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".
Fire Wood Drumstix
MF DOOM Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Y'all know what it is, villain
Dilla, Dilla still the best, ahem
One two, one two, one two
They scared of this track
Like a terrorist attack
Prepare to get back when
Get a dog, they soft like a peach
Rhymes like sand on beach, off the leash
Screech
Deep wells, spells "Saved By The Bell, " L
Well behaved, and gave 'em hell
Walked on gilded splinters in a
Handstand stalked the krill-lit winters
Coldest ever, midnight
Break day like loaves of bread
Cleverly way overhead
Nicest beat maker east of the equator
From the greater good
Your hood to deep theta
Take a leap of faith and
Scrape a heap of eighth
Face all chafe, have the whole place strafe
Toodle-loo, use your noodle or it'll use you
Two for two
Know the wild dude when you cruising through
Later than the last 48 post traumatic
Stress in a post-hypnotic state
Got it? Great these things is not toys
Only to be handled be kings who's got poise
Not boys, you hear me, twerps?
Story rings nearly like the
McClaury's versus the Earps
Hey, you want to stay in your genre?
Then protest the villain them
Rendition of "La Bamba"
Emcees speaking, they in need of some jojoba
All this up in here malik yoba, pro bruh
Attack the track like a lumberjack – quick
Chop it down to size fire wood is drumstix
In "Fire Wood Drumstix," MF DOOM pays tribute to the late J Dilla, a revered producer and fellow artist. The song begins with references to Dilla's influence and importance in the music industry, as DOOM exclaims "Dilla, Dilla, mix, mix, mix" and proclaims him as the best. The repetition of "one two" serves as a nod to the traditional counting for sound checks in the music industry.
The lyrics then shift to DOOM boasting about his skills and the fear he instills in other artists. He compares their fear of him to a terrorist attack, painting himself as a force to be reckoned with. DOOM uses wordplay and metaphors to describe his lyrical prowess, claiming that his rhymes are as abundant as sand on a beach and that he's off the leash like an unleashed dog. He also references popular TV show "Saved By The Bell" and alludes to his ability to excel even in harsh conditions.
The song continues with DOOM describing his mastery over beats and his ability to captivate audiences. He mentions his reputation as the best beat maker from the East and his dedication to creating music for the greater good. DOOM then urges listeners to take risks and face challenges, implying that success requires faith and perseverance.
In the latter half of the song, DOOM addresses other rappers, mocking their lack of creativity and originality. He warns them to stay in their own lanes and criticize his rendition of "La Bamba," a reference to their limited perspective on music. DOOM contrasts himself as a mature and experienced artist, asserting that he should be respected by both his peers and the industry at large.
Line by Line Meaning
Dilla, Dilla, mix, mix, mix
Acknowledging the influence and greatness of J Dilla in the music industry.
Y'all know what it is, villain
Addressing the audience, recognizing his villain persona and inviting them to understand.
Dilla, Dilla still the best, ahem
Reaffirming J Dilla's unmatched talent and acknowledging his ongoing legacy.
One two, one two, one two
Establishing a rhythmic cadence, preparing for what's to come.
They scared of this track
Revealing that others are intimidated by the power and impact of this song.
Like a terrorist attack
Comparing the track's effect to the fear and chaos caused by a terrorist attack.
Prepare to get back when
He's wearing just black
Warning others to be ready for retaliation when he wears all black, symbolizing his readiness for action.
Get a dog, they soft like a peach
Mocking his opponents by suggesting they need a dog's protection as they are weak and delicate.
Rhymes like sand on beach, off the leash
Describing his lyrics as abundant and unrestricted, flowing freely like sand on a beach.
Screech
Interjecting a sound effect symbolizing a sudden halt or disruption.
Deep wells, spells "Saved By The Bell, " L
Highlighting the depth and magical quality of his rhymes, referencing the popular show 'Saved By The Bell'.
Well behaved, and gave 'em hell
Contrasting his composed demeanor with the havoc and chaos he creates on the mic.
Walked on gilded splinters in a
Handstand stalked the krill-lit winters
Portraying his ability to navigate difficult situations effortlessly, using creative and unconventional means.
Coldest ever, midnight
Break day like loaves of bread
Emphasizing his unmatched skill and versatility to effortlessly dominate any time of day or night.
Cleverly way overhead
Exercising his intelligence by crafting lyrics that go beyond the comprehension of the average listener.
Nicest beat maker east of the equator
Acknowledging his exceptional talent in producing beats, positioning himself as the best in the eastern hemisphere.
From the greater good
Your hood to deep theta
Applying his musical talents for the betterment of society, diving into the depths of consciousness and spirituality.
Take a leap of faith and
Scrape a heap of eighth
Encouraging others to take risks and trust their instincts, even if it means facing difficulties along the way.
Face all chafe, have the whole place strafe
Challenging individuals to confront adversities head-on, causing chaos and disruption throughout their surroundings.
Toodle-loo, use your noodle or it'll use you
Bidding farewell while advising others to utilize their intelligence and thoughts, lest they be controlled by external forces.
Two for two
Asserting a record of consecutive victories or successes.
Know the wild dude when you cruising through
Being aware of his unpredictable and extraordinary nature when encountering him casually.
Later than the last 48 post traumatic
Referring to a delay or arrival after a significant event or trauma, emphasizing a notable presence.
Stress in a post-hypnotic state
Recognizing the lingering effects of stress, which can induce a trance-like mental state.
Got it? Great these things is not toys
Asserting that his craft and musical endeavors are serious and significant, not mere playthings.
Only to be handled be kings who's got poise
Implying that only individuals with royal-like composure and confidence can properly handle and appreciate his craft.
Not boys, you hear me, twerps?
Addressing his audience as immature and insignificant individuals, demanding their attention and respect.
Story rings nearly like the
McClaury's versus the Earps
Drawing a parallel to the historical feud between the McClaury and Earp families, suggesting his story is equally captivating and full of conflict.
Hey, you want to stay in your genre?
Challenging other artists to remain within their predefined music styles and boundaries.
Then protest the villain them
Rendition of "La Bamba"
Encouraging those who oppose his artistry to express their dissatisfaction through protesting against his unique interpretation of the song 'La Bamba'.
Emcees speaking, they in need of some jojoba
Mocking other rappers and suggesting they lack essential oils like jojoba, symbolizing a need for nourishment and improvement.
All this up in here malik yoba, pro bruh
Addressing the presence of confidence and excellence in his surroundings, comparing it to actor Malik Yoba's professionalism.
Attack the track like a lumberjack – quick
Approaching the track with a rapid and impactful style, comparing it to a lumberjack swiftly chopping down trees.
Chop it down to size, fire wood is drumstix
Trimming the track to perfection, likening it to using fire wood as drumsticks to create rhythmic sounds.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JAMES DEWITT YANCEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@EyaoPantah
[Intro]
Dilla, Dilla, mix, mix, mix
Y'all know what it is, villain
Dilla, Dilla still the best, ahem, one two, one two, one two..
[Verse]
They scared of this track like a terrorist attack
Prepare to get back when he's wearing just black
Get a dog, they soft like a peach
Rhymes like sand on beach, off the leash, screech
Deep wells, spells "Saved By The Bell," L
Well behaved, and gave 'em hell
Walked on gilded splinters in a handstand stalked the krill-lit winters
Coldest ever, midnight, break day like loaves of bread
Cleverly way overhead
Nicest beat maker east of the equator
From the greater good, your hood to deep theta
Take a leap of faith and scrape a heap of eighth
Face all chafe, have the whole place strafe
Toodle-loo, use your noodle or it'll use you
Two for two, know the wild dude when you cruising through
Later than the last 48 post-traumatic stress in a post-hypnotic state, Got it? Great
These things is not toys
Only to be handled be kings who's got poise
Not boys, you hear me, twerps?
Story rings nearly like the McClaury's versus the Earps
Hey, you want to stay in your genre?
Then protest the villain them rendition of "La Bamba"
Emcees speaking, they in need of some jojoba
All this up in here malik yoba, pro bruh
Attack the track like a lumberjack – quick
Chop it down to size fire wood is drumstix
@JulianWyllie
Some of DOOM's brilliance is his ability to sound so aggressive without needing to throw a bunch of curses around. The lines string together so well.
@sf9261
Top best producers , MF doom , nujabes , madlib , jdilla
@xradishz
stay fresh No RZA?
@sf9261
Yeah . Lol that was a short list . Yep I love rza's productions . probably my favorite was the scientifik track with edo." long as you know ". Just lazy cause the list goes on ;)
@b.dahiphoprebel192
+Stay Fresh Some producers that MUST be in a "top producer list" are: DJ Premier, Kanye West, RZA and Dr. Dre
And some other producers that deserve the respect to be mentioned at least are: Johhny J, Rick Rubin, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Stoupe the Enemy of Mankind and Marley Marl
@b.dahiphoprebel192
+B. DA HipHop Rebel ...and Pete Rock
@AnthonyHonoriio
and 9th Wonder, Gramatik, Apollo Brown and another one are so god, but the best are: Dilla, Doom, Madlib and Dre, in my opinion of course
@Grandmaster_Vic
Fuck man I really wish there was a Dilla and Doom project. I would've bumped to that shit all day if it was made
@neonreign2988
100 percent agree, I would have LOVED to hear a collaboration album with J Dilla and MF Doom, it would have been aesthetic as fuck and legendary.
@ILLAILLS
Vic Robbins greatest thing that never happened lol