Action Bronson - Lamb Over Rice
Lamb Over Rice cover by Action Bronson himself
2018’s White Bronco was among the most eclectic hip-hop releases of the year. From the breathing production to the joyous skits and Bronson’s exuberant lyrics, it made for one of my personal favorites all year. Action Bronson’s new EP is entirely produced by frequent collaborator The Alchemist and delivers a rodeo of classic-sounding hip hop beats with immaculately chosen samples. Action sounds fresh as ever, aging like the cheese, the veteran spits over seven tracks in a densely packed EP with intense replay value needed catch the details in production and cleverness in every bar.
Lamb Over Rice kicks off with a beautiful harmonica in the intro for Dmitri before we get to hear the Action Bronson verse that The Alchemist tweeted was a ‘spiritual experience,’ and indeed it is a godly display of vocal acrobatics and wordplay with enough references that you’d need a glossary to accompany it. Sven comes next with a rushed-sounding fast-paced beat that makes it feel like Action is running while delivering his verses and is titled after his limo driver, Sven. “I’m a star like good homework,” Bronson moves on quickly from idea to idea in a stark uncompromising manner making the first three tracks feel oddly continuous yet after Tear Away Shorts, the feel of the project shifts and mellows a bit with Accoutrements.
The EP’s best track comes in the form of Descendant of the Stars which is Bronson’s claim to cosmic security in his career over a very catchy piano flip from The Alchemist. The combo works like lamb over rice and is one for the books. Another highlight of the EP is The Alchemist’s verse on the last track, Arnold & Danny, as he is flowing too nicely over his own beat in this laid-back outro to the EP. Chill and listen to this project while driving or walking to class, it’ll keep you nodding and smiling for sure.
Action Bronson on instagram: @bambambaklava
Action Bronson on twitter: @actionbronson
Listen to Action Bronson’s new EP on Spotify!
