When Action Bronson announced "My next album's only for dolphins" in "Mt. Etna," it seemed like just another random comic bulletin of no consequence from the MC, who follows through with the title of his first solo LP since White Bronco. Then again, maybe it shouldn't be surprising given that dolphin training is one of myriad pursuits Bronson has mentioned on wax. While Only for Dolphins is peppered with dolphin calls, and its maker notes an affinity for diving into natural bodies of water -- unclothed, of course -- the ...
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When Action Bronson announced "My next album's only for dolphins" in "Mt. Etna," it seemed like just another random comic bulletin of no consequence from the MC, who follows through with the title of his first solo LP since White Bronco. Then again, maybe it shouldn't be surprising given that dolphin training is one of myriad pursuits Bronson has mentioned on wax. While Only for Dolphins is peppered with dolphin calls, and its maker notes an affinity for diving into natural bodies of water -- unclothed, of course -- the brief program is characterized as much by an array of sounds sourced from France, Jamaica, Turkey, and elsewhere. "Mt. Etna" producer Daringer is behind two of the woozier numbers, including one that repurposes loping mid-'80s Russian fusion for Bronson to rap about joyriding through a mall. Most effective is Dr. Lecter beatmaker Tommy Mas, whose usage of a Latin jazz-funk classic provokes Bronson to throw his references to high-speed travel and cultural figures into overdrive. (Also in the mix is an unforgettable if unprintable self-effacing couplet.) A near second is Bronson himself, who whips up Turkish psychedelia in "Mongolia," where he's entirely disconnected from 2020 reality, entreating featured guests Meyhem Lauren and Hologram to "get dusted at the Mets game." Other tracks produced by the likes of Lamb Over Rice sparring partner the Alchemist, DJ Muggs, and Bronson again source vintage soul, funk, and soul-jazz, the rapper's bread, butter, and olive oil. They're almost as humorously fanciful from a lyrical standpoint. Bronson's imagination, vivid as ever, makes up for the decreasing variation in his microphone approach. ~ Andy Kellman, Rovi
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