The most eccentric genius of the hip-hop scene first received attention as one of Bronx’s Ultramagnetic MC’s. After Ultramagnetic went on hiatus, Kool Keith worked under the name “Ultra” with Tim Dog and released the Kut Masta Kurt-produced album “Big Time” in 1996. He released two legendary albums in 1995−“Cenubites” with Godfather Don and “Dr. Octagonecologyst” a collaboration between “Dr. Octagon,” a “gynecologist from the year 3000” and one of Keith’s many personas, and DJ Q-Bert. “Dr. Octagonecologyst” gave birth to a whole new genre of hip-hop with its sci-fi tinged pornographic apocalyptic visions, receiving critical acclaim and creating fans all over the world. The Dr. Octagon persona was assassinated with the birth of a new persona, “Dr. Dooom.” Since then, the Kool Keith universe has grown to include Mr. Gerbik, (Dr. Octagon’s uncle), Black Elvis, and many other notable personas. Kool Keith’s P-Funk-like use of multiple personas was the precursor to similar tactics taken by the RZA, Eminem, and MF Doom.

Although Kool Keith is most known for his eccentric antics such as performing in his briefs, he is also a true musical innovator. An extremely prolific artist, Kool Keith has collaborated with many unlikely artists as Prodigy, who lead the digital rock scene, and with Ice-T as the “Analog Brothers.” His catalog has more dope cuts than you can a shake a stick at. Just check out “Masters of Illusion,” his collaboration with Motion Man or “Diesel Truckers,” his work with Kut Masta Kurt.