From the first bass lick Anchor Punch grabs you and doesn't let go. Thelonius Kryptonite begins by explaining the key to becoming a champion, a winner and an all around whole being, with the poetic delivery of someone who has seen the downs of life, as well as the ups. In the same song he wishes the same for us that he would like for himself, to return to being a champion (or at least having the mindset).
The use of Muhammad Ali and his explanation of the anchor punch as a backdrop, compliment the concept of the album so well - bringing that soul music feel of the 1960's and 70's right through your speakers. In "Walk On", Mr. Kryptonite enlists Mr. Isaac Hayes to do just that. The sample from "Walk On By" evokes the soul music giant in a way that could never be considered offensive (as some samples can be) and really gives the track a great foundation for Thelonius' lyrics, written or unwritten.
After declaring he will be a champion once again in "Anchor Punch" (which features Muhammad Ali's explanation of said punch), and pledging to stay true to his craft of hip hop in "Pledge", Mr. Kryptonite sticks to the tradition of the soul music many of us love and admire - by cluing us in on what he sees as the ills of our society. In the song "NWO", he speaks of the New World Order, a phenomenon that is happening now, that was conceived by men in power many, many years ago and is even scribed on the U.S. one dollar bill. We'll leave the explanation of the inner workings of the New World Order to musical artists and conspiracy theorists. Just know that its a very poignant topic to be discussing.
One can't help but be enamored by the war imagery in songs like "Pledge", declaring war on whack hip hop acts and those that would defile the music all the same. It's clear that Mr. Kryptonite is on a mission and will not be denied.
It's not all politics and conspiracies though. In "Boomerang", Kryptonite speaks of the difficulty of a particular relationship and as an ode to the unfortunate jilted lover, lets her know that what goes around, comes back around. In essence this album's Karmic effect should be positive for Thelonius Kryptonite, being confident but not boastful on songs like "Walk On" and "St. Lsewhere". This EP is certainly worth a listen, or three. Check it out!
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