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".
Back in the Days
MF DOOM Lyrics
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Hello? Anybody home?
Wow, look at that equipment
I wonder what DOOM is working on
Now I'll just rearrange a few of these circuits
(You're even more stupid than I thought)
Give me those papers
(I just came by to say hello
But you'd better recheck those equations
You're off a few decimals
And that means big trouble if you use this material)
Get out of here
The lyrics of MF DOOM's song Back In The Days describe a memory of meeting a brilliant student named DOOM. The song starts with the singer observing the student's equipment and wondering what DOOM is working on. The singer seems impressed with what he sees and proceeds to ask "what are you doing in my room?" In response, DOOM asks the singer to leave and accuses him of being stupid. However, before leaving, the singer warns DOOM that there are errors in his equations that could cause big trouble if the material is used.
The lyrics touch on the theme of brilliance and the potential that lies within people who may seem unassuming at first. DOOM is portrayed as a genius who is engrossed in his work, while the singer seems to be in awe of DOOM's abilities. The interaction between the two highlights the importance of constructive criticism and the need for people to help each other improve in their respective fields.
Overall, the lyrics to Back In The Days convey a message of appreciating people's talents and providing feedback that can help them grow and achieve their full potential.
Line by Line Meaning
It was back in the days when I met a brilliant student named DOOM
Let me tell you about the time when I met a really smart guy named DOOM.
Hello? Anybody home?
Hmm, I wonder if anyone is here?
Wow, look at that equipment
I am really impressed by all of this advanced technology.
I wonder what DOOM is working on
I am curious about what kind of project DOOM has going on.
Now I'll just rearrange a few of these circuits
I am going to tinker with some of these electronic components to see what happens.
What are you doing in my room?
Excuse me, why are you in my personal space?
(You're even more stupid than I thought)
(I am disappointed in your lack of intelligence.)
Give me those papers
Hand over those documents, please.
(I just came by to say hello
(I only stopped by to greet you,
But you'd better recheck those equations
but you need to double check your math.
You're off a few decimals
You made a small mistake with some numbers.
And that means big trouble if you use this material)
If you don't correct that mistake, it could cause a big issue if you try to use this information.
Get out of here
Please leave now.
Writer(s): THOMPSON DANIEL DUMILE
Contributed by Hunter S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.