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)
Giant Stadium
Kool Keith Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah yeah yeah! Tri-state area
Live in New Jersey, and motherfuckin Giant Stadium
Live for the first time, live on stage the motherfuckin Commi$$ion
Ladies and gentlemen, ladies and gentlemen
Please stand in line, please stand in line
We just now been confirmed, that's tonight main event has been sold out
I'm that new fuckin product, they chose over Ray Allen
While the coaches scream
The uniform on each teams are cheap
Look at the roster everybody, this general manager signed got no talent
He's not thinkin I'm out to interfere with his offense
The league sees me, pull the rims out the glass like Dawkins
Bruce Rattner can't match the contract
Reebok's fuckin up, with bad shoes
My agent got me eight thousand one billion
A dollar deal just once a week to wear New Balance
You a freshman junior nigga the seniors keep you silenced
Graduation you not goin pro you won't make it H-O
[same rapper as Intro:]
Giant motherfuckin Stadium!
When you speak of legends make sure you mention my name
I'm the last don standin, when I spark the flame
My name been ringin bells before coke got stepped on
When Harlem was the mecca, out of town cats were slept on
Labels scared to sign me they say my shit is too raw
The only reason niggaz is still breathin, cause they roll with the law
People say I changed, but I'm just a little calmer
I clutch so many guns motherfuckers oughta call me Palmer
Think of somethin sweet I'll put 5, up in your cheekbone
I oughta get honored for every coward, I touched with the chrome
Dope seller, hood fella, some say I'm worse than Suge
I'm a Harlem Knight f'real 'til the day I'ma rep my hood
Check my file dawg I spent 12 years in a cell
Then it's back to clutchin heat, if this rap shit fail~!
[Kool Keith:]
Carbo-hybo-spaghetti will make you niggaz mo' stronger
Too much milk and powder will fuck up your muscles
I warned you, you can't play forward
And backaway with that bullshit, off the rim shot
Just got off waivers, I'll make your team hot
Coach you up and coming, give y'all the championship you don't got
Make your crew practice and run track a lot
You might pack a spot, win two games out of 160
It can't be
You know I can't be injured, before the season stop
Because y'all bitch up and miss me
Dunk on motherfuckers more harder when they diss me
Then chicken niggaz they turn crispy
I leave 'em sniffed up, alley where the piss be
They girl happy for pennies motherfucker count this G
Minutes on the court, you bastards can't get mad
I let y'all play a 2 or 3
Giant motherfuckin Stadium!
Giant motherfuckin Stadium!
The "Giant Stadium" song by Kool Keith is a rap song that is filled with metaphors that describe Kool Keith's experiences in the music industry. The intro is an announcement of Kool Keith's performance at the Giant Stadium, which is based in New Jersey. The commotion in the stadium indicates that the event is a big deal since the main event is confirmed as sold out. In the first verse, Kool Keith brags about being the new product chosen over Ray Allen. The coaches' screams suggest that he is disrupting the ongoing game, but he is too impressive for anyone to ignore. Kool Keith also comments on the lack of talent in some of the teams playing. The league sees him as a strong player and pulls out the rims, indicating that he is unstoppable, much like Darryl Dawkins. Kool Keith is also proud of his contract with New Balance, even though Reebok messed up with his shoes. In the second verse, Kool Keith talks about how his name has been ringing bells since the Harlem Mecca days. He is a dope seller, hood fella, and people think he is worse than Suge Knight. Kool Keith spent twelve years in a cell, and even though some people think he has changed, he is still a don at heart. He warns people not to mess with him as he is not afraid to clutch his guns if the rap game doesn't work out for him.
The song is a metaphorical representation of Kool Keith and his experiences in the music industry. The Giant Stadium where he is performing symbolizes the big stage of the music industry where he is playing against other talented players. Kool Keith sees himself as the best player in the game and is proud of his skills. The song is not just a celebration of his success, but it is also a warning to other players to stay away from him. Kool Keith is a force to be reckoned with, and his experience in the game gives him an edge over the rookies who are just starting.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm that new fuckin product, they chose over Ray Allen
I am a fresh talent that has been preferred over established players like Ray Allen.
The uniform on each teams are cheap
The quality of uniforms across teams is substandard.
Look at the roster everybody, this general manager signed got no talent
The talent acquisition by certain general managers is questionable.
The league sees me, pull the rims out the glass like Dawkins
I am noticed by the league as I perform daring moves like Dawkins by pulling the rims out of the glass.
Bruce Rattner can't match the contract
Bruce Rattner is unable to compete with the lucrative contract I have been offered.
Reebok's fuckin up, with bad shoes
Reebok's quality of shoes is poor and they are facing criticism.
My agent got me eight thousand one billion
My agent has helped me secure a multi-billion dollar deal.
You a freshman junior nigga the seniors keep you silenced
As a freshman or junior, the seniors prevent you from speaking out.
When you speak of legends make sure you mention my name
I am a legendary figure and my name should not be forgotten.
I'm the last don standin, when I spark the flame
I am the last man standing and my presence ignites the crowd.
Labels scared to sign me they say my shit is too raw
Record labels fear signing me as they find my music to be controversial.
People say I changed, but I'm just a little calmer
Although people think I have changed, I have only become slightly more composed.
I clutch so many guns motherfuckers oughta call me Palmer
I have a reputation for wielding firearms to the point where people should refer to me as Palmer, a reference to the professional golfer Arnold Palmer.
Dope seller, hood fella, some say I'm worse than Suge
I am seen as a drug dealer and street figure and some compare me to Suge Knight, notorious for his involvement in criminal activities.
Check my file dawg I spent 12 years in a cell
Check my record, I have served time in prison for 12 years.
Carbo-hybo-spaghetti will make you niggaz mo' stronger
Eating carbohydrates and spaghetti will help athletes get stronger.
Too much milk and powder will fuck up your muscles
Overconsumption of milk and protein powder can have negative consequences on muscle growth.
Just got off waivers, I'll make your team hot
I was recently released from waivers and I will significantly improve any team that picks me up.
Coach you up and coming, give y'all the championship you don't got
I can train and mentor young and upcoming players to help them secure a championship.
Make your crew practice and run track a lot
I will motivate players to practice rigorously and do lots of running drills.
I let y'all play a 2 or 3
I allow the opposing team to score a few points instead of completely dominating them.
Contributed by Lauren H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.