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)
Poppa Large
Kool Keith Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Your head′s numb, so your brains a miss this
Pick 'em up, eat ′em up, pick 'em up, heat 'em up
Pick ′em up picklehead, pick ′em up picky
I roll wit globs and I come real sticky
Grippin' the mic, I plug it up in your ears
Crazed and brewer. I′m coming out like beers
Like Rheingold, Miller, Coors, and Buds
Coming out the wick wack, wicky, wickable wack
Black jack, that′s a fact, writing exact behind your back
The funk rhyme'n master, blaster
Kicking up in a brainstorm, rainstorm
Rap storm, rap form
Rap time, rap rhyme
Rap class, I'm here to fail and to pass
To continue, furthermore on the hype tip
I roll and rock, rock and roll
Jazz and pop, rhythm and Blues
Dance and fusion, brain confusion
Look at the lights, what a night on the town
I′m Poppa Large, big shot on the East coast
Now I′m back to funk, freak the funk
Hype the funk, swipe the funk and all that junk
I get busy on 'em, communicate wit the world
Man, woman, a baby boy and a girl
Poppa large looking out the bombs drop
Taking stroud while your face and arms drop
Stop, look, learn to read, learn to write
Learn to talk, learn to walk
And watch your step though, I′m hype and ripe though
Kleptomaniac, a rhyme'n psycho
A Ricky Ricardo, a Guy Lombardo
Sporting a ragtop, an El Dorado
Step into Hollywood, I′m screening the boulevards
The rhymes is gain type, I'm ready to pull a card
Jack′a Ace, King'a Queen
Call me the deuce, I'm pouring out like juice
Hitting the top, feeling the rim
Getting a trim, I never rhyme like them
On and on, on and on, on and on
Until the break of dawn
I go overtime, rock the mic in nighttime
Daytime, switching off to Primetime
Pacific east, strolling back in the west time
Ride the funk wit the mic in the east rhyme
Hype and dope, hype the frame
The mic is smoking, yo I ain′t joking
Rhyme to kill, rhyme to murder, rhyme to stomp
Rhyme to ill, rhyme to rock
Rhyme to smack, rhyme to shock, rhyme to roll
Rhyme to destroy any decoy boy
On the microphone
I′m Poppa Large, big shot on the East coast
You're dripping sweaty, coming hard on your neck
As I flow and grow from head to toe
Seeking a style like John McEnroe
Dissing ′em all, serving them wit the mic stand
Like Prince and Michael coming out wit a big band
The crowd is live, you can play as the manager
Run wit the money, I pull the trigger and damage ya
Boom, taking life more serious
I may sound lyrical and very mysterious
Rhymes are grip tight, program to kill more
A son of Sam, how could I be Gilmore?
Grabbing the mic, you see the dark and shadows
You're in living hell, without time to battle
The funk ignited, hands are writing, brains dividing
I′m coming out in sighting
Like I'm Blackula, a better man that Dracula
Spectacular and not irregular
In fact you are speaking impopular
Rhymes are moved and you can′t be stop wit the
Beat as it goes to the rhyme that flows
Like a coke in a straw burning up in your nose
That's a bad habit, stepping out on stage one
Drop the mic, come and turn to page one
Look at the master, my rank is higher
My lyrical burns, your brain's on fire
I′m Poppa Large, big shot on the East coast
The lyrics of Kool Keith's song "Poppa Large" speaks about the US rapper's lyrical prowess and his dominance in the rap industry. He boasts of keeping himself in shape physically, while accusing his competitors of having numb heads and their brains missing the message. He uses wordplay such as pick 'em up picklehead, pick 'em up picky, and references beer brands like Rheingold, Miller, Coors, and Buds. Kool Keith talks about coming out of the wick wack, wicky, wickable wack, about being a funk rhyme'n master, blaster, and his ability to kick up in a brainstorm, rainstorm, rap storm, rap form, rap time, and rap rhyme.
He claims to be here to fail and pass the rap class, and he goes on to hype up the funk, swipe the funk, and communicating with the world. Kool Keith references the bombs dropping, and he advises others to learn to read, write, talk, and walk while watching their step. He talks about being ready to pull a card as he steps into Hollywood, and he is sporting an El Dorado. He references different time zones, and he boasts about hitting the top and feeling the rim while getting a trim and never rhyming like them. He ends by stating that his lyrical burns, while his competitor's brain is on fire.
Line by Line Meaning
I keep in shape and do my physical fitness
I prioritize my physical health and regularly engage in exercise.
Your head's numb, so your brains a miss this
You lack intelligence and cannot comprehend what I'm saying.
Pick 'em up, eat 'em up, pick 'em up, heat 'em up
I dominate my opponents, defeating them with ease.
Pick 'em up picklehead, pick 'em up picky
I mock those who underestimate me and easily defeat them.
I roll wit globs and I come real sticky
I have a strong following and my rhymes stick with the listeners.
Grippin' the mic, I plug it up in your ears
I hold the microphone firmly, delivering my words directly to your ears.
Crazed and brewer. I'm coming out like beers
I am energetic and unpredictable, bursting onto the scene like beers popping open.
Like Rheingold, Miller, Coors, and Buds
Just like popular beer brands, I am well-known and leave a lasting impression.
I'm a eat 'em wit popcorn and treat 'em like suds you duds
I will enjoy watching my opponents fail while comparing them to worthless soap suds.
Coming out the wick wack, wicky, wickable wack
I emerge from the chaotic and unconventional world of hip-hop, full of creativity and uniqueness.
Black jack, that's a fact, writing exact behind your back
I am skilled at manipulating words, crafting precise and clever rhymes behind your back.
The funk rhyme'n master, blaster
I am a master at creating funky rhymes that captivate and blow your mind.
Kicking up in a brainstorm, rainstorm
I generate ideas and lyrics at a rapid pace, like a storm of creativity.
Rap storm, rap form
I bring a storm of rap music in its purest form, showcasing my talent and skill.
Rap time, rap rhyme
It's time for me to rap, delivering smooth and clever rhymes.
Rap class, I'm here to fail and to pass
I am confident in my abilities as a rapper and ready to face any challenge, whether I succeed or fail.
To continue, furthermore on the hype tip
Moving forward, I will maintain my high-energy and excitement for the music.
I roll and rock, rock and roll
I smoothly transition between different styles and genres, effortlessly blending rock and rap.
Jazz and pop, rhythm and Blues
I am versatile in my musical taste and draw inspiration from various genres, including jazz, pop, and blues.
Dance and fusion, brain confusion
I incorporate dance elements and fuse different styles together, challenging the listener's perception and creating a mental overload.
Look at the lights, what a night on the town
I am surrounded by the vibrant atmosphere of the city, enjoying the excitement and celebration.
Now I'm back to funk, freak the funk
Returning to my roots, I embrace funk music and deliver a unique and infectious style.
Hype the funk, swipe the funk and all that junk
I am enthusiastic about the funk genre, fully engaging in its energy and disregarding any negativity or criticism.
I get busy on 'em, communicate wit the world
I actively engage with my audience, using my music as a means to connect and express myself globally.
Man, woman, a baby boy and a girl
My music appeals to people of all genders and ages, bringing enjoyment to a diverse audience.
Poppa large looking out the bombs drop
As a prominent figure in the industry, I oversee and observe the impact of major developments and changes.
Taking stroud while your face and arms drop
I excel during moments of chaos or adversity, while others struggle and lose their composure.
Stop, look, learn to read, learn to write
I encourage individuals to pause and educate themselves, emphasizing the importance of literacy and knowledge.
Learn to talk, learn to walk
It's crucial to develop effective communication and independent mobility skills.
And watch your step though, I'm hype and ripe though
I am always full of energy and excitement, so be cautious and keep up with me.
Kleptomaniac, a rhyme'n psycho
I possess an uncontrollable urge to steal the spotlight and deliver mind-blowing rhymes with a touch of madness.
A Ricky Ricardo, a Guy Lombardo
I embody the charisma of Ricky Ricardo from 'I Love Lucy' and the musical talent of Guy Lombardo, creating a unique fusion of entertainment and music.
Sporting a ragtop, an El Dorado
I display sophistication and style by driving a convertible or luxurious Cadillac El Dorado.
Step into Hollywood, I'm screening the boulevards
As I enter the glamorous world of Hollywood, I become the center of attention and command the streets with my presence.
The rhymes is gain type, I'm ready to pull a card
My rhymes are of superior quality, and I'm prepared to challenge and outwit anyone who attempts to compete.
Jack'a Ace, King'a Queen
I am the master of the game, holding the highest-ranked cards and trumping any opponent.
Call me the deuce, I'm pouring out like juice
Dubbed as 'the deuce,' I pour out my talents and lyrics effortlessly, as smooth as pouring juice.
Hitting the top, feeling the rim
I am reaching the pinnacle of success, experiencing the thrill and satisfaction of achieving greatness.
Getting a trim, I never rhyme like them
I constantly refine and enhance my skills, ensuring that I always stand out and have a unique style of rhyming.
On and on, on and on, on and on
I continue to deliver my rhymes without pause or interruption, maintaining my momentum and captivating the audience.
Until the break of dawn
I will keep rhyming until the early morning, without allowing exhaustion to hinder my performance.
I go overtime, rock the mic in nighttime
I extend my performance beyond the expected time, showcasing my skills and captivating the audience during the night.
Daytime, switching off to Primetime
Whether it's day or night, I effortlessly transition from regular performance to prime time, delivering exceptional entertainment.
Pacific east, strolling back in the west time
I traverse the country, from the Pacific coast to the East coast, and effortlessly return to the West coast, maintaining my dominance.
Ride the funk wit the mic in the east rhyme
I embrace the funky vibes of the East coast and deliver rhymes that encompass its unique style and energy.
Hype and dope, hype the frame
I exude excitement and excellence, elevating the art form and energizing the scene.
The mic is smoking, yo I ain't joking
I am so skilled and intense on the microphone that it appears to be emitting smoke, emphasizing the seriousness of my performance.
Rhyme to kill, rhyme to murder, rhyme to stomp
I possess deadly and impactful rhymes that can annihilate and overpower any competition.
Rhyme to ill, rhyme to rock
My rhymes are infectious and addictive, causing listeners to groove and rock to the rhythm.
Rhyme to smack, rhyme to shock, rhyme to roll
I deliver rhymes that pack a punch, shocking and electrifying the audience, creating a powerful and memorable experience.
Rhyme to destroy any decoy boy
I possess the ability to completely dismantle and outshine any fake or inferior rappers attempting to imitate my style.
On the microphone
I am a force to be reckoned with when it comes to my delivery and performance on the microphone.
You're dripping sweaty, coming hard on your neck
I am causing you to feel intense pressure and nervousness, making you sweat and feel uncomfortable.
As I flow and grow from head to toe
I continuously develop and evolve as an artist, spreading my creativity and talent throughout my entire being.
Seeking a style like John McEnroe
I strive to establish my own unique style, similar to that of the legendary tennis player John McEnroe.
Dissing 'em all, serving them wit the mic stand
I confidently criticize and disrespect all my opponents, using the microphone as a weapon to attack and defeat them verbally.
Like Prince and Michael coming out wit a big band
Similar to Prince and Michael Jackson, I emerge with a grand and spectacular performance, backed by a talented and impressive band.
The crowd is live, you can play as the manager
The audience is energetic and enthusiastic, and you can adjust the performance as if you were the manager, tailoring it to their desires.
Run wit the money, I pull the trigger and damage ya
I control the financial aspect of my career and have the power to make or break others' success, exerting influence through my skills.
Boom, taking life more serious
I make a significant impact through my music, approaching life with a greater sense of purpose and responsibility.
I may sound lyrical and very mysterious
My words convey depth and intrigue, as I deliver complex and thought-provoking lyrics.
Rhymes are grip tight, program to kill more
My rhymes possess a strong hold on the audience, programmed to captivate and leave a lasting impression.
A son of Sam, how could I be Gilmore?
Drawing inspiration from infamous criminal Son of Sam, I question how I could be anyone else but myself, avoiding imitation.
Grabbing the mic, you see the dark and shadows
As I take hold of the microphone, you witness the depth and darkness within my artistry, observing my compelling performance.
You're in living hell, without time to battle
On the receiving end of my rhymes, you feel trapped in a tormenting and chaotic state, unable to compete against me.
The funk ignited, hands are writing, brains dividing
My music sparks a surge of funky energy, as my hands effortlessly create lyrics that stimulate the listener's mind and create division between the ordinary and extraordinary.
I'm coming out in sighting
I am emerging into the spotlight, becoming visible and recognized for my exceptional talent.
Like I'm Blackula, a better man that Dracula
Just like the fictional vampire Blackula, I am superior to even the legendary Dracula, possessing greater skills and charisma.
Spectacular and not irregular
I am exceptional and outstanding, not conforming to societal norms or expectations.
In fact you are speaking impopular
Your words hold no weight or significance, as they lack popularity and relevance.
Rhymes are moved and you can't be stop wit the
My rhymes provoke action and motivation, and you are unable to resist or prevent their impact.
Beat as it goes to the rhyme that flows
The rhythm guides and complements the flow and delivery of the lyrics, creating a harmonious combination.
Like a coke in a straw burning up in your nose
Similar to the intense and exhilarating sensation of snorting cocaine, my rhymes ignite a powerful and addictive experience for the listener.
That's a bad habit, stepping out on stage one
My addictive and captivating performance is comparable to a bad habit, as I effortlessly take command of the stage and captivate the audience.
Drop the mic, come and turn to page one
After an impressive performance, I confidently drop the microphone, ready to move on and begin a new chapter in my career.
Look at the master, my rank is higher
Observe and acknowledge my expertise and superiority as a masterful artist, surpassing others in rank and talent.
My lyrical burns, your brain's on fire
My powerful and impactful lyrics ignite a fire within your mind, leaving a lasting impression and stimulating your thoughts.
I'm Poppa Large, big shot on the East coast
I am known as Poppa Large, a prominent and influential figure in the East coast hip-hop scene, commanding respect and attention.
Writer(s): Trevor Don Randolph, Maurice Russell Smith, Keith Mathew Thornton, Cedric Ulmont Miller
Contributed by Owen O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@misanthropiq3433
I keep in shape and do my physical fitness
Your head's numb, so your brains a miss this
Pick 'em up, eat 'em up, pick 'em up, heat 'em up
Pick 'em up picklehead, pick 'em up picky
I roll wit globs and I come real sticky
Grippin' the mic, I plug it up in your ears
Crazed and brewer. I'm coming out like beers
Like Rheingold, Miller, Coors, and Buds
I'm a eat 'em wit popcorn and treat 'em like suds you duds
Coming out the wick wack, wicky, wickable wack
Black jack, that's a fact, writing exact behind your back
The funk rhyme'n master, blaster
Kicking up in a brainstorm, rainstorm
Rap storm, rap form
Rap time, rap rhyme
Rap class, I'm here to fail and to pass
To continue, furthermore on the hype tip
I roll and rock, rock and roll
Jazz and pop, rhythm and Blues
Dance and fusion, brain confusion
Look at the lights, what a night on the town
[Hook]
I'm Poppa Large, big shot on the East coast (4x)
Now I'm back to funk, freak the funk
Hype the funk, swipe the funk and all that junk
I get busy on 'em, communicate wit the world
Man, woman, a baby boy and a girl
Poppa large looking out, the bombs drop
Taking stroud while your face and arms drop
Stop, look, learn to read, learn to write
Learn to talk, learn to walk
And watch your step though, I'm hype and ripe though
Kleptomaniac, a rhyme'n psycho
A Ricky Ricardo, a Guy Lombardo
Sporting a ragtop, an El Dorado
Step into Hollywood, I'm screening the boulevards
The rhymes is gain type, I'm ready to pull a card
Jack'a Ace, King'a Queen
Call me the deuce, I'm pouring out like juice
Hitting the top, feeling the rim
Getting a trim, I never rhyme like them
On and on, on and on, on and on
Until the break of dawn
I go overtime, rock the mic in nighttime
Daytime, switching off to Primetime
Pacific east, strolling back in the west time
Ride the funk wit the mic in the east rhyme
Hype and dope, hype the frame
The mic is smoking, yo I ain't joking
Rhyme to kill, rhyme to murder, rhyme to stomp
Rhyme to ill, rhyme to rock
Rhyme to smack, rhyme to shock, rhyme to roll
Rhyme to destroy any decoy boy
On the microphone
[Hook]
You're dripping sweaty, coming hard on your neck
As I flow and grow from head to toe
Seeking a style like John McEnroe
Dissing 'em all, serving them wit the mic stand
Like Prince and Michael coming out wit a big band
The crowd is live, you can play as the manager
Run wit the money, I pull the trigger and damage ya
Boom, taking life more serious
I may sound lyrical and very mysterious
Rhymes are grip tight, program to kill more
A son of Sam, how could I be Gilmore?
Grabbing the mic, you see the dark and shadows
You're in living hell, without time to battle
The funk ignited, hands are writing, brains dividing
I'm coming out in sighting
Like I'm Blackula, a better man that Dracula
Spectacular and not irregular
In fact you are speaking impopular
Rhymes are moved and you can't be stop wit the
Beat as it goes to the rhyme that flows
Like a coke in a straw burning up in your nose
That's a bad habit, stepping out on stage one
Drop the mic, come and turn to page one
Look at the master, my rank is higher
My lyrical burns, your brain's on fire
[Hook]
@kenjones2182
They're on my list of favorite hip-hop groups ever.
Ultramagnetic MCs
Brand Nubian
Public Enemy
EPMD
Wu-Tang
Mobb Deep
Whodini
Run DMC
Nice & Smooth
Main Source
Heavy D and the Boyz
MOP
Poor Righteous Teachers
BDP
Jungle Brothers
Poison Clan
2LiveKrew
X-Clan
U.T.F.O
Stetsonic
Salt N Pepa
I could go on and on... I wish it were like this again.
@jojoraeburn425
This will never get old it was made tommorow
@JuniorPolancoLaCoalicion
Word. It's actually still being written as we breathe.
@robertbailey2570
True
@marguritemcdonaldmusic9922
I agree with you 100%
@yankees29
“I’m coming like beers...” Futuristic flowwww.
@cdjxman
Great quote, my friend!😎👍
@jayelbee1111
Kool Keith is one of most lyrically abstract emcees to ever command over a microphone. A Hip-Hop legend and a true emcee straight up
@MrTony-sb6nq
Kool Keith 4 President
@AMMAZZARE
Dr Octagon 4 Secretary of Health
@copywrite9120
Shut your corny ass up