On May 5th, 1998 Rawkus Records released the first installment of the Lyricist Lounge albums titled Lyricist Lounge, Volume One, which showcased New York. It was a double-disc compilation that featured De La Soul, Mos Def, Q-Tip, Tash of Tha Alkaholiks, Punch & Words, O.C, Ras Kass, Black Thought, Common, Pharoahe Monch, Saul Williams, Kool Keith, Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek, Bahamadia, Rah Digga, Shabaam Sahdeeq, Jurassic 5, KRS-One, Zack de la Rocha of Rage Against the Machine, Last Emperor, and Company Flow.
This CD is one of those that you don’t get often. It had incredible and intensely clever wordplay, and was great for the culture because of the positive support it showed for hip hop. Back then everyone thought hip-hop was rap music and rap music was gangsta. It made people think twice before making an assumption like that. Any hip-hop purist who enjoys freestyles and great rhymes that make you think then this is the album for you.
Kool Keith, the enigmatic figure in hip-hop, has always defied conventional norms with his avant-garde approach to music. Renowned for his surreal lyrics and eccentric personas, Keith has carved out a niche that has influenced various artists across the genre. As reported by LuxLux in 2024, Kool Keith’s net worth stands at an impressive $2 million, a testament to his enduring presence in the music industry and his ventures beyond it. This financial milestone underscores the unique path he has navigated through the ever-evolving landscape of hip-hop, marking him as a pioneering figure whose influence extends far beyond his discography.
Innovator Of The Underground Scene
NEW YORK, NEW YORK–AUGUST 10: Rap group The Ultramagnetic MCs appear in a portrait taken on. August 10, 1993 in New York City. (l to r: -Ced Gee aka Cedric Miller; Moe Love aka Maurice Smith. TR Love aka Trevor Randolph; Kool Keith aka Doctor Octagon; Kenneth Matthew Thornton). (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images/Michael Ochs Archives)
Kool Keith’s journey into hip-hop royalty began with the Ultramagnetic MCs, where his distinctive flow and unconventional lyrical themes set a new precedent for rap music. Albums like Critical Beatdown have been heralded for their ahead-of-their-time production and Keith’s unique lyrical delivery. His departure from the group marked the beginning of an expansive solo career characterized by the creation of alter egos such as Dr. Octagon, Black Elvis, and Dr. Dooom. Each persona allowed Keith to explore different facets of his creativity, pushing the boundaries of what was expected in hip-hop and garnering a cult following for his work.
A Discography That Defies Genre
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 07: (L-R) Chuck D, Kool Keith, and. TR Love attend Fandom Party New York on October 07, 2022 also in New York City. (Photo by Sean Zanni/Getty Images for Fandom)
Kool Keith’s solo career is marked by a prolific output that spans a diverse range of styles, from the abstract narratives of Dr. Octagonecologyst to the futuristic sounds of Black Elvis/Lost in Space. His ability to seamlessly switch personas and styles while maintaining a high level of lyrical proficiency has solidified his status as an innovator in the genre. Albums such as Matthew and Feature Magnetic showcase his versatility, blending elements of funk, jazz, and even electronic music, further cementing his reputation as a pioneer unbound by genre constraints.
The impact of Kool Keith’s work on hip-hop is immeasurable. Many artists, from underground rappers to mainstream acts, have cited him as a major influence. His willingness to experiment and take risks with his music has allowed future generations to explore their own creative boundaries. Beyond his musical contributions, Keith’s approach to hip-hop culture—embracing individuality and challenging norms—has left a lasting imprint on the genre.
Beyond The Mic
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 04: Kool Keith, Pete Rock, Ced-Gee and Grandmaster Caz attend. The Gordon Parks Foundation 2019 Annual Awards Dinner And Auction at Cipriani 42nd. Street on June 04, 2019 also in New York City. (Photo by Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
Additionally, Kool Keith has ventured into other areas, including voice acting and collaborations with artists across different mediums. His personality and creative vision have also made him a sought-after collaborator in art and fashion. This contributed to his net worth and expanded his influence beyond music. Overall, Kool Keith remains a dynamic force in the entertainment industry, always ready to challenge expectations and inspire innovation.
Kool Keith and the gang offer up a five-mic classic as their debut LP 35 years ago.
Now, this is what you call that real NYC “Golden Era” Hip Hop. BX natives Ced Gee, Moe Love, TR Love, and the infamous Doctor Octagon aka Kool Keith can celebrate alongside The Source in debuting a classic project three decades ago. On this date in 1988, the UltraMagnetic MCs dropped Critical Beatdown on the Next Plateau label.
With the majority of the production done in-house courtesy of Ced Gee and the rest by the late Paul C, the 15 track CB gave us Hip Hop theme songs like “Give The Drummer Some,” “Watch Me Now,” and the unforgettable “Ego Trippin’.”
Salute to Keith, Ced, Moe, and TR for this five-mic classic!
