Keith Matthew Thornton, better known by his stage name Kool Keith, is an American rapper and record producer from The Bronx, New York City, known for his surreal, abstract, and often profane or incomprehensible lyrics. Kool Keith has recorded prolifically both as a solo artist and in group collaborations. Kool Keith is generally considered to be one of hip-hop's most eccentric and unusual personalities.
Dr. Octagon is a persona created and used by American rapper Keith Matthew Thornton, better known as Kool Keith. Thornton performed and released four studio albums under the alias. Having introduced the character in 1993 on the unreleased Ultramagnetic MC's demo "Smoking Dust", Thornton's first full-length recording as Dr. Octagon was on his 1996 debut solo album, Dr. Octagonecologyst.
Underground hip-hop is an umbrella term for hip hop music that is outside the general commercial canon. It is typically associated with independent artists, signed to independent labels or no label at all. Underground hip hop is often characterized by socially conscious, positive, or anti-commercial lyrics. However, there is no unifying or universal theme – AllMusic suggests that it "has no sonic signifiers". "The Underground" also refers to the community of musicians, fans and others that support non-commercial, or independent music. Music scenes with strong ties to underground hip hop include alternative hip hop and conscious hip hop. Many artists who are considered "underground" today were not always so, and may have previously broken the Billboard charts.
Daniel M. Nakamura, better known by his stage name Dan the Automator, is an American record producer. He is the founder of the publishing company Sharkman Music and the record label 75 Ark.
Critical Beatdown is the debut studio album by American hip hop group Ultramagnetic MCs, released on October 4, 1988, by Next Plateau Records. The album was produced primarily by the group's rapper and producer Ced-Gee, who employed an E-mu SP-1200 sampler as the album's main instrument. Music journalists have noted the album for its innovative production, funk-based samples, self-assertive themes, and clever lyrical rhymes by Ced-Gee and rapper Kool Keith.
Masters of Illusion is the eponymous debut album of American hip hop group Masters of Illusion, composed of producer KutMasta Kurt and rappers Kool Keith & Motion Man. It was released on November 14, 2000, via Threshold Records. The project features no guest emcees, but does feature DJ cuts/scratches by DJ Revolution, DJ Babu and DJ Rhettmatic.
Dr. Octagonecologyst is the debut solo studio album by American rapper and Ultramagnetic MCs member Kool Keith, released under the alias Dr. Octagon. Originally titled Dr. Octagon, it was released on May 7, 1996, on Bulk Recordings in the United States and Mo' Wax in the United Kingdom. The album was reissued with a different track listing by DreamWorks Records in 1997 under the title Dr. Octagonecologyst. The album was produced by Dan "The Automator" Nakamura and featured the work of turntablist DJ Qbert. KutMasta Kurt provided additional production work. The artwork for Dr. Octagonecologyst was drawn by Brian "Pushead" Schroeder.
Peeping Tom were an American rock project led by Mike Patton, active between 2000 and 2007. They released one eponymous album and three singles on Ipecac Recordings. The project featured a rotating cast of musicians, including Amon Tobin, Massive Attack, Dub Trio, Odd Nosdam, Norah Jones, Bebel Gilberto, Dan the Automator, Rahzel, and Kool Keith.
The Return of Dr. Octagon is the eighth solo studio album by American rapper Kool Keith, and his second release under the 'Dr. Octagon' alias, following Dr. Octagonecologyst. It was released on June 27, 2006, on OCD International in the United States. The album revives the character of Dr. Octagon, who was killed off on Thornton's 1999 release First Come, First Served. Production for the album began in 2002 under the title The Resurrection of Dr. Octagon with producer Fanatik J.
First Come, First Served is the third solo studio album by American recording artist Kool Keith, and the first he released under the alias Dr. Dooom. It was released on May 4, 1999, by Funky Ass Records. The album featured guest appearances from Jacky Jasper and Motion Man, and was produced entirely by KutMasta Kurt and Kool Keith. It peaked at number 48 on the Heatseekers Albums.
Kurt Matlin, professionally known as KutMasta Kurt, is an American hip hop producer, best known for his work with Kool Keith, as well as occasional tracks and remixes for artists such as the Beastie Boys, Linkin Park, and Dilated Peoples.
The Best Kept Secret is the fourth studio album by American hip hop group Ultramagnetic MCs. It was released on January 9, 2007, via DMAFT Records. Audio production was handled by Ariel 'Cartel' Caban and Ultramagnetic MCs' members DJ Moe Love, Ced Gee, and Kool Keith under his moniker Underwear Pissy. The album cover features the original line-up, but T.R. Love, as well as longtime associate Tim Dog, do not appear on the record. The album featured guest appearances from Gee-Banga and Goody-2.
Matthew is the fifth studio album by American rapper and producer Kool Keith. It was released on July 25, 2000, via Funky Ass Records. The entire record was produced by Kool Keith himself, except for track 16, produced by KutMasta Kurt, and it contains guest appearances by Freddie Foxxx and Black Silver. Matthew peaked at #36 on the US Billboard Independent Albums and #47 on the Heatseekers Albums.
Diesel Truckers is a studio album by American hip hop duo the Diesel Truckers, composed of New York–based rapper and producer Kool Keith and Californian DJ/producer KutMasta Kurt. It was released on August 10, 2004, via Dmaft Records and was produced by Keith and Kurt. The project spawned three singles: "Break U Off", "I Love You Nancy" and "Mental Side Effects", but neither the singles nor the album made it to any major charts. The song "Break U Off" was used in 2005 film The Longest Yard.
Brian Schroeder, better known as Pushead, is an American graphic artist. He is best known for his album covers and other merchandise for bands in the hardcore punk and heavy metal genres.
Dr. Dooom 2 is the ninth solo studio album by American rapper Kool Keith, and his second release under the Dr. Dooom moniker following First Come, First Served. It was released on September 23, 2008 via Threshold Recordings. The album was produced entirely by KutMasta Kurt, except for one song "God of Rap" produced by TomC3, and featured guest appearances from Motion Man, FatHed and Denis Deft.
Wu-Tang Chamber Music is a compilation album endorsed by Wu-Tang Clan, which was released through E1 Music/Universal Records on June 30, 2009. The album features performances by several Wu-Tang members and affiliates. The album was released to positive reviews from music critics. This album was followed up with the 2011 compilation album Legendary Weapons.
A Much Better Tomorrow is the debut studio album by Dan the Automator. It was released on 75 Ark in 2000. It is the expanded version of his 1996 EP, A Better Tomorrow. It features guest appearances from Kool Keith, Neph the Madman, and Poet.
Love and Danger is the eleventh solo studio album by American recording artist Kool Keith. It was released on June 5, 2012 via Junkadelic Music and produced entirely by DJ Junkaz Lou, except for two tracks produced by Big Sche Eastwood and Ariel Caban. The project featured guest appearances from Agallah, Keith Murray, Megabone, NYM, The I.M.O., and Mr. Sche.
Moosebumps: An Exploration Into Modern Day Horripilation is the fifteenth solo studio album by American recording artist Kool Keith, who released the album under the alias Dr. Octagon. It was released on April 6, 2018 via Bulk Recordings. The set was produced by Dan "The Automator" Nakamura and featured the work of turntablist DJ Qbert.
