It is fair to say that Action Bronson is ‘The Most Interesting Man” in the world of hip-hop. The captivating Queens native garnered the attention of New York’s underground surveyors about four years ago and Bronson has gained a cult-like fanbase due to his consistent collection of mixtapes/EPs that are engaging as his personality. From a certified level of stature as a cuisine connoisseur to his outlandish antics both on the mic and outside the studio, Bronson radiates a unique form of artistic energy which has effectively guided him to this point in his career. Backed by an assuring, well-received catalogue, Action has released his official major label debut album Mr. Wonderful. While the humor and charismatic aspects of his previous projects remain at the forefront of Bronson’s identity, Mr. Wonderful is a daring body of work which provides a fascinating experience for long-time Bronsolino fans as well as first-time listeners.
When evaluating Bronson’s lyrical performance, Mr. Wonderful is engrained in the roots of its maker and that is a great thing. The witty food/pop culture/sports references run rampant and Bronson’s wordplay is powered by an unmatched degree of vivid wordplay. Appearances by longtime collaborator Meyhem Lauren and the legendary Big Body Bes are also a testament to Bronson staying true to form. And while Mr. Wonderful has multiple producers—which veers off from Bronson’s usual formula—many familiar faces are behind the boards, (Statik Selektah, Alchemist, Party Supplies), which results in a plethora of standout offerings including the head-nod inducing “The Rising” and the enchantingly dreamy “Terry”. But despite the well-known cast of characters, it is the experimental sonic nature of Mr. Wonderful which makes it Bronson’s most ambitious, yet challenging project thus far.
The second half of Mr. Wonderful is where Bronson truly takes home-run swings and his musical risks prove to be more rewarding than detrimental. Rapping takes a backseat on tracks such as the jazzy, guitar-driven “City Boy Blues” (prod. 88 Keys) and the live instrumentation adds a welcomed element to Bronson’s music. A shining example of this is “Baby Blue”, a catchy single which features bright, piano-laden production from Mark Ronson and a fitting guest verse from Chance The Rapper. The juxtaposition on this record is well-executed and while the technicalities of Bronson’s singing are questionable throughout the project, his hook on “Baby Blue” adds to the authenticity of its message.
There are certain facets about Mr. Wonderful which may disappoint some fans. It is understandable to be thrown off guard by tracks such as “Thug Love Story 2017 The Musical” and “The Passage”, which serve more so as interludes/storyline building offerings as opposed to showcasing Bronson’s surefire skills on the mic. One would think the 80’s rock ballad-inspired “Only In America” would come from a group like Journey, not a rapper from Flushing. However, it is the ‘out of left field’ attitude of Mr. Wonderful which showcases not only Bronson’s wide-ranging musical palette, but also an unwavering confidence in his art. Mr. Wonderful may not be the most cohesive listen, but it is a project that no other person on Earth could replicate. Every song on the album is a genuine representation of the wild, outrageous, and rare thoughts that come across Action Bronson’s mind on a daily basis. The music embraces his personality and is a manifestation of Bronson’s ‘the world is your oyster’ mindset. So by the time you ride your Harley into the sunset with Bronson on the proper closer “Easy Rider”, what remains is unfiltered honesty which is capable of arousing laughter, bewilderment, and everything in between. All in all, Action Bronson is recognized as an individual who transcends hip-hop, and Mr. Wonderful is a bona fide confirmation of that fact.
Repeatable: “Easy Rider”, “Baby Blue”, “The Rising”
Skippable: “Thug Love Story 2017 The Musical”, “The Passage”
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