Action Bronson performs at The Republik on Monday, Feb. 10. (Photo by Kat Wade, Special to the Star-Advertiser)
REVIEW BY KALANI WILHELM / Special to the Star-Advertiser
In a world that seemingly puts a premium on simplified content and carbon copy style, Action Bronson is an original. That much was certain as the New York rapper concluded a month-long tour at The Republik on Monday night.
In town to promote his “Blue Chips 2″ mixtape, Bronson’s appearance continued a string of top flight hip-hop acts to grace the Kapiolani concert venue this year. Afrika Bambaataa, and Jurrassic 5 are both on the concert horizon there.
Taking part in his sixth tour stop in ten days, the east coast MC could have easily coasted through his final performance of the tour. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case; Bronson went in for the kill with a set that lasted just short of a full hour.
Some of his recent escapades have gone viral, including footage of him shoving a security guard in Oregon and literally throwing two little people off a stage in California during a concert just before coming to Hawaii. Bronson’s show antics have garnered much attention lately, but he appeared to be on his best behavior in Honolulu.
Action Bronson performs at The Republik on Monday, Feb. 10. (Photo by Kat Wade, Special to the Star-Advertiser)
Backed by DJ Party Supplies, the burly, bearded rap newcomer, dressed in an oversized black T-shirt and dark shorts, let it be known from the onset that he reps New York City to the fullest. Head nods were constant as Bronson’s witty storytelling and simile-laced rhymes won the crowd over quickly. His fun-loving personality proved equally impressive.
The Republik’s giant LCD screen displayed Bronson’s likeness in cartoon form as “Bam Bam” flexed his lyrical dexterity and mic prowess on “Through the Eyes of a G,”“It Concerns Me,” and “Dreamer.” Going along with his throwback nature, he also shared what he described as “summer childhood memories” during his performance of “Contemporary Man,” a track with samples of ’80s hits “ Sledgehammer” by Peter Gabriel, “Sussido” and “Another Day In Paradise” by Phil Collins, “Jack and Jane” by John Cougar Mellancamp and “Take You Home” by Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam.
When the talented MC wasn’t keeping the crowd fully engaged with his rapid-fire delivery, two-step dancing and head banging, Bronson also showed off his singing chops during “Amadu Diablo,” which features a sample of Tracy Chapman’s “Give Me One Reason.”
Action Bronson performs at The Republik on Monday, Feb. 10. (Photo by Kat Wade, Special to the Star-Advertiser)
At one point, the rising star appeared out of breath, belting out a cough mid-lyric. But he chuckled along with the crowd over the brief misstep and proceeded like nothing happened. The former gourmet chef and popular foodie in social media circles made a reference to “Spam and corned beef hash” that also was greeted with sounds of approval form the crowd.
In an evening of raw hip-hop, Bronso bid adieu to the Honolulu crowd with the lights completely off, rapping “The Symbol” off-stage without any accompaniment. Chants of “Bronson, Bronson, Bronson…” were ignored as he had already made his way to an area outside the club to thank fans as they left.
It’s refreshing a hip-hop artist of Bronson’s caliber has a throwback sensibility and pulls no punches. What you see is what you get. As hip-hop continues to make room for Bronson in the discussion of elite rappers, an upcoming tour with Eminem appears to be an opportunity to make him a household name. The masses shouldn’t have to wait very long.