Action Bronson is one of the most recognizable figures in the Alternative Hip Hop movement. The former internet chef now Hip Hop recording artist released his debut full length earlier this year, after a series of mixtapes which rattled the underground. These releases including Blue Chips and Chandelier in my eyes included hilarious lines from the Queens rapper, as well as a selection ofAction Bronson is one of the most recognizable figures in the Alternative Hip Hop movement. The former internet chef now Hip Hop recording artist released his debut full length earlier this year, after a series of mixtapes which rattled the underground. These releases including Blue Chips and Chandelier in my eyes included hilarious lines from the Queens rapper, as well as a selection of rock inspired beats which carried his Ghostface Killah – like flow. But while these projects were popular in the underground, they did not receive as much acclaim from me as much as I liked. Here in Action’s new project, however, I see a bit more focus and harder hitting beats. But while this album shows progression, it does come with it’s misses with ambitious rock inspired interludes.
The first quarter of this 13 track record starts off well. Songs like Brand New Car and Terry have catchy beats with hilarious Bronson lines which give us what we know and love from Bronson. But with the track Actin’ Crazy I hear what I feel like this album lacks which are hooks an un interesting breaks which fills this record with filler. This track has a very interesting beat that sounds like something that could come out of a Madvillainy project, but instead of hooks, Action gives us dull breaks which causes the listener to fall out of the track. Thug Love Story 2017 is an unnecessary and uninteresting interlude as well the next track, City Boy Blues which features clumsy singing and a rock backing track that sounds like a Thursday night at some middle aged Long Island Bar with a band where your dad might play in. It’s at this point at the record that I’m wondering where on earth did this record go, and the first few tracks are know forgotten and left in the dark.
This album picks up again with a fantastic track in Baby Blue featuring Chicago rapper Chance the Rapper. With funny and relatable lines on a girl that Bronson might have a love/hate relationship with. Chance’s verse is one of the most unique and interesting verses out there. This track gives what I’ve always wanted from Bronson, which is a fantastic and catchy hook along with already consistent lyrics and beats. I also liked Only in America, with a fun guitar riff and a New Wave style hook.
I have the same problems with The Passage as I did with City Boy Blues, which gave me an uninteresting rock tune. I’m sure Bronson saw something in that live performance, but for me it adds nothing to the quality of the Album. I love how this record ends though, with an Old Western Themed beat which I can only imagine Action Bronson riding into the sunset at the end to close out this record.
In these times where it seems like the Big Apple doesn’t have much to offer in comparison to it’s West Coast and Atlanta counterparts, artists like Action Bronson offers what the New York scene does have, which is potential. I see this record as progression for Bronson. While I do not question his talent as an MC, the production leaves something to be desired, because while it is always ambitious to offer different sounds that Hip Hop doesn’t always offer, delivery is always tough. I liked this record, and it has many high points that I think he can build off of for his next project, which I am very hopeful for.… Expand
Mr. WonderfulYour Score0 out of 10User Score
