That being said, the New York rapper is still finding out what exactly he wants to be. Saaab Stories, his collaborative EP with producer Harry Fraud released earlier this year, found our host dabbling into some more accessible (mainstream) production. While there were obvious bright spots, it's hard to compare that to either of Bronson's 2012 releases. I mean lets be honest, the Bronson character doesn't always mix well with Wiz Khalifa instrumentals. And that damn cover of a couple girls puking into a toilet wasn't doing any promotional wonders. That brings me to another topic: Action Bronson can rap about some pretty nasty ass shit, which is part of his appeal. Fans love to see an artist punching a hole into the mainstream without talking about your every day topics. It's been a big part of his success and there's no absence on Blue Chips 2.
Action Bronson has a history of working with a single producer for an entire project, which I fucking love. Of course there's the earlier mentioned Saaab Stories, Rare Chandeliers was carried by The Alchemist, and the original Blue Chips featured the work of Party Supplies. Bronson sticks with blueprint of Blue Chips, as Party Supplies is once again behind the board for the sequel. Perhaps the most intriguing aspect their use of samples. Blue Chips was a random collection of Youtube videos and classic songs all mixed together for some shockingly impressive results. There's blatant slip-ups, but when this shit clicks, dear lord does it click. With each story our host tells, all I can do is picture it in an old school comics spread, which is a real testament to the imagery produced by these instrumentals. With the second Blue Chips installation, the formula works every bit as well as it did a year ago.
With Party Supplies directing the musical direction, each song is filled with a light-hearted, yet polished surface for Bronson to speak his mind. His book of stories is always unique, but he's yet to reach this level of imagery. When the man says something, you get an automatic idea of whats going on. This ranges from growing up in the grimy streets of New York to eating Cheetos with a unicorn while on a crazy, yet completely enjoyable, acid trip. Just take a quick listen to Action Silverado, the albums opener (appearing even before the intro), to get a taste of the action. The underlining synths mixed with whatever samples they could find make it one of the most creative intros I've heard all year.
Another thing that must be pointed out his Bronson's ability to incorporate punchlines into his bars without coming off as a "punchline rapper". Personally, these type of artist drive me crazy. Nothing screams "Hey! Look at me, I'm clever" like a corny punchline. Action Bronson's aren't all that good either, but he allows them to flow into the rest of his lyrics, which I can appreciate. Hell, by the time I finished listening to this I didn't even realize the amount of one liners and literal shit talk was being thrown right in my face. To clear any confusion, I think that's a good thing.
The songs do a good job of not blending together, which makes for several highlights, but Bronson and Party Supplies never peak higher than "Contemporary Man". It was the two's first collaboration, but still reigns supreme over nearly everything on the project. The various beat changes may sound a little disorganized, but it never makes for a dull moment. The track is sandwiched between two guest features. Ab-Soul makes a pretty average ass appearance on "Through The Eyes Of A G", but Mac Miller sounds much more at home on "Ten Puegots". It all sounds pretty good, though. It would take me all day to go down the list of classic sample, but the fact that he manages to make a cohesive song over the "Tequila" instrumental should speak for itself.
Blue Chips 2 may be a very good technical album, it may not. I'm not really sure I care at this point. All I know is that most of the listening experience is fun as hell. The man's got quotables out the ass and I'm sure everyone can just take a second and laugh at the absurdity of just what the hell is going on. Action Bronson may still be developing his character, but right now we're stuck with one that delivers undeniable entertainment.
Rating: 3.5/5