Belleville, New Jersey-based emcee and producer Action Figure 973 has returned with his 13th extended play, Polo Grounds. Following a prolific run that includes a dozen EPs and his full-length debut DOOM Was Right—a project that paid homage to the legendary Madvillainy—the artist continues to solidify his reputation as a uniquely skilled performer. After collaborating with Machacha on last year’s The Most Interesting Man in the World, Action Figure 973 has tapped DiMaggio to handle the full production duties for this latest effort.
The project opens with “Butch Husky,” an intro that sets a mafioso tone, followed by the dark, drumless atmosphere of “Ken Griffey Jr. Was Never a Yankee,” where the artist reflects on themes of unrequited loyalty. The EP maintains this thematic consistency throughout; “Showdown at Shea” leans into an eerie aesthetic, while “Lou Gehrig’s Disease” offers a poignant reference to the health struggles currently faced by AEW performer Rebel.
The baseball motif remains central to the project’s identity. “Nomar Garciaparra” serves as a nod to the iconic shortstop, while “Pete Rose” features a guest appearance from 067 Red, honoring the late WWE Hall of Famer. The track “War Memorial,” featuring Brother Tom Sos, provides a jazzy boom-bap highlight, and “Relief Pitcher” includes a clever nod to Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide champion Mr. Iguana, bridging the gap between the artist’s love for sports and professional wrestling.
Polo Grounds arrives as a refreshing shift in the artist’s discography. By leaning into hardcore lyricism and a cohesive baseball theme, Action Figure 973 delivers a project that feels both focused and inventive. With DiMaggio’s production providing a backdrop of jazzy boom-bap and minimalist instrumentals, the EP stands as a testament to the artist’s ability to evolve his sound while maintaining the high-energy, wrestling-influenced persona his fans have come to expect.
Score: 7/10