Bruno Mars opened tonight’s (June 25) BET Awards with an exceptionally funky display. The fourth single for 24K Magic remains to be determined. However, Bruno made a strong suggestion when he rocked out “Perm” to open the show.

Bruno Mars Meets Grandmaster Flash & The Message Is Golden (Video)

With a line of dancers in tow, Bruno paid homage to James Brown and the pioneers of Funk with the drums (and fashion) that popped in a major way during the 1990s (2 Live Crew, Tag Team, 95 South, etc.). Ever the showman, Mars stopped the set multiple times to finesse the crowd with a seated dance, putting the crispy Nike kicks on major display.

Bruno Mars Channels Zapp To Release The Funk Jam Of The Year (Video)

After tearing down the Grammy Awards earlier this year alongside Morris Day & The Time, Bruno Mars is in tremendous stride with his third album. Fittingly, this song is produced by Shampoo Press & Curl.

Mars later won best “Best R&B/Pop Artist” during the show. He credited the BET Awards with giving him his first honors back in the day.