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)
Diesel Power
Kool Keith Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Build with skill with technique. Computer A-DAT
My lyrical form is clouds on your brainstorm
I get hype. Think thought flow.
Acrobat, sink the track, pump the track
Transmissions,close like spores react past these visions
And hurrying more reflects on the dancefloor
Blowing up and having mad people showing up
Needles collapse, while atmosphere continue
Sprinkle that,
Winning like that, moving like that, hitting like that
The melody is fat
Yo, I'm on the energy source
The cosmic boss
With Prodigy
Given astrology
My intellect's devour
With Diesel Power
Blows your mind drastically, fantastically
Blows your mind drastically, fantastically
Blows your mind drastically, fantastically
Blows your mind drastically, fanta...
We spun back rewind-Diesel Power
Blows your mind drastically, fantastically
It has to be, automatically
Check it out. You better work it out
Dreams to another bout
My techniques, strategies, abilities.
Will leave cordless mics hanging like spring leads
Do a track so fast. Beyond from you and I
Lyrical tactics, vocal gymnastics
Ease and pepped up
You get swept up
Smacked up, backed up, your crew's all cracked up
Check it slow
Pick choose quick
You can't stick
My medical range is strange as angles
You get tangled. Twist inside a fraction
Channels repeat, complete. Can't complete
Check the hour and texture
Mind adventure
Exploit the point
Into tracks to devour
My intellects proceed
My diesel power
Blows your mind drastically, fantastically
Blows your mind drastically, fantastically
Blows your mind drastically, fantastically
Blows your mind drastically, fanta...
Back attack the wack
Pack the fax to me
You don't want none
High-quality action b/still standing
Damaging your other manner
Quick reverse
Potent as the first verse
My amplifier blows on your worlds, higher
Words sire
Cuts like a barbed wire
Record-play
I pull up on your energy day
Fast-forward
I move And I swings towards it
Exit-load
Put your brain in right mode
Selective mix
The man will perfect the fix heads lightly.
Bite me
Copy Xerox. Cop sand blocks
You can't knock them out there
I'll keep lifting, shifting, persistent
Intelligent kingpin
Given astrology
As I roll with Prodigy
With Diesel Power
Blows your mind drastically, fantastically
Blows your mind drastically, fantastically
Blows your mind drastically, fantastically
Blows your mind drastically, fanta...
Mono 706
8073421
Robot sonic
Blows your mind drastically, fantastically
Blows your mind drastically, fantastically
Blows your mind drastically, fantastically
Blows your mind drastically, fantastically
In the song "Diesel Power" by Kool Keith, the opening lyrics suggest a confident and skilled approach to music production. The artist talks about refining his lyrical abilities and crafting them with precision and technique, likening his words to clouds that stimulate creativity in the listener's mind. The mention of "computer A-DAT" hints at a technical and futuristic influence in his music creation process. He describes his performance as acrobatic and dynamic, infusing energy and excitement into his tracks. The reference to being an "acrobat" on the track emphasizes his agility and skill in navigating the music landscape.
As the song progresses, the artist delves into themes of power and mastery, portraying himself as a cosmic boss with immense energy and prowess. The collaboration with Prodigy and mention of astrology suggest a deeper connection to universal forces and larger-than-life concepts. The repeated refrain of "Blows your mind drastically, fantastically" reinforces the impact and intensity of his music on the listener, promising an immersive experience that transcends the ordinary.
The lyrics further detail Kool Keith's technical prowess and lyrical dexterity, showcasing his ability to manipulate sounds and words with precision. He boasts of leaving microphones hanging like loose wires and delivering rapid-fire verses that showcase his vocal agility and creativity. The imagery of tangled angles and twisted fractions adds a sense of complexity and depth to his lyrical content, challenging the listener to decipher and engage with his intricate wordplay.
The closing verses of the song emphasize Kool Keith's dominance and authority in the music industry, with references to high-quality action and a potent lyrical delivery that cuts through like barbed wire. The artist exudes confidence and resilience, shrugging off competitors and asserting his position as an intelligent and formidable force in the game. The final lines, featuring a mix of numerical codes and robotic imagery, echo the futuristic and unconventional nature of his artistry, leaving the listener with a sense of wonder and intrigue. Overall, "Diesel Power" by Kool Keith is a dynamic and layered track that showcases the artist's technical skill, creative vision, and commanding presence in the world of hip-hop.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo, I used to checkout lyrics and pump the format
In the past, I would analyze lyrics and perfect the structure
Build with skill with technique. Computer A-DAT
Create with expertise and precision, like a high-tech computer
My lyrical form is clouds on your brainstorm
My style of writing is like a cloud that covers your thoughts
I get hype. Think thought flow.
I get excited and let my thoughts flow freely
Acrobat, sink the track, pump the track
Versatile, I can excel in any type of music and make it great
Transmissions, close like spores react past these visions
Communications that are precise and impactful, influencing the future
And hurrying more reflects on the dance floor
My fast-paced music is infectious and energizes the crowd
Blowing up and having mad people showing up
Exploding in popularity, attracting a large audience
Packing crowds jam-packed venues
Filling venues to capacity with enthusiastic fans
Needles collapse, while atmosphere continue
Causing excitement and intensity to build up in the atmosphere
Sprinkle that, winning like that, moving like that, hitting like that
Adding a touch of something unique, succeeding, and making an impact
The melody is fat
The rhythm and tune are strong and catchy
Yo, I'm on the energy source
I am the powerhouse, the main driving force
The cosmic boss
The ultimate leader of the universe
With Prodigy
Collaborating with a skilled and talented individual
Given astrology
Inspired by cosmic connections and alignments
My intellect's devour
My intelligence consumes and overwhelms
With Diesel Power
Powered by a strong and forceful energy
Back attack the wack
Counterattacking weak and uninspired opponents
Pack the fax to me
Send your messages to me with urgency
You don't want none
You don't want any part of this
High-quality action b/still standing
Maintaining a high level of performance and resilience
Damaging your other manner
Causing harm to those who don't measure up
Quick reverse
A rapid change in direction
Potent as the first verse
Powerful and impactful, like the opening lines
My amplifier blows on your worlds, higher
My influence expands and resonates deeply
Words sire
Commanding and powerful words
Cuts like a barbed wire
Sharp and cutting, like a dangerous wire
Record-play
Recording and playing back the music
I pull up on your energy day
I elevate and enhance your vibrancy
Fast-forward
Moving quickly and with purpose
I move And I swings towards it
I am constantly evolving and adapting
Exit-load
Leaving behind and transitioning to new phases
Put your brain in right mode
Encouraging you to think and act wisely
Selective mix
Carefully choosing and combining elements
The man will perfect the fix heads lightly
Mastering the art of influencing and guiding subtly
Bite me
Challenge me if you dare
Copy Xerox. Cop sand blocks
Imitate and duplicate the style, building a foundation
You can't knock them out there
You can't beat or surpass them
I'll keep lifting, shifting, persistent
Continuously improving, adapting, and persevering
Intelligent kingpin
Mastermind with profound intelligence and vision
Mono 706 8073421 Robot sonic
An intricate and detailed description of a robotic system
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: KEITH MATHEW THORNTON, LIAM HOWLETT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind