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)
Sly We Fly
Kool Keith Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I'm the obtuse and acute guy
I'm known as Motion Noggin Nodder
My flow is so dark I open coffins like I'm Dracula
And I'm that kid who raps about who what?
We pull the drawers off girls who (sly we fly)
We washin' gold and silver (sly, we fly)
We walk in clubs with sneakers (sly, we fly)
We look out windows and stare (sly, we fly)
We fly the planes ourselves (sly, we fly)
And if our records don't sell (sly, we fly)
I put my MASK on, another night for the Phantom
I got the Halloween jack-o-latern
Yo?, I know some kids funny Silly Putty PlayDoh
They want to step to farms, and build a hay dough
I drag bodies on down the yellow brick road, like leprechauns
I come in comet killer mode
Yo grab your neck and your mail
With a WIC check, plus I inspect my roots
And walk in naked, with spirits and Ouija board
I Shake-n-Bake it naked, like Betty Crocker
I use a black marker, I draw your face in a sketch
Like an artiste
Two broken arms from my shoulder have a piece
Yum yum, you know you welcome, come in dumb-dumb
Hey what's that smell down there? Look in the basement
Two eyes missin', next day, where your face went?
With Dolly Parton music playin' in my pickup truck
My gold sandwich, a swigger liquor chewin' duck
I got no taste, no salt, I need mayonnaise
I'm lookin' at TV, lookin' for good love, and some lovin'
We pull the drawers off girls who (sly, we fly)
We washin' gold and silver (sly, we fly)
We walk in clubs with sneakers (sly, we fly)
We look out windows and stare (sly, we fly)
We fly the planes ourselves (sly, we fly)
And if our records don't sell (sly, we fly)
Deckin' in chins, to knock a rapper, he's bawlin' bro
Off in my Timbs, I makes an exit
As ill I cut the cheese and step from forks
That's when I'm Superdot
I kicks an offer with terms, unpatterened knowledgist
A species unkind when human three minds, one head
That brother took the alley (I followed him) he's dead
He's datin' Yakos Alli (she's awful) gives head
Say what? Your coat is red, he's just a white guy, I know
He likes marijuana, I like, holding his bitch
Make giggles in the sauna, rap when I swerve, ?
Hey bud, I got your phone number I called you hung up
You push *69, you broke into a cold and hot sweat
That's no address of mine, you reached some mortuary
You're talkin' to an empty box, I'm gettin' away
I'm gettin' away, I'm gettin' away
We pull the drawers off girls who (sly, we fly)
We washin' gold and silver (sly, we fly)
We walk in clubs with sneakers (sly, we fly)
We look out windows and stare (sly, we fly)
We fly the planes ourselves (sly, we fly)
And if our records don't sell (sly, we fly)
I creep in Cutlass, my orange my blue, my black self green
The robot yo six-fo', you buggin' lookin' mean
(Yeah, we pay no mind to eyeballs, and kids as rivals)
We got our money in stacks, you bet your chicken shirt
With massive ammo, the fools out there don't want no work
(With massive ammo, the fools out there don't want no work)
This ain't no movie, no play, you in a matinee
I'm watchin' screens of your dreams, you actin' everyday
Playin' a part that you actors can't play
Yo he's perpetratin', gettin' burnt like slab bacon
My days are numbered nitwit, I work in ? spot
My sherm's ill as liquid, I mix it up in big pot
And takes the top off, and adds a drop off
And laughs my ass off, and cakes in my part would rather
I wrap a new bomb, it's serious
I lost my mind, yo help me find it
We pull the drawers off girls who (sly, we fly)
We washin' gold and silver (sly, we fly)
We walk in clubs with sneakers (sly, we fly)
We look out windows and stare (sly, we fly)
We fly the planes ourselves (sly, we fly)
And if our records don't sell (sly, we fly)
Yeah, changin' four years in a flow (that's right)
How many you got? (that's right)
What you think about that girl over there?
What you think about the kid comin' up the blonde?
What you think about Keith walkin' down the block?
Same girl at my bed
Pringles fun?
Give me a couple bucks
How much we need to take in at the party tonight?
The lyrics of Kool Keith’s song “Sly We Fly” are reflective of the alternative hip-hop and horrorcore styles that the rapper is known for. The lyrics are thick with references to macabre themes and shocking images of violence and sexuality. The opening lines are particularly striking, as Kool Keith begins by stating that he is known to “fence” his opponents with his black mask, a clear allusion to masked bandits or robbers. He then goes on to state that he is both the “obtuse and acute guy,” using mathematical terminology to convey his unique intelligence and style.
As the song continues, Kool Keith’s lyrics become increasingly bizarre and unsettling. He describes himself as a “Motion Noggin Nodder,” a term that is difficult to decipher but perhaps implies his ability to bob and weave through his opponents with ease. He (or perhaps a character he’s created) has a dark and vampiric edge, stating that his flow is so dark he can open coffins like Dracula.
The chorus of the song serves to reinforce the central theme of the song – a sense of being above the normal rules and conventions of society. They are “pulling the drawers off girls,” “washing gold and silver,” and even flying planes themselves. The repeated phrase “sly, we fly” suggests a sense of reckless abandon and carefree living.
Overall, “Sly We Fly” is a fascinating but challenging song to interpret. Its dense and often cryptic lyrics, mixed with Kool Keith’s unique delivery style, create a sense of otherworldliness that is both unsettling and captivating.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm known to fence ya with my black mask MC's go to hell
I am notorious for overpowering and defeating other rappers while wearing a disguise, causing them to face defeat and failure.
And I'm the obtuse and acute guy I'm known as Motion Noggin Nodder
I possess both a lack of understanding and a sharp wit, which I demonstrate through my unique and eccentric style of rapping.
My flow is so dark I open coffins like I'm Dracula
The nature of my music is eerie and mysterious, as it evokes imagery of opening coffins just like the famous vampire character, Dracula.
And I'm that kid who raps about who what? That guy whatever
I am the artist who raps about a variety of unconventional topics, often exploring strange or obscure subject matters.
We pull the drawers off girls who (sly we fly)
We smoothly and effortlessly attract and seduce women, leaving them captivated by our charm and charisma.
We washin' gold and silver (sly, we fly)
We engage in illicit activities such as laundering and profiting from valuable resources like gold and silver.
We walk in clubs with sneakers (sly, we fly)
We confidently enter exclusive clubs while wearing casual footwear, symbolizing our carefree and unique attitude.
We look out windows and stare (sly, we fly)
We observe the world from a distance, gazing out of windows with a sense of superiority and detachment.
We fly the planes ourselves (sly, we fly)
We take control and responsibility for our own successes and endeavors, just like piloting a plane.
And if our records don't sell (sly, we fly)
Even if our music doesn't achieve commercial success, we continue to maintain our cool and confident attitudes.
I put my MASK on, another night for the Phantom
I wear a metaphorical mask, assuming a different persona or identity, symbolizing another night of artistic performance.
I got the Halloween jack-o-latern
I possess a spooky and enigmatic presence, resembling the pumpkin used as a jack-o'-lantern on Halloween.
Yo?, I know some kids funny Silly Putty PlayDoh
I am acquainted with individuals who possess a peculiar and unpredictable nature, similar to funny toys like Silly Putty and PlayDoh.
They want to step to farms, and build a hay dough
They are eager to challenge and compete with established artists, intending to make a name for themselves in the music industry.
I drag bodies on down the yellow brick road, like leprechauns
I metaphorically lead and manipulate others towards their downfall, just like mischievous leprechauns leading people astray.
I come in comet killer mode
I arrive with an unstoppable and destructive force, ready to conquer and eliminate any opposition.
Yo grab your neck and your mail
I seize both your physical and metaphorical possessions, leaving you in a state of vulnerability and defeat.
With a WIC check, plus I inspect my roots
I receive government assistance and simultaneously examine and appreciate my origins and cultural background.
And walk in naked, with spirits and Ouija board
I metaphorically expose my true self, surrounded by supernatural forces and using a Ouija board as a means of communication.
I Shake-n-Bake it naked, like Betty Crocker
I confidently and boldly embrace who I am, just like Betty Crocker's Shake-n-Bake method of cooking without hesitation.
I use a black marker, I draw your face in a sketch
I symbolically mark and depict your identity with a black marker, capturing and revealing your true essence through my artistic skill.
Like an artiste Two broken arms from my shoulder have a piece
Similar to a skilled artist, I possess talent and creativity, despite facing obstacles and setbacks.
Yum yum, you know you welcome, come in dumb-dumb
I sarcastically express hospitality, mocking your lack of intelligence or naivety.
Hey what's that smell down there? Look in the basement
I playfully inquire about a mysterious odor, suggesting that you investigate the basement for its source.
Two eyes missin', next day, where your face went?
After encountering me, you may find yourself disoriented and confused, wondering what happened to your once intact identity.
With Dolly Parton music playin' in my pickup truck
As I drive my pickup truck, I ironically listen to Dolly Parton's music, displaying a juxtaposition between my tough exterior and softer tastes.
My gold sandwich, a swigger liquor chewin' duck
I indulge in luxurious and extravagant pleasures, exemplified by a gold metaphorical sandwich and drinking copious amounts of alcohol.
I got no taste, no salt, I need mayonnaise
I lack discernment or refinement, requiring excessive condiments like mayonnaise to enhance my experiences.
I'm lookin' at TV, lookin' for good love, and some lovin'
I passively watch television, longing for genuine affection and emotional connection.
Deckin' in chins, to knock a rapper, he's bawlin' bro
I skillfully deliver powerful punches to a rapper's chin, causing them distress and pain.
Off in my Timbs, I makes an exit
I swiftly leave the scene, wearing my Timberland boots and displaying confidence in my departure.
As ill I cut the cheese and step from forks
With effortless skill, I deliver impactful lines and leave my audience amazed, just like cutting a slice of cheese and stepping away from utensils.
That's when I'm Superdot
I transform into a superior and unstoppable force, showcasing my extraordinary abilities.
I kicks an offer with terms, unpatterened knowledgist
I present a unique and unconventional proposition, challenging the mainstream understanding and knowledge.
A species unkind when human three minds, one head
When humans possess three distinct personalities or perspectives within one body, the resulting entity can be unkind and difficult to comprehend.
That brother took the alley (I followed him) he's dead
I pursued and tracked down an individual who tried to escape through an alley, resulting in his demise.
He's datin' Yakos Alli (she's awful) gives head
He is romantically involved with a woman named Yakos Alli, who is unpleasant and known for performing oral sex.
Say what? Your coat is red, he's just a white guy, I know
I express surprise and disbelief at the appearance of a coat being red, highlighting the contrast between its color and the person wearing it.
He likes marijuana, I like, holding his bitch
He enjoys using marijuana, while I take pleasure in exerting dominance over his romantic partner.
Make giggles in the sauna, rap when I swerve, ?
I generate laughter and amusement even in unexpected situations, and I continue to rap regardless of the distractions or obstacles.
Hey bud, I got your phone number I called you hung up
My friend, I obtained your phone number and attempted to contact you, but you promptly ended the call.
You push *69, you broke into a cold and hot sweat
You used the *69 feature to call back, causing you to feel both anxious and overwhelmed.
That's no address of mine, you reached some mortuary
The address you reached is irrelevant to me, as it belongs to a funeral home.
You're talkin' to an empty box, I'm gettin' away
You are having a conversation with no one, while I am successfully escaping and avoiding any consequences.
Yeah, changin' four years in a flow (that's right)
Indeed, my style and approach to rap have evolved over the past four years, adapting and improving.
How many you got? (that's right)
How many accomplishments or achievements do you possess? (Indeed)
What you think about that girl over there?
What are your thoughts or opinions regarding the girl present in this vicinity?
What you think about the kid comin' up the blonde?
What are your impressions of the young individual making their way forward with a blonde appearance?
What you think about Keith walkin' down the block?
What are your observations or opinions about Keith as he traverses the area?
Same girl at my bed
The girl present at my bed is the same as before.
Pringles fun?
Do you find enjoyment or amusement in consuming Pringles chips?
Give me a couple bucks
Provide me with a small amount of money.
How much we need to take in at the party tonight?
What is the target amount of money we aim to collect during tonight's party?
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: KEITH THORNTON, KURT MATLIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind