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)
The Girls Don't Like the Job
Kool Keith Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm startin' to not to like what's she's doin' at me
She's not on time you know her hair ain't combed
She's not dressed properly
She's always wearin' jeans and this is a company
Where you wear dresses and you look neat and come in
With your briefcase
And we're taking cutbacks somebody gotta get dropped
Capital investments by sequence automatic mechanical problem secure
Space investor, Wall Street Journal analysis
The rates of companies by speed Paine-Webber
Merryl Lynch, no other than Solomon Brothers
Banking system with my computer wisdom
Immaculate suit, pinstriped, with my shirt and tie
Girls know I'm fly -- on the A-X-1 new floppy disk
"Hello? There's somebody out there to see you"
No, tell her to call me back
I'm busy with the President of the United States
Discussing more rates on a higher level
Don't give me feedback, I don't need that
Two trips to Costa Rica, I'll be a week back
Before you sign a new act, find out if they wack
Your budget will be low, and you'll be fired, highly retired
I'm the new boss of this company girl
(I want you to fax yourself to China OK? Do this now)
The girls don't like the job
Secretaries don't like my ways
I hire and fire, give you checks on the spot
I hire and fire, give you checks when it's hot
The girls don't like the job
Secretaries don't like my ways
I hire and fire, give you checks on the spot
I hire and fire, give you checks when it's hot
Down at 55 Water Street
Top official always seein' Chemical Bank, Wells Fargo
Bank of America with my fine secretary Erykah
Me and Al Sharpton was talkin' about real estate in Compton
With a loan from General Mills
I would start a new NBA team Baldwin Hills
The Baldwin Hills Spacemen
Lime green uniforms with a orange basketball logo
The group solo, that's right, dolo
With the commissioner of the basketball
Passin' y'all in my ASR Rolls Royce
Y'all can't stop my voice and opinion, here's a card and my phone extension
Not to mention I ripped up four tickets to the Grammy awards
I had pasta with my new team and my roster
Agents beware, I'm talkin' to Shaq behind the Lakers back
Michael Jordan I'm important, keep tapes recordin'
Buyin baseball stadiums, talkin' to Joe Morgan
Cincinnati Reds, I'm over your heads
Call my limo Nancy, make it fancy, I'm in a rush
No time for coffee, ice cream from Mr. Softie
Tom Hanks calls the base of Keith in the UK
We sold a lot of Mercedes Benz's
And BMW's to the small starving communities
Even as an import, it's just a regular cab in foreign countries
Materialistic for just the ignorant ones only the United States
I'm goin to lunch, I'll be right back
The girls don't like the job!
Cutback on time
Employees research files, tryin to find my styles
Sippin' on a glass of Sprite
Toni Braxton want to sing Pride with me tonight
I gotta work late, the office, the kids, the dog
Puppies, groceries, hopin' these things get done by the end of the week
I been through the week, did you book my airline flight assistant Terry?
You'll get no record deal actin like Neneh Cherry, back to work don't flirt
Give me them passes to the James Brown concert
Front row seats at least, PLEASE don't bother me I need peace
Terry you been late a lot
I hate a lot of those same black pants you wearin' dancin'
Take two days off, I'm goin' to the playoffs
The girls don't like the job
Secretaries don't like my ways
I hire and fire, give you checks on the spot
I hire and fire, give you checks when it's hot
The girls don't like the job
Secretaries don't like my ways
I hire and fire, give you checks on the spot
I hire and fire, give you checks when it's hot
The song "The Girls Don't Like the Job" by Kool Keith is a satirical criticism of corporate culture and those who value materialism and power over hard work and ethical behavior. The first verse introduces Cathy, a woman who is not following the dress code or being punctual, which is seen as a problem. The singer suggests that someone needs to be fired to make cutbacks and keep the company profitable. However, the singer gives the impression that they are above this kind of work and are more concerned with luxury and influence in the business world.
The next verse is a stream of consciousness reflection on investments, companies, and banking systems, and how the singer is connected to them through his own computer wisdom and impeccable fashion sense. He is dismissive of anyone who gives him feedback and boasts about his high-level meetings with politicians and industry leaders. The singer clearly feels superior to everyone around him and enjoys the power he holds over his employees, whom he admits to hiring and firing on a whim.
The chorus underscores the idea that the work is conducted in a toxic environment where the employees are unhappy and the management is narcissistic. The last verse is the clearest and most direct in its criticism of this system. The singer mentions Toni Braxton wants to sing with them but they are too busy with work and personal obligations, which highlights how corrosive the work culture can be. The singer also admits to hating someone and suggests they take two days off, showing a lack of empathy for someone in a subordinate position. The song ends with the repetition of the chorus, emphasizing the pervasive unhappiness that exists in the workplace.
Line by Line Meaning
Hello did Cathy come in today or what?
I wonder if Cathy showed up to work today or not.
I'm startin' to not to like what's she's doin' at me
I'm starting to dislike Cathy's behavior toward me.
She's not on time you know her hair ain't combed
Cathy is frequently late and doesn't take care of her appearance.
She's not dressed properly
Cathy doesn't dress appropriately for work.
She's always wearin' jeans and this is a company
Cathy wears jeans to work, which is not acceptable in this workplace.
Where you wear dresses and you look neat and come in
Employees are expected to wear dresses and look presentable when they come to work.
With your briefcase
Employees are expected to bring a briefcase to work.
And we're taking cutbacks somebody gotta get dropped
Due to budget cuts, someone will have to be laid off from the company.
Capital investments by sequence automatic mechanical problem secure
Financial investments are secure and automated for efficiency.
Space investor, Wall Street Journal analysis
Investors in the space industry are analyzed in the Wall Street Journal.
The rates of companies by speed Paine-Webber
The performance rates of companies are tracked by Paine-Webber.
Merryl Lynch, no other than Solomon Brothers
Merryl Lynch and Solomon Brothers are both reputable financial institutions.
Banking system with my computer wisdom
I have a lot of knowledge when it comes to banking systems and computers.
Immaculate suit, pinstriped, with my shirt and tie
I dress professionally in an impeccably clean suit with a pinstriped shirt and tie.
Girls know I'm fly -- on the A-X-1 new floppy disk
Women are attracted to me, and I use the latest technology, like the A-X-1 floppy disk.
"Hello? There's somebody out there to see you"
I have a phone call, and there is someone waiting to see me.
No, tell her to call me back
I am too busy to talk to her, so ask her to call me later.
I'm busy with the President of the United States
I am in an important meeting with the President of the United States.
Discussing more rates on a higher level
We are talking about financial rates on a higher, more important level.
Don't give me feedback, I don't need that
I don't want any feedback or suggestions from anyone.
Two trips to Costa Rica, I'll be a week back
I am traveling to Costa Rica twice and will be back in a week.
Before you sign a new act, find out if they wack
Before you sign a new deal, make sure the person is not a fraud or bad investment.
Your budget will be low, and you'll be fired, highly retired
If you don't follow my financial guidelines and budget, you will be fired and left with a low budget for retirement.
I'm the new boss of this company girl
I am the new boss of this company.
(I want you to fax yourself to China OK? Do this now)
I want you to send a fax to China right now.
The girls don't like the job
The female employees are unhappy with their job.
Secretaries don't like my ways
The secretaries at the company don't like my management style.
I hire and fire, give you checks on the spot
I am responsible for hiring and firing employees and giving them paychecks immediately.
The girls don't like the job
The female employees are unhappy with their job.
Secretaries don't like my ways
The secretaries at the company don't like my management style.
I hire and fire, give you checks on the spot
I am responsible for hiring and firing employees and giving them paychecks immediately.
Down at 55 Water Street
Referencing an address in New York City.
Top official always seein' Chemical Bank, Wells Fargo
Important people are often seen at Chemical Bank and Wells Fargo.
Bank of America with my fine secretary Erykah
I have a secretary named Erykah who works at Bank of America.
Me and Al Sharpton was talkin' about real estate in Compton
I had a conversation with Al Sharpton about real estate in Compton.
With a loan from General Mills
Referring to a loan from the food company General Mills.
I would start a new NBA team Baldwin Hills
I would create a new NBA team in the Baldwin Hills area of Los Angeles.
The Baldwin Hills Spacemen
The name of the fictional NBA team being created.
Lime green uniforms with a orange basketball logo
The team uniforms would be lime green with an orange basketball logo.
The group solo, that's right, dolo
I am working on this project alone, without a team.
With the commissioner of the basketball
I am working with a commissioner of the basketball league on this project.
Passin' y'all in my ASR Rolls Royce
I am driving a Rolls Royce ASR while working on this project.
Y'all can't stop my voice and opinion, here's a card and my phone extension
No one can silence my opinions, and I give out my business card and phone number.
Not to mention I ripped up four tickets to the Grammy awards
I destroyed four tickets to the Grammy Awards as a show of my disdain for the event.
I had pasta with my new team and my roster
I had pasta with the members of my new basketball team and its roster.
Agents beware, I'm talkin' to Shaq behind the Lakers back
I am speaking with Shaquille O'Neal behind the back of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Michael Jordan I'm important, keep tapes recordin'
I am an important person, so make sure to record me when I speak to Michael Jordan.
Buyin baseball stadiums, talkin' to Joe Morgan
I am in talks to buy baseball stadiums, and I am speaking with Joe Morgan about them.
Cincinnati Reds, I'm over your heads
I am above the Cincinnati Reds baseball team.
Call my limo Nancy, make it fancy, I'm in a rush
I am in a hurry, so please call my limo driver Nancy and have her make the vehicle look elegant.
No time for coffee, ice cream from Mr. Softie
I don't have time for coffee, so I will get some ice cream from Mr. Softie instead.
Tom Hanks calls the base of Keith in the UK
Tom Hanks has called the UK number for Keith's business.
We sold a lot of Mercedes Benz's
We have sold many Mercedes Benz automobiles.
And BMW's to the small starving communities
We have also sold BMW vehicles to small, less affluent communities.
Even as an import, it's just a regular cab in foreign countries
Even though these cars are imports, they are just regular cabs in many foreign countries.
Materialistic for just the ignorant ones only the United States
Materialism is only for ignorant people, and it is a problem only in the United States.
I'm goin to lunch, I'll be right back
I am going to lunch, but I will return shortly.
Cutback on time
We need to save time or be more efficient.
Employees research files, tryin to find my styles
My employees are researching files to see how I work and what my methods are.
Sippin' on a glass of Sprite
I am drinking a Sprite soda.
Toni Braxton want to sing Pride with me tonight
Toni Braxton wants to sing the song "Pride" with me later tonight.
I gotta work late, the office, the kids, the dog
I have to work late and then take care of my kids and dog later.
Puppies, groceries, hopin' these things get done by the end of the week
I am hoping to take care of my puppies and get groceries by the end of the week.
I been through the week, did you book my airline flight assistant Terry?
I have had a busy week, did my assistant Terry book my airline flight?
You'll get no record deal actin like Neneh Cherry, back to work don't flirt
If you behave like Neneh Cherry, you won't get a record deal. So, please stop flirting and get back to work.
Give me them passes to the James Brown concert
Please give me passes to the upcoming James Brown concert.
Front row seats at least, PLEASE don't bother me I need peace
I would like front row seats at the concert, and please don't bother me, I need some peace.
Terry you been late a lot
Terry, you have been late to work numerous times.
I hate a lot of those same black pants you wearin' dancin'
I don't like the black pants you wear for dancing.
Take two days off, I'm goin' to the playoffs
Take two days off from work, I am going to the playoffs.
The girls don't like the job
The female employees are unhappy with their job.
Secretaries don't like my ways
The secretaries at the company don't like my management style.
I hire and fire, give you checks on the spot
I am responsible for hiring and firing employees and giving them paychecks immediately.
I hire and fire, give you checks when it's hot
I am responsible for hiring and firing employees and giving them paychecks when it is necessary.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, THE BICYCLE MUSIC COMPANY
Written by: KEITH THORNTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Wali Ellah
This is Iconic. This song and album are going on 22-years old and it has yet to age. Pure farfegnugen!
Christian Metatron
Keith is mocking the CEOs at interscope in this song. Genius.
Chilly Greene
yeah it do
Louis Nelson
Keith never ceases to make me laugh
Dopleganger3814
LOLz!!! Keith has some of the best chorus' in hip hop!!! That voice LOLz!!!
Chum Husk
this whole song is a satire on the played out themes in hip-hop of pimping and being super rich. instead of a rich drug dealing pimp, he's a wall street banker.
it's a hilarious song, sadly still relevant, and the rhyme structure is insane
Sine
true things false things true things false things
Louis Bourgeois
insane flow, lyrics and BEAT!!
mikeiq
"Before you sing a new act, find out if they wack." Seems reasonable.
Also,
"Me and Al Sharpton was talking about real estate in Compton"
"Did you book my airline flight assistant Terry/You'll get no record deal acting like Neneh Cherry."
There are too many hilarious lines on this. It's on another level.
Dallas Boutot
Sign*.