Action Bronson – Blue Chips 7000 Review
“PUT MY MOTHERFUCKING ALBUM OUT”, Bronson tweeted in frustration back in May. After months of waiting, Action Bronson finally released Blue Chips 7000. This serves as a follow up to his debut album “Mr. Wonderful”, which flew under the radar in 2015. This 13 track project with guest features from Rick Ross, Mayhem Lauren and Big Body Bes is just what we’ve been missing.
Only two singles were put out prior to the album’s release; one of which being Harry Fraud produced ‘Let Me Breathe’. The comedic and braggadocious lyrics along with a catchy hook were a nice welcoming back to Bronson. The song was followed by an absolutely crazy and weird music video involving old men dancing and a 6’7” tall erotic dancer.
It’s nearly indescribable, check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbqCyrUQrlo
The other song which was released was ‘The Chairman’s Intent’. His inner rockstar is definitely channeled through this hype track. The song gets your head bobbing right from the start with the drums and guitar with his voice yelling, “You don’t even know me!” And of course you listen to bars you never typically hear, like “I started clapping when the chef brought the duck to the table / that shit was shining like an angel”.
The interestingly funny music video can be watched here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-S3DNXHSao
He also performed the song on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, but the video was pulled from youtube.
Bronsoliño opens the album with a conversation with his mother while the two of them are high. The skit is followed by an elevator-esque piano beat and Bronson saying, “Puerto Rican Air Force Ones at the wedding.” It’s these randomly specific bars he has that fans have been longing for.
On the following song ‘La Luna’, Action says to someone that he needs a car to take him to Madison Square Garden. While on hold with La Luna car service, he hears the ‘on hold’ music and says, “Yo, what beat is that? … I could rhyme on this.” He goes on to spit two verses on it.
“I’ma save my peace
And I’ma breeze in the caprice with the gold seats
Bumpin’ Boosie on a slow creep
On Collins Ave looking stoned, man, you know me”
Track 2 – La Luna
On ‘Hot Pepper’, the duo of Bronson and Mayhem Lauren trade verses like they usually do. As usual, Mayhem’s verse shines on the track. His aggressive voice is a satisfying contrast with the relaxing Caribbean beat behind him and Jah Tiger on the hook.
“Take a look at my life, ‘cause I’m historical /
You the type to compliment a Rollie at the urinal /
I’m the type to look up continents and then explore a few”
Mayhem Lauren on Track 4 – ‘Hot Pepper’
The next few songs lyrics are as if Action is simply naming random things and situation that rhyme, but manages to make it sound enjoyable. Like on one of the more relaxing songs on the album is ‘Bonzai’, subtle piano keys, guitar strums and a melodic flute fuse together to accompany Bronson’s voice saying, “I’m so chill, it’s like I’m in a circle playing hacky sack / Embroidered Dragon on the satin jacket”.
Bam Bam says to start a verse on ‘Let it Rain’:
“Standin’ in front of McDonald’s / throwin’ bottles
Ninety degrees / Timbs on / Ma, your kid’s gone
A lot of graves to be pissed on
Land of the free / I think wrong”
The lyrics don’t truly correlate, but they flow nicely on the track.
The track ‘My Right Lung’ gives you that craving feeling in basketball with Bronson saying, “I’d give my right lung if I could dunk a basketball one time.” He probably shows his best lyricism on ‘Tank’ over a simple piano and drum beat, followed by Big Body Bes screaming into his microphone like usual.
The climax of the project is hit on tracks 10, 11 and 12. Track 10 being ‘9-24-7000’ featuring Rick Ross. Harry Fraud made a gem with this mellow beat; something that Bronson and Ross thrive on. Rozay blesses the track with his classic delivery and braggadocious lyrics. Track 11 is my personal favorite song on the album, ‘The Choreographer’. Action’s cadence on the hook is perfect on the funky beat saying, “I’ma show you how to move / I’ma show you how to dance / got the pistol in my pants.” I’m constantly replaying the song.
Track 12 is ‘Chop Chop Chop’; which has a satisfying blues feel to it. His voice on the hook is very similar Westside Gunn vocals. Bronson verses give the song the same vibe as a lot of his previous album. The album is closed out with the song “Durag vs. Headband”; which was released back in the fall of 2016.
“In the lotus flower pose
With patience’s with power shows
They say that I been sculpted with a Pharaoh’s nose
I like to think that I got Darryl’s nose”
Track 12 – ‘Chop Chop Chop’
Bronson has definitely been busy lately, having two TV Shows on Viceland with ‘F*ck, That’s Delicious’ and ‘Traveling The Stars: Action Bronson & Friends Watch Ancient Aliens’. He even has a book releasing on September 12th titled, “F*ck, That’s Delicious: An Annotated Guide to Eating Well”. With all of that going on, it’s amazing that he found time to make Blue Chips 7000.
The album has its highs and low points, but Blue Chips 7000 is still a great listen for Bronson fans as well as rap enthusiasts. Guys like Harry Fraud, The Alchemist, and Party Supplies definitely assist this 3rd installment of Blue Chips series in staying true to its roots and reminds everyone of Action Bronson’s lyrical ability.
Best song: 9-24-7000 ft. Rick Ross
Favorite Song: The Choreographer
Underrated track: My Right Lung
