Action Bronson and Harry Fraud have been a solid collaborative duo for quite some time, but SAAB Stories takes their chemistry to another level. The show begins with “72 Virgins,” which features an anxious verse from Bronson and some hilarious shit-talking antics from Big Body Bes.  Fraud uses a guitar sample to build a cautious soundscape, as if danger is lurking, but that vibe is discontinued on “Triple Backflip,” a wake-up song of sorts that features Bronson flowing arrogantly over a dreamy instrumental. The chorus is a little bizarre, but Bronson pulls it off with ease.

“Triple Backflip” is followed by “No Time” a catchy track with a solid hook and a subtle boom bap. The song is very rewarding upon multiple listens, especially if you note how Fraud layers the track with so many instruments; it would probably sound amazing with a live band. Towards the end of the track, Big Body Bes reappears to answer important questions like “What type of bitches you like?” and “How many dope fiends you been locked up with?”

For “The Rockers,” Bronson recruits Wiz Khalifa. On paper, Wiz’s kush raps may seem out of place, but he and Bronson actually sync well. When combined with Fraud’s evil xylophone loop (there’s few other ways to describe this instrumental), Wiz’s aggressive flow morphs the track in a way Bronson’s flow doesn’t. That isn’t to say that Whiz out-raps Bronson; his different approach to the beat just amplifies how intense the instrumental feels.

“Strictly 4 My Jeeps” probably has the best instrumental of the project. What’s interesting is that Bronson reps Queens all day, but Fraud’s horns and drums give the track a Beastie Boys feel. Even on the  remix to this track, which features Queens vets LL Cool J and Lloyd Banks, that  Brooklyn sound bangs (Fraud is from Brooklyn). SAAB Stories ends with “Seven Series Triplets” (the title refers to BMW’s; Bronson loves cars if you haven’t noticed by now). Prodigy and Raekwon provide backup for the final track, confirming Bronson’s place among the greatest emcees and Fraud’s place among the most innovative producers.

Overall, this was a great project. The only downfall to SAAB Stories was that it was seven tracks long, but that’s how EPs work, so it’s an acceptable flaw. Fraud and Bronson are clearly in good shape. The two of them together are like Missy and Timbo during the glory days (early 2000’s). Hopefully the good music shall continue.

The post Album Review: Action Bronson x Harry Fraud – SAAB Stories appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Action Bronson represents for his hometown (baby) on the remix to “Strictly 4 My Jeeps”. He recruits fellow Queens natives LL Cool J and Lloyd Banks to assist putting on for the borough, and the results are fire. LL Cool J comes harder than he has in years, and it’s always good to hear Banks in action. Bronson is gearing up to release his debut album Saab Stories which is dropping next Tuesday June 11th, and features the original.

Check out the Queens spitters doing their thing below.

The post New Music: Action Bronson feat. LL Cool J & Lloyd Banks – “Strictly 4 My Jeeps (Remix)” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Action Bronson took to Twitter to announce that his collaborative project with Harry Fraud would be dropping in June, no matter what. Bronson and Fraud always have strong collabs, so it’s clear why Bronson is so eager to drop the project without further ado.

The video for the first single “Strictly 4 My Jeeps” should be dropping sometime this week.

Finishing SAAAB STORIES WIT MY BROTHA @HarryFraud RIGHT NOW. THIS WILL BE OUT EARLY JUNE 10000000% no matter what

— *JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACHLAVA THE DOCTOR* (@ActionBronson) May 19, 2013

The post News: Action Bronson & Harry Fraud To Release SAAB Stories In June, “No Matter What” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.