Thornton's early career and lyrics with the Ultramagnetic MC's often referenced his time as a patient of Bellevue, a psychiatric hospital, where he was treated for depression. With Ultramagnetic MC's, his abstract style developed, maturing in songs like Poppa Large. He was probably the first rapper to create an alter ego, and then create an alter ego for that alter ego (Kool Keith v. Moe Luv). After the Ultramagnetic MC's broke up, he expanded his resume, experimenting with new styles, including his self-described pornocore, known for pornographic imagery and brutal, abstract lyrics. Sex Style released in 1997, was the showcase for this genre.
Teaming up with Dan the Automator Nakamura under the name Dr. Octagon, Thornton again reinvented his image, recording the self-titled Dr. Octagon album (later reissued under the title Dr. Octagonecologyst) which was released by the English trip hop label Mo Wax. The album received critical acclaim, though mainly from sources outside the mainstream hip-hop community. The critical success of the album helped to open the accessibility of the underground hip hop scene to an appreciative audience. For Dan the Automator, this album laid the foundation for a burgeoning career and accolades as a producer; for Thornton, the success of Dr. Octagonecologyst seemed to put him in danger of being typecast as a "space and Mars" rapper, or an industry tool, which he throughout his career has looked down upon.
His style as a whole is characterized by non sequiturs and bizarre commentary, particularly anal, fecal and genital references. For example, "Chief administrator suck my oil," "Dr. Ludicrous I turn into an octopus," "All this jealousy shit is mayonnaise and celery shit," "Two drinks minimum, don't worry, we're maximum," etc. An instrumental version of the album, Instrumentalyst, showcased the production, became a rising success with most of the credit given to Dan the Automator and other collaborators, even though Thornton is credited on the LP with some production duties.
List of projects, groups and alter-egos:
- Ultramagnetic MC's
- Dr. Octagon
- Dr. Dooom
- Sinister 6000 (Dan the Automator)
- Black Elvis
- Masters of Illusion
- Analog Brothers
- Mr. Nogatco
- Project Polaroid
- Tashan Dorset
- Sex Style
- Ultra
- The Cenobites
- Sergei Khmelev
(this list is incomplete)
Can I Buy U a Drink?
Kool Keith Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In Kool Keith's song "Can I Buy U a Drink?", he is using smooth talk and charm to try and impress a woman. He brags about his experiences as a long-haul truck driver, carrying lumber across 36 states, and how he can see someone as beautiful as her at the club. The opening line, "Yeah baby I just filled that Peterbilt" refers to the brand of the truck he drives, and he mentions it as a way to introduce himself and his job to the woman he's talking to. He then goes on to complement the woman's appearance, saying she looks pretty in pink.
Throughout the song, Kool Keith praises material wealth and luxury, mentioning custom-made clothing, exclusive hotels, and expensive jewelry. He also describes himself as a "stand up playa" and refers to himself as a "Jazz star", suggesting that he's a well-known and respected musician. His confident attitude and bravado are evident in the way he talks, and he even suggests taking the woman to France after the club.
Overall, the lyrics of "Can I Buy U a Drink?" are an illustration of Kool Keith's charm and self-confidence as he tries to impress a woman he finds attractive. It portrays his love for material wealth and luxurious living, and his ability to use his words to win people over.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah baby I just filled that Peterbilt from a 36 state run Long haul, carrying lumber
I am a truck driver who just completed a long journey that involved transporting lumber through 36 states.
Can I buy you a drink? You look pretty in pink Can we hotel link? Tell me what you think
I am intrigued by you and I would like to buy you a drink. Your appearance is captivating and I am interested in finding out if you would like to continue our interaction somewhere more private.
I'm always down to go out to the club To see somebody beautiful like you Y'knahmsayin?
I enjoy going to clubs to meet attractive people like you. Do you understand what I am saying?
Excuse me Linda, tippin soda with the bartender Tuxedo sometimes, your bodyguard's organized Studio mix, and everybody's now surprised I'm through the back door, walkin in a quarter to four Love me baby, love me lady Love me crazy, love me Daisy Yeah, can you check out where they goin at I'm not impressed man, kid where you flowin at? Crackin bottles, man where you floodin at? The waitress is gone, man when she comin back? That body is tight, with legs like a runningback Blow the words through her style like a future mack
I approach Linda at the bar as she drinks her soda. Sometimes I wear a tuxedo, and her bodyguard seems well-organized. The DJ's music surprises everyone at the studio. I enter through the back door at four in the morning. I express my desire for love from her, craze for her, and attention for her. I ask where a group of people is headed and express my disinterest in them. I ask about the location of the bottles and the waitress. I praise her figure and liken her legs to those of a running back. I flirt with confidence and style, like a person who is skilled at it.
C'mere girl Yes you do I got my room I need you
Come here, girl. You know you want to. I have a room and I want you to join me.
Custom made, Benignis with the cuff links Pants end up with stares and the high winks I'm on the patio, exclusive in the rateo{?} Fly hotels, standin next to Mario
I wear custom-made Benignis shoes with cuff links. People stare at my pants and give me knowing looks. I am on a patio that is exclusive, in a nice area. I stay in expensive hotels and stand next to Mario (presumably someone famous).
CD to burn, bumpin in the stereo Ladies with legs, you can't be too material I'm back and I'm live, movin like Arsenio Gators is live, your man rockin pennyloafs Spanish lady, I'm freakin out Jenny most Stand up playa, move to a real post Squeeze up jab, girls movin up close Heat up the track, vocals burn like pot roast I'm in the groove black, gotta count uno dos Mexican swing, I tell you baby who you chose
I listen to a burned CD on my car stereo. I believe that women's appearances should not be the only focus. I am returning and active, just like Arsenio Hall. I wear stylish shoes, and your boyfriend is wearing penny loafers. I am impressed by the beauty of a Spanish lady, specifically a woman named Jenny. I am confident and move to a better position as a player. My words and actions make women come closer to me. I am in a groove and count to one and two. I introduce you to the Mexican swing dance and help you choose who to dance with.
I keep it marchin, with a {?}sweety form archin man{?} Right down your number baby, jazz star parkin man Hand me the phone, yo Harry let me talk to Ann She like the Zeniti, anything popular brand Type of girl, lookin for a couple of grand Rings with rims, jewels for a couple of hands Wear that wealth, tonight I'ma change your plans After the club, hey love, I'ma take you to France Petals and roses hit the floor while you dance Confident yo, who you think's takin the chance? Pick up your girl, now you got a finished romance Pimpin the game, Globetrotter got an advance
I continue forward with confidence, my steps and form being graceful. I ask for your phone number, and I want to talk to Ann. She likes the Zenith brand, anything that is popular. She presents herself as a girl who is looking for money, wearing jewelry worth hundreds or thousands of dollars. I plan to alter your plans for the night and take you to France. I am confident that I will be the one taking chances in our interaction. You can pick up your girl now that we have finished our romance, and I am a skilled player who has received an advance from being an international traveler.
Contributed by Adalyn J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.