On Blue Chips 2, the highly-anticipated sequel to Blue Chips, Action Bronson teams up once again with producer Party Supplies. The sequel follows a similar theme as the first album, with an uncut feel that evokes a more intimate experience. It will likely make listeners feel as if they’re in their buddy’s basement watching Bronson and Party Supplies turn out these tracks. That’s the best part of this mixtape: It just sounds plain fun.
Party Supplies samples many familiar songs, such as “Tequila Song” by The Champs and “Jack and Diane” by John Mellencamp. The producer is able to use these to bring unique yet reminiscent beats to hip-hop that really shine on the mixtape. Bronson, on the other hand, brings nothing new and gets outperformed by his producer. Not one of Bronson’s songs has a clear focus, with the exception of one consistent exception: All seem to include random inserts of gourmet dishes.
Lyrical content has never been a main concern for Bronson. This has always been OK because the guy’s delivery is pretty spectacular, and he can lay it down to any type of beat. However, this style can get a little old and quickly turns his lyrics into background noise. To his credit, though, he easily leaves his features in the dust. Even artists like Mac Miller, who recently released the well-received Watching Movies with the Sound Off, get embarrassed when trying to accompany Bronson with a similar rapping style.
This mixtape is also arguably his best. However, with three official releases all within a year, this mixtape downplays his previous works because Bronson has not developed as a musician. Party Supplies upped his production for the sequel but Bronson remained at his same level. Through all his releases, Bronson’s been pretty consistent,which creates a fair amount of doubt as to whether he’ll ever improve his skills. This makes it tough to praise Bronson for a better mixtape when the only improvements are the responsibility of the producer. Artists often get criticized when they change the vibe of their music, but this is a prime example of why most continually feel the need to switch it up.
Blue Chips 2 is fun to listen to while concentrating on another task. It has entertaining features from Big Body Bes to an Applebee’s commercial, as well as multiple other strangely funny commercials. Also, Bronsolino peppers in a few punch lines and vivid imagery through his loosely-connected rhymes. This is not a bad release. It is simply another release that adds to Bronson’s quickly expanding discography. Those with limited gigabytes on their iPods do not need to squeeze Blue Chips 2 into the mix unless it’s to replace an older Bronson tape.
Action Bronson fanatics will still love this release, and for newcomers, it’s a better listen than Rare Chandeliers. However, his unfocused sameness could be a turn-off for listeners not already on board.
2.5 out of 5 stars
