How Action Bronson Conquered Media By Being His Most Authentic Self | IDEA GENERATION S2E2

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Rapper, chef, author, and all around creative mastermind Action Bronson takes us on a journey from his early days at culinary school, to releasing critically acclaimed albums, to writing books, starring in TV shows, and building an iconic brand around his most authentic interests.
Clever, insightful, and hilarious, Bronson has built his own world all from staying true to himself, and focusing on the interests he cares about most. In this episode, Bronson explains how the lessons he learned in the kitchen translated to the booth, the reason money can never be the motivation for creating art, and why the imperfections are the best part of any masterpiece.
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Act I
0:00 - 1:18 Intro
1:19 - 2:35 Childhood and growing up
2:36 - 5:30 High school and culinary school
5:31 - 8:31 Writing his first raps and songs
8:32 - 9:36 Breaking his leg
Act II
9:37 - 10:28 Getting the name action Bronson
10:29 - 11:58 Early musical projects, video content, and consistent collaborators
11:59 - 14:00 Performing live and growing buzz
14:01 - 16:06 Working with VICE
16:07 - 18:25 The major label industry
18:26 - 19:07 Going independent
Act III
19:08 - 20:39 F*ck That’s Delicious
20:40 - 23:41 Visual arts
23:42 - 25:28 Taking control of his own art
25:29 - 27:09 Having kids, providing an example
27:10 - 28:48 Working out, losing weight, setting habits
28:49 - 29:40 The motivation is never money
29:41 The future and upcoming projects
Credits
Noah Callahan-Bever
Creator & Host, Idea Generation
Starring: Action Bronson
Musical Director: A-Trak
Animations by: Sang Bleu / IDEA GENERATION
Executive Producers: Helena Ox, Tricia Clarke-Stone and John Walaszek
Producer: Adam Fleischer
Creative Director + Editor: Kyle Gaughan
Produced by: Fatking Films
Producer: Zollo
DP: Daniele Sarti
Cam Ops: Richard Martin + Ben Shapiro
Gaffer: Nathan Krauss
Sound: Nathan Bonetto
MUA: Zann Parker
DIT: Omar Reynoso
PA: Sam Burstein
Photography: Hazz
Special thanks to:
Ryan Cunningham
Buddy Gates
Shot on Canon
Special thanks to our partners at Shopify for bringing this experience to life.
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Learn how to start your own brand with Shopify: www.shopify.com/learn
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[@IDEAGENERATIONOFFICIAL]

What's your favorite Action Bronson project so far? We'll go first: the original "Blue Chips" mixtape.

[@strotherpt]

“Motha fuckers shit the bed. They crying in the corner while his shorty gimmie head.”

[@c.amoroso]

Blue chips 2

[@arafattijani]

“If you’re on time, you’re late. You have to be early”

[@DrBigFMC]

Man that's a bar

[@masterhandwerks6592]

Early is on time On time is late Late doesn't happen. A boss I had one time.

[@groovefretboard]

Shit a mf better be camping 🏕 out like he waiting to cop some limited J’s from the kick store dawg… or you ain’t prepared lol

[@meleneb]

LOVE HIM....and it's not just cuz he's Sagittarius 😏

[@lets7121]

Ya it’s in reference to Remember the Titans

[@BenGilbertForReal]

Absolutely love seeing him shouting out Meyhem Lauren over and over as foundational to his inspiration and career. The respect they have for each is other is so genuine and honest. It's really refreshing!

[@aaroncathey627]

Dude. Noticed that too. They're both supremely creative and funny. Meyhem Lauren is highly underrated. He's one of the best doing it right now to me.

[@pineapplesmoovey7898]

I hope I can experience a true friendship like that before I die, but I doubt it

[@Msjnhjjjj]

Big dog Lauren!

[@KrazyRaisin]

You can tell when they first started hanging, they both got flack for rocking with each other, both said F everybody and there opinions and did them…

[@BenjaminBenson25]

Something about this guy just makes me feel like everything is gonna be ok

[@PanamaSneakers]

Super Facts

[@Basillio11]

The man attracts success. Everything he touches takes off....food, music, art, fitness. The perfect embodiment of luck when defined as when opportunity meets preparation.

[@AdamFraserTv]

Not really , but he’s ambitious and not afraid to fail . Furthermore , he now does things for his own enjoyment,health, family .

[@Basillio11]

@@AdamFraserTv Stop chasing clout by responding on comments that get likes with your wack comment that makes no sense.

[@Sebastian-oj1xk]

@@Basillio11 yo chill ain’t nobody tryna get clout on KZbin comments bro, what you on?💀 y’all both made good points, end of story.

[@dpkt94]

@@Sebastian-oj1xk dude powertripped over 80 likes on a youtube comment lmaooooooooo

[@papichefitup]

Dude is bigger than Rap a true Renaissance man

[@AwokenEntertainment]

Action Bronson is a true one of a kind.. 💯

[@poochimayne7294]

No. There was only Ghostface then this guy copied his sound to an outrageous degree.

[@hallquiche]

@@poochimayne7294 Can't really modify your natural voice. He sounds like Ghostface vocally, but his lyrical style is more relaxed and vibrant, kind of MF DOOM-like in many ways.

[@Rednblack900]

@@poochimayne7294 Your stupid haha ghostface lol

[@nathani4146]

Loved this, been a fan of action for almost 10 years now. One of the most unique, creative, entertaining people I’ve had the luxury of seeing.

[@JetLee1544]

Bronsolino is one of the best live rappers ever. It sounded like the recordings.

[@omarrkoroma5164]

@@JetLee1544 Bros

[@omarrkoroma5164]

Live rappers

[@omarrkoroma5164]

Recordings

[@olivierstrick8083]

Bird on a wire

[@SirPalsrok]

Fucking love this guy. Don't understand why people want to be fake..Action is a great example; just be you, love yourself, do big things but stay humble. Very inspiring and fun to watch or listen to. Best PR/marketing available.

[@QEsposito510]

I think with a lot of people, they don’t want to be fake, but feel compelled by circumstance or employer or social circle or whatever. Nobody wants to be fake, but the idea of the uncertainty from going the path alone scares them into coloring inside the lines.

[@_unclecharles_]

i cant lie, over the past 3 years or so this guy has been one of my biggest inspirations

[@Dekkie61]

I knew he was funny, creative and unique, but this interview really brought out a whole new side for me: Grounded and secure Humble and confident Smart and meticulous And such a nice guy. Loved the whole interview!

[@IDEAGENERATIONOFFICIAL]

thank you for watching! glad you enjoyed it

[@johncwalaszek]

listening to UGK 🤝 driving around in cadillacs

[@IDEAGENERATIONOFFICIAL]

truer words were never spoken

[@AnthonyOroz]

That was one of the best interviews I’ve ever listened to. Action Bronson is the most passionate person I’ve ever heard speak. Wow

[@chrissempek8296]

This is an incredible interview of Action. Awesome to see him crushing it in 2022 as a long time fan. Can't wait for what he's got next! Do that festival!!

[@seefinish_]

His attitude to creativity is just honest, naturalist, depth in soul. Love it 😊

[@manny8042]

That intro jingle gets me every time man💯

[@IDEAGENERATIONOFFICIAL]

yup! A-Trak snapped !

[@xLaMarquis309]

@@IDEAGENERATIONOFFICIAL is there a way to purchase?

[@rayforseth9091]

bro this shit is so well done I look forward to every video, you can learn so much from these guys

[@IDEAGENERATIONOFFICIAL]

appreciate you watching 💡

[@connie8828]

99% of humans wont have a friend like mayhem. He the one that inspired action to start and is humble and loving enough to support him when action surpassed him. 99% of humans would get offended by their 'friend' "trying to compete".

[@AdrenolinFlux]

No other rapper can captivate the dolphin fanbase like this guy

[@johncwalaszek]

this is maybe my favorite episode of the whole series

[@najjimohammad9124]

One of the greatest minds of our time if u ask me i been a fan for almost a decade

[@KenkBeats]

This series instantly became my favorite i swear

[@mistymang321]

This is a very well done interview and video. Something about it just seems more sincere than others that I’ve seen

[@IDEAGENERATIONOFFICIAL]

thank you! we’re trying

[@VINISAMPLES]

@@IDEAGENERATIONOFFICIAL You succeed

[@hazeentertainmenthiphop]

@@IDEAGENERATIONOFFICIAL Hey‼️ You stealed my video‼️😡

[@Ajaxx47]

I’m from flushing but moved to NEPA in middle school, however my cousins are still there and they would see AB riding his bike way back in the day and now they still see him walk-in around every now and then. He’s a true man of queens and never forgot where he came from.

[@unrivaledgator.3010]

Action will be forever the man of the people. The real voice to to the young and o.g. mindset in life.

[@csp8490]

There are so many geniuses that drop out of high school. School is just a box that society created and some of these guys simply knew it with out really knowing it

[@CantThinkOfAHandleSoItsThis]

Absolutely, I've also come to notice that some of the dumbest people out there went through years of school and all they obtained was a high level of arrogance which they confuse for intelligence. They don't teach critical thinking skills and self awareness in schools which is why those people typically lack these things. Unfortunately these people I'm talking about will view the people you're talking about as "uneducated" and less than them because of the things I mentioned.

[@downtownmb26]

Love Action as a person. His passion for his craft is undeniable. You'll always have me as a fan. I love watching his cooking shows. Whether it was F*ck That's Delicous or the Untitled Action Bronson show. His sense of humor always makes me laugh. This man always does it his way.

[@Craigstaaygear]

A great interview. Superb editing, transitions, pacing and overall flow. You are a professional, Noah and it shows, well done. Action in a uniquely intelligent and wise man. Keeping that childlike wonder and enthusiasm for life , respekt

[@adamlhobson]

Really appreciate this interviewer. Making it all about AB and not himself.

[@chrixtian.2653]

Chef’s kiss interview as per usual 👏🏾👏🏾

[@YoungDirtyMexicanOfficially]

noah thanx u for ALL OF THESE!🔥🔥🔥💪🏾

[@LaynoProd]

legendary interview Idea Generation! shoutout Action Bronson for reminding me to be my most authentic self and not let people tell you what to do and carve your own lane and win fans over 1 at a time

[@jamesblake5176]

lol when he said that shit about cadillacs and ugk it was like i was watching myself

[@teemullan]

Ayyyy no cap, this is an excellent interview ! I already liked dude a lot, hearing him speak about his life and approach to things is money in the bank.

[@garveygarv2241]

action is easily one of my favorite artists, thanks for this in depth interview, love learning more about the artists that inspire me

[@EnxhioKotoni]

such a wholesome dude. you may not like his music (everyone has their taste not gonna judge) but you can't not like Action

[@t1mmy13]

Sublime interview, asking all the right questions about his early connections and how he came up which I had been wondering about for a while. Big props👌

[@scottclayton99]

If Action had a podcast (at least I don't think he does) I'd totally listen to it

[@vcpr1933]

he gotta do it fr

[@craigbezzle]

no but he's been a guest on a bunch of them. Rogan, Tyson, Steve-O, Joey Diaz, NoJumper, Powerful Truth Angels

[@gavinn1275]

Sooo happy this series is back

[@Angelblive]

Love Action and this show always so many gems and his story is dope!

[@onefleshamericans9347]

The drawing with his off hand is underrated

[@IDEAGENERATIONOFFICIAL]

gotta love the funk

[@th.monroe]

I love this guys work and I've been dying to see a serious interview with him about how he thinks.

[@barryholiday8998]

Enjoyed the interview and format. Like how you highlight the takeaways.

[@StiveVignis]

Love this format, that quote: "If your on time your late" -Action Bronson , this is my motto.

[@gambo302]

This channel needs way more subs… Amazing interviews

[@takeone_sfc]

Been a minute since I’ve watched a full interview. Great job.

[@IDEAGENERATIONOFFICIAL]

thanks for sticking around and watching it all 💡

[@MikeD-hn9hf]

Tight interview my guy, love it.

[@destinrojas1485]

One of his most solid interviews

[@quinlansee1]

masterpiece of interview, Action is my favorite musician of all time

[@SUGARCANEPAPI]

Thank you for this gem. love you bam bam. you make my day bro

[@makermaker732]

I realise how much parental guidance and inpiration affects their children and I personally did not have alot of that Im from a poor family and have zero emmidiate examples on how to grow success and wealth I realize how dificult its going to be for me. Currently I’m a graphic designer and Ive learnt alot from watching how my rich friends parents talk to them and how they condact themselves around their parents. Yall stay blessed.

[@richardjowi7561]

Keep on keeping on

[@YoungAmzn]

beautiful person!!!, love all his art. All his color choices & palettes of color & his choice in pieces, i love it. Im dying for his 1906 to be released, love ya AB. big fan since the early days of ftd

[@ThePinoyHayvan]

Great Interview ! Action Bronson is one of my favorite human beings and definitely my spirit animal ! Action please produce more Fuck that’s delicious episodes, we need it 💯

[@hubertkolka3107]

Glad I saw this on IG, never popped up on my subscribed list on youtube even though Im subbed. Amazing content as always...

[@IDEAGENERATIONOFFICIAL]

really? interesting. gotta turn on those alerts i guess!

[@miltonclark1526]

Action got so many bars. Hardest working "Artist." 💪 the World loves you Baklava.

[@healingindigo]

23:19 that painting is gonna be worth millions. Rest In Peace DMX

[@itsyunggrave]

This honestly just inspired me to go and finish a painting

[@rockybouja]

He’s looking a lot healthier! It’s good to see!

[@Mitch_McCluskey92]

hell yeah! hes looking good, healthy and happy! always happy to see things with Action!

[@erodkid]

Season 2 with the heattttttttt

[@zburzycki]

Action is just such a straight forward and real dude.

[@MrMastermizer]

This is such an insightful interview

[@foundersaircare1741]

best interview i’ve seen in awhile

[@pennywise1682]

One of the few guys i still follow and support when i can.

[@memaximoron]

Love how you guys present each kernel of wisdom from this conversation in a crystalized form. The concise sentences interspersed throughout this video do wonders to bring the importance of Action's experiences to life.

[@temphere]

This was well put together, Fire

[@ronaldwright5447]

Go ahead Act, continue with your journey brotha. We are with you 💯

[@elonnelson5024]

Like the raw honest perspective 💯💪🏾📈

[@saben47]

A real one! Dope interview

[@visual1155]

Love this guy. One of my fav rapper. Lucky enough to see him Earl boldy and Alc on the nba leather tour.

[@Dbo704]

You look great AB! Mad love for many years ✊🏼

[@jaylenhoard14]

Inspiring video! Thank you 🙏🏾

[@TAY-570]

Props to the interviewer. Really did a fantastic job with this

[@cookandjook]

This was a great interview. Love how it’s shot, too.

[@IDEAGENERATIONOFFICIAL]

thanks so much. we're really trying to make a premium product here, and love hearing when people notice 💡

[@cookandjook]

@@IDEAGENERATIONOFFICIAL You’re welcome. Even the video description is great. Kudos to the crew.

[@brandonwardmotivates]

Crazy authenticity. Pivot, execute, get it done.

[@oMietHabEast]

12:10 I never wanna lose that childish joy that i get from all the things that i love That's a bar in itself yo

[@mdgraller]

There's a big difference between "childish" and "childlike". I think the word "childlike" would've been more fitting but the feeling is 100% true

[@hectorsalazar3960]

Big fan of action bronson thanks for sharing this video

[@MikeSmith-up1eb]

20:43 Haha amazing anecdote! Mariano Rivera scored! 🤣

[@IDEAGENERATIONOFFICIAL]

got the RBI!

[@canaanwilson7438]

These videos are important.

[@IDEAGENERATIONOFFICIAL]

you see it

[@brendanhall6615]

Loved this. Shout out to Smith St too!!

[@Taskforce1]

ACTION ACTION ACTION - one of the most underrated creatives fs

[@barrakingbeatz7794]

Action is so dope

[@gracie99999]

hella cool guy..at firs ti was kinda intimidated andhattin

[@sam-z9800]

Love this guy! Great soul

[@jswitay]

Best channel on KZbin hands down

[@IDEAGENERATIONOFFICIAL]

wow thank you

[@toneriggz]

8:52 I was at that show (the videos are on my channel). Action and eXquire at Highline Ballroom. What a show. That flick was when Action brought out Smoke DZA.

[@blim2020]

NOAH IS BACK. THANK YOU FOR THE BLUEPRINT. So great to see you back.

[@funkdubayous]

30 seconds into this video and know already I'm really gonna like this video and channel.

[@k-bar93]

Action looks LIT in the thumbnail 😂 love him. Great interview.

[@gracie99999]

😳👊

[@IDEAGENERATIONOFFICIAL]

Want more from our Action Bronson interview? Our podcast version contains an extra 45 minutes of conversation, gems, and laughs: anchor.fm/ideageneration/episodes/How-Action-Bronson-Conquered-Media-By-Being-His-Most-Authentic-Self--IDEA-GENERATION-S2-E2-e1mu3u1

[@CantThinkOfAHandleSoItsThis]

I like this dude, it's impossible not to respect his grind because I live my life the same way. His ear is similar to mine too in terms of musical taste and that's why most of his projects are dope as hell to me. 😎👍

[@CanAlsoDeliver]

Ghostface throwing a fit after reading the title to this video.. 🤣🤣🤣😂😂 lol kidding dope vid!!

[@happythoughts700]

Amazing interview

[@MrEbranes]

During the summer, I made my first trip to the library in years and I happened to grab "Fuck It, Ill Start Tomorrow". Incredible book. Props to Action Bronson on that. I couldn't put it down till it was completed!

[@Darrenwallace01]

Amazing interview. You got a new subscriber.

[@IDEAGENERATIONOFFICIAL]

thanks so much

[@vcpr1933]

gotta love Action

[@charlesincharge.5161]

The focus is epic. 📡👽🇺🇸 RUN!!! Inspiring.

[@Official_giovannialexander]

Love the inspiration

[@paulyphonic]

Action gotta a ton of dope projects….but Rare Chandeliers is still probably my favorite. That sh*t is a masterpiece! Alc & Action merged as one on that project. 🔥🔥

[@treytheriot]

bro is the embodiment of being your truest self just be you man we are all made differently don't try and be someone else be a leader not a follower

[@Motomilf]

I love him! He’s such a dope ass person!

[@stephenbeyer]

Mad respect, Bronson. ✌️