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Action Bronson

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Action Bronson
Bronson performing in 2016
Born
Ariyan Arslani

(1983-12-02) December 2, 1983 (age 40)
Queens, New York City, U.S.
Other names
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • record producer
  • songwriter
  • television presenter
  • chef
Years active2008–present
TelevisionThe Untitled Action Bronson Show
Fuck, That’s Delicious
Traveling the Stars: Action Bronson and Friends Watch Ancient Aliens
Children3
Musical career
GenresEast Coast hip hop
Labels
Websiteactionbronson.com

Ariyan Arslani (born December 2, 1983), professionally known as Action Bronson, is an American rapper, record producer, chef, songwriter and television presenter.[4] Born and raised in Queens, he released his debut mixtape Bon Appetit ..... Bitch!!!!! in January 2011 and independently released his debut album, Dr. Lecter, in March 2011. In August 2012, Arslani signed his first major-label deal with Warner Bros. Records, but was later moved to the Atlantic Records-distributed label Vice Records.

Arslani went on to create two self-released mixtapes, Rare Chandeliers (2012) with American record producer The Alchemist, and Blue Chips 2 (2013) with longtime collaborators 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, in March 2015, debuting at number seven on the US Billboard 200 chart.

Aside from his career in music, Arslani hosted The Untitled Action Bronson Show, a talk/variety show, and still hosts his travel program Fuck, That's Delicious, on Viceland. His frequent collaborators and lifelong friends Meyhem Lauren, The Alchemist, and Big Body Bes are regulars on both of his television series. Renowned chefs such as Mario Batali, Andrew Zimmern, Daniel Boulud, Rick Bayless, Grant Achatz, and others have been guests on his television series.

Biography

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1983–2010: Early life and career

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Ariyan Arslani[5] was born in Flushing, Queens, New York City, on December 2, 1983,[6][7] 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 worked as a cook at his father's Mediterranean restaurant in Forest Hills. He hosted his own online cooking show, Action in the Kitchen. After breaking his leg in the kitchen, Bronson concentrated solely on rapping.[10]

2011: Dr. Lecter and Well Done

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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. 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]

2012–2013: Major-label deal and Saaab Stories

[edit]
Action Bronson performing in July 2013

In August 2012, it was announced Paul Rosenberg signed Action Bronson to a management deal with Goliath Artists.[13] In the same month, 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" (featuring Earl Sweatshirt and Vince Staples) and "Daily News" (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] 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, but unfortunately couldn't get them on.[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 and various studio albums

[edit]
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 monthly web series, titled Fuck, That's Delicious in coordination with Vice Records.[28][29]

On August 5, 2014, Bronson released the song "Easy Rider" as the first single from his second studio 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 released "Actin Crazy" on January 20. He released the full album on March 23, 2015, receiving over 48,000 streams during its debut week.[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 August 25, 2017, he released his third studio album, Blue Chips 7000, which serves as a sequel to his 2013 Blue Chips 2 mixtape. In September 2017, Arslani published a cookbook based on his travel show, also titled Fuck, That's Delicious.

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 ran from February 2019 to March 2019. Meyhem Lauren and Roc Marciano will be supporting.[35]

On August 9, 2020, Bronson revealed the title of his fifth album, Only for Dolphins, released on September 25, 2020. The cover art was painted by Bronson himself. Bronson described the album as "ANOTHER BRIGHT THREAD WOVEN INTO THE TEXTURE OF THE COSMOS".[36]

Bronson released his sixth solo studio album, Cocodrillo Turbo, on April 29, 2022.[37]

Bronson released his seventh solo studio album, Johann Sebastian Bachlava the Doctor, on July 11, 2024.[38]

Television and film

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Action Bronson starred in two television series 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 comedy documentary series Traveling the Stars: Action Bronson and Friends Watch 'Ancient Aliens'.

He has had cameo roles in the films The Irishman (2019), playing a coffin salesman,[39] and The King of Staten Island (2020).[40] Bronson also made an appearance for AEW's All Out on September 4, 2022, and wrestled his first professional wrestling match at Grand Slam, teaming with Hook to defeat Matt Menard and Angelo Parker which aired on September 23, 2022.[41]

Controversy

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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 misogynistic.[42] Student activist groups successfully pushed for the university to cancel the performance.[43] In April 2016, Bronson was similarly disinvited from the Trinity College Spring Weekend concert.[44]

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.[45]

Musical style

[edit]

Influences

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Action Bronson cites fellow American rappers Kool G Rap, Nas, Cam'ron, Mobb Deep, UGK and the Wu-Tang Clan, as major influences.[46][47] Other artists include Michael Jackson, Carlos Santana, Queen as well as Albanian wedding singers.[48]

Rapping style

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Bronson frequently raps about food in his songs.[49][50][51] 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,[52] bodybuilders, figure skating and sports betting.[53][54][55]

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.[56] 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.[57]

Personal life

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Bronson has two children with a former girlfriend.[58] Bronson's current girlfriend gave birth to a son in November 2019.[59][60]

In mid-2020, prompted by having reached a body weight of 400 pounds (180 kg), and having myriad associated health problems, as well as by the birth of his son, Bronson began a regimen of healthier eating as well as boxing and high-intensity interval training. As of December 2020 he had lost 127 pounds (58 kg).[59] He took up Brazilian jiu-jitsu in 2021,[61] training under Ryron Gracie.[62]

Discography

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Main article: Action Bronson discography

Filmography

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Television

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Year Title Role Notes
2011 Last Call with Carson Daly[63] Himself
2014 The Eric Andre Show Musical guest (Episode: "Ryan Kwanten; Beyoncé & Jay-Z")
2015 Lucas Bros. Moving Co. Uncle Taco Voice role (Episode: Lucas Burgers)
Late Show with David Letterman Himself Performed "Baby Blue" with Chance the Rapper[64]
Ridiculousness Episode: "Action Bronson"
2016–Present Fuck, That's Delicious Creator, host
2016, 2019, 2020 Late Night with Seth Meyers 3 episodes
2016, 2022 Jimmy Kimmel Live! 2022: Performed "Jaguar"
2016-2019 Traveling the Stars: Action Bronson and Friends Watch Ancient Aliens
2016-2017 The Rachael Ray Show 2 episodes[65]
2017 Desus & Mero Episode 131
2017 The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon Performed "The Chairman's Intent"
2017-2018 The Untitled Action Bronson Show Host
2017 The Chew
Most Expensivest Episode: "Treat Yo' Self"
The Wendy Williams Show
2018-2019 Strahan & Sara 2 episodes
2022 AEW Dynamite
AEW Rampage

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2018 Game Over, Man! Himself Cameo
2019 The Irishman Casket Salesman
2020 The King of Staten Island Shot or Stabbed Victim
TBA Caught Stealing Filming

Awards and nominations

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BET Hip Hop Awards

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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[66] Nominated
2014 Blue Chips 2 Best Mixtape Nominated

See also

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References

[edit]
  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. ^ DeJohn, Irving (June 26, 2013). "Queens rapper Action Bronson talks food, music and Flushing characters". Daily News. Retrieved February 2, 2016.
  5. ^ "Twitter / ActionBronson: My name is ARIYAN ARSLANI". Twitter.com. Retrieved March 1, 2018.
  6. ^ "Musical Jews: Action Bronson". Jewish Telegraph Agency. June 5, 2013. Retrieved November 2, 2015.
  7. ^ "Twitter / ActionBronson: I am now 29 years old". Twitter.com. Retrieved January 19, 2013.
  8. ^ Chandler, Adam (March 10, 2016). "Where James Beard Meets Rap". The Atlantic. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  9. ^ Tardio, Andres. "Action Bronson". HipHop DX. Archived from the original on September 16, 2015. Retrieved May 23, 2015.
  10. ^ Bronson, Action. "My Story by Action Bronson". 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. Archived from the original on October 17, 2012. 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. ^ a b 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. Archived from the original on November 10, 2013. Retrieved November 7, 2013.
  26. ^ "Action Bronson on 'Blue Chips 2,' Drugs and Women". Rolling Stone. November 2013. 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. April 30, 2014. Retrieved March 28, 2015.
  29. ^ "Action Bronson". Pitchfork Media. May 6, 2014. Retrieved March 28, 2015.
  30. ^ "Action Bronson". Pitchfork Media. August 20, 2014. 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. October 31, 2018. Retrieved October 31, 2018.
  35. ^ "Action Bronson announces tour with Meyhem Lauren and Roc Marciano". BrooklynVegan. Retrieved November 8, 2018.
  36. ^ a b Findlay, Mitch (September 9, 2020). "Action Bronson Shares "Only For Dolphins" Release Date & Tracklist". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved September 10, 2020.
  37. ^ "Cocodrillo Turbo". Retrieved February 4, 2023.
  38. ^ "Action Bronson Drops Eighth Studio LP 'Johann Sebastian Bachlava The Doctor'". Hypebeast. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
  39. ^ Raine, Phoebe (November 6, 2019). "Film Review: The Irishman - Impact Magazine". Impactnottingham.com. Retrieved April 10, 2020.
  40. ^ Eisenberg, Eric (July 6, 2020). "Judd Apatow Talks Having Rapper Cameos In Most Of His Films". cinemablend.com. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  41. ^ "Action Bronson And HOOK To Team At 9/23 AEW Rampage Grand Slam | Fightful News". www.fightful.com. Retrieved September 26, 2022.
  42. ^ 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.
  43. ^ Blugis, Sarah (March 29, 2016). "Student leaders should not stay quiet about the Spring Fling headliner". The GW Hatchet. Archived from the original on March 30, 2016. Retrieved March 30, 2016.
  44. ^ Megan, Kathleen (April 22, 2016). "Trinity Students Disinvite Controversial Rapper". Hartford Courant. Retrieved April 22, 2016.
  45. ^ "Action Bronson Apologizes for Behavior Seen as Misogynist and Transphobic, Following Removal from College Concert". Pitchfork.com. March 31, 2016.
  46. ^ "The Special Ingredient: Action Bronson". Clash Magazine. January 4, 2013. Retrieved March 28, 2015.
  47. ^ HipHopDX (October 26, 2011). "Action Bronson Responds To Comparisons With Ghostface Killah, Other White Rappers". HipHopDX. Retrieved March 28, 2015.
  48. ^ GQ (August 14, 2018), Action Bronson Goes Undercover on Reddit, Twitter and YouTube | GQ, retrieved August 18, 2018
  49. ^ "Action Bronson's 25 Most Luxurious Food Lines". RESPECT. February 7, 2014. Retrieved March 28, 2015.
  50. ^ "All the Food References in Action Bronson's Mixtape, "Blue Chips 2"". Bon Appétit. October 30, 2013. Retrieved March 28, 2015.
  51. ^ "Every Food Reference on Action Bronson's Blue Chips 2". First We Feast. Archived from the original on April 7, 2015. Retrieved March 28, 2015.
  52. ^ Winistorfer, Andrew (June 13, 2013). "Ranking Every Single Wrestler Action Bronson Has Ever Mentioned". Vice. Retrieved January 16, 2020.
  53. ^ Sherman, Rodger (May 18, 2015). "The young Randy Velarde, and 289 other sports references by Action Bronson". SBNation. Retrieved May 26, 2015.
  54. ^ Larew, Tim (March 25, 2013). "Action Bronson Raps On Sports, New York And Embracing The Obscure". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved May 26, 2015.
  55. ^ 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.
  56. ^ k, katie (May 21, 2015). "Ghostface Killah Admits He Has Confused Action Bronson's Voice For His Own". Pigeons & Planes. Retrieved May 22, 2015.
  57. ^ 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.
  58. ^ "Action Bronson Announces Girlfriend's Pregnancy With Beautiful Photo". HotNewHipHop. October 28, 2019.
  59. ^ a b Dukoff, Spencer (December 8, 2020). "Here's How Action Bronson Dropped Over 125 Pounds in 2020". Men's Health.
  60. ^ Harper, Rosario (April 13, 2020). "Action Bronson Clocks In Workout Goals W/ His Mini-Me: "My Workout Partner"".
  61. ^ BjjTribes (June 30, 2021). "Rap Artist Action Bronson begins training BJJ with Ryron Gracie". BjjTribes. Retrieved June 30, 2021.
  62. ^ "Rapper Action Bronson Starts Training BJJ". July 2021.
  63. ^ Watch Last Call with Carson Daly Clip: Action Bronson - NBC.com. Retrieved May 4, 2024 – via www.nbc.com.
  64. ^ "Action Bronson and Chance the Rapper Do "Baby Blue" on "Letterman"". Pitchfork. March 26, 2015. Retrieved May 4, 2024.
  65. ^ "Watch Action Bronson Teach Rachael Ray How to Make His "Explosive Crispy Chicken"". Pitchfork. October 12, 2016. Retrieved May 4, 2024.
  66. ^ "Who New? Rookie of the Year". BET. September 23, 2013. Archived from the original on October 2, 2013. Retrieved March 28, 2015.
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