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".
Cellz
MF DOOM Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
As the chalk faces smile, as Mrs. Death laughs
As political landscapes dissolve
As the oily fish spit out their oily prey
We are born like this, into this
Into hospitals which are so expensive that it's cheaper to die
Into lawyers who charge so much, it's cheaper to plead guilty
Into a country where the jails are full and the madhouses closed
Born into this, walking and living through this
Dying because of this
Castrated, debauched, disinherited, because of this
The fingers reach toward an unresponsive God
The fingers reach for the bottle, the pill, the powder
We are born into this sorrowful deadliness
There will be open and unpunished murder in the streets
It will be guns and roving mobs, land will be useless
Food will become a diminishing return
Nuclear power will be taken over by the many
Explosions will continually shape the earth
Radiated men will eat the flesh of radiated men
The rotting bodies of men and animals stink in the dark wind
And there will be the most beautiful silence never heard
Born out of that, the sun hidden there
Awaiting the next chapter
DOOM from the realm of El Kulum, smelly gel fume
Separating cell womb to Melle Mel, boom
Revelations in Braille, respiration inhale, view
Nations fail and shaking of a snake tail make due
Blazing swords trace the haze, praise the Lord
Saving Grace, lace your broad, she say she bored
A crazy straw, ink and stale dry paraffin
Candy corn crap rappers pale by comparison
A bad samaritan averaging above average men
Rancid rants having rambling savages scavenging
For scraps, perhaps roadkill, if that
Gift of gab, and he flowed ill, chrome stiff hat
Known for writing lightning tight lines, chiefin'
Beefin', being off deep ends, divine bright shines even
Dimes quiet as mimes by design mighty fine
Slight rewind, tightly bind, blind lead blind
Need mines now that was this is then, listenin'
To sizzlin' officialtons whisperin', "Him again"
Metal Face Finster playing with the dirty money
Sinister, don't know what he saying but the words be funny
Major vet spaded through the vest with a bayonet
Save your breath, gave a F, pay your debt, they forget
Make her sweat bullets, crime pays no benefits
Then it gets wilder with more childisher degenerates
Three thousand years ago, Moses said
"Every human being is responsible for his actions
Or thy being is still a beast, not yet human"
You ought to let your uncle flow, my motorcycle trunkfuls
From two-one two-one, lose crumbs to chunks in bundles
Hands down, better than what your mans used to get
Standing around from where the translucent looses spit
Missing wheel, you don't listen, you're a feel-head
Sitting in the kitchen pissing, twitching, kissing steel lead
Crime pays no dental nor medical
Unless you catch retirement, county, state or federal
You heard like roaring waters in a seashell
If a tree fell, you couldn't tell from three cell
Be real careful, they tell him by the earful
Kids doing skid bids, acting out is terrible
Word is bond, fix your clothes, put a shirt on
Pants sagging back when you used to meant you had a skirt on
Squirts posing as thuggers and hustlers
El Eloh closer than y'alls ball huggers and jugglers
Motherfuckers
DOOM is transmitting a message to you
Super fools
I need to use more power
The lyrics of "Cellz" by MF DOOM are a commentary on the bleak and oppressive conditions that people are born into. DOOM starts by saying that we are born into a world where everything seems to be falling apart - where the landscape is constantly changing and the powers that be are corrupt. He points out that even our institutions, such as hospitals and the justice system, are designed to benefit the powerful rather than the vulnerable. DOOM then goes on to describe the ways in which people suffer and die in this world - through illness, violence, and addiction.
Despite this, DOOM ends on a more hopeful note, suggesting that there is still something beautiful to be found in the darkness. He speaks of the sun "hidden there awaiting the next chapter," suggesting that even in the midst of despair, there is always the possibility of renewal and redemption.
Overall, the lyrics of "Cellz" are a powerful critique of the way in which society oppresses and marginalizes its citizens. DOOM's vivid language and incisive insights create a portrait of a world that is both bleak and beautiful, demonstrating the importance of holding onto hope even in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Born like this
We are born into a world filled with chaos
Into this
We are brought into a society that is far from perfect
As the chalk faces smile
People in power often disguise their true emotions
As Mrs. Death laughs
The inevitability of death is a fact of life that we cannot escape
As political landscapes dissolve
Government regimes come and go, and things are constantly in flux
As the oily fish spits out their oily prey
Nature itself has its own set of rules and can be as cruel as it is beautiful
We are born like this
We are forced to confront the world as it is
Into hospitals that are so expensive
The healthcare system is often inaccessible and prohibitively expensive
That it's cheaper to die
Dying can sometimes be a more financially viable option than receiving healthcare
Into lawyers who charge so much
The legal system is often inaccessible for those who cannot afford it
It's cheaper to plead guilty
Pleading guilty is sometimes the only viable option to avoid exorbitant legal fees
Into a country where the jails are full
The prison system is overcrowded and often used as a way to deal with social problems
And the madhouses closed
Mental health facilities are inaccessible, and many go untreated
Into a place where the masses elevate fools
Society often idolizes and glorifies those who do not deserve it
Into rich heroes
Those who have money are often seen as heroic figures, regardless of their actions
Walking and living through this
We must navigate through this world and its problems in order to survive
Dying because of this
The world can be a dangerous and deadly place, and it can be fatal to live in it
Castrated
We are often limited in our abilities and opportunities
Debauched
The world can often lead to moral decay
Disinherited
Many people are denied opportunities and resources due to systemic inequalities
Because of this
All of these negative aspects of the world we live in are interconnected and feed into each other
The fingers reach toward an unresponsive god
Many people turn to religion or spirituality in order to find meaning in a world that can seem devoid of it
The fingers reach for the bottle
Alcohol and other substances are often used to numb the pain and stress of the world
The pill
Prescription drugs are often used to treat mental health issues or to numb physical pain
The powder
Recreational drugs are often used to escape the world or to find temporary relief
We're born into this sourful deadliness
Our world is filled with danger and negativity that can seem impossible to overcome
There will be open and unpunished murder in the streets
The world can be a violent and dangerous place, and many murders are never solved
It will be guns and raving mobs
Violence and chaos will be prevalent
Land will be useless
The environment will be damaged to the point where it is no longer habitable
Food will become a diminishing return
Food scarcity will be a major problem
Nuclear power will be taken over by the many
Nuclear power will be democratized, which could lead to many potential dangers
Explosions will continually shake the earth
There will be constant violence and destruction
Radiated men will eat the flesh of radiated men
The world will be so damaged that people will have to resort to cannibalism to survive
The rotting bodies of men and animals will stink in the dark wind
Death and decay will be a constant presence in the world
And there will be the most beautiful silence never heard
Amidst all of the chaos and destruction, there will be a sense of quiet and serenity
Born out of that
Despite all of the negatives of our world, there is still hope and opportunity for growth
The sun hidden there awaiting the next chapter
The future is uncertain, but there is still the potential for beauty and growth
Doom from the realm of el-ca-loom, smelly gel fume
MF DOOM is introducing himself with a metaphorical description of his persona
Separating cell womb to Mele Mel, boom!
DOOM is stating that he is breaking away from the industry norms and creating something new and exciting
Revelations in braille, respiration, inhale
DOOM is discussing the power of language and the importance of using it carefully
View nations fail, shaking of a snake tail
DOOM is commenting on the way in which political systems can fail and lead to chaos
Make due, blazing swords, traze the haze, praise the Lord
DOOM is calling for people to stay strong and fight against the chaos of the world
Saving grace. Lace your broad, she say she bored
DOOM is commenting on the cyclical nature of life and relationships
A crazy straw, ink and stale-dried paraffin
DOOM is using vivid imagery to paint a picture of a world that is often chaotic and confusing
Candy corn crap rappers pale by comparison
DOOM is saying that many rappers are not up to his level and cannot compare to his skills
A bad Samaritan averagin' above average men
DOOM is saying that he is a rebel who goes against the norm and is above average in his skills
Rancid rants havin' ramblin', savages scavagin'
DOOM is talking about the way in which society can be filled with negativity and violence
For scraps, perhaps road kill, if that
DOOM is commenting on the desperation that can be felt in a harsh world
Gift of gab and he flow ill, chrome stiff hat
DOOM is proud of his skills as a rapper and is confident in his abilities
Known for writin' lightnin' tight lines
DOOM is saying that he is known for his ability to write memorable and impactful verses
Chiefin beefin' bein' off deep ends, divine bright shines even
DOOM is commenting on the way in which people can be driven to extremes in order to survive and thrive
Dimes quiet as minds by design, mighty fine
DOOM is commenting on the way in which beauty can be found in unexpected places
Slight rewind, tightly bind, blind lead blind
DOOM is discussing the cyclical nature of society and how people can easily fall into negative patterns
Need minds now, that was this is then
DOOM is calling for people to be more present in the moment and to focus on the present
Listenin' to sizzlin' officialtons whisperin' him again
DOOM is discussing the way in which society is often corrupt and duplicitous
Metal Face finster playin' with the dirty money
DOOM is saying that he is willing to play dirty and go against the status quo in order to succeed
Sinister, don't know what he sayin' but the words be funny
DOOM is aware of the fact that his style and lyrics can be seen as humorous, but he is also trying to make a point
Major vets spaded through the vest with a bayonet
DOOM is commenting on the way in which people in power can be corrupt and unscrupulous
Save your breath, gave a F, pay your debt, they forget
DOOM is talking about how society can be unforgiving and easily forget about those who are struggling
Make 'em sweat bullets, crime pays no benefits
DOOM is commenting on the way in which crime can often lead to punishment, rather than reward
Then it gets wilder with more childish shit an' degenerates
DOOM is saying that the world can often become even more chaotic and dangerous
Yodel at your uncle flows, my motorcycle trunk fulls
DOOM is commenting on his own unique style and the way in which he stands out from other rappers
From 2, 1 to 1, loose crumbs to chunks in bundles
DOOM is talking about his experience as an artist and the way in which he has evolved and grown over time
Hands down, better than what your mans used to get
DOOM is confident that he is a better rapper than those who came before him
Standin' around for where the translucent lucid spit
DOOM is saying that he is always striving to improve and create something new and exciting
Missin wheel, you don't listen, you a feel head
DOOM is saying that those who do not listen and learn are doomed to fail
Sittin' in the kitchen, pissin', twitchin', kissin' steel lead
DOOM is commenting on the way in which people can be driven to madness by the harshness of the world
Crime pays no dental nor medical
DOOM is saying that crime can often lead to punishment and negative consequences
Unless you catch retirement, county, state or federal
DOOM is saying that the only way to escape the harshness of the world is through retirement or government assistance
Ya heard like roaring waters in a seashell
DOOM is saying that his words carry a lot of weight and should be listened to
If a tree fell, ya couldn't tell from 3 cell
DOOM is saying that the world can be filled with loneliness and isolation, and that it can be difficult to truly connect with others
Be real careful, they tellin' by the earful
DOOM is warning people to be cautious and not to trust everything they hear
Kids doin' skid bids, acting out is terrible
DOOM is commenting on the way in which society often demonizes rebellious youth, when their actions are often a reflection of the world they live in
Word is born, fix your clothes, put a shirt on
DOOM is saying that it is time for people to take responsibility for themselves and to clean up their act
Pants saggin' back when used to meant you had a skirt on
DOOM is commenting on the way in which fashion and style have evolved over time
Squirts posin' as thuggers and hustlers
DOOM is saying that many people are trying to act tough and gritty when they are not
Al-itu closer than y'alls ball huggers and jugglers
DOOM is saying that he is closer to the truth and reality than those who are obsessed with superficial things
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Corin Douglas Littler, Daniel Dumile Thompson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind