Top 10 Best Bruno Mars Collaborations
#10: “Wake Up in the Sky” (2018)
Gucci Mane, Bruno Mars & Kodak Black
This song is the epitome of smooth. Gucci Mane tapped Bruno Mars and Kodak Black for this flex anthem that hit number one on Billboard’s US Rhythmic Airplay chart. The rappers lay down indulgent flows over the dreamy, hypnotic trap beat while Bruno adds catchiness with his melodic hook. A vein of soul runs through the track, giving it that woozy groove that you just can’t get enough of. The lyrics are undoubtedly braggadocious, but they’re delivered so nonchalantly, you can’t even be mad at them. The trio is ‘super fly’ and they know it.
#9: “Young, Wild & Free” (2011)
Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa feat. Bruno Mars
Back in the day, you couldn’t go to a party without this song blasting through the speakers. It was the ultimate ode to youth – carefree, reckless, and unapologetic. Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa opt for a relaxed delivery, softened by the piano line in the back. Bruno’s chorus is pure pop, meant to be sung along to with your hands in the air. You might not know the words to all the rap verses, but there’s virtually no way you won’t have Mars’s part memorized. Even the TikTok generation relates to this hit, particularly the defiant refrain. “Young, Wild & Free” is truly timeless.
#8: “Lighters” (2011)
Bad Meets Evil feat. Bruno Mars
This chart-topping hit juxtaposes Eminem and Royce da 5'9"’s gritty rap with their collaborator’s heartfelt vocals. Rather than being jarring, this contrast is what makes the song so compelling. There’s a neat balance in the lyrics between dark themes and hope for the future. The conflict steadily gives way to an emotional climax that will never not give us goosebumps. As a bonus, the music video is perfectly representative of the song’s narrative progression, portraying an upward movement from the shadows to the light. It concludes with a dream-like display of a sky full of lanterns as the ultimate symbol of dreams realized. These guys clearly know a thing or two about motivation.
#7: “Finesse” (2018)
Bruno Mars feat. Cardi B
You can trust these icons to give us a good time. Bruno Mars and Cardi B’s “Finesse” goes retro, blending new jack swing and hip-hop soul with the effortless fun of funk. With their playful chemistry and infectious energy, the duo practically dares us not to groove along. The choreography is simple, but stylistically classic, which makes it feel natural, rather than practiced. Cardi raps with ease, while Bruno sings with unforced charisma. With such strengths, it’s no surprise that “Finesse” topped several charts in the US, such as Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, Pop Airplay, and Rhythmic Airplay charts. It’s a top-tier banger from Cardi and Bruno, though when it comes to heat, their “Please Me” might just take the cake.
#6: “Leave the Door Open” (2021)
Silk Sonic
We know the word ‘cultural reset’ gets thrown around a lot, but this song truly was one. Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak debuted as Silk Sonic with this track and made history. Not only did it hit number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, but it also dominated charts worldwide, such as in Mexico, New Zealand, and more. The Philly soul and R&B jam racked up four Grammys, and it is yet to loosen the chokehold it has on social media. Part of its unique magic was recreated in “Smokin out the Window” with an extra pinch of humor. However, “Leave the Door Open” reigns supreme as the best of Silk Sonic.
#5: “APT.” (2024)
Rosé & Bruno Mars
This collab was one of the biggest musical phenomena of recent years. Blackpink member Rosé joined forces with Bruno Mars to deliver the bop to end all bops, inspired by a drinking game from South Korea. It is simple, crowd-pleasing, and catchy beyond belief. Rosé’s bright, punchy pop-punk vocals are utterly charming, while Bruno brings in a pop-rock flair, but not without his signature swagger. “APT.” took over the world, ruled music charts, spawned social media trends, and dance challenges alike. It even earned the singers three Grammy nominations. Everyone and their mother has been vibing to this tune since it dropped, and we’re still not tired of it.
#4: “Uptown Funk” (2014)
Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars
This iconic song has over five billion views on YouTube and two Grammys to its name. It topped the US Billboard Hot 100 chart the week of its release and hit number one again on the 2015 year-end chart. It destroyed all competition for the 2010 to 2019 decade-end chart as well, claiming the top position. Needless to say, the retro-funk record was also a hit across the world, topping charts in Canada, France, Ireland, the UK, and more. If that’s not a total victory, we don’t know what is! The singer’s explosive energy, unbeatable showmanship, and effortless cool are magnetic, but the lyrics will make you feel like the main character. There’s nothing like it!
#3: “Nothin' on You” (2009)
B.o.B feat. Bruno Mars
If you were a youngster in the late aughts and didn’t dedicate this song to your crush at least once, you weren’t romancing right. There’s a certain innocent earnestness about “Nothin' on You” that just hits right. Bruno’s husky vocals are swoon-worthy, and B.o.B’s bars have heart. Together, they had us blushing and daydreaming to no end. The song was all over the airwaves and enjoyed major chart success, going six times platinum in the United States. The scrapbook-style music video, though simple, is endearing and now has the added advantage of being nostalgic. We’re never moving on from this one.
#2: “Die with a Smile” (2024)
Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars
A collaboration between two Grammy-winning powerhouses was bound to be a masterpiece. “Die with a Smile” didn’t just tug at our heartstrings; its emotional weight was devastating in the best way. With lyrics celebrating an all-consuming love and a composition that builds to a cathartic crescendo, “Die with a Smile” is an artistic tour de force. Both Gaga and Bruno are extraordinary vocalists, as well. So, when they harmonize, the result is transcendent, to say the least. No wonder it earned both critical and commercial success and even took home a Grammy. The accolades were more than well-deserved.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“Mirror” (2011), Lil Wayne feat. Bruno Mars
This One Hits Us Right in the Feels
“Fat Juicy & Wet” (2025), Sexyy Red & Bruno Mars
With a Music Video Starring Lady Gaga and Rosé, This Club Anthem Is Endlessly Fun
#1: “Billionaire” (2010)
Travie McCoy feat. Bruno Mars
It has been over a decade since this song was released, and yet, it has lost none of its pleasantness. Travie and Bruno’s artistic sensibilities complement each other as they bring together reggae and pop-rap, and the lyrics are universally relatable. It once taught us to reach for the stars, and while not everyone became a billionaire, the song still reminds us of the wide-eyed dreamers we used to be. Besides, it’s never too late to land on the cover of Forbes magazine! This song may have peaked at number four on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, but it never left the top of our manifestation playlists.
Which Bruno Mars collab is your favorite? Tell us in the comments!
