Plastic World
Kool Keith Lyrics

Yeah cool Keith should keep it real
The artist should stay true to himself and not follow trends or conform to the mainstream.

He should rap about space and Mars...
The artist should explore new and unique concepts to rap about, such as science fiction and outer space.

Yo I'm tired of looking at everybody. Same boots, skully hats in 90 degree weather looking to get into clubs for free. I'm not smoking blunts or looking for jazz records at the Roosevelt.
The artist is tired of seeing people mindlessly following trends and trying to be something they're not just to fit in, and he himself is not interested in such things either.

I left New York the city itself was stress depression High boots and urban beats that wasn't my direction Producers filtering join in with R&B A million rappers, some clones trying to sound like me Biting my space styles, biting my horror-core All I saw was cool Keiths on my thaw Record companies had G'd-off all my royalties Watching vinyl spin, local groups' wack MC's Some try to rap with that perpetrate mobster crap Karl Kani jeans, fat stomachs in the limousines Mixtapes by wack DJs adds doo doo play I'm on the turnpike, the city drifting down the highway Like a mirage, the style there is all illusion On videos out of town, peoples buy confusion Rolling high with cash pulled over down my eye Since I've been out, y'all can't see
The artist left New York due to the stress and depression caused by the constant pressure to conform to mainstream rap styles and the cutthroat music industry that takes advantage of artists. He also criticizes the lack of originality and the overwhelming number of rappers and producers trying to sound like him or copy his style, as well as the fake gangster image that some rappers try to portray. He sees the whole scene as an illusion that tricks people into following trends, and he feels like he can see the situation clearly after distancing himself from it.

Is the world made of plastic? Is the city buried in dreams? (Yeah) Is the world made of plastic? Cause that's the way is seems (Owww)
The artist questions whether the world and the city he lives in are genuine or just superficial and fake, as if made of plastic. He wonders if people are living in a dream world and are disconnected from reality, leading them to chase after superficial things like fame and money.

Watching TV so bored, while imbeciles hold the mic cord Graffiti playgrounds are played out, yo how'd that sound? Army fatigues are weak, is for the minor leagues No rapping cyphers or brothers in the rented Benz Crews on stage, acting hard with a thousand friends I saw the place turn plastic, crackers looping beats People with no deals, walkmen rappin' on the streets I turned my back, 90% of the city sounded wack Payola scams switched DJ's like a rubber band Everybody clear with beats trying to be Premier Clearing samples, your SP-12 fake examples My money grows with green from my own label While you act rich with no cash on the bigger label Your tri-state ways are shut down by barricades In fact I packed my bags, and listened to E-40 Mac Mall, see-Bo, and other rappers you don't know You're narrow-minded and styles of mind you won't find it My sound proceeds with moog and undertone bass No comic gimmicks with beats rapping in my face I come back real, solid rock razor steel Tap your program, show the world I'm the man You copy Poppa Large, the industry is large
The artist criticizes the state of the rap scene, as people with no talent or originality are taking over and holding the mic just because they fit the trend. He sees the hip-hop subculture with its graffiti, army fatigues, and rented cars as a hollow representation of what it used to be. He also notes the oversaturation of rap crews trying to act hard and the lack of authentic music, as people switch DJs and copy popular producers' beats without any creativity. The artist is proud to work on his own music and build his own label, recognizing the limitations and difficulties of the industry. He challenges other artists to step up their game and come back with originality and authenticity if they don't want to be just another copycat.

As I do see sorta rugged wack beer commercials Some rappers are bought and puppeteered like the Ninja Turtles From Manhattan I heat up, yo light up Times Square I make noise like open high hats on your cheap snare No promotional shows, girls wear corn rows People with hooded sweaters on crack keep me on my toes I walk with straw hats, fake glasses in the projects Bring my ghost image so tense on the line of scrimmage Playing my numbers, waiting for the Five to come Spaghetti out the window, people acting dumb Fire hazards wake the neighbors, your family's nosy I come and go as I please on blockhead MC's You bought new sneakers, no car, scrambling on the corner I'm not the star you are, the city's fallen far By mechanism, you're on my tip Stay off my penis, you've duplicated me for years Yeah, yeah, yeah, you are the one
The artist talks about his presence in the city and his disregard for the commercialized rap industry. He criticizes the artists who sell out and become puppets for corporations, comparing them to Ninja Turtles toy characters. He makes noise and creates a buzz in Times Square and other places on his own and without promotional shows or corny gimmicks. He moves around the projects wearing straw hats and fake glasses, keeping a low profile and releasing his tension through his music. He is aware of the dangers of living in the city, such as fire hazards and nosy neighbors, but he feels free to come and go as he pleases and create music without following trends or copying other artists. He recognizes the influence he has on the rap scene and calls out the imitators who have been trying to copy his style for years.

[Chorus]
The artist repeats the chorus that questions the genuineness of the world and the city as he sees it, and reflects on whether everything is just a superficial facade.

[Chorus
The artist repeats the chorus that questions the genuineness of the world and the city as he sees it, and reflects on whether everything is just a superficial facade.