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".
Get 'Er Done
MF DOOM Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He makes beats well like I
Likes my steaks done
With sauteed onions and hella worcestershire
A gush of beer, to wash it down
Douche your ear
And clean the crud out your third eye
For the return of the word guy
At the first fanbase of all hater
Hold that for now
It's more waste for y'all later
The bigger the gall
They fall greater than gay skirt
The nigga they call for tall paper
Hit pay dirt say work, he do you one better
Show and prove it
True MC's flow, so lose it or move it
With the two bit spit
They sunk him for two cent
Whoever writ they shit, tell 'em quit it
They too bent
Cut the losses, it ain't balanced
What the cost is, in horses
Ahk, Siddiq will let 'em know
Who's the boss is
And it ain't no dental
Only the innate way the groove
Seem to paint your mental
Usin' the insane flow stencil
He said in plain English
Ain't payin' yo' rent bill
But still, the gent was ill
With the intent to kill, the scent was krill
To the full extent of skill, vent the grill
Vil a make 'em feel like
The deal spent a mill'
Meant it for real folks, bet'cha dyin' dollar
Dented the steel choke when he
Met the iron collar
Wrote this oath while pinching a loaf
Metal Face, Rhymesayers mention 'em both
Raise your right palm, we do solemnly swear
To stack more dough more calmly this year
DOOM get the cash like cow, cheddar son
Have it in a smash like bow, get 'er done
In the song "Get 'Er Done" by MF DOOM, the lyrics showcase the collaboration between DOOM and producer Jake One. The opening lines reference Jake One's skillful beat-making abilities, comparing it to DOOM's own prowess. DOOM then goes on to mention his personal preference for well-done steaks with sauteed onions and Worcestershire sauce, painting a vivid image of his taste. This indulgent imagery is juxtaposed with the idea of cleansing and awakening one's senses, as DOOM suggests cleaning the "crud" out of one's third eye for the return of the "word guy."
The lyrics also address critics and haters, acknowledging their presence but ultimately dismissing their opinions. DOOM asserts his superiority as a rapper, stating that he can make their hateful words fly like turds. He then arrogantly suggests that there will be more waste for them later. The verse highlights the theme of confidence and resilience in the face of criticism.
The second verse is characterized by DOOM's distinctive wordplay and references. He mentions the innate way the groove of the song seems to paint listeners' mental images, using an "insane flow stencil." Despite his impressive skills, DOOM humorously states that he won't be paying anyone's rent bills. The lyrics continue to emphasize DOOM's skill, intent to kill (in terms of lyrics), and the impact of his rhymes. The verse also alludes to his alter ego, Metal Face, and his association with Rhymesayers Entertainment.
The song concludes with a declaration of dedication to success and wealth accumulation. DOOM compares himself to a cow, metaphorically symbolizing his ability to generate cash, and suggests that he can have a significant impact, like a powerful blow. The phrase "get 'er done" reflects his determination to achieve his goals and stack more money in the upcoming year.
Line by Line Meaning
Make no mistake son, it's Jake One
Don't misunderstand, it's Jake One producing this track
He makes beats well like I
His beat-making skills are as good as mine
Likes my steaks done
He prefers his steaks thoroughly cooked
With sauteed onions and hella worcestershire
He enjoys his steaks with onions and a lot of worcestershire sauce
A gush of beer, to wash it down
He drinks beer to accompany his meal
Douche your ear
Clean out your ears and be ready to listen
And clean the crud out your third eye
Remove the distractions from your mind and gain clarity
For the return of the word guy
Prepare for the comeback of the lyrical genius
Who known to make turds fly
Known for creating amazing music
At the first fanbase of all hater
His music is targeted towards the haters
Hold that for now
Hold on to those negative opinions for now
It's more waste for y'all later
There will be even more disappointment for you in the future
The bigger the gall
The more audacity they have
They fall greater than gay skirt
Their downfall is more significant than a skirt's flamboyance
The nigga they call for tall paper
They rely on him to generate significant income
Hit pay dirt say work, he do you one better
He achieves great success and surpasses expectations
Show and prove it
Demonstrate it and provide evidence
True MC's flow, so lose it or move it
Real emcees have a natural flow, so step aside if you can't match it
With the two bit spit
With his mediocre rhymes
They sunk him for two cent
They criticized him for his lackluster performance
Whoever writ they shit, tell 'em quit it
Anyone who wrote those weak lyrics should give up
They too bent
They are too intoxicated or messed up
Cut the losses, it ain't balanced
Stop wasting time on unproductive endeavors
What the cost is, in horses
The price to pay, possibly in terms of success or reputation
Ahk, Siddiq will let 'em know
Ahk Siddiq will make sure they understand
Who's the boss is
Who holds the power and authority
And it ain't no dental
It's not about getting dental treatment
Only the innate way the groove
It's about the natural flow and rhythm of the music
Seem to paint your mental
It has the ability to influence your state of mind
Usin' the insane flow stencil
Using a unique and extraordinary style of rapping
He said in plain English
He expressed it clearly and directly
Ain't payin' yo' rent bill
He's not going to cover your expenses
But still, the gent was ill
Nevertheless, he was exceptionally talented
With the intent to kill, the scent was krill
He had the intention to dominate, and his presence was potent
To the full extent of skill, vent the grill
He displayed his complete expertise and released his emotions
Vil a make 'em feel like
This will make them experience
The deal spent a mill'
The deal was worth a million dollars
Meant it for real folks, bet'cha dyin' dollar
He genuinely meant it, and you can bet your last dollar on it
Dented the steel choke when he
He impacted their rigid hold and control
Met the iron collar
Encountered the restrictions and constraints of the music industry
Wrote this oath while pinching a loaf
He crafted this pledge while taking a bathroom break
Metal Face, Rhymesayers mention 'em both
Referring to MF DOOM and his record label, Rhymesayers
Raise your right palm, we do solemnly swear
Lift your right hand, and let's make a solemn pledge
To stack more dough more calmly this year
To accumulate more money in a calmer manner this year
DOOM get the cash like cow, cheddar son
DOOM earns money abundantly, just like cows produce milk
Have it in a smash like bow, get 'er done
He possesses great success, just like executing a powerful bow shot
Lyrics © WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Brian Hofeldt, Buzz Cason
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@elgatonegro4134
Make no mistake son, it's Jake One
He makes beats well like I likes my steaks done
With sauteed onions and hella worcestershire
A gushy beer, to wash it down, douche your ear
And clean the crud out your third eye
For the return of the word guy who known to make turds fly
I had the first fanbase of all hater
Hold that from now it's more waste for y'all later
The bigger they ball they fall greater in gay skirt
The nigga they call for tall paper hit paydirt
Say work, and do you one better, show and prove it
True MC's flow so lose it or move it
With the two bits spit, they sunk him for two cent
Whoever writ they shit tell 'em quit it they too bent
Cut the losses, it ain't balanced what the cost is in horses
Off Saadiq and let 'em know who the boss is
And it ain't no dental
Only the innate way to groove seem to paint your mental
Usin the insane flow stencil
He said in plain english ain't payin yo' rent bill
But still, the gent was ill
With the intent to kill, the set was krill
To the full extent of skill, vent the grill
Villain make 'em feel like the deal spent a mill'
Method for real folks, bet'cha dying dollar
Get them to steel choke when they met the iron collar
Wrote this oath while pinching a loaf
Metal Face rhymesayers mention 'em both
Raise your right palm, we do solemnly swear
To stack more dough more calmly this year
Doom get the cash like cow, cheddar son
Have it in a smash like BOW, get 'er done
@Iamfromprague
Make no mistake son, it's Jake One He makes beats well like I likes my steaks done With sauteed onions and hella worcestershire A gushy beer, to wash it down, douche your ear. MF DOOM. Enjoy.
@kul2846
rest in peace
@Kinobambino
RIP DOOM
@hernancarretero3033
MF DOOM - MM FOOD
@Met4lF4ceDOOM
I love how, even though he's been around since KMD., DOOM still keeps people on their toes when listening to one of his rhymes or instrumentals. That is why he'll never be forgotten. To me, listening to his new rhymes is always like a gift because of how the stuff he says and the ways he says it takes you by surprise constantly.
@jAyDeN30111
rest in peace, DOOM
@jazzyprince3335
Met4lF4ace was spitting
@yaady2366
YES ANOTHER GEM FOUND
@uncleguike
I used to listen to this song in Nigeria ALL. THE. TIME.
RIP MF DOOM. 🙏🏿
@Lynx196.9
More rhymes than molecules in air - R.I.P. KING 👑