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)
Intro
Kool Keith Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I didn't mean to.
Scientific detachment. ha!
Professional ethics
I'm not just a doctor, I am a man
Doctor I didn't mean to!
I have desires. I have needs
You know it gets bigger and bigger inside of me until it's...i feel it...it
Explodes and I sprayed myself all over the wall
I think I have a way to cure you
I like it when you get bigger and bigger but I don't want you to explode all
Over the wall
Now doctor you just lie down...it's time you let me take care of you
... medicine what I need
Ohh... mmmm I wish I had a doctor like you...so gentle
Oh, you like that?
Fuck my pussy doctor!
The lyrics of Kool Keith's "Intro" are unsettling, to say the least. The song is a spoken-word skit that centers on a woman and her doctor, who seems to be taking advantage of her while she is under his care. The woman expresses her discomfort at the doctor's advances, pleading with him not to touch her. The doctor, however, is detached and unconcerned, speaking in a cold, clinical tone that underscores his lack of empathy.
The woman tries to assert her agency but is continually silenced by the doctor's predatory behavior. She tries to explain her physical sensations to him, saying that she feels like she is going to explode. The doctor, rather than offering her sympathy or understanding, seizes upon her language to make crude sexual advances. The skit ends with the woman begging the doctor to have sex with her, regardless of her discomfort or his ethical obligations.
"Intro" is a disturbing commentary on power dynamics and exploitation. The doctor, who should be a trusted figure of authority, uses his position to take advantage of a vulnerable patient. The woman's pleas for help are ignored or twisted for the doctor's gain. The song is a stark reminder of how easy it is for those in positions of power to exploit others, even in the most intimate and vulnerable of settings.
Line by Line Meaning
So what do you think doctor? was i....
Asking the opinion of the doctor about a certain situation
I didn't mean to.
Apologizing for a mistake or action
Scientific detachment. ha!
Mocking the concept of scientific detachment
Professional ethics
Referring to the standards of conduct for a professional
I'm not just a doctor, I am a man
Proclaiming humanity beyond professional identity
Doctor I didn't mean to!
Reiterating apology for an action
I have desires. I have needs
Acknowledging personal desires and needs
I know you have needs and I know that you have desires
Affirming that the doctor also has desires and needs
You know it gets bigger and bigger inside of me until it's...i feel it...it
Describing the growth of a certain sensation
Explodes and I sprayed myself all over the wall
Metaphorically expressing a climax
I think I have a way to cure you
Proposing a cure for a certain condition
I like it when you get bigger and bigger but I don't want you to explode all over the wall
Expressing preference for a certain experience while setting boundaries
Now doctor you just lie down...it's time you let me take care of you
Taking charge of the situation and offering to take care of the doctor
... medicine what I need
Stating the need for medicine
Ohh... mmmm I wish I had a doctor like you...so gentle
Expressing desire for the doctor
Oh, you like that?
Asking for confirmation of enjoyment
Fuck my pussy doctor!
Making a sexual request
Lyrics Β© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, THE BICYCLE MUSIC COMPANY
Written by: TIM MC KASTY, GERALD L. ROBINSON, DAVIN VANDERPOOL, DAVIN PAUL VANDERPOOL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
tbolton83
Better than anything out today
Yarpyarpington
Yeah
Shotta Shabazz
Why are you looking hard with a hood on and Timberland boots staring at me for one hr when you can walk up and shake my hand. ππ This dude is just different. Kool Keith against everybody.
THESUPERDOOLEY
This sh!+ funny as a mf but this is pure 1000% poetry....his word play is crazy
todoroki
"That's right tomorrow I plan to boo your shows at the apollo." Love it!!
Thurston Mayo
I never realized Roc Marciano was a fan of kool keith. I can def tell he influenced roc. dope album.
forever SHAMPOO
The whole NY is a student of Kool Keith
Garrett Wilson
"Why do you walk in the club with 30 people around you and stand in the corner, with big bodyguards for no reason? Why?" πππ
TheOriginalWhokairs
@kers1ecm Straight up best intro ever "obnoxious facial scenes"
Mockney Monkey
GOAT