Born in London, Dumile moved with his family to Long Island, New York at a young age. He began his musical career in 1988 as a member of the East Coast hip-hop trio KMD, at which time he performed under the name Zev Love X. KMD disbanded in 1993 following the death of Dumile's brother, DJ Subroc. After taking a hiatus from the music scene, Dumile reemerged in 1998, when he began performing at open mic events while wearing a mask. He adopted the MF DOOM persona and rarely made unmasked public appearances from that time onward. His metal mask resembles that of Marvel Comics supervillain Doctor Doom, who is depicted rapping on the cover of his 1999 debut solo album Operation: Doomsday. In the early 2000s, Dumile also released solo albums under the pseudonyms King Geedorah and Viktor Vaughn.
MF DOOM appeared in several collaborative projects such as Madvillain (with Madlib), DANGERDOOM (with Danger Mouse), DOOMSTARKS (with Ghostface Killah), JJ DOOM (with Jneiro Jarel), NEHRUVIANDOOM (with Bishop Nehru), and Czarface Meets Metal Face (with CZARFACE).
Dumile was born on 9 January 1971 in London, England, the son of a Trinidadian mother and a Zimbabwean father. His family moved to Long Island, New York, when he was a child; Dumile remained a British citizen. Dumile grew up in Freeport, New York, and first started DJ'ing during the summer after third grade. Dumile had lived in London since 2009. Dumile was a follower of the Nuwaubian Nation.
Dumile created the MF DOOM character as an alter ego with a backstory he could reference in his music. The character combines elements from the Marvel Comics supervillain Doctor Doom, Destro, and the Phantom of the Opera; like Doctor Doom and Phantom, Dumile referred to himself in the third person while in character. His signature mask was similar to that of Doctor Doom, who is depicted rapping on the cover of Dumile's 1999 debut album Operation: Doomsday.
Dumile wore the mask while performing, and would not be photographed without it, except for short glimpses in videos and in earlier photos with KMD. Later versions of the mask were based on a prop from the 2000 film Gladiator. Academic Hershini Bhana Young argued that, by appropriating the Doctor Doom mask, Dumile "positions himself as enemy, not only of the music industry but also of dominant constructions of identity that relegate him as a black man to second-class citizenship".
Dumile's rap persona MF DOOM was known for his unique free-association rap style, challenging the conventional style of rhyming and flow. His interest in cartoons, comics and other pop culture realms as well as his distinct sampling/production inspired many contemporary artists today.
On December 31, 2020 it was announced on Dumile's Instagram and Facebook by his wife Jasmine, that the rapper had passed away on October 31 of that year at the age of 49.
After his death, Variety described him as one of the scene's "most celebrated, unpredictable and enigmatic figures". Dumile is considered one of the most celebrated and influential musicians in hip-hop. The English musician Thom Yorke, who collaborated with Dumile on two occasions, wrote: "He was a massive inspiration to so many of us, changed things... For me the way he put words was often shocking in its genius, using stream of consciousness in a way I'd never heard before." Stereogum, reviewing Operation: Doomsday on its 20th anniversary, noted Dumile's "formative" influence on younger rappers. El-P of Run the Jewels described him as a "writer's writer", while Q-Tip called him "your favorite rapper's favorite rapper".
Anti Matter
MF DOOM Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Back to the x p o Satellite
It's showtime nigga King Geedorah on the boards (King Geedorah)
MF Doom and I am Mister Fantastik
Expeditiously I be on my grizzly
Feds try to creep me somehow always miss me
Mister Fantastik put the busy in the bee
Who is he? he need to get out more
Or either get outta here like some dang outlaw
Standing like Lurch no herb in the record bin
Called him for a random search curbside checkin' and
It's on nigga on and crackin' like Digg'em lips be smacking
Running off at the mouth steady talk bout us
On some shit they overheard but enough is enough
Yeah, It's neither here nor there Black
Warfare in your ear CLAK CLAK CLAK CLAK CLAK
What's that your hearing things TAT TAT TAT TAT TAT
Be wearing your thinking hat
No matter how hard they try they can't stop us now
We got King Geedorah on the boards with that golden sound (Are you Serious)
They don't know how we get down when we're out uptown
(Deadly Serious King Geedorah)
So when you see us in the streets don't be fuckin' around (Perfect)
A hundred things on the re-up of course I'm living fat
My Mercedes outside nigga where yours at
Top down on a good day the K the I the wood way
Got cats thinking should I stay fuck what the hood say
Niggaz wanna rob me now
Bitches wanna slob me now
Hoes didn't holla last year feel sorry now
Practice jumpshot Reggie Mil (Reggie Miller) Robert Horry now
The nigga that you with played like Atari now
Lyrically unorthodox I flow continuous
Never on a straight path I'm known to bend a twist
Put it down from the Suburb to the Tennament
You bet against me but wanna wonder where your money went
I get the cash take niggaz out like trash
Known to stack a mean stash they used to call me pure math
Back in the days all I did was stay paid
But as they say in the South bitch gimme some head
Excuse Me mister do she got a sister
Who he not to kiss her True she do got a blister
Not a movie plot twist like a twistler
If I needed my meat burned I'd go to Sizzler
Getting paid like a biker with the best crank
Sprayed like a high ranked sniper in the West Bank
Type to just blank and don't show much pitty
When I'm in the city I always keep a dutch with me
Touch her titty till she ask me where the trees is at
Or tell me don't squeeze that rats wanna tease a cat
Let the dog beg wait up
Who talking Doom with the hog leg straight up New Yorkin'
No matter how hard they try they can't stop us now (That's Correct)
We got King Geedorah on the boards with that golden sound (King Geedorah)
They don't know how we get down when we're out uptown (I Just Can't Stand the Guy)
So when you see us in the streets
The opening lines of "Anti-Matter" by MF DOOM and featuring Mister Fantastik take the listener on a journey from Venus to Mars before finally landing back on Earth. The X P O Satellite is a termination point for telephone and data traffic between the United States, Europe, and Latin America. The duo announce that it's "showtime" as King Geedorah mans the boards. Geedorah is actually MF DOOM's alter ego, a three-headed golden dragon from outer space.
Mister Fantastik lays down a tight verse, referencing his ability to avoid the Feds and proclaiming his busy lifestyle. The song moves into a critique of those who don't understand their style of music, labeling them as outlaws who should leave. The focus switches to the sound and lyrical quality of their music, with MF DOOM stating that it will live on and the people who don't like it can "be wearing [their] thinking hat."
The song addresses themes of authority, creativity, and individuality. Its triplet flow captures the signature style of MF DOOM and King Geedorah. The lyrics use wordplay and clever rhyming that is typical of MF DOOM's work. The song can be seen as a critique of those who fail to appreciate creative output and those who try to stop it.
Line by Line Meaning
From Venus to Mars back to Earth
Traveling intergalactic distances, visiting different planets and returning to our home planet.
Back to the x p o Satellite
Returning to the satellite that orbits Earth.
It's showtime nigga King Geedorah on the boards (King Geedorah)
King Geedorah, a character in MF DOOM's music, is producing the music and it's time for the performance.
MF Doom and I am Mister Fantastik
The two rappers introducing themselves as their respective stage names.
Expeditiously I be on my grizzly
I move quickly and efficiently through any task at hand, just like a grizzly bear.
Feds try to creep me somehow always miss me
The federal authorities constantly try to track me down, but they always fail to catch me.
Mister Fantastik put the busy in the bee
I am a hard worker, always busy and productive, like a bee pollinating flowers.
Rock from the bottom straight to the Tizzy
I started from the bottom and have come up to the top, reaching the highest point of success.
Who is he? he need to get out more
An expression of disdain for the person being referred to; they aren't important and should leave.
Or either get outta here like some dang outlaw
The person being referred to should leave, or he'll be forced out like an outlaw on the run.
Standing like Lurch no herb in the record bin
A reference to a character in The Addams Family, standing still like Lurch, and not having marijuana (herb) in his record (music) collection.
Called him for a random search curbside checkin' and
The authorities conducted a random search of the person being referred to, possibly on the side of the road.
It's on nigga on and crackin' like Digg'em lips be smacking
Something is about to happen and it will be exciting, like a bowl of cereal (Digg'em) being consumed with enthusiasm.
Running off at the mouth steady talk bout us
People are talking about us incessantly, spreading rumors or gossip.
On some shit they overheard but enough is enough
They're talking about things they overheard, but it's time for it to stop.
Yeah, It's neither here nor there Black
It's not relevant or important, my race doesn't matter.
Warfare in your ear CLAK CLAK CLAK CLAK CLAK
The sound of warfare is in your ear, represented by repetitive gunshots.
What's that your hearing things TAT TAT TAT TAT TAT
You're hearing the sound of gunshots (TAT TAT TAT TAT TAT), something dangerous is happening.
Be wearing your thinking hat
Be aware and alert of the dangerous situation.
No matter how hard they try they can't stop us now
Despite their efforts to stop us, we're unstoppable.
We got King Geedorah on the boards with that golden sound (Are you Serious)
The music is exceptional, thanks to King Geedorah's production.
They don't know how we get down when we're out uptown
When we're in the city, they're not aware of our lifestyle and how we operate.
(Deadly Serious King Geedorah)
King Geedorah is serious about his production, it's the best of the best.
So when you see us in the streets don't be fuckin' around (Perfect)
If you see us, don't try to mess with us or cause trouble.
A hundred things on the re-up of course I'm living fat
I have many sources of income, which allows me to live a luxurious lifestyle.
My Mercedes outside nigga where yours at
I have a fancy car parked outside, do you have one too?
Top down on a good day the K the I the wood way
On a nice day, I drive my car with the top down, cruising through the neighborhood.
Got cats thinking should I stay fuck what the hood say
Others may think they shouldn't associate with me, but I don't care about their opinions.
Niggaz wanna rob me now
People might attempt to rob or steal from me due to my wealth and possessions.
Bitches wanna slob me now
Women are interested in me now because of my wealth and status.
Hoes didn't holla last year feel sorry now
Women who ignored me in the past now regret their decision.
Practice jumpshot Reggie Mil (Reggie Miller) Robert Horry now
A reference to successful basketball players who make difficult shots, now I'm on a winning streak.
The nigga that you with played like Atari now
The person that you're with is old and outdated like the Atari game system.
Lyrically unorthodox I flow continuous
My style of rapping is unconventional, and I keep it going without stopping.
Never on a straight path I'm known to bend a twist
I never follow a straight and narrow path, always veering off in different directions with my music and lifestyle.
Put it down from the Suburb to the Tennament
I represent and succeed in different communities, from the suburbs to the projects.
You bet against me but wanna wonder where your money went
You gambled against me, but now you're wondering where your money went because I came out on top.
I get the cash take niggaz out like trash
I acquire money and dispose of my enemies like trash.
Known to stack a mean stash they used to call me pure math
I save money and create a significant fund, like a mathematical equation with no extraneous factors.
Back in the days all I did was stay paid
In the past, my only focus was making money and being successful.
But as they say in the South bitch gimme some head
In the South, it's expected for a woman to perform oral sex on a man, and I want that to happen to me.
Excuse Me mister do she got a sister
Asking if the woman has any attractive siblings.
Who he not to kiss her True she do got a blister
Referring to the man who doesn't want to kiss the woman, and she has a cold sore.
Not a movie plot twist like a twistler
A twist in a movie plot is unpredictable, unlike a Tootsie Roll Pop where the twist is expected.
If I needed my meat burned I'd go to Sizzler
If I wanted my steak well-done, I'd go to Sizzler, a chain restaurant known for cooking steaks thoroughly.
Getting paid like a biker with the best crank
I earn money like a motorcyclist manufacturing and selling the best motorcycle engine parts.
Sprayed like a high ranked sniper in the West Bank
I'm feared and powerful, like a highly-skilled sniper targeting and eliminating enemies in the West Bank.
Type to just blank and don't show much pitty
I'm indifferent and emotionless, not showing any mercy.
When I'm in the city I always keep a dutch with me
I always have a cigar to smoke marijuana (dutch) when I'm in the city.
Touch her titty till she ask me where the trees is at
Sexually fondling the woman's breast until she asks where to buy marijuana.
Or tell me don't squeeze that rats wanna tease a cat
Warn the woman not to play games with him, like a rat teasing a cat.
Let the dog beg wait up
Stop and wait for the woman's dog to finish begging for food, a play on words with the saying 'let the good times roll'.
Who talking Doom with the hog leg straight up New Yorkin'
Who's rapping like MF DOOM with so much skill, representing New York City with pride.
No matter how hard they try they can't stop us now (That's Correct)
We're unstoppable, even when others try to stop us. This is a reaffirmation of a previous line.
We got King Geedorah on the boards with that golden sound (King Geedorah)
A reference to King Geedorah's exceptional production skills, mentioned earlier.
They don't know how we get down when we're out uptown (I Just Can't Stand the Guy)
Others have no idea about how we operate when we're out in the city. The second part is a reference to a song by The Specials.
So when you see us in the streets
A warning to be careful and respectful when coming across us in public.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: CHAD HUGO, PHARRELL L. WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind