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)
Master of the Game
Kool Keith Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
{He's the master of the game!}
From the South Bronx
I've been doin this
{All the girls know his name}
All the way from the Northeast to the West
Down South Miami Florida
{He's the master of the game!}
Tallahassee {Tallahassee}
Master of the game
{In the rappin' Hall of Fame!}
Like Tag Team, back again
Here we go, with a flow, get dealt with quick
Now Joe I know my rap style pro
Let 'em know, with the quickness, y'all need to witness
Step to the side, y'all mind y'all business
Exercise, like physical fitness
Ride through, I glide through
Bass pump to the trunks inside you
We move it quickly, rap styles swift be
Cadillac rollin', neck full gold and
Crafty and nasty, can't put it past me
Step with skills, better call your family
Turn adverse worse, climb in the first verse
Move when I back it up, attack and I smack it up
Girls connectin' it, Ultra legend and
Why y'all rhymes soft, fruity affectionate
I keep steppin' and, boost my rep again
Speed up, go slow, you got the next then
Do the La Bamba, turn to Mexican
Swift to shift up, change the pitch up
DJ mix ups, your face get fixed up
Nuts get licked up, quickly, strictly
[Chorus: x2]
{He's the master of the game!} (the master)
{All the girls know his name}
{He's the master of the game!} (the master)
{In the rappin' Hall of Fame!}
I'm warnin', watch yo' backpack mack
Yo' crack lack facts I attacks yo' wax
So fast you press up mess up step up
Through this when I do this
I'm the smoothest when I groove it speedy
Turn back yo, don't try to be greedy
Houston, Tex, out of New York City
Girls get pretty, go lickin' them titties
Astrofunk it revolve in the trunk and
Party's live, might turn into somethi'
Let them know though, I'm still pro dough
Companies what, want to sign me solo
It's Keith you need, let your man try to read
Ease the bleed, shut up animal feed
Step to Keith, let you know what it be G
Cruiser shades, at the bar can't see me
Crispy atoms, grab em, pat em
Suckers don't know, how bad I'm madam
Turn and flex and servin' necks and
Indiana wrecks then fools want to flex and
Y'all won't know when I pull up in a Lex and
MasterCards, with certified checks and
Bank bills, fly rims in the hills
Y'all get cups, get more refills
[Chorus]
Check your watch, now watch me partner
Start to welcome back kids like Kotter
Move your pants, while I rock a little harder
Hoes and foes, hit em all with blows
Watch girls work it, movin' unopposed
Hip to flip, throw the thing to they lip
When I dress, yes, put em all to the test
Rock a suede vest, pink jewels on my chest
Rappin', clappin', fingers start snappin'
Watch how you actin, I'm rubbin' on the back
And MC's is slack and your groups sound wack
Where'd you turn be? Nobody burn me
Style get complex, why you concerned be ?
I'm your chalkboard, now you can learn me
Round and round and big bass soundin'
Down South Hustler, big bass poundin'
East West, top down to the bone
Motorola, on my cellular phone
Change the tone, get up out my zone
Movin' next to you, rhyme will flex to you
Stop I'm overdue, jumpin' over you
Status gold, to the baddest bro
[Chorus]
In "Master of the Game," Kool Keith raps about his prowess as a rapper and his control of the game. He boasts about his ability to rap quickly and smoothly, to take on anyone who tries to challenge him, and to attract women with his fame. He is not shy about expressing his confidence in his abilities, and he makes it clear that he is a true master of the game, one who has achieved fame and respect in the rap community. He references various cities in the US, including the South Bronx, Northeast, West, Miami Florida, Jacksonville, and Tallahassee, among others. Kool Keith also talks about his style, his luxurious possessions, and his ability to make people dance with his music. With these lyrics, he establishes himself not only as a successful rapper but as a true icon in the genre.
Line by Line Meaning
He's the master of the game!
Kool Keith is a master and highly skilled in the rap game.
All the girls know his name
Kool Keith is well-known and admired by women in different regions of the United States.
He's the master of the game!
Kool Keith is highly regarded and respected in the rap community.
In the rappin' Hall of Fame!
Kool Keith's talent has earned him a place in the rap hall of fame.
Like Tag Team, back again
Kool Keith is making a comeback, similar to the rap duo Tag Team.
Here we go, with a flow, get dealt with quick
Kool Keith's rap skills are powerful and quick, ready to dominate the game.
Now Joe I know my rap style pro
Kool Keith is an experienced rapper with an extremely professional style.
Let 'em know, with the quickness, y'all need to witness
Kool Keith wants everyone to know and see his talent and skills.
Step to the side, y'all mind y'all business
Kool Keith isn't afraid to tell others to stay out of his way and let him do his thing.
Exercise, like physical fitness
Kool Keith's rap skills are sharp and exercise his talent like physical exercise.
Ride through, I glide through
Kool Keith's rap flows smoothly and effortlessly as he rides through different regions.
Girls connectin' it, Ultra legend and
Kool Keith is a legend in rap and well-connected to women.
Y'all rhymes soft, fruity affectionate
Other rappers' rhymes are weak and overly emotional, lacking power and edge.
I keep steppin' and, boost my rep again
Kool Keith continues to build his reputation and gain more respect in the rap community.
Turn back yo, don't try to be greedy
Kool Keith warns others not to be greedy or try to compete with his mastery.
Girls get pretty, go lickin' them titties
Kool Keith is surrounded by beautiful women who are sexually attracted to him.
Party's live, might turn into somethi'
Kool Keith's parties are lively and may turn into something more exciting.
I'm rubbin' on the back
Kool Keith is getting intimate and physical with women.
Where'd you turn be? Nobody burn me
Kool Keith is untouchable and no one can compete with him.
Style get complex, why you concerned be?
Other rappers' styles are complicated and difficult, but why does that concern Kool Keith?
East West, top down to the bone
Kool Keith is known all across the country, from East to West, and is fearless in his mastery.
Motorola, on my cellular phone
Kool Keith is highly connected with the world, even on his mobile phone.
Change the tone, get up out my zone
Kool Keith warns others to change their style and leave his zone, as he's the master of this game.
Status gold, to the baddest bro
Kool Keith's status is highly revered and admired by even the baddest individuals in the rap world.
Lyrics © THE BICYCLE MUSIC COMPANY
Written by: KEITH THORNTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@DeeDee-bk5jr
Kool Keith is a legend. R.I.P Roger.
@burgelkutt
The greatest MC of all time
@MrVendetta210
goddamn keith is just a goddamn legend
@tkp67
Master of the Game
@leejenkins9968
Facts
@johnmcdonald1237
always ahead of the game.
@ChiefKillaCue
Fav rapper, this dude murders!!
@dalilinfant5170
Keith was one of the few NYC mc's to mess with west coast and down south styles before it became popular.
@tede.edwards2382
In plastic world he says "listen to rappers nobody knows mac mall e 40 c bo i was blown away when i heard it
@mysticstylez134
Masta ace was from new york too and went west