Score: 4/5
As time has passed, rap has become much more radio friendly with autotune and pop artist features, but Action Bronson is one rapper who has stuck to the genre’s roots.
With influences like Wu-Tang Clan’s Ghostface Killah and Kool G Rap, it makes sense Bronson would be someone who likes to adhere to a traditional rap sound.
Bronson’s newest album, “Mr. Wonderful” is just another addition to the rapper’s releases, but adds some great production elements that keep the songs fresh and intriguing. “Mr. Wonderful” also has a New York-bend to it, a tribute to Bronson’s home of Queens, through a jazzy and gritty city effect.
Before a music career, Bronson pursued a career as a chef. He continues to cook and includes that aspect of his life into his raps by writing food bars along with topics on women and New York.
The album includes songs that listeners will have already heard like “Actin’ Crazy” and “Terry.”
Bronson can draw new fans in with these songs because they’re about as mainstream as he can get. Listeners will be able to slowly dive in to what the rapper offers by choosing these first.
However, the deeper you get into the album, the better the songs become.
There’s a three track section on the record composed of “THUG LOVE STORY 2017 THE MUSICAL (Interlude),” “A. City Boy Blues,” and “B. A Light in the Addict” featuring Party Supplies and Black Atlass.
These songs are the epitome of Bronson’s New York influence. They all give the feeling of the artist performing on city streets with just a beat and his voice. Especially, “THUG LOVE STORY 2017 THE MUSICAL” where the song is a recording of Bronson giving a man a starting instrumental and he creates a whole song.
Along with this street recording, “Mr. Wonderful” provides some other surprises.
“Only in America” featuring Party Supplies includes guitar riffs, piano and an ‘80s hair band-sounding chorus. It’s almost like Bronson just wandered onto a Guns N’ Roses concert stage and starting rapping.
He ends the record with “Easy Rider,” another song with a cool, synthesized sound. it includes a guitar solo with motorcycle sound bites to close the track. The rapper sings throughout the whole track with only a small chorus effect, sticking to his traditional rap roots.
Overall, if you’re looking for a rapper who’s true to the genre look no further than “Mr. Wonderful.”
You can reach Meg Ryan on Twitter @The_MegRyan.