Action Bronson dropped, “Durag vs. Headband,” the first single from his 2017 sophomore album, Blue Chips 7000, in October 2016. 

After dropping his major label debut Mr. Wonderful in 2015, Action Bronson returns with his sophomore album, Blue Chips 7000.  The first single from Blue Chips 7000 arrived in October 2016, “Durag vs. Headband.” Like the other two songs, it doesn’t even hit the three-minute mark.

The old-school production is always a pro on an Action Bronson record.  “Durag vs. Headband” is no exception to the rule.  The sound is classic, consistent with the East Coast rap idiom.  There’s a soulfulness, accentuated by the groove.  This sound won’t appeal to rap enthusiasts who enjoy a more modern bag of tricks laden with effects, but more traditional listeners can get behind it.  Another pro about is the flow.  Action Bronson can definitely rap.  There’s a reason why his flow has been compared to Ghostface Killah, even if there was bad blood for a minute.

Lyrically, Action Bronson continues to be all over the map.  He isn’t a rapper that’s going to appeal commercially.  Sure, he had “Baby Blue,” but that commercial record didn’t kill the charts.  Likewise, “Durag vs. Headband” doesn’t have commercial appeal.  That’s not a requirement by any means, but, it one rub is that there’s not much in regards to memorability to latch onto.  Still, Action Bronson has his moments.

On the first verse, he creeps us out with a cold-blooded murderous gem.

“Fold a wire hanger through your nose, take your brain out.”

He also throws out a hook, which recurs later with some variance.

“I been high since I as this big, yeah / I been high since I was this big, stupid.”

On the second verse, he raises eyebrows at near the end.

“I’m in the club with a condom on / All Under Armour on.”

At least Action Bronson is practicing safe sex.  Big Body Res offers one of the signature lines, which occurs after the second and third verses.

“And when I die, make sure you spread my blood on a BMW.”

Final Thoughts 

All in all, “Durag vs. Headband” is interesting.  This isn’t a bad song in the least.  However, it sounds more novel than hit.  It’s not even quite a novel hit.  It should be interesting to hear what Blue Chips 7000 sounds like as a whole.

Action Bronson • Blue Chips 7000 • Atlantic • Release: 8.25.17 

Photo Credit: Atlantic