Peter Gene Hernandez, better known by his stage name Bruno Mars, is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, musician, dancer, and music video director. Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, Mars relocated to Los Angeles in 2003 to pursue his musical career. After a short stint with Motown Records, he gained recognition in the music industry as a songwriter and the co-founder of the production team The Smeezingtons, which produced hit singles for both Mars and other artists. His rise to fame as a solo artist began in 2010, propelled by the success of "Nothin' on You" by B.o.B and "Billionaire" by Travie McCoy.