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)
Livin Astro
Kool Keith Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah
Every morning I wake up lookin' in the mirror
I am the original black Elvis
That's right; when you see me with my wig to the side
Wearin' my short leather jacket
Marilyn Monroe on my back
I'm livin' that life
That's what I think about
I like to tell my fans
I got my shades, big rock star compared to Elvis
Signin' autographs for rappers while girls move they pelvis
Write songs quickly for Elton John or Lionel Richie
Call up my butler, get clothes washed by the maid
Ivory soap; this is clean; feel like Cascade
I count the bills, roll to Detroit in Sedan De villes
I throw my skully on, big robe like Marvin Gaye
Step in the front row, prime time; I move your way
Budweiser Fest sound check, demanding more respect
I come correct through the Metro and turn y'all petrol
I'm up here early, bitin' donuts, sippin' on espresso
While you sleep, I creep, gainin' ground by the week
Ampex reels, makin' phone calls; I'm closin' deals
I move with skill, ride through Philly streets in Cherry Hill
I'm doin' it well, I'm doin' it swell
Yeah
[Chorus]
Flying saucers, spaceships move at warp speed
MTV level three when I fly on BET
Livin' astro; tell me how you feel
One two, one two
Movin' roughly, straight to the desert, San Antonio
I talk swift; the rock king, black Romeo
I pack clubs; promoters put me out in Tokyo
Damage your area; I'm a launch a fierce missile
I roll schools, movin' butt like I'm toilet tissue
What is your issue? You over, man; I don't miss you
Scottie soft, you play like Jan Van Breda Kolff
New Jersey Nets real man; you ain't no Donald Hillman
Bald head like Slick Watts, I run rap like Mayor Koch
Forward your info while Tony Lou crank the Benzo
Move out your driveway; white girls look, turn they eye away
Jealous in fact, tryin' to rip the capes off my back
I move with calm and potential through instrumentals
Y'all front on BET with slum gold, drivin' rentals
I get real dino, runnin' groups like a rhino
Endin' careers - that's my job; yo, your rap is final
Cancel your in-stores; your new job is moppin' floors
Fixin' tiles, stoppin' potholes up on the roof
You work for service
No tips, man, I speak the truth
[Chorus]
Flying saucers, spaceships move at warp speed
MTV level three when I fly on BET
Livin' astro; tell me how you feel
One two, one two, one two
Pull your hoods down; I bum rush your after party
Have your manager scared, the radio station say I'm sorry
Pack your bags; I move my luggage to the coliseum
Infinite prime piece with statues in the rock museum
Changin' my zones, drinkin' cocktails on cellular phones
I tour with Anthrax through Texas with the Rolling Stones
Booked by the agency, famous artists payin' me
Hotels with fly room, with sneakers starin' at the moon
Mad atmosphere, ridin' first class on British Air
Lobster and steak while y'all back in time doin' remakes
I'm futuristic, nine-nine to the year four thousand
I make announcements, drop skills, then I bounce with
Fly young ladies, AMG kicks, 2000 Mercedes
Brand new models, only seen one in Colorado
Light green metallic in the Shark Bar eatin' salad
Lorenzo Wills, valet park, shoppin' in Beverly Hills
Step up your wildest spaceship, kid, in the Plymouth Prowler
Comin' down
[Chorus x 3]
Kool Keith's song "Livin' Astro" is a self-referential and confidence-boosting track about the rapper's success and status in the hip hop industry. The first verse establishes his image as the "original black Elvis," with a wig to the side, short leather jacket, and Marilyn Monroe on his back. He boasts of signing autographs for rappers, getting his clothes washed by maids, and demanding respect at soundchecks. Keith also flexes his ability to write songs quickly for big-name artists like Elton John and Lionel Richie. In the second verse, he shows off his global success, packing clubs in Tokyo and performing with Anthrax through Texas with the Rolling Stones. He adds a warning to his competitors, telling them to "pull their hoods down" and "cancel their in-stores" because their careers are over.
The lyricism of "Livin' Astro" is emblematic of Kool Keith's unique and eccentric style. He combines braggadocious lines with references to sci-fi and pop culture, adding a surreal and imaginative touch to his music. The chorus repeats the phrase "flying saucers, spaceships move at warp speed," drawing comparisons between his meteoric rise and the futuristic technology of sci-fi.
Line by Line Meaning
Every morning I wake up lookin' in the mirror
I start my day by reflecting on who I am
I am the original black Elvis
I am a trailblazer in the music industry, much like Elvis Presley
That's right; when you see me with my wig to the side
I am unapologetically myself, even if it means wearing a wig to the side
Wearin' my short leather jacket
I have a rockstar sense of style, like wearing a short leather jacket
Marilyn Monroe on my back
I am a fan of classic Hollywood glamour
I'm livin' that life
I am living my dreams and enjoying my success
I'm for real with this
I am authentic and genuine in my artistry
That's what I think about
My music and my fans are always on my mind
I like to tell my fans
I like to communicate with and connect with my fans
I got my shades, big rock star compared to Elvis
I am confident and cool, like a big rockstar wearing shades
Signin' autographs for rappers while girls move they pelvis
I am a celebrity who is in high demand, even among other successful artists and attractive women
Write songs quickly for Elton John or Lionel Richie
I have an extensive musical talent and can write songs quickly for other artists
Call up my butler, get clothes washed by the maid
I am living a luxurious life where I can request tasks to be done by my staff
Ivory soap; this is clean; feel like Cascade
I use high-quality soap and feel clean and refreshed
I count the bills, roll to Detroit in Sedan De villes
I have a lot of money and can afford luxurious cars to travel in
I throw my skully on, big robe like Marvin Gaye
I have a stylish fashion sense and draw inspiration from icons like Marvin Gaye
Step in the front row, prime time; I move your way
I command attention when I enter a room or perform on stage
Budweiser Fest sound check, demanding more respect
I have earned respect and am not afraid to demand it
I come correct through the Metro and turn y'all petrol
I am assertive and powerful in my actions, like turning fuel into energy
I'm up here early, bitin' donuts, sippin' on espresso
I am a hard worker, starting my day early and fueling myself with caffeine and sweets
While you sleep, I creep, gainin' ground by the week
I am always working and improving, even when others are sleeping
Ampex reels, makin' phone calls; I'm closin' deals
I am a businessman, making important phone calls and closing deals
I move with skill, ride through Philly streets in Cherry Hill
I am skilled at navigating and traveling through cities
I'm doin' it well, I'm doin' it swell
I am highly successful and doing very well for myself
Flying saucers, spaceships move at warp speed
My life is like a sci-fi adventure, moving at an incredible pace
MTV level three when I fly on BET
My fame and influence are so great that my appearances on television stations are highly regarded
Livin' astro; tell me how you feel
My life is unique and exciting, and I want to know how others feel about it
Movin' roughly, straight to the desert, San Antonio
I am always on the move, traveling to new and different places
I talk swift; the rock king, black Romeo
I am charismatic and smooth-talking, like a rockstar or romantic hero
I pack clubs; promoters put me out in Tokyo
I am highly demanded and can pack out clubs and venues, even in international locations like Tokyo
Damage your area; I'm a launch a fierce missile
I am powerful and can cause damage or destruction, like a missile
I roll schools, movin' butt like I'm toilet tissue
I am always moving and shaking things up, like a roll of toilet paper
What is your issue? You over, man; I don't miss you
I am successful and confident, and don't have time for those who doubt me or my talent
Scottie soft, you play like Jan Van Breda Kolff
You are weak and lack skill, like a basketball player who is not very good
New Jersey Nets real man; you ain't no Donald Hillman
I am a real man and a true success, unlike those who try to bring me down
Bald head like Slick Watts, I run rap like Mayor Koch
I am a unique and memorable figure, like a bald basketball player or popular politician
Forward your info while Tony Lou crank the Benzo
I am always making moves and progressing, even while riding in a luxury car
Move out your driveway; white girls look, turn they eye away
I am confident and unforgettable, causing others to become intimidated or infatuated with me
Jealous in fact, tryin' to rip the capes off my back
Others are envious and are trying to tear me down, like a superhero losing their cape
I move with calm and potential through instrumentals
I am a skilled and talented musician who can create powerful music
Y'all front on BET with slum gold, drivin' rentals
Others try to act successful but are actually struggling, renting cars and appearing only on a lower-level TV channel
I get real dino, runnin' groups like a rhino
I am powerful and strong, running groups and projects like a wild animal
Endin' careers - that's my job; yo, your rap is final
I have the power to end others' careers or impact their success, and am unafraid to do so
Cancel your in-stores; your new job is moppin' floors
Others who cross me will suffer consequences, even losing their jobs and having to do menial labor
Fixin' tiles, stoppin' potholes up on the roof
Those who anger me will have to perform unpleasant or difficult tasks, like fixing tiles or potholes
You work for service
Others are beneath me and work for my service, like employees or servants
Pull your hoods down; I bum rush your after party
I am the center of attention and can crash anyone's party or gathering
Have your manager scared, the radio station say I'm sorry
I am influential and can scare or intimidate others, even causing apologies from a radio station
Pack your bags; I move my luggage to the coliseum
I am always on the move, even bringing my own luggage to venues
Infinite prime piece with statues in the rock museum
I am monumental and important, like a statue in a museum
Changin' my zones, drinkin' cocktails on cellular phones
I am constantly moving, switching my environment, while remaining cool and collected with a drink in my hand and phone in the other
I tour with Anthrax through Texas with the Rolling Stones
I am so famous and influential that I can tour with legendary rock bands, like Anthrax and the Rolling Stones
Booked by the agency, famous artists payin' me
I am in high demand and am being paid by other famous artists
Hotels with fly room, with sneakers starin' at the moon
I can afford luxurious hotels with cool rooms and amazing views
Mad atmosphere, ridin' first class on British Air
I am always living in luxury, even when flying in first class on an airline
Lobster and steak while y'all back in time doin' remakes
I am living a life of luxury and success while others are stuck in the past, trying to recreate past successes
I'm futuristic, nine-nine to the year four thousand
I am ahead of my time and living in the future
I make announcements, drop skills, then I bounce with
I am always making big announcements and showcasing my talents before moving on to the next big thing
Fly young ladies, AMG kicks, 2000 Mercedes
I have impeccable taste and can attract beautiful women, while driving a sleek and expensive car
Brand new models, only seen one in Colorado
I have exclusive and rare possessions, like a new car model that has only been seen in one state
Light green metallic in the Shark Bar eatin' salad
I can enjoy a healthy meal while also being surrounded by nightlife and luxury
Lorenzo Wills, valet park, shoppin' in Beverly Hills
I shop in exclusive and high-end locations, even having my car valet parked
Step up your wildest spaceship, kid, in the Plymouth Prowler
I encourage others to improve their lives and taste, by upgrading from a Plymouth Prowler to a more impressive vehicle or lifestyle
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: KEITH THORNTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@chibang492
Heyókȟa The Lakȟóta
Mitkuye oyasin.
I will call you.
Im working right now.
Just posted this from galaxynote.
Alot going, very occupied on at the moment working.
But yes, i definately will call you this weekend.
We have a lot to talk about brother.
I saved your number.
Im not posting my number publicly, but you will have my number when i call.
:-)
Shit just got real.
:-)
@HipHopUniverse
We need songs like this again in Hip-Hop!
@HLX83
hip hop is dead
@waldimekum
Still listening in 2016, it means something ;)
@iBust
HIP HOP is bigger than ever its a culture. Dont confuse hip hop with rap, hip pop or any wack mainstream shit
@ghettyfettytv6650
Hip-Hop Universe
Aye love your vids
@justinkillsaquino
Then listen to Pusha T. He's a modern lyrics rapper.
P.S. You "Old School vs New School" videos are so biased that it's retarded. Imagine if we only put modern lyrical rappers against wack artists from the 90 like MC Hammer. Like come on, dude.
@TheHekstar
Who’s still on this in 2023? Black elvis 2 is banging too
@nickjohnson710
Kool keith is the 👑
@frunkiss
in the year 4000, Keith will finally get his due
@Young-M
😂🔥👍🏻