36.4m all-time streams (10 Feb '26)

After single-handedly redefining "warped" as the mind and mouth behind the Bronx-based Ultramagnetic MC's, Keith Thornton (aka Kool Keith) headed for the outer reaches of the stratosphere with a variety of solo projects, the most popular of which has been the groundbreaking Dr. Octagon.

With this moniker, Keith assumed the persona of a psychotic extraterrestrial who works as a gynecologist and surgeon. Keith's lyrical thematics remained as free-flowing here as they ever were with the N.Y.C. crew, connecting complex meters with fierce, layers-deep metaphors and veiled criticisms of those who "water down the sound that comes from the ghetto." Octagon's 1996 debut album was a surprise left-field hit, especially when it was given a major-label re-release in 1997, and went on to become one of underground hip-hop's most revered and influential albums.