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.
Gazzillion ear
Daniel Dumile Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Won't stop rockin til he clocked in a gazzillion grand
Tillin' the wasteland sands
Rap sold backs of treasure maps stacks to the ceilin' fan
He rest when he's ashes
Ask em after ten miles of his goulashes, smashes stashes
Chip on his shoulder with a slip on holster
A clip, a folder and his grip on a boulder bolster
Get from out the row, when he get dough it's horrible
Time is money spend, waste, save, invest to fess
From ten case a cave with chicken chest S
Yes ya'll but don't forget your trickles
The best ballers pitch in and rub together nickels
But tut tut, he about to change the price again
It go up each time, he blow up like hydrogen
Villain here, havin' one thrilling affair
It won't stop, top illin' til he a gazillionaire
Grillin' stare, yeah ya boy had drama
Got em on a mental plane, avoided bad karma
Once sold a inbred skinhead a nigga joke
Plus a brand new chrome smokin' with the triggers broke
I thought I told em firing pins was separate
He find out later when he tries to go an rep it
Took a Jehovah money for a Arabic Torah
Charged in advance, translate it and ignored it sorta
One monkey don't stop no slaughta
A junkie want ta cop a quarter ton, run for the border
Know the drill, it ain't worth the overkill
Flow skill, still... there's no thrill
Villain burn ya 10K bills in his villa
Villa, when it gets realer, split the skrilla with...
Dilla, (Dilla) mix, mix, mix
Do a deal for kicks and get rich quick
Sketch lyric, bet 'cha bottom nick on some vic
Ick from the drumstick, come with the dumb stick
Sick slick, hid in a book
The only way they find it if it's spittin in a hook
Listen, don't look now, keep walkin'
Traded three beans for this cow, cheap talkin'
Hawk men, stalkin', hit a weed, hawkin' often
Cough into a coffin, might as well scoff the pork then
He's like Wharf, some say stronger though
Off the top J strong bow, play along bro
Wear a mask like yo off the Gong Show
Flow slow as Mongo, Don Juan thong pro
For ya info when he's not practicin' Jim Crow
A actress and some nympho bimbo
He's playin' Ray Jay the old tape
DOOM, well what can I say like JJ in a gold cape
Fill it to the rim like brim
Villain and ya won't find him in no gym
Probably a foggy bog with the frogs
With a dot on the guard as he squat on log
Half cocked and half baked
Used to keep a full stock of work half rocked and half shaked
My mistake, silent track agreement
For more G's than lines and cracks in the cement
In any event it's fake like wrestlin'
Get em like Keak da Sneak on mescaline
Ahem, elixir for the dry throat
Tried to hit the high note. Villain's just a itsy bitsy zygote
By remote, send in the meat wagon
Braggin' MC's packed in with they feets draggin'
These stats are staggerin'
Had his PHD in indiscreet street hagglin'
Villain, his agenda is clear
Endin' this year with dividends to spare, here
It's not meant for the scene
Went through the celin' after enterin' his center bein'
A new meanin' to sales through the roof
Guaranteed raw and saw his truth is truth, proof
It's the return of the tramp
Who'll do a duet jam with Earnest Goes to Camp
For the right earn - knaa'mean like Vern
We need some more oil for the machines to burn, learn
Jiminy crickets, he gets lucky like winnin' free tickets off simply lyrics
One mans waste is another mans soap
Sons fan base, know the brotha man's dope
A real weirdo, with a bug rear flow
And the way his hair grow was ugly as a scarecrow
He wears a mask so the charge won't grab
On a rooftop with a large stone slab
Heads up, talk white and thought niggerous
Refuse to walk tight and got his off the figure'ish
Black licorice is equally as yucky
How he handle the money was strictly Dan Stucky
Monkey hustle, man on fire
Later for the date than the hadron collider
And cost more, if it's seemin' like a style
DOOM leave the competition steamin' like a pile
Smile, ding!
Sparkling jewels, in effect like alternate side of the street parkin' rules
Fools, the roach is never dead
Live for a week, then dehydrate with a severed head. Instead..
It was depicted as Flik did
Split, the wick's lit
The lyrics of "Gazzillion ear" by Daniel Dumile, also known as MF DOOM, describe a villain character who never carried drugs and only sought to accumulate wealth until he became a gazillionaire. The chorus reflects the villain's dedication to his craft and his relentless pursuit of success. The lyrics' metaphorical use of a villain reinforces DOOM's honesty and authenticity as a rapper. The character portrayed is also shown to be shrewd with his money, investing, and wisely saving it. DOOM's delivery of his rhymes is effortless and clever, showcasing his mastery of the craft. The lyrics' complexity and interplay with the beat exhibit the rapper's technical abilities.
The song 'Gazzillion Ear' was released in 2009 as part of Dumile's eighth studio album, "Born Like This." The music video for 'Gazzillion Ear' was directed by James Reitano, who had previously worked with DOOM on the music videos for "All Caps" and "Beef Rap." DOOM conceived the album and the concept behind the song. He began producing the album using a variety of instruments and samples before recording lyrics. Also, there were different allusions to Marvel comics throughout the album, most notably in the single “Gazillion Ear,” which references Doctor Doom as the villain. The song was named one of the best songs of 2009 by music critics.
Line by Line Meaning
Villain man never ran with krills in his hand and
The singer has never associated with those who engage in petty crimes and illegal activities
Won't stop rockin til he clocked in a gazzillion grand
He will continue pursuing his musical career until he has amassed a significant amount of wealth
Tillin' the wasteland sands
Creating and cultivating his art in a barren and overlooked industry
Rap sold backs of treasure maps stacks to the ceilin' fan
His lyrics, like valuable maps, are in high demand and reach great heights
He rest when he's ashes
He will only rest once he's passed away
Ask em after ten miles of his goulashes, smashes stashes
Inquire about his achievements and accomplishments after enduring numerous challenges and overcoming hidden treasures
Chip on his shoulder with a slip on holster
He carries a burden and is always ready to defend himself
A clip, a folder and his grip on a boulder bolster
Armed and prepared with his music (clip) and lyrics (folder), he secures his position in the industry (grip on a boulder)
They supposed ta know. It show when his aura glow
Others should recognize his talent and success, evident through his radiant presence
Get from out the row, when he get dough it's horrible
People should step aside and make way when he earns significant money, as his success is unparalleled
Time is money spend, waste, save, invest to fess
Time is valuable and can be used wisely, wasted, saved, or invested to confess (reveal success)
From ten case a cave with chicken chest S
Starting from meager beginnings (ten case a cave), he rose to prominence with a strong determination (chicken chest S)
Yes ya'll but don't forget your trickles
Everyone should contribute their small amounts (trickles) towards a collective goal
The best ballers pitch in and rub together nickels
Even the most successful individuals should come together and pool their resources (nickels)
But tut tut, he about to change the price again
However, he is about to increase the value of his work once more
It go up each time, he blow up like hydrogen
With each price increase, his popularity and success rise explosively like hydrogen
Villain here, havin' one thrilling affair
The artist, the villain, is currently engaging in an exciting and exhilarating experience
It won't stop, top illin' til he a gazillionaire
He will continue to excel and be the best until he becomes extremely wealthy (gazillionaire)
Grillin' stare, yeah ya boy had drama
His intense gaze indicates that he has experienced significant challenges and struggles
Got em on a mental plane, avoided bad karma
He has influenced and captivated others on an intellectual and spiritual level, while avoiding negative consequences
Once sold a inbred skinhead a nigga joke
He once successfully sold a racially insensitive joke to an ignorant and prejudiced individual
Plus a brand new chrome smokin' with the triggers broke
He possesses a new, shiny gun (chrome), but it is non-functional (triggers broke)
I thought I told em firing pins was separate
He previously conveyed that the firing mechanism should be removed for safety purposes
He find out later when he tries to go an rep it
The individual will realize the mistake when attempting to use the gun and represent his supposed power
Took a Jehovah money for a Arabic Torah
He accepted money from a religious person (Jehovah) in exchange for a translation of a holy book (Arabic Torah)
Charged in advance, translate it and ignored it sorta
He requested payment upfront, provided the translation, but disregarded its significance or importance
One monkey don't stop no slaughta
The actions or opinions of a single individual cannot halt a grand endeavor
A junkie want ta cop a quarter ton, run for the border
A drug addict is seeking to purchase a large quantity (quarter ton) of drugs and escape to another country
Know the drill, it ain't worth the overkill
Understand the procedure and realize that excessive force or effort is unnecessary
Flow skill, still... there's no thrill
Despite his impressive lyrical abilities and talent, there is no excitement or satisfaction
Villain burn ya 10K bills in his villa
The singer, the villain, burns expensive bills worth $10,000 in his luxurious residence (villa)
Villa, when it gets realer, split the skrilla with...
As the situation becomes more intense and serious, he shares the wealth (skrilla) with someone else
Dilla, (Dilla) mix, mix, mix
Referring to the late musician J Dilla, he mixes their works together
Do a deal for kicks and get rich quick
Engage in a business agreement for the thrill of it and rapidly accumulate wealth
Sketch lyric, bet 'cha bottom nick on some vic
He crafts and writes lyrics that are impressive and extraordinary, with a certainty that listeners will bet their last coin on their authenticity
Ick from the drumstick, come with the dumb stick
He generates disgust and shock among listeners with his music, similar to the distaste of poultry drumsticks or the striking force of a weapon
Sick slick, hid in a book
His cleverness and craftiness are veiled within his lyrics, just like secrets hidden in a book
The only way they find it if it's spittin in a hook
Others can only discover his true intentions or messages if they pay attention to the catchy and captivating hooks in his songs
Listen, don't look now, keep walkin'
Pay attention and continue moving forward, avoiding distractions or unnecessary observations
Traded three beans for this cow, cheap talkin'
He made a clever and beneficial trade, exchanging something of little value (three beans) for a valuable asset (this cow)
Hawk men, stalkin', hit a weed, hawkin' often
Vigilant and watchful individuals are constantly following him, while he frequently indulges in smoking marijuana
Cough into a coffin, might as well scoff the pork then
His excessive coughing and potential health issues are similar to a coffin, so he might as well mock or disregard warnings about consuming pork
He's like Wharf, some say stronger though
Comparing himself to a character from Star Trek (Wharf), some argue that he possesses even greater strength and power
Off the top J strong bow, play along bro
His spontaneous and impressive improvisational skills are reminiscent of a game called J Strongbow, and he encourages others to participate
Wear a mask like yo off the Gong Show
Similar to the contestants on The Gong Show, he disguises himself with a mask
Flow slow as Mongo, Don Juan thong pro
His rap style is deliberately slow, like the character Mongo. However, he possesses the seductive charm and charisma of Don Juan
For ya info when he's not practicin' Jim Crow
It should be noted that he does not engage in racist behaviors or practices like Jim Crow
A actress and some nympho bimbo
He attracts the attention of a female actor and a sexually promiscuous woman
He's playin' Ray Jay the old tape
He is listening to a classic recording by the musician Ray Jay
DOOM, well what can I say like JJ in a gold cape
DOOM, the artist, portrays himself as stylish and cool, similar to the iconic character JJ from Good Times wearing a golden cape
Fill it to the rim like brim
He fills his lyrics and music with substance and depth, similar to filling a hat to its maximum capacity
Villain and ya won't find him in no gym
The artist, the villain, does not spend time at the gym as he focuses on his music career instead
Probably a foggy bog with the frogs
He likely spends his time in a murky and mysterious swamp, surrounded by frogs
With a dot on the guard as he squat on log
He maintains a vigilant and watchful stance, sitting on a log, with a dot on the weapon's guard
Half cocked and half baked
He is partially prepared and partially under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Used to keep a full stock of work half rocked and half shaked
He used to possess a large amount of drugs that were partly consumed (half rocked) and partly mixed with other substances (half shaked)
My mistake, silent track agreement
Acknowledging a previous error in his career, specifically an agreement to include a silent track on an album
For more G's than lines and cracks in the cement
He pursued music for financial gain (G's), which exceeded the number of lyrics and cracks in the concrete pavement
In any event it's fake like wrestlin'
Regardless of the circumstances, the music industry is often filled with inauthenticity and deception, similar to professional wrestling
Get em like Keak da Sneak on mescaline
He captures the attention of listeners in a unique and intoxicating manner, reminiscent of the rapper Keak da Sneak under the influence of mescaline
Ahem, elixir for the dry throat
His music serves as a remedy or cure for a parched throat, providing relief and satisfaction
Tried to hit the high note. Villain's just a itsy bitsy zygote
Although he attempted to reach the highest point of success, the singer, the villain, is still a small and developing entity in the industry
By remote, send in the meat wagon
Using remote control or from a distant location, he calls for assistance from emergency services (meat wagon)
Braggin' MC's packed in with they feets draggin'
He boasts about outperforming other rappers who are exhausted and struggling to keep up (feet dragging)
These stats are staggerin'
The numbers and records he has achieved are truly astounding and impressive
Had his PHD in indiscreet street hagglin'
Skilled in unscrupulous street negotiations and transactions, he possesses a PhD-level expertise
Villain, his agenda is clear
The singer, the villain, has a clear and defined objective or plan
Endin' this year with dividends to spare, here
He will conclude the year with surplus earnings (dividends), emphasizing his financial success and stability (here)
It's not meant for the scene
His music and art are not created or intended for mainstream or popular consumption
Went through the celin' after enterin' his center bein'
After delving into his innermost self, he experienced a transcendental state and achieved great heights, surpassing expectations
A new meanin' to sales through the roof
He brings a fresh and innovative perspective to skyrocketing sales and success in the industry
Guaranteed raw and saw his truth is truth, proof
He promises genuine and unfiltered content, showcasing his authenticity and truthfulness as verified evidence
It's the return of the tramp
He is making a comeback as the wanderer or outsider in the industry
Who'll do a duet jam with Earnest Goes to Camp
He is willing to collaborate and perform a joint musical session with the character Earnest from the film Goes to Camp
For the right earn - knaa'mean like Vern
He would only agree to such collaboration for an appropriate compensation, similar to the character Vern (presumably referring to Ernest's friend)
We need some more oil for the machines to burn, learn
The industry, represented as machines, requires additional fuel or inspiration to continue functioning and thriving
Jiminy crickets, he gets lucky like winnin' free tickets off simply lyrics
He is blessed and fortunate, experiencing unexpected rewards and success, similar to winning free tickets through simple lyrics
One mans waste is another mans soap
What one person considers garbage, another person may view as valuable or useful
Sons fan base, know the brotha man's dope
The loyal fans of his music are fully aware of his exceptional talent and skills
A real weirdo, with a bug rear flow
He is a truly unique and eccentric individual, with an unconventional and distinctive style of rapping (bug rear flow)
And the way his hair grow was ugly as a scarecrow
His hair grows in an unattractive manner, resembling the disheveled appearance of a scarecrow
He wears a mask so the charge won't grab
He dons a mask to avoid attracting any negative attention or consequences
On a rooftop with a large stone slab
He stands on a rooftop, with a heavy stone slab, potentially symbolizing the weight of his responsibilities
Heads up, talk white and thought niggerous
Be cautious and stay alert, speak in a sophisticated manner but think in ways that challenge racial stereotypes
Refuse to walk tight and got his off the figure'ish
He rejects conforming to societal expectations and successfully earns a living in a non-traditional and unconventional manner
Black licorice is equally as yucky
Black licorice, often regarded as unappealing, holds the same level of distaste as other undesirable things
How he handle the money was strictly Dan Stucky
His approach to managing money and finances is similar to that of Dan Stucky, a character known for being careful and prudent
Monkey hustle, man on fire
He engages in intricate and crafty schemes to acquire money, similar to a monkey's clever movements, while maintaining an intense and passionate drive
Later for the date than the hadron collider
He tends to be late for events or meetings, even more so than the scheduled time for the operation of the Large Hadron Collider
And cost more, if it's seemin' like a style
His work becomes more valuable and desirable if it appears to have a certain style or aesthetic
DOOM leave the competition steamin' like a pile
DOOM, the artist, leaves his competitors feeling angry and overwhelmed, similar to a pile of steam rising
Smile, ding!
He smiles and confidently asserts his dominance and satisfaction, similar to the sound of a bell ringing
Sparkling jewels, in effect like alternate side of the street parkin' rules
His valuable and captivating music has a profound impact, similar to the impact of parking rules that alternate sides of the street
Fools, the roach is never dead
He emphasizes that despite challenges and setbacks, his presence and influence will always persist, similar to a resilient cockroach
Live for a week, then dehydrate with a severed head. Instead..
He lives with intensity and passion for a short period, and then experiences a sudden and abrupt decline, symbolized by a severed head. However, he changes direction or chooses a different path
It was depicted as Flik did
His life or experiences were portrayed in a similar manner to the character Flik in the animated film A Bug's Life
Split, the wick's lit
He separates and swiftly departs, but the fuse or flame is still ignited, indicating that his presence lingers
Contributed by Olivia E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.