Action Bronson

Ariyan Arslani[4] (born December 2, 1983),[5][6] better known by the stage name Action Bronson, is an American rapper, writer, chef, and television presenter.[7] In August 2012, he signed with Warner Bros. Records, but was later moved to the Atlantic Records-distributed label Vice Records.

Action Bronson
Bronson performing in June 2016
Background information
Birth nameAriyan Arslani
Also known as
Born (1983-12-02) December 2, 1983
Flushing, New York, U.S.
GenresHip hop
Occupation(s)
  • Songwriter
  • Producer
  • Director
  • Rapper
  • Actor
  • television presenter
  • writer
  • chef
Years active2008–present
Labels
Associated acts
Websitewww.actionbronson.com

Arslani hosts a talk/variety show The Untitled Action Bronson Show, as well as his travel program Fuck, That's Delicious, on Viceland. His frequent collaborators Meyhem Lauren, The Alchemist, and formerly Big Body Bes are regulars on both of his television series. Mario Batali, Andrew Zimmern, Daniel Boulud, Rick Bayless, Grant Achatz, and others have been guests on his television series. In September 2017, Arslani published his first book, based on his travel show, a cookbook, also entitled Fuck, That's Delicious.

Arslani has also released several mixtapes, such as Rare Chandeliers (2012), with American hip-hop producer The Alchemist and Blue Chips 2 (2013) with longtime producer Party Supplies, before releasing his major label debut, an extended play (EP) titled Saaab Stories, with frequent collaborator Harry Fraud, in 2013. He released his major label debut album, Mr. Wonderful, on March 23, 2015.

Biography

1983–2010: Early life and career

Bronson was born in Flushing, Queens, New York City, to an Albanian Muslim father and an American Jewish mother.[8] Growing up he had been raised in his father's Muslim tradition.[9] He attended Bayside High School, in Bayside, Queens, and graduated in 2002. Before embarking on a career as a rapper, which was originally just a hobby, Bronson was a gourmet chef in New York City. He hosted his own online cooking show, Action in the Kitchen. After breaking his leg in the kitchen, Bronson concentrated solely on his music career.[10]

2011: Dr. Lecter and Well Done

Action Bronson's debut studio album Dr. Lecter was independently released by Fine Fabric Delegates on March 15, 2011. The album, produced entirely by New York City-based music producer Tommy Mas, was made available for digital download and also in CD-R, on his official website. In November of that year, Bronson followed up with Well-Done, a collaborative effort with American hip hop producer Statik Selektah.[11] On March 12, 2012, he released his second mixtape, titled Blue Chips, with Party Supplies.[12]

2012–13: Major-label deal and Saaab Stories
Action Bronson performing in July 2013

In August 2012, it was announced Paul Rosenberg signed Action Bronson to a management deal with Goliath Artists, which also houses names such as Eminem, The Alchemist, Blink-182 and Danny Brown.[13] Also in August 2012, Bronson was featured on Odd Future-rapper Domo Genesis and American hip hop producer The Alchemist's collaborative album No Idols, on tracks "Elimination Chamber" (also featuring Earl Sweatshirt and Vince Staples) and "Daily News" (also featuring SpaceGhostPurrp and Earl Sweatshirt). Later that year Action Bronson joined both Warner Bros. Records, via media company VICE, and concert booking agency NUE.[14] On November 15, 2012, Bronson released Rare Chandeliers, a collaborative mixtape with the Alchemist.

In March 2013, Bronson performed at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival[15] and later that month was featured on XXL Magazine's 2013 Freshman Class, a list of up-and-coming rappers.[16] In May 2013, Action Bronson was moved to Atlantic Records, and subsequently released an extended play (EP) titled Saaab Stories, on June 11, 2013.[17] The EP was produced entirely by American music producer Harry Fraud and features guest appearances from fellow American rappers Raekwon, Wiz Khalifa, and Prodigy.[18] Released as a digital download only, the EP was preceded by the single, "Strictly 4 My Jeeps".[19] In July 2013, he indicated wanting to get fellow Queens-bred rappers, Nas and Kool G Rap, on his major-label debut album.[20] Also in July, Bronson announced his major-label debut album would be released in early 2014.[21]

On November 1, 2013, Bronson released Blue Chips 2, the second installment in his Blue Chips series, in promotion of the album.[22][23][24][25] On October 28, 2013, Funkmaster Flex announced he would be hosting an upcoming Action Bronson mixtape. Production was revealed to be coming from Erick Sermon, Mike Will Made It, DJ Mustard and Jahlil Beats.[22] In a November 2013 interview with Rolling Stone, Bronson stated that he would have Kool G Rap and Mobb Deep, featured on his upcoming album.[26]

2014–present: Mr. Wonderful
Action Bronson performing at Coachella in 2015

In February 2014, Action Bronson, J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar and 360 accompanied rapper Eminem, on a brief tour of Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.[27] On May 6, 2014, Action Bronson debuted a food-oriented web series, titled Fuck, That's Delicious. The show is a Vice Records-sponsored monthly web series that chronicles the food-obsessed rapper's exploration of all things culinary.[28][29]

On August 5, 2014, Bronson released the song "Easy Rider" as the first single from his debut album Mr. Wonderful. The song was produced by Bronson's longtime producer Party Supplies. On August 20, 2014, the music video for "Easy Rider", was released. The video for "Easy Rider", which was directed by Tom Gould, pays homage to the 1969 Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper film of the same name.[30] Bronson officially released "Actin Crazy", via digital distribution on January 20. He released the full album on March 23, 2015.[31]

In October, 2015, Bronson was hospitalized in Anchorage, Alaska, for emergency surgery after a concert on October 23. He remained in the hospital for several days.[32]

On Monday May 16, 2016, he presented at the Webby Awards.[33]

On October 31, 2018, Bronson announced that he was parting ways with Vice, the media company that served as his record label and television network.[34]

In November 2018, Bronson announced a tour in support of his latest album, White Bronco. The tour is set to run from February 2019 to March 2019. Meyhem Lauren and Roc Marciano will be supporting.[35]

Television and film

Action Bronson starred in two television shows which aired on the Viceland channel: the food travel show Fuck, That's Delicious, and a nightly food talk show, The Untitled Action Bronson Show. He also starred in the now-canceled comedy documentary series Traveling the Stars: Action Bronson and Friends Watch 'Ancient Aliens'.

2019 he had a cameo role in the film The Irishman, playing a coffin salesman.[36]

Controversy

In March 2016, the Program Board of the George Washington University announced that Bronson would be the headlining performer for the University's yearly spring concert, "Spring Fling." Controversy soon erupted as Bronson's song "Consensual Rape" came to light, as well as statements Bronson made that were considered homophobic, transphobic, and misogynist.[37] Student activist groups successfully pushed for the University to cancel the performance.[38] In April 2016, Bronson was similarly disinvited from the Trinity College Spring Weekend concert.[39]

Bronson responded in an open letter, claiming that his songs "depict a story" and "aren't meant to be anything but an artistic expression," condemned all forms of sexual violence, and offered an apology.[40]

Musical style

Influences

Action Bronson cites as major influences fellow American rappers Kool G Rap, Nas, Cam'ron, Mobb Deep, UGK and the Wu-Tang Clan.[41][42] Other artists include Michael Jackson, Carlos Santana, Queen as well as Albanian wedding singers.[43]

Rapping style

Bronson frequently raps about food in his songs.[44][45][46] He is also well known for his frequent, and often obscure, allusions to athletes and sports teams. Bronson's lyrics often make reference to sports in New York City but also touch on more obscure subjects such as professional wrestlers,[47] bodybuilders, figure skating and sports betting.[48][49][50]

Early in his career, Bronson gained recognition for lyrically and stylistically resembling fellow New York rapper Ghostface Killah of Wu-Tang Clan (with whom he collaborated, along with friend and fellow rapper Termanology, on a song called "Meteor Hammer", from the 2011 compilation album Legendary Weapons). Ghostface Killah himself has admitted to confusing Bronson's rapping for his own.[51] In a 2011 interview with HipHopDX, Bronson was asked about how it was to be compared to the Wu-Tang rapper, and he responded with,

Yeah, I mean at the end of the day, it's all good because Ghostface Killah is one of the best rappers alive, so if I sound similar to the best rapper alive then that is fine. To me there is no comparison; he is a legend and I am a newcomer. If I would try and emulate with anyone it would be Kool G Rap, he is the person I look up to the most. I am not upset but at the end of the day I am my own person and no one can take that away from me.[52]

Discography
Main article: Action Bronson discography

Awards and nominations

BET Hip Hop Awards

The BET Hip Hop Awards was established in 2006 by the network to celebrate hip-hop performers, producers and music video directors.

Year Nominated work Award Result
2013 Action Bronson Rookie of the Year[53] Nominated
2014 Blue Chips 2 Best Mixtape Nominated
gollark: Haiku has a cool compact format for icons (HVIF).
gollark: Mostly SVG, there aren't widely deployed good alternatives.
gollark: It's ridiculously verbose and XMLy. Even the "tiny" SVG standards allow stuff like embedded CSS and *JavaScript*.
gollark: SVG is, to be fair, an awful format.
gollark: Discord dislikes SVGs, due to Discord apioforms.

See also

References
  1. Isenberg, Daniel (March 25, 2016). "The Best Action Bronson Songs". Complex. Retrieved May 3, 2017.
  2. Ivey, Justin (March 31, 2017). "Action Bronson Is Putting the Finishing Touches on New Project". XXL. Retrieved May 3, 2017.
  3. "'Fuck, That's Delicious' Presents: Cooking With Mr. Wonderful Featuring Michael Voltaggio". Vice. April 11, 2015. Retrieved May 3, 2017.
  4. "Twitter / ActionBronson: My name is ARIYAN ARSLANI". Twitter.com. Retrieved March 1, 2018.
  5. "Musical Jews: Action Bronson". Jewish Telegraph Agency. Retrieved November 2, 2015.
  6. "Twitter / ActionBronson: I am now 29 years old". Twitter.com. Retrieved January 19, 2013.
  7. DeJohn, Irving (June 26, 2013). "Queens rapper Action Bronson talks food, music and Flushing characters". Daily News. Retrieved February 2, 2016.
  8. Chandler, Adam. "Where James Beard Meets Rap". The Atlantic. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  9. Tardio, Andres. "Action Bronson". HipHop DX. Retrieved May 23, 2015.
  10. Bronson, Action. "My Story by Action Bronson". XXL Magazine. XXL Magazine. Retrieved February 22, 2015.
  11. "Action Bronson & Statik Selektah - 'Not Enough Words'". YouTube. November 20, 2011. Retrieved January 19, 2013.
  12. "Action Bronson/Party Supplies-Blue Chips". Pitchfork Media. March 23, 2012. Retrieved September 21, 2013.
  13. "Action Bronson Signs Deal With VICE/Atlantic Records | XXL". Xxlmag.com. August 13, 2012. Retrieved January 19, 2013.
  14. Hampp, Andrew (August 7, 2012). "Backbeat: Of Monsters and Men, Jezabels Play Billboard's Packed Post Party At Chicago's Double Door". Billboard. Retrieved January 19, 2013.
  15. "Check Out the 2013 Coachella Lineup". Complex. January 25, 2013. Retrieved May 17, 2013.
  16. "XXL Freshman Class 2013 Cover Revealed - Page 2 of 2". XXL. March 27, 2013. Retrieved May 17, 2013.
  17. "Audio: Action Bronson & The Alchemist – DJ Whoo Kid Interview". Xclusives Zone. May 10, 2013. Archived from the original on June 6, 2013. Retrieved May 17, 2013.
  18. Ryon, Sean (June 11, 2013). "Action Bronson & Harry Fraud "Saab Stories" Cover Art, Tracklist & Spotify Stream". HipHop DX. Retrieved September 13, 2013.
  19. "Music - Strictly 4 My Jeeps - Single by Action Bronson". iTunes Store. May 14, 2013. Retrieved May 17, 2013.
  20. Paine, Jake (July 9, 2013). "Action Bronson Hints At Cooking Show, Wants To Reunite Nas & Kool G Rap". HipHop DX. Archived from the original on August 20, 2013. Retrieved September 13, 2013.
  21. Paine, Jake (July 27, 2013). "Action Bronson Confirms "Blue Chips 2," Another Project With Alchemist". HipHop DX. Archived from the original on August 27, 2013. Retrieved September 13, 2013.
  22. Dharmic X. "Listen: Action Bronson "Practice" (Prod. Party Supplies)". Complex. Retrieved March 28, 2015.
  23. "Action Bronson/Party Supplies-Blue Chips 2 Review". Pitchfork Media. March 23, 2012. Retrieved September 21, 2013.
  24. Breihan, Tom (November 6, 2013). "Mixtape Of The Week: Action Bronson & Party Supplies Blue Chips 2". Stereogum. Retrieved November 7, 2013.
  25. Alexis, Nadeska (November 1, 2013). "Download: Action Bronson X Party Supplies Blue Chips 2 Mixtape". MTV. Retrieved November 7, 2013.
  26. "Action Bronson on 'Blue Chips 2,' Drugs and Women". Rolling Stone. Retrieved March 28, 2015.
  27. C.M., Emmanuel (January 14, 2014). "Action Bronson Adds Shows, Will Tour With Eminem". XXL.
  28. "Action Bronson". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved March 28, 2015.
  29. "Action Bronson". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved March 28, 2015.
  30. "Action Bronson". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved March 28, 2015.
  31. "Action Bronson "Mr. Wonderful" Release Date, Cover Art, Tracklist & Album Stream". HipHopDX. March 23, 2015. Archived from the original on April 3, 2015. Retrieved March 28, 2015.
  32. "Rapper Action Bronson hospitalized for emergency surgery in Anchorage". KTUU-TV. October 28, 2015. Archived from the original on October 29, 2015. Retrieved October 28, 2015.
  33. "Action Bronson presents at Webby Awards". RapRadar. Retrieved May 17, 2016.
  34. "Action Bronson Says He's Parting Ways With Vice". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved October 31, 2018.
  35. "Action Bronson announces tour with Meyhem Lauren and Roc Marciano". BrooklynVegan. Retrieved November 8, 2018.
  36. Raine, Phoebe (November 6, 2019). "Film Review: The Irishman - Impact Magazine". Impactnottingham.com. Retrieved April 10, 2020.
  37. Kuruzius, Rachel (March 30, 2016). "GW Students Don't Want 'Blatant Misogynist' Action Bronson Headlining Spring Fling". The DCist. Archived from the original on April 2, 2016. Retrieved March 30, 2016.
  38. Blugis, Sarah (March 29, 2016). "Student leaders should not stay quiet about the Spring Fling headliner". The GW Hatchet. Retrieved March 30, 2016.
  39. Megan, Kathleen (April 22, 2016). "Trinity Students Disinvite Controversial Rapper". Hartford Courant. Retrieved April 22, 2016.
  40. "Action Bronson Apologizes for Behavior Seen as Misogynist and Transphobic, Following Removal from College Concert". Pitchfork.com.
  41. "The Special Ingredient: Action Bronson". Clash Magazine. Retrieved March 28, 2015.
  42. HipHopDX (October 26, 2011). "Action Bronson Responds To Comparisons With Ghostface Killah, Other White Rappers". HipHopDX. Retrieved March 28, 2015.
  43. GQ (August 14, 2018), Action Bronson Goes Undercover on Reddit, Twitter and YouTube | GQ, retrieved August 18, 2018
  44. "Action Bronson's 25 Most Luxurious Food Lines". RESPECT. Retrieved March 28, 2015.
  45. "All the Food References in Action Bronson's Mixtape, "Blue Chips 2"". Bon Appétit. Retrieved March 28, 2015.
  46. "Every Food Reference on Action Bronson's Blue Chips 2". First We Feast. Retrieved March 28, 2015.
  47. Winistorfer, Andrew (June 13, 2013). "Ranking Every Single Wrestler Action Bronson Has Ever Mentioned". Vice. Retrieved January 16, 2020.
  48. Sherman, Rodger (May 18, 2015). "The young Randy Velarde, and 289 other sports references by Action Bronson". SBNation. Retrieved May 26, 2015.
  49. Larew, Tim (March 25, 2013). "Action Bronson Raps On Sports, New York And Embracing The Obscure". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved May 26, 2015.
  50. Roth, David (March 5, 2015). "Action Bronson Gets Extremely Sports on ESPN". VICE Sports. Vice Media. Archived from the original on May 26, 2015. Retrieved May 26, 2015.
  51. k, katie (May 21, 2015). "Ghostface Killah Admits He Has Confused Action Bronson's Voice For His Own". Pigeons & Planes. Retrieved May 22, 2015.
  52. Tobias, Jonathan (May 26, 2011). "DXnext: Action Bronson | Check Out New Hip Hop Artists & Upcoming Rappers". HipHop DX. Archived from the original on July 23, 2011. Retrieved August 17, 2011.
  53. "Who New? Rookie of the Year". BET. September 23, 2013. Retrieved March 28, 2015.
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