The 25 Best Action Bronson Songs

We count down the best Queen's own Bam Bam has to offer.

The 25 Best Action Bronson Songs

The 25 Best Action Bronson Songs

Action Bronson’s long-awaited major label debut album, Mr. Wonderful, is finally here, and what better way to celebrate its release than by counting down his 25 best songs. It’s been a wild and crazy ride for the Flushing, Queens, chef turned MC and rapper leading up to this moment. What started simply as blog buzz in 2011 has gone right into a full-blown cult following, with fans across the world showing their adoration for the husky, big-bearded hunk with blunted bars of steel. Action Bronson is a hero in his hometown, baby. And out of town, they love and worship him just the same, if not more.

Though rap artist Bronson’s first official major label full-length album is just being released this week, he's been dropping quality product for nearly half a decade. His discography after only four years on the scene is dumb deep. He’s cooked up full projects with Tommy Mas, Statik Selektah, Party Supplies (twice), and the Alchemist. On top of that, he's blessed endless collaborations and features with industry heavy-hitters young and old. Dude definitely stays on his job. So, as you can imagine, there was plenty of lyric material to sift through while putting this menu together. His catalog is as massive as his stage presence.

OK, enough with the wine and cheese, here’s our main course—Action Bronson’s 25 Best Songs, carefully prepared, and loaded with flavor. Hope you brought your appetite, and your lungs. 

Daniel Isenberg is a writer living in New York. Follow him @StanIpcus

​Listen the full playlist of these songs here.

26. “Sylvester Lundgren” f/ Meyhem Lauren and AG Da Coroner (2012)

View this video on YouTube

youtube.com

Album: Rare Chandeliers

Produced by: The Alchemist and John Sparkz

On this posse cut featuring his Outdoorsmen brethren Meyhem Lauren and AG Da Coroner, Action brings the ruckus over one of the hardest, bass-heavy boom bap tracks the Alchemist has ever concocted. It recalls the early '90s Cypress Hill, House of Pain, DJ Muggs-era energy that ALC came up under, in both production and flow. When we interviewed Bronson about the making of Rare Chandeliers back in 2012, he described the beat as “something that makes you want to kick a kid in the face.” Intriguing visual, Bam Bam.

25. “Northern and Roozy” (2012)

View this video on YouTube

youtube.com

Album: Double Feature E.P.

Produced by: The Purist 

For those who didn’t have the luxury of growing up with Action Bronson in Flushing, he paints a shiny picture of what his Queens summers were all about back in the day on “Northern and Roozy.” His lyrics are laced with vivid imagery, from references to playing spades and wearing Olaf’s basketball shorts to memories of taking the A train out to Rockaway and heading up to the Bronx to catch a Yankee game. Props to the Purist for finding the perfect string sample to set the backdrop for these stories of young love and adventure in the city. This one is special.

24. “The Rising” f/ Big Body Bes (2015)

View this video on YouTube

youtube.com

Album: Mr. Wonderful

Produced by: Statik Selektah

Though we’ve just ripped the packaging off our Mr. Wonderful CD, the force of “The Rising” has propelled us to include it on this short list. During a recent SXSW listening session, Bronson compared the song to the scene in The Terminator when Arnold Schwarzenegger arrives on Earth naked. Maybe that visual doesn’t connect well with millennials, but nevertheless, once this powerful, Statik Selektah track drops and Action starts spitting that fire, there’s nothing left to do but bang your head and scrunch your face up. As for Bronson’s sidekick Big Body, well, he’s back on his shit, bragging about how you might see his face “stamped on a bag of dope,” and how he treats his lawyer to Crown Fried Chicken. Amazing.

23. The Alchemist f/ Action Bronson and Roc Marciano “Pool Hall Hustler” (2013)

View this video on YouTube

youtube.com

Album: The Cutting Room Floor 3

Produced by: The Alchemist

Roc Marciano and Action Bronson are rap’s Odd Couple. Roc’s the smooth-talking Hempstead hustler, and Bam Bam’s the outlandish cook from Queens. But they find a common bond on ill beats, and have created some of the dopest rap duets of the past decade together. “Pool Hall Hustler,” a bonus track found on Alchemist’s The Cutting Room Floor 3 compilation, gives off the vibe of a Rap Camp studio session leftover. It’s not the most conceptual song ever—it really just sounds like two great MCs bouncing bars back and forth off each other during a late-night hangout. But that’s what makes it so fresh.

22. Fat Joe f/ Action Bronson “Your Honor” (2013)

View this video on YouTube

youtube.com

Album: The Darkside Vol. 3

Produced by: DJ Premier

The epicness of this recording went underappreciated at the time of its release. Maybe it’s because Fat Joe doesn’t get the respect he deserves. That man has hella hits, just check the resume. Don Cartagena linking up with his city’s newest and brightest rap star on a legendary DJ Premier cut is a New York moment, plain and simple. This is actually one of Primo’s best beats of the past five years, if you ask us. And Joey Crack and Bam Bam both bully the track with their like-minded Big Apple toughness and finesse.

21. “Heel Toe” (2013)

View this video on YouTube

youtube.com

Album: N/A

Produced by: Harry Fraud

It’s been said on multiple occasions by both Action Bronson and producer Harry Fraud that Saaab Stories was plagued by clearance issues. But being artists who care about their fans and the completeness of their work, Bam Bam and Fraud followed-up the EP’s release by leaking out two songs that didn’t make the cut, one of them being the warm-weathered gem “Heel Toe.” Over a Journey sample, the ’​80s baby raps, “Hang out the window of the sports car I’m listening to Prince/Bitch from Berlin is blowing me behind the tints/Doves cried, then I let my nut fly in a slut’s eye/Eyes still in the mirror looking for one-time.” Drop the top and ride.

20. “Amadu Diablo” (2013)

View this video on YouTube

youtube.com

Album: Blue Chips 2

Produced by: Party Supplies

Only Action Bronson could take an acoustic Tracy Chapman sample and make it gutter like this. With plenty of room to maneuver, Bronson steers his verse like the dreamy whip he named the track after, weaving in and out of the groove with thoughts like “I’ve got the urge to get an earring,” to memories of sex gone wrong (“I nutted in like three strokes/Shit, now that’s no way to rep the East Coast”). It quickly became a staple in his Blue Chips 2 tour set, with Justin from Party Supplies and his six-string joining Bronson on stage for a nightly unplugged interlude. Oh, and the Complex-produced video for this (watch below) is quite memorable, too.

19. A$AP Rocky, Kendrick Lamar, Yelawolf, Action Bronson, Joey Bada$$, Big K.R.I.T., & Action Bronson “1 Train” (2013)

View this video on YouTube

youtube.com

Album: Long. Live. A$AP

Produced by: Hit-Boy

A$AP Rocky wasn’t playing when it was time to assemble this grandiose posse cut for his debut album, Long.Live.A$AP. Just look at this lineup of young legends. Wow, right? It’s still up for discussion as to who murked this Hit-Boy track the most, but Action def holds his own alongside his peers, rapping, “My face is silky like a tablecloth/My shorty gallop in the morning on the beach like a Chilean horse.” Props to Bronsolino for also referencing baseball great Kenny Lofton and milfy actress Susan Sarandon in the same verse. Quite a feat.

18. Domo Genesis f/ Vince Staples, Earl Sweatshirt, & Action Bronson “Elimination Chamber” (2012)

View this video on YouTube

youtube.com

Album: No Idols

Produced by: The Alchemist

One of the cool things to note about Action Bronson is that he floats in many rap circles, which is a testament to how likable and easy-going he is as both an artist and a human being. During his extended time spent at Alchemist’s house recording for Rare Chandeliers and various other projects, Action hopped on the end of another notable posse cut, featuring Odd Future pillars Domo Genesis and Earl Sweatshirt, and a newcomer out of Long Beach by the name of Vince Staples who is now one of the most talked about MCs in the game. It’s a showcase of some of the finest left coast lyricism this next generation has to offer, with a hearty cherry on top from the Queens kingpin himself.

17. “Rolling Thunder” (2013)

View this video on YouTube

youtube.com

Album: Blue Chips 2

Produced by: Party Supplies

It’s too bad that Action’s plan to have Cam’ron rap on “Rolling Thunder” with him never came to fruition (the original tracklist hinted at the feature, but it never happened). Not only would it have been a thrilling moment in New York rap history, but the beat itself is tailor-made for Killa. It sounds like something off an early 2000s Diplomats mixtape. But “the rap Dennis the Menace” carries the weight just fine by himself on here, riding Party Supplies’ doo wop-laced doozy with ease. And along the way, he name-drops ’​90s television and movie characters (“She took a bump and started dancing like Elaine Benes” and “I play ball like Billy Hoyle”) and also manages to infuse some yiddish into his bars (“I’ll be schvitzing in the sauna”). Come on, Cam. It’s not too late to hop on the remix!

16. “Easy Rider” (2014)

View this video on YouTube

youtube.com

Album: Mr. Wonderful

Produced by: Party Supplies

We weren’t exactly sure what to expect from a major label Action Bronson album. And being the eclectic rap artist that we know and love, Bronson kept it unpredictable with this first Mr. Wonderful single release. It’s a psychedelic track, anchored by a wailing electric guitar riff that lends itself to dropping tabs in the desert and—as the chorus suggests—riding Harley Davidson motorcycles into the sunset. Those who were hoping for a more straight-forward styled boom bap rap song to kick-start his debut may have been thrown off at first, but once the high of this joint kicks in, the sensation is undeniable.

15. “Barry Horowitz” (2011)

View this video on YouTube

youtube.com

Album: Dr. Lecter

Produced by: Tommy Mas

Named after the former WWF wrestling star, “Barry Horowitz” is the quintessential cut off of Action Bronson’s Tommy Mas-produced debut full-length from 2011, Dr. Lecter. It’s an introduction to his character, filled with aggressive, rapid-fire lyrics that show off his personality, wit, and strength. When it comes to heavyweight rapping, one listen to this proves that Bronson’s clearly the belt-holder.

14. “Bird on a Wire” f/ RiFF RAFF (2012)

View this video on YouTube

youtube.com

Album: Birth of an Icon

Produced by: Harry Fraud

Action Bronson and RiFF RAFF together is a reality show waiting to happen. We’ve seen smidgens of the hilarity on Bronson’s Munchies series Fuck, That’s Delicious, but they’ve got a whole spin-off worth of material in them. “Bird on a Wire” became an unlikely hit of sorts, thanks to Harry Fraud’s hazy production and Bronson and RiFF RAFF’s eccentric lyricism. Action asks, “Why my drug jar look so empty?” Probably because you guys smoked your whole stash making this song. It was worth it, though.

 

13. “Midget Cough” (2013)

View this video on YouTube

youtube.com

Album: Blue Chips 2

Produced by: Party Supplies

“Seat’s soft like a midget’s cough” might just be the most incredible simile Action Bronson ever spit. Plus, he manages to pair food and 80s pop culture references up twice—“Steer the whip with one arm like Jim Abbott/Chocolate sauce over thin rabbit,” and, “Def Leppard, fresh pepper.” But beyond the raps, this is simply one of those songs with a blunted beat made for playing on repeat. And Action is as raspy and relaxed as ever on it, calmly dropping line after line as he slow-rides “on the PCH smoking THC.” Peace to Party Supplies—this loop belongs in a museum.

12. “Brunch” (2011)

View this video on YouTube

youtube.com

Album: Dr. Lecter

Produced by: Tommy Mas

It’s clear after watching the video for “Brunch” that Action Bronson is more than just a rapper—he’s a fledging movie star. He’s joked on Fuck, That’s Delicious and also on his dope new Mr. Wonderful cut “Galactic Love” that he’s trying to land the role of a romantic lead in a film, but back in 11, he was more fit for the part of a hitman in a mob flick. Did you see the way he disposed of that woman's body? Straight out of Goodfellas. And he’s just as threatening on this bluesy, Tommy Mas track, spitting perfectly-paced bars with calculated aggression.

11. “Terry” (2015)

View this video on YouTube

youtube.com

Album: Mr. Wonderful

Produced by: The Alchemist

Emerging as the third official release off Mr. Wonderful, “Terry” pairs Action once again with the Alchemist, but this one has a more floaty feel than their hardy body Rare Chandeliers cuts. It’s a song that Bronson—as he recently recommended on Twitter—suggests you “blast on a gorgeous day” because it will make you “feel like a zillion bucks.” He’s right. It’s a simple ditty, with a Slick Rick interpolation on the hook, a mellow soundscape, and pot brownie-bars you can easily digest. Smoke good, eat good, and drink good to this.

10. (Tie) “9.24.11” (2012) and “9.24.13,” (2013) f/ Big Body Bes

View this video on YouTube

youtube.com

“9.24.11”

Album: Blue Chips

Produced by: John Sparkz and Party Supplies

“9.24.13”

Album: Blue Chips 2

Produced by: Party Supplies

Unless it’s your birthday or some sort of anniversary, Sept. 24 is probably just a random day on the calendar for you. But for Action Bronson and Party Supplies, it’s become a magical day of dopeness and delight. It started with “9.24.11,” a song recorded on the same date as the title for Blue Chips that knocks ridiculously and features Action Bronson spitting relentless insanity. The tradition continued exactly two years later, with a slower but similarly vicious sequel. The unique thing about both songs is that rather than stopping for stumbles to punch in or start again, Bam Bam just keeps going—at times laughing it off—and all the mistakes are kept. Screw it, right? It actually makes the final products more unique, and thus hotter.

Our favorite rhyme sequence, of course, is the story on “9.24.13” that he brings to life in the Blue Chips 2 trailer, where Action raps about paying Knicks legend Patrick Ewing to miss his infamous playoff finger roll against the Pacers. It’s so bizarre and hilarious that it even makes Bam Bam chuckle at himself. Oh, and Big Body Bes hops on the end of both songs to talk his talk, which is always riveting. Classic material.

9. “The Rockers” f/ Wiz Khalifa (2013)

View this video on YouTube

youtube.com

Album: Saaab Stories

Produced by: Harry Fraud

The Cheech & Chong of Hip-Hop! Just imagine how cloudy the session was for this collabo. “The Rockers” instantly became a fan favorite for Bronson, and was embraced by radio too. Why wouldn’t it, though? It’s got a banging Harry Fraud track, serious star power, and a catchy hook that all but begs you to scream random pro wrestler Marty Jannetty’s name at peak volume. Yes, Action Bronson made another rap song referencing a WWF legend, and we’re here for it, all day.

8. “Actin’ Crazy” (2015)

View this video on YouTube

youtube.com

Album: Mr. Wonderful

Produced by: Noah “40” Shebib and Omen

Close your eyes and imagine that you’re Action Bronson’s mother, and you’re watching your son perform. He’s rapping with half-naked women on his shoulders, throwing everything from weed to flat screen TVs into the crowd, body-slamming stage rushers, jumping into the audience to rap, and taking piss breaks in porta-potties during songs. It’s outta hand. On his second Mr. Wonderful single, “Actin Crazy,” he brings this all to life in his verses over an absolutely awesome Noah “40” Shebib beat, but then assures his mom on the hook, “You know I’m still your little baby.” Yes, when it’s all said and done, Action Bronson is a momma’s boy, and all this craziness is for the good of his family. How sweet.

7. “Love Letter” (2011)

View this video on YouTube

youtube.com

Album: Well-Done

Produced by: Statik Selektah

Most of Action Bronson’s songs aren’t that deep. He mostly raps about smoking weed, having risque sex, doing cartwheels in and out of foreign cars. But “Love Letter” is a rare glimpse at his inner emotions and vulnerability. Before he starts rapping on the soulful Statik Selektah track, Action admits, “I almost cried writing this shit,” then goes on to tell a tale of sweet love turned sour. The song is presumably about the mother of his children, as he makes references in the storyline to the girl being pregnant, and the complications it caused in their relationship. In the end, he lets all his heartache and frustration out, saying, “I miss you so much, fucking bitch. I’ll fucking kill you, but I love you. I just want to kiss you one more time.” It may be the realest shit Action Bronson ever wrote.

 

6. “Pouches of Tuna” f/ Roc Marciano (2012)

View this video on YouTube

youtube.com

Album: Blue Chips

Produced By: Party Supplies

If you appreciate superior spitting and flyness, this collaboration of mics is as good as it gets. Action Bronson and Roc Marciano are without question two of the nicest pure MCs in the game right now, which is proven on this Blue Chips opener. With a drumless Party Supplies track that gives them both plenty of breathing room, Bam Bam pulls out his Mont Blanc pen and scripts “avant garde” lyrics, then Roc Marci follows with a heavy-handed verse where he most eloquently shits on other rappers’ styles while simultaneously making “vagina splash like apple cider.” This is upper echelon street rap—don’t bother trying to duplicate.

5. “Baby Blue” f/ Chance the Rapper (2015)

View this video on YouTube

youtube.com

Album: Mr. Wonderful

Produced By: Mark Ronson

We had a feeling that once Bronson got the machine behind him, we might get blessed with some tracks that have crossover appeal. But never for a second did we picture him going pop—nah, dunny. And with “Baby Blue,” Bronson met our expectations by making a radio-friendly single without selling his soul. Sure, he sings slightly off-key on the track, but his charming tone makes us smile and sing along. It helps that Mark Ronson’s production is safe enough for Z100 rotation, but still street enough for the underground mix-shows. Add in a highly quotable feature by Chance the Rapper, and you’ve got yourself the biggest record Action Bronson’s ever made. Plus the Coming to America-themed video is bananas!


 

4. “Shiraz” (2011)

View this video on YouTube

youtube.com

Album: Dr. Lecter

​​
Produced by: Tommy Mas

Ahhh, New York rap music at its finest. Dope sample, dope beat, dope rhymes. Plain and simple. “Shiraz” set this whole Action Bronson wave in motion, and it still sounds as great as the first time we heard it. And if it’s new to you because you’re just jumping on the Action wagon now, well, this is the genesis. He’s Queens to the core, and hip-hop is in his blood. “Shiraz” is a reflection of Action Bronson’s upbringing, and the utmost respect he has for the culture that helped raise him. Underneath all the industry chatter and media frenzy is a man built to spit that real over real-ass beats. Kudos to both Bronson and producer Tommy Mas—this is a modern-day classic.

3. “The Symbol” (2012)

View this video on YouTube

youtube.com

Album: Rare Chandeliers

Produced by: The Alchemist and John Sparkz

Back in 2012, Action Bronson told us that “The Symbol” was his favorite song on his Alchemist-produced project Rare Chandeliers. Why? “That’s the type of shit I like. That hard, prog-rock riff, with the bass line. It’s not typical, and it gives you room to do whatever, which are two things I enjoy.” And when he says room to do whatever, he means he has enough space to do a “handspring, half twist into the Buick” then “Triple Lindy out the Jeep, land into a split, [and] get up in a spin.” Let’s hear it for “The Whip Gymnast” a.k.a. “The Symbol.” 

2. “Strictly For My Jeeps” (2013)

View this video on YouTube

youtube.com

Album: Saaab Stories

Produced by: Harry Fraud

Action Bronson went from cooking in restaurant kitchens in Queens to rocking arenas in South Africa on the same bill as Eminem. He’s a hero in his hometown, baby. And this Harry Fraud banger right here is his walk-on music. It’s EPMD’s “Rampage” sample on steroids, with punch-you-in-the-mouth rapping to boost it even more. It thumps in the car, sounds fantastic coming out of your Beats By Dre headphones, and if you crank it in the crib when you wake up, it will have you ready to take over the world. Action Bronson is the new people’s champ, straight from the galaxy of Queens. Recognize and realize.

Latest in Music