ALBUM REVIEW: Action Bronson - Blue Chips 7000

In his fourth full-length studio album, Blue Chips 7000, Action Bronson takes the listener on another entertaining ride. The project was delayed several times due to sample clearance issues, but was timely considering his last project (Mr. Wonderful) came out back in 2015. Bronson’s signature style remains consistent on this work, complete with allusions to luxurious living, in-your-face trash talk, inventive storytelling and humorous verbal portraiture. Not to mention that in a promo interview the man himself called his new material “U2 on steroids.” Action Bronson has always been a unique persona in the hip-hop realm; but make no mistake, his ability to rhyme and unpredictability make him an entirely original force to be reckoned with. While there isn't an obvious conceptual direction underlying Blue Chips 7000, the album is reminiscent of the previous mix tapes in his “Blue Chips” series. Equal parts eloquence and braggadocio, this work is threaded with odd a cappella intros, extended outros and hilarious skits featuring those within his inner circle of friends and collaborators. It’s no secret that Bronson has a love for sports - the entire Blue Chips series he’s done is named after this badass 1994 movie starring Penny Hardaway and Shaqille O’Neal - as his body of work boasts extensive references to famous athletes. This album continues that, including lines such as “Kelly Slater couldn't ride this wave,” on “Chop Chop Chop,” and “I’m qualified to speak for my attorneys, address the jury in a Shaq jersey,” on “Hot Pepper.” Blue Chips 7000 is a breath of fresh air. The content isn't necessarily made for radio play, but that doesn't mean a few singles won’t find success on the airwaves. It simply means that his style doesn't sound like most other current rap albums at the moment. Instead of trap-oriented 808s and hooks crafted for 13 year olds to caption their Instagram photos with, Bronson gives us a unique look into the life of a professional chef-turned-rapper through acrobatic rhymes. An off-kilter style keeps the listener guessing as you can see in the line, “You lack culture…I’m a psychedelic image of a black vulture trapped inside a past soldier,” on “Durag vs. Headband.” His content doesn't always make perfect sense and is rarely predictable, but you can’t say it isn't entertaining and skillful. There aren't many features on the project, however Rick Ross does make an appearance on the intoxicatingly smooth track “9-24-7000.” This album is loaded with production from Party Supplies and Harry Fraud. Party Supplies, typically producing more down-tempo house music, provide different sound than usual rap production. Harry Fraud’s style rings clearly as the producer that mixed the album, and has produced for other hip-hop artists such as French Montana and Curren$y in the past. Listen to this album for a dropkick of brash East New York bravado intertwined with opulent anecdotes and absurd hypotheticals. Check him out on his short but sweet upcoming Blue Chips 7000 tour dates this fall HERE. The man also has a hilariously entertaining cooking show called “F*ck, That’s Delicious” that is very much worth checking out - you can find the link below. http://actionbronson.com/blueschips7000/?ref=Typed/Bookmarked https://www.facebook.com/ActionBronsonMusic/?ref=br_rs https://twitter.com/ActionBronson