Arslani hosts a talk/variety show The Untitled Action Bronson Show, as well as his travel program Fuck, That's Delicious, on Viceland. His frequent collaborators Meyhem Lauren, The Alchemist, and formerly Big Body Bes are regulars on both of his television series. Mario Batali, Andrew Zimmern, Daniel Boulud, Rick Bayless, Grant Achatz, and others have been guests on his television series. In September 2017, Arslani published his first book, based on his travel show, a cookbook, also entitled Fuck, That's Delicious.
Arslani has also released several mixtapes, such as Rare Chandeliers (2012), with American hip-hop producer The Alchemist and Blue Chips 2 (2013) with longtime producer Party Supplies, before releasing his major label debut, an extended play (EP) titled Saaab Stories, with frequent collaborator Harry Fraud, in 2013. He released his major label debut album, Mr. Wonderful, on March 23, 2015.
Influences
Action Bronson cites as major influences fellow American rappers Kool G Rap, Nas, Cam'ron, Mobb Deep, UGK and the Wu-Tang Clan. Other artists include Michael Jackson, Carlos Santana, Queen as well as Albanian wedding singers.
Rapping style
Bronson frequently raps about food in his songs. He is also well known for his frequent, and often obscure, allusions to athletes and sports teams. Bronson's lyrics often make reference to sports in New York City but also touch on more obscure subjects such as professional wrestlers, bodybuilders, figure skating and sports betting.
Early in his career, Bronson gained recognition for lyrically and stylistically resembling fellow New York rapper Ghostface Killah of Wu-Tang Clan (with whom he collaborated, along with friend and fellow rapper Termanology, on a song called "Meteor Hammer", from the 2011 compilation album Legendary Weapons). Ghostface Killah himself has admitted to confusing Bronson's rapping for his own. In a 2011 interview with HipHopDX, Bronson was asked about how it was to be compared to the Wu-Tang rapper, and he responded with,
Yeah, I mean at the end of the day, it's all good because Ghostface Killah is one of the best rappers alive, so if I sound similar to the best rapper alive then that is fine. To me there is no comparison; he is a legend and I am a newcomer. If I would try and emulate with anyone it would be Kool G Rap, he is the person I look up to the most. I am not upset but at the end of the day I am my own person and no one can take that away from me.
Personal life
Bronson has two children with a former girlfriend. Bronson's current girlfriend gave birth to a son in November 2019.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, Bronson documented his weight loss journey using a combination of diet change and high-intensity interval training. To date he has lost 127 pounds (58 kg).
Tan Leather
Action Bronson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Cause I'm living for today, tryin' not to drown in a bottle
Death all around me, drugs seem to numb me
Mental's gettin' sicker, the Devil's gettin' comfy
Acupuncture with the smoke like I'm Mason Storm
Legs crossed like a Buddhist, smokin' Buddha
Angry tuna, chillin', gettin' brain from Uma
Used to lose, now everybody kangaroos
Smoke the marijuana, always been the same guy
Whether ballin' on a yacht, or haulin' from the cops
I'm flooring on the Fox, 'til I'm swelled up in a box
All you gotta do is see me when you see me
I'm burnin' bitches from the TV like a CD
I'm trynna live the life in 3D
So you could nibble on my pee-pee
We out in Fiji
From having money on my mind to having money in my pocket
Bone marrow roasted
Spread it on the rosemary bread, lightly toasted
Drizzle with the vinagrette
Stuffed dutches and it's pulling like a cigarette
Until I'm tan skinned, bitches sayin' that I'm handsome
'Bout to be up on the screen like Ted Danson
Suede loincloth, never fall off
Mr. Wonderful, Paul Orndorff
Leather jacket, knee length
Peace to people gettin' money in the 80's with the freebase
First time, you get a free taste
That's the start of a career chase, I'm eatin' cheese plate
Skirt steak shaved straight up off the diaphragm
Muay Thai title fights out in Thailand
I spit the fly shit, accompanied by fly bank
Use the flows that have me diving up in thighs tan
Purple rain, no Prince, summer solstice
Dope body, but her pussy's like an old fish
The antipasti is a cold dish
Yo, I'm focused, catch me out in London speakin' Polish
From having money on my mind to having money in my pocket
Bone marrow roasted
Spread it on the rosemary bread, lightly toasted
Drizzle with the vinagrette
Stuffed dutches and it's pulling like a cigarette
The lyrics to Action Bronson's "Tan Leather" explore themes of hedonism, addiction, and self-destructive behavior. The opening lines, "Fuck the light at the end of the tunnel / 'Cause I'm living for today, tryin' not to drown in a bottle," set the tone for the rest of the song. The singer is focused on immediate gratification and pleasure, even if it comes at the expense of his own well-being. He acknowledges the presence of death and drugs in his life, but instead of trying to overcome them, he turns to them for escape.
The next few lines describe the singer's use of Marijuana as a form of acupuncture, calming him and making him feel like he's smoking Buddha. He then mentions getting brain from Uma, which could refer to Uma Thurman or another person entirely. The line "Used to lose, now everybody kangaroos" suggests that the singer's success has changed the way others see him. He then mentions smoking marijuana on Kissena, before reiterating that he's always been the same person regardless of his circumstances. The line "I'm burnin' bitches from the TV like a CD" suggests that the singer is so hot, he's like a CD on fire. He then expresses his desire to live life in 3D, and mentions Fiji.
The second half of the song continues the themes established in the first half. The singer goes from having money on his mind to having money in his pocket, suggesting he's achieved financial success. He then describes bone marrow roasted and spread on rosemary bread, and drizzled with vinaigrette. He mentions stuffed dutches, a type of cigar, and compares them to cigarettes. The singer then talks about becoming tan-skinned and being called handsome by women, before referencing Ted Danson and a fictional suede loincloth. He drops a reference to Mr. Wonderful Paul Orndorff and mentions wearing a knee-length leather jacket. He also pays respect to the people who made money through freebasing in the 80s, and talks about eating cheese plates.
Overall, the lyrics to "Tan Leather" paint a vivid picture of a hedonistic lifestyle, characterized by drugs, sex, and excess. The singer seems to take pride in his recklessness, but also acknowledges the self-destructive nature of his behavior.
Line by Line Meaning
Fuck the light at the end of the tunnel
I am living in the present and trying not to be consumed by alcoholism.
Cause I'm living for today, tryin' not to drown in a bottle
I am avoiding addiction and trying to cherish each day.
Death all around me, drugs seem to numb me
I am surrounded by death and drugs seem to provide temporary relief.
Mental's gettin' sicker, the Devil's gettin' comfy
My mental health is deteriorating and the devil is taking advantage of it.
Acupuncture with the smoke like I'm Mason Storm
I am using smoking like acupuncture to relieve my pain.
Legs crossed like a Buddhist, smokin' Buddha
I am smoking marijuana like a Buddhist with crossed legs.
Angry tuna, chillin', gettin' brain from Uma
I am relaxing with anger issues and getting oral sex from Uma Thurman.
Used to lose, now everybody kangaroos
I used to struggle, but now everyone wants to be like me.
Hop off the schnitzel, see me on Kissena
I am now successful and people can see me on Kissena street.
Smoke the marijuana, always been the same guy
I am still the same person even though I smoke marijuana.
Whether ballin' on a yacht, or haulin' from the cops
Whether I am doing well or running from the law, I am still myself.
I'm flooring on the Fox, 'til I'm swelled up in a box
I am living life to the fullest until my death.
All you gotta do is see me when you see me
You just need to recognize me when you see me.
I'm burnin' bitches from the TV like a CD
I am dissing people on television.
I'm trynna live the life in 3D
I am trying to live life to the fullest.
So you could nibble on my pee-pee
I am bragging and boasting about my success and wealth.
We out in Fiji
I am currently in Fiji.
From having money on my mind to having money in my pocket
I used to dream of being wealthy and now I am.
Bone marrow roasted
I am enjoying a fancy and expensive meal.
Spread it on the rosemary bread, lightly toasted
I am savoring my meal with finely-prepared bread.
Drizzle with the vinagrette
I am topping my meal with delicious dressing.
Stuffed dutches and it's pulling like a cigarette
I am smoking a cigar and enjoying it like a cigarette.
Until I'm tan skinned, bitches sayin' that I'm handsome
I will continue to enjoy success until people consider me attractive.
'Bout to be up on the screen like Ted Danson
I am expecting to be famous like Ted Danson.
Suede loincloth, never fall off
I am flaunting my wealth with expensive clothing and not losing it.
Mr. Wonderful, Paul Orndorff
I am comparing myself to the wrestler Paul Orndorff, known as Mr. Wonderful.
Leather jacket, knee length
I am wearing an expensive and stylish leather jacket.
Peace to people gettin' money in the 80's with the freebase
I am acknowledging people from the 80s who made money with freebase cocaine.
First time, you get a free taste
I am offering a free sample for first-time customers.
That's the start of a career chase, I'm eatin' cheese plate
I am enjoying my newfound success and eating expensive food.
Skirt steak shaved straight up off the diaphragm
I am eating a high quality steak cut from the diaphragm.
Muay Thai title fights out in Thailand
I am interested in Muay Thai fights in Thailand.
I spit the fly shit, accompanied by fly bank
I am producing great music and supported by wealthy fans.
Use the flows that have me diving up in thighs tan
I am using my music to attract women with tan legs.
Purple rain, no Prince, summer solstice
I am referencing the summer solstice without directly referencing Prince's song 'Purple Rain.'
Dope body, but her pussy's like an old fish
I am criticizing a woman's body despite her attractive appearance.
The antipasti is a cold dish
I am highlighting the fancy and cold appetizer.
Yo, I'm focused, catch me out in London speakin' Polish
I am focused on my craft and can be found in London speaking Polish.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ARIYAN ARSLANI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind