Dr. Octagon is a fictional character created by American rapper Keith Thornton, better known by his stage name Kool Keith. In 1996, Kool Keith released the album “Dr. Octagonecologyst” under the Dr. Octagon moniker, which introduced the character to the world. Dr. Octagon is a time-traveling, intergalactic gynecologist and surgeon who travels the universe in his spaceship, performing bizarre medical procedures on alien patients.
The music of Dr. Octagon is characterized by Kool Keith’s unique, abstract and often humorous lyrics, combined with experimental and futuristic beats, courtesy of producers Dan the Automator and DJ Qbert. The album was a critical and commercial success, and has been hailed as a pioneering work in the alternative hip hop and underground rap scenes.
The Dr. Octagon character has since appeared on subsequent Kool Keith albums, as well as in a comic book series and a video game. The character has become a cult favorite among fans of hip hop and science fiction, and has influenced a generation of experimental and avant-garde rappers. Despite its unconventional subject matter, the music of Dr. Octagon remains a beloved and innovative work in the history of hip hop.
1. Blue Flowers
“Blue Flowers” is a groundbreaking track by Dr. Octagon (a.k.a. Kool Keith) that defies genre conventions and pushes the boundaries of hip-hop. The song, produced by Dan “The Automator” Nakamura, features Kool Keith’s unique and unconventional flow over a psychedelic and atmospheric instrumental arrangement. The lyrics describe surreal and often absurd scenarios, such as encountering blue flowers and a mythical creature named “The Octagon.” Kool Keith’s unconventional approach to storytelling and his signature off-kilter delivery make “Blue Flowers” a standout track in his discography and a cult classic among hip-hop fans. The song’s experimental sound and unconventional approach continue to influence the genre to this day.
2. Earth People
“Earth People” is a classic track by Dr. Octagon, released in 1996. The song features a minimalist, futuristic beat that sets the tone for Kool Keith’s quirky and surreal lyrics. Over the sparse, robotic instrumentation, Kool Keith raps about his encounters with Earth people and their strange customs, highlighting his alien perspective and off-kilter sense of humor. The track is an early example of the alternative hip hop sound that Dr. Octagon would help pioneer, and remains a beloved classic of the underground rap scene. With its eccentric lyrics and otherworldly production, “Earth People” showcases the unique vision and creativity that made Dr. Octagon a cult favorite among fans of experimental hip hop.
3. Black Hole Son
“Black Hole Son” is a standout track from Dr. Octagon’s 1996 album “Dr. Octagonecologyst.” The song features Kool Keith rapping over a sparse, bass-heavy beat, with a haunting synth melody in the background. The lyrics describe the experience of being sucked into a black hole, with Kool Keith painting vivid and surreal imagery of the journey. The track showcases Dr. Octagon’s unique blend of abstract and surrealist lyrics, combined with experimental and atmospheric production. “Black Hole Son” is a fan favorite and a testament to Dr. Octagon’s lasting impact on the underground hip hop scene.
4. 3000
“3000” is a futuristic and innovative track by Dr. Octagon (a.k.a. Kool Keith) that showcases his ability to push the boundaries of hip-hop. The song, produced by Dan “The Automator” Nakamura, features Kool Keith’s signature unconventional flow over a futuristic and experimental instrumental arrangement. The lyrics describe a vision of the future where technology and humanity are intertwined, and life exists beyond the confines of Earth. Kool Keith’s unique and visionary approach to hip-hop makes “3000” a standout track in his discography and a testament to his ability to create music that is both thought-provoking and entertaining.
5. Hollywood Tailswinging
“Hollywood Tailswinging” is a lively and energetic track by Dr. Octagon (a.k.a. Kool Keith) that showcases his playful and irreverent approach to hip-hop. The song, produced by Dan “The Automator” Nakamura, features Kool Keith’s signature humorous and sometimes nonsensical lyrics over a bouncy and upbeat instrumental arrangement. The lyrics describe various escapades in Hollywood, including partying with celebrities and indulging in excess. Kool Keith’s witty wordplay and irreverent delivery make “Hollywood Tailswinging” a standout track in his discography and a testament to his unique and unconventional approach to hip-hop.
6. 3030 Meets the Doc
“3030 Meets the Doc” is a standout track from Dr. Octagon’s 1996 album “Dr. Octagonecologyst”. The song features Kool Keith rapping alongside Del the Funky Homosapien over a spacey, futuristic beat. The lyrics detail a meeting between the two rappers and the time-traveling Dr. Octagon, as they navigate through a dystopian future world. The track is a perfect example of the group’s unique blend of abstract and surreal lyrics, combined with experimental and forward-thinking production. “3030 Meets the Doc” remains a fan favorite and a testament to Dr. Octagon’s lasting impact on the underground hip hop scene.
7. Bear Witness
“Bear Witness” is a powerful and socially conscious track by Dr. Octagon (a.k.a. Kool Keith) that addresses issues of police brutality and racial injustice. The song, produced by Dan “The Automator” Nakamura, features Kool Keith’s impassioned lyrics over a hard-hitting and intense instrumental arrangement. The lyrics describe the experiences of Black Americans facing systemic oppression and violence from law enforcement. Kool Keith’s powerful and unflinching delivery highlights the urgency and importance of the message, making “Bear Witness” a standout track in his discography and a powerful statement on the ongoing struggle for racial justice in America.
8. Octagon Octagon
“Octagon Octagon” is a single from Dr. Octagon’s 2018 album “Moosebumps: An Exploration Into Modern Day Horripilation.” The track features Kool Keith rapping over a spacey, synth-heavy beat, accompanied by a chorus of voices chanting “Octagon, Octagon.” The lyrics describe the mysterious and otherworldly nature of the Dr. Octagon character, with Kool Keith boasting about his intergalactic exploits and medical prowess. The song’s hypnotic and repetitive chorus, combined with the group’s signature futuristic production, makes for a standout track on the album and a worthy addition to Dr. Octagon’s oeuvre.
9. Area 54
“Area 54” is a track from Dr. Octagon’s 1996 album “Dr. Octagonecologyst.” The song features Kool Keith rapping over a haunting, atmospheric beat, punctuated by eerie synth melodies and a driving bassline. The lyrics detail the group’s journey to an extraterrestrial research facility, where they encounter bizarre creatures and strange experiments. The track showcases Dr. Octagon’s signature blend of surrealist and science fiction-inspired lyrics, combined with experimental and forward-thinking production. “Area 54” remains a fan favorite and a testament to Dr. Octagon’s unique vision and lasting impact on the underground hip hop scene.
10. Wild and Crazy
“Wild and Crazy” is a fun and upbeat track by Dr. Octagon (a.k.a. Kool Keith) that showcases his energetic and irreverent approach to hip-hop. The song, produced by Dan “The Automator” Nakamura, features Kool Keith’s playful and humorous lyrics over a lively and upbeat instrumental arrangement. The lyrics describe various wild and outlandish scenarios, from partying with aliens to driving a Lamborghini. Kool Keith’s witty wordplay and infectious delivery make “Wild and Crazy” a standout track in his discography and a testament to his ability to create fun and engaging music with his unique style.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
