According to NewsNation, Mars has allegedly racked up over $50 million in gambling debt at MGM. A source close to the matter spilled the chips with the outlet. “He owed millions to the MGM,” they said.
“[MGM] basically owns him,” they continued. “He makes $90 million a year off of the deal he did with the casino, but then he has to pay back his debt. [He will] only make $1.5 million per night after taxes.”
Mars has become a staple in Las Vegas’ entertainment thanks to his residencies (including a solo run and one as part of Silk Sonic). But, based on NewsNation‘s report, the Grammy Award winner’s forthcoming series of shows at Park MGM isn’t about fan demand but more about making good on his supposed outstanding balance.
Although Mars and none of his representatives have commented on the allegation, he’s been candid about his love for casinos. For example, in 2016, he and James Corden jammed out during his “Carpool Karaoke” segment on Late Late Show, and Mars joked about his gambling kick.
With the allegations out, Mars’ 2013 story with GQ has resurfaced. In the interview, the singer reflected on how his love for gambling started back when he was 19 years old. “I used to be like a loudmouth,” he said. “You know the guy, people would want to take his money. If you do get them to lose, they’re out for you, they’re gunning for you. And that’s when they’re weak. And that’s when you jump or pounce on them.”
Mars went on to detail his first major loss of a hundred dollars. “I remember my first bet,” he said. “My hand was shaking, and a guy called me out on it and embarrassed me,” he said. “You gotta lose. You just have to lose to win, to understand.”
Bruno Mars has not addressed the claims.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
In the rhythmic realm of modern music, Anderson .Paak’s name strikes a chord of innovation, versatility, and authentic expression. As a true maestro of his craft, .Paak’s influence pulsates through the veins of the industry. There, he’s revered not just for his soul-stirring melodies but for his astute business acumen. His journey from the sun-kissed beaches of Oxnard to the zenith of global stardom is a rich narrative of persistence and artistic evolution. .Paak’s net worth, which stands at $6 million in 2024, according to Fresherslive, is but a monetary measure of an influence far more profound and enduring.
The Crescendo Of A Career Laden With Accolades
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 14: Anderson .Paak poses with the Grammy for Best Melodic Rap Performance in the media room. During the 63rd Annual GRAMMY Awards at Los Angeles Convention Center on March 14, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy )
Anderson .Paak’s career is a tapestry woven with relentless innovation and unmistakable grooves. Bursting onto the scene with his debut, he quickly became noted for his seamless blending of classic R&B, funk, and modern hip-hop. With Malibu, .Paak secured his place in the music zeitgeist, earning critical acclaim and a Grammy nomination, setting the stage for a career characterized by fearless creativity and a golden touch for collaboration. His alliance with Dr. Dre on “Compton” showcased his dynamic range and propelled him further into the spotlight.
It was, however, his partnership with Bruno Mars in Silk Sonic that solidified his status as a powerhouse in contemporary music. Their single “Leave the Door Open” not only dominated charts but also swept major awards, adding to .Paak’s collection of accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards, celebrate his distinct sound and cultural impact. The Silk Sonic era encapsulates .Paak’s ability to honor the rich legacy of soul and R&B while charting new territories in music. His virtuosity extends to live performances that are electric blends of showmanship and musicality, ensuring that his tours are both critically and commercially successful, further contributing to his substantial earnings.
Beyond The Spotlight: The Man & The Community
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 21: (L-R) In this image released on November 21. Anderson .Paak and Bruno Mars of Silk Sonic are seen backstage for the 2021 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater broadcast on November 21, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by John Esparza via Getty Images)
Anderson .Paak’s narrative extends into realms beyond the recording studio and stage performances. His personal life, though he keeps it carefully shielded from the public eye, is understood to be grounded and family-oriented. His philanthropic efforts, especially those channeled through the Brandon Anderson Foundation, speak volumes of his commitment to giving back, focusing on advocacy for artists and communities in need.
The Harmony Of Success & Significance
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 07: Recording artist Anderson Paak of Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals. Performs at the Intersect music festival at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds on December 7, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
As we encapsulate Anderson .Paak’s journey, his financial status is just one measure of his multi-dimensional success. As reported, his net worth is a financial mirror of his accolades and impact within the music industry. Yet, the true essence of his wealth lies in the cultural footprint he leaves.
In the rhythmic realm of modern music, Anderson .Paak’s name strikes a chord of innovation, versatility, and authentic expression. As a true maestro of his craft, .Paak’s influence pulsates through the veins of the industry. There, he’s revered not just for his soul-stirring melodies but for his astute business acumen. His journey from the sun-kissed beaches of Oxnard to the zenith of global stardom is a rich narrative of persistence and artistic evolution. .Paak’s net worth, which stands at $6 million in 2023, according to Fresherslive, is but a monetary measure of an influence far more profound and enduring.
The Crescendo Of A Career Laden With Accolades
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 14: Anderson .Paak poses with the Grammy for Best Melodic Rap Performance in the media room. During the 63rd Annual GRAMMY Awards at Los Angeles Convention Center on March 14, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy )
Anderson .Paak’s career is a tapestry woven with relentless innovation and unmistakable grooves. Bursting onto the scene with his debut, he quickly became noted for his seamless blending of classic R&B, funk, and modern hip-hop. With Malibu, .Paak secured his place in the music zeitgeist, earning critical acclaim and a Grammy nomination, setting the stage for a career characterized by fearless creativity and a golden touch for collaboration. His alliance with Dr. Dre on “Compton” showcased his dynamic range and propelled him further into the spotlight.
It was, however, his partnership with Bruno Mars in Silk Sonic that solidified his status as a powerhouse in contemporary music. Their single “Leave the Door Open” not only dominated charts but also swept major awards, adding to .Paak’s collection of accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards, celebrate his distinct sound and cultural impact. The Silk Sonic era encapsulates .Paak’s ability to honor the rich legacy of soul and R&B while charting new territories in music. His virtuosity extends to live performances that are electric blends of showmanship and musicality, ensuring that his tours are both critically and commercially successful, further contributing to his substantial earnings.
Beyond The Spotlight: The Man & The Community
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 21: (L-R) In this image released on November 21. Anderson .Paak and Bruno Mars of Silk Sonic are seen backstage for the 2021 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater broadcast on November 21, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by John Esparza via Getty Images)
Anderson .Paak’s narrative extends into realms beyond the recording studio and stage performances. His personal life, though he keeps it carefully shielded from the public eye, is understood to be grounded and family-oriented. His philanthropic efforts, especially those channeled through the Brandon Anderson Foundation, speak volumes of his commitment to giving back, focusing on advocacy for artists and communities in need.
The Harmony Of Success & Significance
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 07: Recording artist Anderson Paak of Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals. Performs at the Intersect music festival at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds on December 7, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
As we encapsulate Anderson .Paak’s journey, his financial status is just one measure of his multi-dimensional success. As reported, his net worth is a financial mirror of his accolades and impact within the music industry. Yet, the true essence of his wealth lies in the cultural footprint he leaves.
At the moment, Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak are in the midst of a Silk Sonic residency at Las Vegas’ Park MGM. Those boys apparently really love performing, as they were just spotted on stage at a surprise concert immediately after one of the residency shows, which wasn’t the only shock of the night. At the Vegas club Barbershop (which is owned by the folks who own Park MGM), the duo busted out a rendition of, of all songs, Papa Roach’s 2000 nu metal favorite “Last Resort.”
Fan-shot footage shows .Paak donning a long blond wig singing the song with more rock-style vocals, which don’t really sound like .Paak’s voice as we know it, as the crowd sings along with him.
Elsewhere during the show, they also covered Outfield’s 1986 classic “Your Love.” Stereogum notes they also performed the Police’s “Roxanne,” although video of that does not appear to be available online.
MGM Resorts buying Cosmo has its perks. Bruno Mars popped in for a “surprise” show at The Barbershop last night, following the Silk Sonic concert at Park MGM. pic.twitter.com/DZViwPDnYa
As Stereogum also points out, the Papa Roach cover isn’t entirely unprecedented in relation to Mars and .Paak’s musical tastes: In 2018, Mars noted he was listening to Nine Inch Nails, System Of A Down, and Incubus. Then, in 2019, .Paak was seen moshing as one of the handful of attendees at a local hardcore band’s concert.
Check out clips from the show above.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Beyoncè and Silk Sonic fans are taking over Twitter with an interesting debate where they are choosing sides and comparing albums. A fan took a controversial approach and said in a tweet: “Beyonce did what Silk Sonic tried and failed to do.” The comparisons being referenced are Silk Sonic’s An Evening With Silk Sonic and […]
It’s official; Kanye West is no longer headlining Coachella in two weeks. We don’t know why he pulled out so suddenly. It could be that he really is fulfilling his vow to cancel unless Billie Eilish apologized to Travis Scott for apparently shading him while helping a distressed fan at her show. Or, maybe he’s really going to get help after spending much of the first quarter berating his ex-wife, her new beau, and Trevor Noah. While he’s pulled out of headlining before, the last time was months in advance, leaving the festival organizers plenty of time to organize a replacement. This time, with just two weeks until the big event, bookers might have to scramble to fill in the empty slot.
Fortunately, there are a few candidates more than capable of filling in for Kanye, with some sources suggesting Swedish House Mafia, The Weeknd, and Justin Bieber. As luck would have it, many of them are either just coming off headlining tours or festivals of their own, which could help alleviate some of the potential logistical struggles of putting together a 90-minute set at the last moment. While this doesn’t mean they would have the interest or availability to head to the California desert, the five artists below would all make great headliners.
Doja Cat
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Doja Cat, who is already booked to perform just below the headliners, has risen in prominence quickly over the past two years. After her TikTok-favorite hit “Say So” reached No. 1 on the Hot 100, her third studio album Planet Her launched four songs in the top 15, including “Kiss Me More” featuring SZA. “Kiss Me More” just won Doja Cat her first Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, putting Doja in rare air as exactly the sort of artist that belongs in the top line of any festival lineup. She says she wants to quit, so she could at least go out with a bang.
Since she’ll already be at Coachella, it’d be a relatively simple matter to bump her up and give her more time. Two weeks may not be enough time to add a full thirty extra minutes to her hour-long set, but considering how adaptable Doja has proven to be in the past, if anyone is up to the task, it’s her. Having Megan Thee Stallion’s set lead directly into Doja’s would also offer a boost to the movement to highlight more women at major festivals.
Megan Thee Stallion
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Alternatively, that dynamic could be flipped to offer Megan — undoubtedly one of the biggest stars of the past three years — the headlining slot. Megan, who dominated 2020 alongside Cardi B with “WAP,” is also booked to perform at Coachella. Speaking of Grammy Awards, at last year’s ceremony, she became just the second female rapper (after Lauryn Hill) to win the Best New Artist award. At the 2021 AMAs, she tied with Doja Cat (and BTS) for most awards with three wins. And she’s just coming off of a performance at the Oscars, perhaps signaling her readiness to return to the spotlight after taking a bit of a break last year. What better way to kick off a new era than with a headlining set at Coachella?
Of course, she’ll face the same logistical issues as Doja. As has been pointed out repeatedly in the past, female rappers’ shows require a lot more planning and preparation than men’s shows — especially regarding choreography. However, Meg’s also flying high in the wake of her new collaboration with Dua Lipa, “Sweetest Pie,” so if ever there was a time to bump her up to the top spot, it’s now.
J. Cole
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J. Cole has never headlined Coachella. In fact, he’s never even been on the poster. Considering he’s often been called one of hip-hop’s Big Three alongside Drake, who headlined in 2015, and Kendrick Lamar, who did so in 2017, that’s a glaring hole in his resume. 2022 would be a great time to resolve that discrepancy. The North Carolina MC just headlined his own Dreamville Festival, which means he’s got the set, the chops, and the experience to fill in for Kanye West. He’s had a year of practice too, thanks to his Off-Season arena tour in 2021. There’s a lot of overlap in his and West’s target audiences as well; Cole is as much a student of Kanye as Drake or Kendrick, and an audience already attuned to Kanye’s glitzy backpacker approach would likely take to Cole just as readily.
The only potential drawback would be that Cole’s already been performing this set all over the country. Sure, he could vary things up, but there’d be few surprises after he headlined Rolling Loud only a few months ago. That said, his last run finally laid those “J. Cole is boring” jokes to rest. He’s a thrilling live performer with the commercial accolades to support putting him in as a pinch hitter guaranteed to hit a home run.
Tyler The Creator
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Tyler The Creator is another performer just coming off a headlining arena tour, which concludes this week in Seattle. If anything, he’d probably have the easiest time bringing his elaborate staging to Indio. Just route the touring to the desert when the tour wraps up and reproduce the outrageously stellar work he’s been doing on the road at Coachella. And just in case you absolutely need his bona fides… He’s a two-time Best Rap Album Grammy winner, both of those albums went No. 1 back-to-back, and the man puts on one hell of a show.
Yes, he did already perform at Coachella very recently. In fact, he was the sub-headliner of the second-to-last Coachella festival that didn’t get canceled due to COVID. But the people truly do deserve to see this show, especially if he can still manage to cram in the boat, the Rolls-Royce, the grass field, and all the other incredible elements that made his latest tour a must-see event.
Silk Sonic
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After sweeping the Grammys this past weekend, it’s safe to say that Silk Sonic is basically a bulletproof pick sure to please even the pickiest hipster (who probably wouldn’t be at Coachella anyway, let’s face it). Anderson .Paak and Bruno Mars are a dazzling duo who bring a sense of old-school showmanship to their live productions while still maintaining an aura of freshness and relatability for the kids — just check out the popularity of their song “Smokin’ Out The Window” on TikTok.
Meanwhile, they’ve been enjoying a Las Vegas residency, meaning they’ve already got a massive set that could work for the Coachella stage, especially if their respective solo material is added in as well. Heck, Bruno’s done the Super Bowl, he could probably handle Coachella by himself. Fortunately, the two artists are currently clicking as a slick tandem. Coachella would be smart to at least reach out.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Following The Grammys, Gala Music sponsored the exclusive “Gala Gala” Grammy After Party, hosted by John Terzian of The h.wood Group and PIXL8 Partners, and honoring the industry’s biggest stars in music, entertainment, and fashion. The night featured special surprise performances by Grammy Award winners Silk Sonic and Brazilian singer/songwriter Anitta, in addition to the slew of celebrities in attendance. Guests savored scrumptious cuisine dishes and distinctive cocktails while dancing the night away to the sounds of celebrity deejay Zack Bia inside The h.wood Group’s popular supper club restaurant Delilah at Wynn Las Vegas.
Attendees included: Anitta, Anderson .Paak + Bruno Mars (Silk Sonic), Trevor Noah, Kings of Leon, Dua Lipa, Questlove, Kourtney Kardashian, Travis Barker, Olivia Rodrigo, Benny Blanco, Tyga, Bella Thorne, James Charles, Winnie Harlow, Benjamin Mascolo, Lily Aldridge, Diplo, Karreuche, Lucky Daye, Baby Keem, Chris Appleton, Leon Bridges, BJ the Chicago Kid, Nikita Dragun, Lademi, DJ Politik, Daymond John, Jimmie Allen, Jude Demorest, Stevie Monday, Bretman Rock, August Getty, and Markus Molinari.
Gala Music is the world’s first decentralized music label. Their objective is to allow both artists and fans to participate in the music experience like never before, as they have done in the gaming world with the Gala Games ecosystem. Gala Music makes use of blockchain technology to give artists new ways to express themselves and earn money, as well as to give fans new ways to engage with their favorite artists through unique experiences. Gala Music, as the pioneers of this industry-wide paradigm change, is creating a decentralized world of music based on rewards, NFTs, and Web3 interoperability to uplift artists, fans, and collectors like never before.
After opening the show with a performance of their single “777,” Silk Sonic took home two of the Grammys’ biggest awards: Song of the Year and Record of the Year. The duo of Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak won the awards for their song “Leave the Door Open.”
“I want to thank everybody that helped us with album…. Andy I couldn’t be prouder to be doing this with you, man. Thank you so much,” Bruno Mars said. “You know what? Because of you, me and Andy are gonna be singing this song forever so God bless you all.”
“We are really trying our hardest to remain humble at this point,” .Paak would joke on stage. “But in the industry, we call that a clean sweep.”
You can catch both wins and the performance below.
Silk Sonic (Anderson .Paak & Bruno Mars) | ‘777’