Hip–hop as a genre, or even as a lifestyle, is stereotypically dominated by braggadocio—whether it’s about cars, money, or women. Usually, rappers like to rap about how good at rapping they are. But the most interesting thing about this phenomenon is how different it is from music of older generations. There’s a disconnect when I play modern rap music in the car with my dad and he complains the whole time. Did Frank Sinatra croon about how great his voice was? Did Jimi Hendrix write songs about how much he shred on guitar? Music relies on connecting to the listener, and while some people enjoy songs like “Rap God,” it’s not exactly the most relatable topic. When’s the last time you heard someone brag on the beat about fixing a college sporting event, putting their arm through a priceless painting, or hiding drugs inside of a small dog? If you can remember hearing any of these things, chances are you listen to Action Bronson.
Arian Asllani may look like he plays left tackle for the Giants, but this New Yorker is actually a top–notch MC (and chef!). His songs are littered with references to gourmet food, athletes, and plenty of other over–the–top boasts and assertions. What makes Bronsolino’s claims different from your average rapper’s is how utterly ridiculous, yet somehow believable they are. There is no way that he actually surprised his girlfriend with “face–to–face toilets” or paid Patrick Ewing to miss his famous finger roll, but the way he portrays the character he plays in his songs makes these outrageous lines seem more realistic than hearing your average one–hit–wonder rapper talk about having millions of dollars. He does everything in his power to make his persona work in person as well—from setting up food trucks at music festivals to throwing G-pens and dime bags of marijuana out to the crowd at his shows.
As entertaining as his lyrics are, the incredible beats he raps over often steal the show. He usually does his projects with one specific producer at a time, ranging from hip–hop legends like Alchemist to up–and–coming, promising acts like Party Supplies or Harry Fraud. He’s not afraid to rap over nontraditional beats, as he proved on “Contemporary Man” where he spit over a medley of Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins hits. Bronson’s music is guaranteed to entertain, whether you’re paying close attention to the lyrics or not.
While my dad usually complains about the rap music I play in the car, he loves when I throw on “Rare Chandeliers” or “Blue Chips 2.” If my 53–year–old dad who grew up on 80’s British punk rock likes Action Bronson, I’m sure all you hip Penn students will find a way to like him too.
