast and for showcasing African-American culture. By drawing on this cultural touchstone, the video for “Finesse (Remix)” positions itself as a celebration of not only ’90s pop culture but also of the contributions of Black artists to music, dance, and entertainment.
Cardi B and Bruno Mars: A Powerful Collaboration
One of the key elements that make “Finesse (Remix)” so memorable is the dynamic between Bruno Mars and Cardi B. At the time of the song’s release, both artists were at the height of their popularity—Mars was fresh off the success of his 24K Magic album, and Cardi B was riding high from her breakthrough year in 2017. Their collaboration felt natural, as both artists share an affinity for combining modern sounds with retro influences.
Mars has long been known for his ability to blend genres and pay homage to musical styles of the past while still keeping his sound fresh and contemporary. Cardi B, on the other hand, brings a raw, modern edge to the song, balancing out Mars’ smooth delivery with her bold, confident energy. Together, they create a track that feels like a perfect fusion of the past and present.
Cardi B’s presence on the remix elevated the song to new heights. Her infectious personality and undeniable star power made her an ideal collaborator for Mars, whose polished, throwback style provided a smooth counterbalance to her raw energy. The song helped introduce Cardi B to a wider audience, further establishing her as a versatile artist capable of crossing genres.
Reception and Legacy
“Finesse (Remix)” was met with widespread acclaim, both for its infectious sound and its nostalgic music video. The song quickly climbed the charts, peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, and the video garnered millions of views within days of its release. Critics praised the song’s retro vibe, its smooth production, and the chemistry between Mars and Cardi B.
The song’s success was a testament to Bruno Mars’ ability to create music that transcends eras, appealing to both older fans who grew up in the ’90s and younger listeners discovering the sound for the first time. Meanwhile, Cardi B’s involvement further solidified her status as a major player in the music industry, proving that she could hold her own alongside an established superstar like Mars.
Beyond its commercial success, “Finesse (Remix)” also had a cultural impact, sparking renewed interest in ’90s fashion, music, and culture. The video’s tribute to In Living Color introduced a new generation to the show’s legacy, and its celebration of retro style helped fuel the ongoing ’90s revival in music and fashion.
Conclusion
Bruno Mars’ “Finesse (Remix)” featuring Cardi B is more than just a catchy, feel-good track—it’s a celebration of ’90s music, culture, and style. With its infectious beat, smooth production, and nostalgic visuals, the song captures the essence of an era while bringing something fresh and modern to the table. Mars and Cardi B’s collaboration resulted in a perfect blend of old-school charm and contemporary energy, making “Finesse (Remix)” a standout hit of 2018.
Ooh, don’t we look good together?
There’s a reason why they watch all night long
Yeah, know we’ll turn heads forever
So tonight I’m gonna show you off
When I’m walkin’ with you
I watch the whole room change
Baby, that’s what you do
No, my baby, don’t play
Blame it on my confidence
Oh, blame it on your measurements
Shut that shit down on sight
That’s right
We out here drippin’ in finesse
It don’t make no sense
Out here drippin’ in finesse
You know it, you know it
We out here drippin’ in finesse
It don’t make no sense
Out here drippin’ in finesse
You know it, you know it
Now slow it down for me baby (slow it down girl)
‘Cause I love the way it feels when we grind
Yeah, our connection’s so magnetic on the floor
Nothing can stop us tonight
When I’m walkin’ with you
I watch the whole room change
Baby, that’s what you do
No, my baby, don’t play
Blame it on my confidence
Oh, blame it on your measurements
Shut that shit down on sight
That’s right
We out here drippin’ in finesse
It don’t make no sense
Out here drippin’ in finesse
You know it, you know it
We out here drippin’ in finesse
It don’t make no sense
Out here drippin’ in finesse
You know it, you know it
Fellas grab your ladies if your lady fine
Tell her she the one, she the one for life
Ladies grab your fellas and let’s do this right
If you’re on one like me and mine
Yeah, we got it goin’ on, got it goin’ on
Don’t it feel so good to be us, ay?
Yeah, we got it goin’ on, got it goin’ on
Girl, we got it goin’ on
Yeah, we got it goin’ on, got it goin’ on
Don’t it feel so good to be us, ay? (Feels so good)
Yeah, we got it goin’ on, got it goin’ on (with you)
We out here drippin’ in finesse
It don’t make no sense
Out here drippin’ in finesse
You know it, you know it
We out here drippin’ in finesse
It don’t make no sense
Out here drippin’ in finesse
You know it, you know it
Yeah, we got it goin’ on, got it goin’ on
Don’t it feel so good to be us, ay?
Yeah, we got it goin’ on, got it goin’ on
You know it, you know it
Yeah, we got it goin’ on, got it goin’ on
Don’t it feel so good to be us, ay?
Yeah, we got it goin’ on, got it goin’ on
You know it, you know it