Synopsis

Action Bronson and Riff Raff turn "Bird on a Wire" into a loose, surreal street spectacle rather than a conventional narrative video. The two rappers perform around Santa Monica locations, with Bronson smoking and delivering his verses while Riff Raff brings his flamboyant presence and rapid-fire delivery. Dirt Nasty and Dante Ross appear in cameo roles. The video leans into spontaneous comedy and eccentric personality, culminating in Bronson spinning in place and Riff Raff casually brushing his hair after the song appears to be over.

Factoids & Trivia

• The video premiered on February 9, 2012, alongside the release of the new Harry Fraud-produced track.

• Harry Fraud said Riff Raff came straight from the airport, recorded five songs, and shot the video immediately afterward.

• Dirt Nasty and Dante Ross make cameo appearances, giving the clip an unusually eclectic lineup of personalities from hip-hop and comedy.

• The video was shot around Santa Monica, including a neighborhood video store recognizable by its neon lights.

• The song's hazy, dramatic production draws on late-1970s cosmic funk, a quality that helped distinguish it from more conventional early-2010s rap production.

• "Bird on a Wire" reportedly reached one million views in approximately two months.

• Complex ranked the song No. 27 on its list of the best songs of 2012.

• Action Bronson later performed Riff Raff's verse himself during a 2012 show in Boston, despite Riff Raff not being present.