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)
You Know The Game
Kool Keith Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Rap is big business
They been signin' whack M.C.'s
Since the beginnin' of time
It's been goin' on and it continues goin' on
I'm Rhythm X, Kool Keith, Papa Large same time the Phantom
Four People in one, sometimes I can stand 'em
Girls get wild, this ain't no slimy corny slow jam
I walk around sometimes in Santa Cruz
California and drop the funky news
The kids flowin' with speed like Jesse Owen
Mexican girls, I love 'em mixed with Samoan
I go cruz up the west goin' ta Oakland Town
Passin' Fremont, the caddy runnin' Oakland bound
I turn a right an' make a left on a nice block
No time for drugs, cocaine and a nice rock
I might lean to the side like I'm super fly
Smoke no skag, I'm bugged and a super guy
I might flip out, my attitude change
People in America, whoo they think I'm strange
I'm not no regular man or the average man
I might trip-out, sometimes I think I'm Batman
You know the game, this time they gotta play it
You know the game, this time they gotta play it
You know the game, this time they gotta play it
You know the game, this time they gotta play it
I read my comic books, I bring my cartoons to life
Gangsters and immortals, they can bleed with a knife
I straight bug 'em my way, they live their fantasy
I seen wilder stuff, what they tellin' me?
That's just an act from them, they in a studio
Wildin' on wax and perpetratin' in they video
I hate to look at TV, I'm gettin' sleepy
They grabbin' Dr Dre's sound, tryna get sneaky
I see my style so different, they can't take it
2 million rappers and everybody wants to make it
4 thirds are whack and stop and clog the industry
You wanna sign him? To me, I think he sound like pee
I was dissed and insulted at the Gavin
800 whack M.C.'s
(Huh, huh)
They kept me laughin'
Playin' and perpetratin', you thinkin' and debatin'
All this time, no one and still has awakened
You know the game, this time they gotta play it
You know the game, this time they gotta play it
You know the game, this time they gotta play it
You know the game, this time they gotta play it
You know the game, this time they gotta play it
You know the game, this time they gotta play it
Flight in, flight out, every single night out
Lookin' at people jumpin' you puppets with no clout
I got no deal in that part, no half a second movie
I stay down low, my music touch still groovy
I look at contracts what's up with Warner Brothers?
My day on the sliver screens, with condoms and more rubbers
You bet your socks again, this Bronx kid rocks again
Smokin' that blunt, your black lungs need oxygen
Who you cool with, and stupid who you fool with?
Never mind my mental friend I went to school with
My style is pro, connectin' to a confessional
Breakin' it down like tiny parts in a mineral
I chill and watch MC's, they don't see me
2 hundred 80 million, a thousand try to be me
Yo company's are dumb, bum's signin' anythin'
In the long run, you're stuck with a chicken wing
Wastin' your money these acts they can't rhyme
You're dealin' with cornflakes, a lemon head an lime
Everybody's mean and walkin' up on the scene
They're pure bacon, a brand new pack of sizzle lean
I hate to walk on over and pull and pick your file
Like a bandit i wear a mask and vic your style
You know the game, this time they gotta play it
You know the game, this time they gotta play it
You know the game, this time they gotta play it
You know the game, this time they gotta play it
You know the game, this time they gotta play it
You know the game, this time they gotta play it
You know the game, this time they gotta play it
You know the game, this time they gotta play it
Yeah, I hear what you sayin' man
You just gotta keep on doin' what you doin'
With all these people runnin' the game
You just gotta play the game
Goldy know about that
You should know that too
Think about the real player
In "You Know The Game", Kool Keith addresses the state of the rap industry, acknowledging the fact that it’s been a big business since the beginning of time, and that record labels have been signing talentless rappers for years. He introduces himself as Rhythm X and then as Kool Keith in the chorus, and talks about how he loves to walk around California, talking about what’s happening in the world, and how Mexican girls mixed with Samoan in Santa Cruz make his heart sing. Keith also talks of his idiosyncrasies, stating that sometimes he thinks he's Batman, implying his eccentricity and enigmatic personality. On the other hand, he speaks of gangsters, immortals, cartoons, and comic books, playing on the fact that he is unlike other artists in the industry.
In the verses, Keith raps about his disdainful attitude towards wack MCs, claiming that most of the rappers in the industry sound the same, and that labels sign anyone these days. He discusses a time when he was insulted and disrespected at an event called “The Gavin,” where he encountered over 800 wack MCs. In the end, he resolves to keep doing what he does best and never giving up in the face of adversity. Keith's message is clear: Stay unique, walk your path with confidence, and the people who appreciate your style will come.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo Keith, let me tell you sumthin' son
Keith, listen up, I have something important to say
Rap is big business
Rap music is a lucrative industry
They been signin' whack M.C.'s
Record companies have been signing untalented rappers
Since the beginnin' of time
This has been happening for a long time
It's been goin' on and it continues goin' on
This trend shows no signs of stopping
I'm Rhythm X, Kool Keith, Papa Large same time the Phantom
I am a multifaceted artist with multiple personas
Four People in one, sometimes I can stand 'em
My multiple personas can be overwhelming at times
My lyrics spark the world on a station in your program
My words have the power to captivate audiences across the world
Girls get wild, this ain't no slimy corny slow jam
My music energizes and excites women, not like sappy love songs
I walk around sometimes in Santa Cruz
I occasionally stroll around Santa Cruz, California
California and drop the funky news
I spread my funky fresh music around California
The kids flowin' with speed like Jesse Owen
Young listeners move quickly to my music like the Olympic champion Jesse Owens
Mexican girls, I love 'em mixed with Samoan
I find mixed Mexican-Samoan women attractive
I go cruz up the west goin' ta Oakland Town
I often drive up the west coast to Oakland
Passin' Fremont, the caddy runnin' Oakland bound
As I drive north, I pass through Fremont and head towards Oakland
I turn a right an' make a left on a nice block
I navigate through the streets until I find a pleasant area
No time for drugs, cocaine and a nice rock
I have no interest in using cocaine or any narcotics
I might lean to the side like I'm super fly
Sometimes I tilt to the side like a cool guy
Smoke no skag, I'm bugged and a super guy
I do not smoke heroin, but I am naturally super cool
I might flip out, my attitude change
I can switch moods and alter my demeanor
People in America, whoo they think I'm strange
Some American listeners find me peculiar
I'm not no regular man or the average man
I am not an ordinary or typical person
I might trip-out, sometimes I think I'm Batman
I can get lost in my own thoughts and pretend to be Batman
You know the game, this time they gotta play it
The music industry knows how to operate, now it's their turn to play along
I read my comic books, I bring my cartoons to life
I use my imagination and creativity to transform comic book characters into reality
Gangsters and immortals, they can bleed with a knife
Even the toughest and most legendary figures can be hurt or killed
I straight bug 'em my way, they live their fantasy
I do not conform to convention, while others choose to live in their own fantasy world
I seen wilder stuff, what they tellin' me?
I have experienced more extreme circumstances, so why should I believe what others say?
That's just an act from them, they in a studio
Other rappers pretend to be tough or impressive, but it's all an illusion inside a recording studio
Wildin' on wax and perpetratin' in they video
They create a loud and outrageous recording, but in reality they are simply acting
I hate to look at TV, I'm gettin' sleepy
I do not enjoy watching television and it makes me drowsy
They grabbin' Dr Dre's sound, tryna get sneaky
Other artists are trying to copy Dr Dre's style in a sneaky way
I see my style so different, they can't take it
My unique style of music cannot be imitated by others
2 million rappers and everybody wants to make it
There are countless rappers all vying for success
4 thirds are whack and stop and clog the industry
The majority of these rappers are terrible and they hinder the progress of the industry
You wanna sign him? To me, I think he sound like pee
Someone suggests signing a rapper, but in my opinion he sounds terrible
I was dissed and insulted at the Gavin
I was insulted and disrespected at the Gavin Awards show
800 whack M.C.'s (Huh, huh) They kept me laughin'
I chuckled at the thought of 800 terrible rappers wasting their time
Playin' and perpetratin', you thinkin' and debatin'
Other rappers pretend to be tough, while listeners discuss and analyze the music
All this time, no one and still has awakened
Despite all this time, no one has realized the truth about the industry
Flight in, flight out, every single night out
I travel frequently for performances
Lookin' at people jumpin' you puppets with no clout
I observe people who have no real power, yet they try to stand out
I got no deal in that part, no half a second movie
I have not signed a record deal in that particular area or acted in any brief films
I stay down low, my music touch still groovy
I keep a low profile, but my music still resonates and sounds good
I look at contracts what's up with Warner Brothers?
I examine record contracts and wonder what's going on with Warner Brothers
My day on the sliver screens, with condoms and more rubbers
If I were a movie star, I would have to use protection during intimate scenes
You bet your socks again, this Bronx kid rocks again
Once again, this kid from the Bronx is rocking it out
Smokin' that blunt, your black lungs need oxygen
Smoking marijuana is not good for your lungs
Who you cool with, and stupid who you fool with?
Surround yourself with like-minded people and avoid foolish ones
Never mind my mental friend I went to school with
I try to ignore my mentally unstable friend from school
My style is pro, connectin' to a confessional
My musical style is professional and can be compared to a confessional
Breakin' it down like tiny parts in a mineral
I deconstruct my music and analyze it in a detailed way
I chill and watch MC's, they don't see me
I relax and observe other rappers without them noticing me
2 hundred 80 million, a thousand try to be me
There are over 280 million people, yet only a few try to be like me
Yo company's are dumb, bum's signin' anythin'
Record companies are foolish for signing terrible rappers
In the long run, you're stuck with a chicken wing
In the end, they will realize they are stuck with something worthless
Wastin' your money these acts they can't rhyme
They are wasting their money on artists who cannot rap
You're dealin' with cornflakes, a lemon head an lime
They are dealing with something bland and sour
Everybody's mean and walkin' up on the scene
People are self-centered and always trying to be noticed
They're pure bacon, a brand new pack of sizzle lean
They are arrogant and boastful, but in reality they are weak and ineffective
I hate to walk on over and pull and pick your file
I dislike being confrontational, but sometimes I need to analyze and judge others
Like a bandit i wear a mask and vic your style
I can disguise myself and take elements from others' styles
Yeah, I hear what you sayin' man
I understand your message
You just gotta keep on doin' what you doin'
You need to continue following your own path and style
With all these people runnin' the game
Despite all the competition, you still have a chance to succeed
You just gotta play the game
To achieve success, you need to comply with the industry's standards and norms
Goldy know about that
Goldy understands this concept
You should know that too
You should also be aware of this
Think about the real player
Consider those who are successful and skilled in the industry
Contributed by Jeremiah S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
AgentMorgan2010
In my opinion, pretty much everything he did after 2005 is shit, with the exception of the Mr. Nogatco record. His strongest offerings as far as records (in my opinion): Sex Style, Dr. Octagon, Dr. Dooom, Black Elvis, Masters of Illusion.
Some of my favorite Kool Keith cuts:
- Girl's in Jail
- Drugs
- Sideline (Dr. Dooom)
- Remember Me?
- Keep it Real... Represent
- Plastic World
- Industry is Wack
- Wanna Be a Star
- I'll Be There For You (Dr. Octagon previously unreleased track)
Skeptic Autopsy
I like Keith's flow. Its both comedic but sooooo legit.
Rinsan Crindle
@Bob Steckenreiner It ain't gotta be the 4th of July for your rectum to see fireworks.
Bob Steckenreiner
best smacktalker ever
John Mozes
He did his high pitched voice again!
Beautiful!!!
Austin Alvarez
I love how you can play drums just by following his flow. Similar to Tribe, their flows are so fun to "transcribe" to the drums. You can really feel the swing, the accents, and the space between the beats. It's not just "impressive" but genuine, and unique as well. Plus, he's weird, in a good way, and obviously funny as hell. Thoroughly enjoyable, and entertaining.
arghy doodles
@Aaron Moore anyone can drum rock/metal/punk, noone really does acoustic hip hop stuff
Aaron Moore
LOVE playing along with rap. Trying like HELL to teach myself rock chops, but I seem to shine at Funk and Disco.
Underground_Roamer
Lmfao, KK has always been a genius, and I dont just mean lyrically, the entire creative aspect is genius. From the topics/subjects at hand, multiple personas, album covers and this funny ass pic included (I mean seriously focus, he's operating on an alien) ahahahahahahahahahhahahahhahahahahahhahahahhaahhaha.
Gabagool Ovahere
Holy shit 😂
Bobby Klepper
What you said. From your mouth to the Lord's ears.