The rising rapper Action Bronson is learning not to question the elders of hip-hop.
Bronson, an Albanian American chef turned rapper who released his major label debut in March, apologised anew on Tuesday after his criticism of Wu-Tang Clan veteran Ghostface Killah triggered a riposte that appeared physically threatening.
Bronson’s voice is often compared to that of Ghostface Killah, and the younger rapper has praised him in the past.
But in a recent interview, Bronson cast doubt on recent work by the prominent member of the Wu-Tang Clan ensemble.
“He’s not rapping like this no more,” Bronson told sports network ESPN.
Ghostface Killah responded by posting a six-and-a-half-minute profanity-laced video addressed to Bronson that warned he had “shooters” based outside of New York, the hometown of both rappers.
“I don’t think you really know the magnitude of the [expletive] right here,” he said, noting he knew people “that’ll do disappearing acts ... for nothing in all states. ... I know your tour schedule, right?” he said.
Ghostface Killah, who is African American, added that his issue was specifically with Bronson and he was “not making this a black-and-white thing.”
Bronson repeatedly apologised on Twitter, saying: “Everyone says things they regret. I respect my elders and the forefathers of this art.”
He later tweeted that he was surprised “how many people want me to die and leave my children fatherless for nothing. Excuse me for their entertainment.”
Bronson, who is known for his burly physique, has won a following in part by rapping about food and other subject matter not traditionally associated with hip-hop.
Amid the rift with Ghostface Killah, Azealia Banks — who has often charged that the music industry treats African American women such as her poorly — recalled that Bronson himself chastised her last year after she questioned his talent.
“Remember when Action Bronson had all that mouth to insult me but now that Ghostface pulled his card, he’s mum,” Banks tweeted, calling Bronson a “fat slob.”
