Dumile's eccentric wordplay makes him a favorite of underground hip-hop fans. He is heavily influenced by American comic books (especially the Fantastic Four and their battles with Dr. Doom). Japanese science fiction is also an influence; the concept for King Geedorah (which is derived from Ghidorah) and the Monsta Island Czars comes from the Godzilla movie series. He is also renowned for bringing comedy back into the sometimes overly serious world of rap lyrics and a unique, sample-heavy production style.
Early Years with KMD
He was born in Southwest London, England on January 9, 1971 to a South African father and a West Indian mother; the family moved to New York and lived in Long Island where he was raised.
His debut in the world of rap music came when he devised the concept for, and guest-appeared on, the song "The Gas Face" by the rap group 3rd Bass, under the MC name Zev Love X along with his younger brother Subroc. Zev Luv X, Subroc, and another MC called Onyx The Birthstone Kid together formed the group KMD. Originally, "KMD" stood for "Kausing Much Damage," but before their first album they changed it to "a positive Kause in a Much Damaged society." KMD were all members of the Ansaar Allah community based in Brooklyn, New York. KMD signed with Elektra Records label under the A&R Dante Ross, who noticed KMD through the 3rd Bass record. KMD released 1991's Mr. Hood as part of a short-lived trend of conscious hip hop outings, along with labelmates Brand Nubian and other groups like Poor Righteous Teachers.
Subroc was accidentally struck and killed by a car in 1993 while attempting to cross a busy Long Island expressway, before the release of a second KMD album entitled Bl ck B st rds. The group was subsequently dropped from Elektra Records before the release of the album due to controversy over the album's cover art which featured a cartoon of a stereotypical pickaninny or sambo character being hanged from the gallows.
Birth of MF DOOM
Still dealing with the loss of his brother, Dumile became disillusioned and began to suffer from bouts of depression. He disappeared from the hip-hop scene from 1994-1997, and testifies to living "damn near homeless, walking the streets of Manhattan, sleeping on benches and shit." Shortly after this time, he left New York City and settled in Atlanta. According to interviews with DOOM, he was also "recovering from his wounds" and swearing revenge "against the industry that so badly deformed him." Meanwhile, Black Bastards was heavily bootlegged and Zev Love's legend grew. In 1997, he began appearing at the Nuyorican Poets Café at open mic events for rappers, although few people knew that the man freestyling with a stocking over his face was the former Zev. The imaginative MC began using new identity MF DOOM, inspired by the Marvel Comics supervillain Dr. Doom, and wearing a similar metal mask which he would not perform or be photographed without. The Dr. Doom style mask was eventually replaced with a replica of the mask Russell Crowe wore in the film Gladiator.
"My partner Lord Scotch came up with the design. Ill graffiti artist. He fabricated the mask out of...it was originally...you know that movie Gladiator? Son had the helmet piece on it with the mask on the front. We found an exact replica of the mask. He takes the faceplate off, attached that to the inside of a construction helmet, where you can tighten the helmet."
(MF stands for Metal Face (and his production name: Metal Fingers). MF Grimm gave the MF title to DOOM. Grimm's stands for Mad Flows. Grimm has since givin the MF title to other emcees).
The release of Operation: Doomsday in 1999 by independent label Fondle 'Em marked the official turning point for Dumile in his reinvention of himself from a major label recording artist of minor status to independent artist, where he would find his greatest success while maintaining the most control over his music.
Operation: Doomsday was received very well by underground listeners and was re-released in 2000. The following year, he began releasing albums of instrumental work, a series known as Special Herbs for several small record labels under the name Metal Fingers. He created an additional alter-egos King Geedorah as a member of Monsta Island Czars, a group consisting of MF Grimm and (currently) 14 other underground New York emcees who released their debut album in 2003.
Mainstream Recognition
MF DOOM was still far below the radar of mainstream press when two albums were released under new aliases by different labels in 2003. The first was Vaudeville Villain, released under the name Viktor Vaughn on Sound-Ink Records, and the second was King Geedorah's Take Me To Your Leader, released by Big Dada/Ninja Tune. Viktor Vaughn appears as solely a rap project - he has no production or executive producer credit on the album, but raps throughout the album - and alternately, King Geedorah is a conceptual production project. Although he raps on few of the songs on Take Me To Your Leader, the album is produced entirely by MF DOOM. Several of his long time collaborators appear as MCs.
DOOM's first commercial breakthrough came in 2004, with the album Madvillainy together with producer Madlib under the group name Madvillain. Released by Stones Throw Records, the album was a critical and commercial success. MF DOOM was seen by mainstream audiences for the first time as Madvillain received publicity and acclaim in publications such as Rolling Stone, New York Times, The New Yorker, and Spin. A video for "All Caps" and a 4-date U.S. tour followed the release of Madvillainy. An additional video for "Rhinestone Cowboy" and a segment from the tour are shown on the DVD Stones Throw 101.
DOOM was featured on the 2004 De La Soul release The Grind Date, MF DOOM rapping on the track "Rock Co.Kane Flow", which was also released as a single. Late in the year, DOOM's second solo album MM..Food was released by the Minnesota-based label Rhymesayers Entertainment, using various food items to metaphorically explain life and his own complex personality. As Viktor Vaughn he released his sophomore effort Venomous Villain (also called VV2), an album which received mixed reviews mostly critical of production values considered inferior to DOOM's recent work, and its short 33 minute length, with only 10 minutes featuring DOOM.
In 2005 MF DOOM took another step towards the commercial mainstream (while maintaining his independent artist status) with The Mouse and the Mask, a collaboration with producer DJ Danger Mouse released under the group name Danger Doom. The album was released on October 11, 2005 and frequently references characters from Cartoon Network's [adult swim]. He also voiced the giraffe named Sherman in [adult swim]'s Perfect Hair Forever; not coincidentally a song on The Mouse and the Mask called "Perfect Hair" references the cartoon extensively. Perfect Hair Forever did not debut officially on [adult swim] until a month after Danger Doom, so many listeners might not have gotten the references to Coiffio and Mt. Tuna. Also on this album, MF DOOM dissed M.I.C and MF Grimm in a song called "El Chupa Nibre" when he referred to the group as "midgets into crunk". MF Grimm released a retaliatory track titled "The Book of Daniel", which will appear on his album, American Hunger.
In 2005, MF DOOM appeared on two other Danger Mouse-produced projects: the Gorillaz album Demon Days, rapping on the song "November Has Come", and Danger Mouse's remix of Zero 7's "Somersault".
Current & Upcoming Projects
MF DOOM's creativity continues in 2006. DOOM produced several tracks on Ghostface Killah's Fishscale album released in April, and the two are currently at work on a collaboration album called Swift & Changeable due sometime in '07 on Lex Records (UK) & Nature Sounds (US). A new Danger Doom EP Occult Hymn was released via download on Adult Swim's website. The EP included new tracks: El Chupa Nibre Remix (again dissing the MIC with Monkeys Into Crime), Korn Dogz, Perfect Hair II, Sofa King Remix, Madlib's version of Space Ho's and a couple skits. DOOM is also planning to make another Madvillain album with producer Madlib, with one song first appearing on the [adult swim]/Stones Throw Records album Chrome Children, which also contains the first-ever live show by DOOM released on DVD.
He also plans to make another Danger Doom album with Danger Mouse.
Also in the works is his own record label Metal Face Records. Upon launching of the label, DOOM will release Hassan Chop's debut LP The Pen & The Sword. Another LP to be released on the label is The John Robinson Project - Who Is This Man?, due early '07, which is a collaboration between Lil Sci (of Scienz Of Life) and DOOM. Sci will handle the vocals and DOOM the production.
Personal Life
Dumile is rarely seen in public without a mask or hood on, and there exist no promotional photos or videos of his face post-KMD.
In an interview conducted on Independence Day in 2006 and published on his Myspace page, he stated that he is married, with two children, one of them teenage.
He currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia.
Absolutely
Daniel Dumile Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
if they get the villain surrounded then (AHEM!)
good to the last drop nigglets
hood til the blast pop them bigot-ass piglets
go for the bosses, d*cks are higher
beat walkers still get caught up in the crossfire
get at the sarge, he give the orders
use stealth play, alleys, jet
we'd rather not alert them nosey federallies yet
keep the local random cases in each state
escape to the beaches for the season and be straight
you on call, keep your nikes on tight, no white
anybody tell, get lighted on sight
the ring is on a need to know basis
no persons, places, things and no faces
get bagged, you on your own, act it alone
back home, your fam'll be provided fo' while you're gone
it's a price on all snitches
if you nice bring back eyes, fingers, toes an' pictures
send copies to those who singin' the blues
mothers an' fathers who's unjustly accused
our species is in danger
wear gloves an' strike in a city where you a stranger
that'll let them fools know
and send 'em a message, let them P.O.W.'s go
absolute power corrupts absolutely
now you have your orders, do your duty
a new way to let the shots spray
a few drops a day, double expresso, d.a. latte
no smell, nor taste, hardly traceable
wait to waste a prosecutor, paid to get the case pulled
learn 'em a lesson for givin' bros mad stressins
a long list of CEO's names and addresses
a fake judge with many years on the bench
and sent some good cats to the chair, was aired in a trench
they say her tongue was teared out, smeared and drenched
the whole system's scared and doubtin' a fair stench
and she was tortured, some say post-mortem
the suspect took his own life before they caught 'im
it's real spooky like a real trife movie
remember the part when terminator killed tookey
absolute power corrupts absolutely
if they get the villain surrounded, son, then sh*t…
shed blood, some'll be shooken
just look with they head in the mud
red flood
VILLIAN!
The opening line of "Absolute Power" sets the tone of the song subjecting the corruption that comes along with too much power. The artist portrays a dark persona throughout the song, emphasizing the misuse and abuse of power. The chorus warns about how absolute power corrupts absolutely, a line borrowed from a quote by British politician Lord Acton. The lyrics are about organized crime, and the villains have tremendous power to do things without getting caught, making the narrative even more sinister. The first verse discusses the tactics employed by the group, such as targeting only the bosses and not walking members, using stealth, and escaping to beaches for the season. The second verse talks about how the villain makes sure to dispose of any evidence, including fingers, eyes, toes, and pictures. The artist portrays a bleak picture throughout the song, trying to convey the consequences of absolute power, even if it means harming others.
In essence, "Absolute power" is a cautionary tale about power and its dangerous effects. The lyrics suggest that having too much power can lead to disastrous results, often not just for the wielder but also for others. The song is filled with references to violence, organized crime, torture, and murder, portraying a bleak and gritty picture. The artist's delivery and use of metaphors play a crucial role in making the message even more potent. He portrays himself as a ruthless villain who uses his power for evil deeds, reminding listeners of the real-life consequences of unchecked power.
Line by Line Meaning
Absolute power corrupts absolutely
Having too much power can lead to corruption and misuse of that power.
if they get the villain surrounded then (AHEM!)
In the event that law enforcement has the rapper surrounded, this is the individual's response to that situation.
good to the last drop nigglets
The singer insinuates that they have completed a task efficiently and effectively, and the results are favorable.
hood til the blast pop them bigot-ass piglets
The rapper is devoted to their neighborhood until their enemies, who they view as bigoted and corrupt police officers, meet their demise.
go for the bosses, d*cks are higher
The most important individuals to take down are those who are in charge, rather than those who do their bidding.
beat walkers still get caught up in the crossfire
Even those who aren't initially involved can become casualties during conflict.
get at the sarge, he give the orders
The group's hierarchy has a clear chain of command.
the rest of them punks'll quit the force or get slaughtered
Those that aren't aligned with the cause will either leave their position voluntarily or meet a violent end.
use stealth play, alleys, jet
The group relies on being stealthy and evading law enforcement in order to accomplish their goals.
we'd rather not alert them nosey federallies yet
The group doesn't want to alert the federal authorities to their activities yet.
keep the local random cases in each state
Only focus on local cases in each state to avoid attracting too much attention.
escape to the beaches for the season and be straight
Once they have achieved their goals, the group plans to disappear for a while and lay low.
you on call, keep your nikes on tight, no white
Always be ready for action and remain inconspicuous while doing so.
anybody tell, get lighted on sight
If anyone betrays their cause, they will face immediate and violent consequences.
the ring is on a need to know basis
Only those that absolutely need to know information will be informed.
no persons, places, things and no faces
In order to remain secretive, they avoid using specific details that could lead to their discovery.
get bagged, you on your own, act it alone
If someone gets caught and arrested, they are expected to take responsibility for their actions alone.
back home, your fam'll be provided fo' while you're gone
While they're gone, the group will make sure the families of those that are arrested or go into hiding are taken care of.
it's a price on all snitches
Those who betray the group will be met with financial, physical, and legal repercussions.
if you nice bring back eyes, fingers, toes an' pictures
If you do have to resort to violence, bring back proof of your success that can be shared with others.
send copies to those who singin' the blues
Share proof of success with others who have faced similar struggles and may be allies.
mothers an' fathers who's unjustly accused
Target those who have been wronged by the system, like innocent parents who have been falsely accused of crimes.
our species is in danger
Their community and the black community as a whole are in danger, and need to take action to protect themselves.
wear gloves an' strike in a city where you a stranger
Take extreme precautions and avoid familiarity when executing plans in order to avoid being caught or recognized.
that'll let them fools know
These actions will send a message and make the opposition aware of their power.
and send 'em a message, let them P.O.W.'s go
In addition to sending a message, they will also work to liberate black prisoners who have been unjustly imprisoned.
now you have your orders, do your duty
The singer has instructed his followers on their next steps and expectations, and now they must follow through.
a new way to let the shots spray
They have come up with a new plan to carry out their goals.
a few drops a day, double expresso, d.a. latte
They will be using a liquid weapon disguised as a coffee beverage to execute their plan.
no smell, nor taste, hardly traceable
Their weapon is meant to be undetectable and untraceable.
wait to waste a prosecutor, paid to get the case pulled
They plan to kill a prosecutor who they believe to be corrupt and complicit in getting cases against them dismissed.
learn 'em a lesson for givin' bros mad stressins
This is a form of retaliation against those who have caused them hardship and stress.
a long list of CEO's names and addresses
They have gathered information on high-profile individuals whom they plan to target in order to further their cause.
a fake judge with many years on the bench
They plan to take down a corrupt judge whom they view as complicit in the systemic issues they are attempting to combat.
and sent some good cats to the chair, was aired in a trench
The corrupt judge in question has already played a role in sending good people to jail, and their crimes and abuse of power have come to light.
they say her tongue was teared out, smeared and drenched
There have been reports of heinous acts committed against those who oppose the corrupted system and are vocal about it.
the whole system's scared and doubtin' a fair stench
This corruption has caused the entire system to become fearful and doubt that any kind of justice or fairness can be achieved.
and she was tortured, some say post-mortem
This woman who was outspoken against the system is rumored to have been tortured - even after her death.
the suspect took his own life before they caught 'im
The person suspected of committing these atrocities has taken their own life before they could be caught and brought to justice.
it's real spooky like a real trife movie
These events are so horrific that they seem like they could be a plot in a twisted movie.
remember the part when terminator killed tookey
The artist draws comparison to a movie where a hero takes down a villain and insinuates that they are the hero in their own story.
shed blood, some'll be shooken
This course of action will result in violence, and some may be intimidated or afraid as a result.
just look with they head in the mud
They will be afraid to look up or take action against them.
red flood
There will be a flood of blood in the violent conflict that is to come.
VILLIAN!
The artist ends the song by emphasizing their identity as a villain and their intention to continue with their plan of action regardless of the consequences.
Contributed by Allison W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.