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".
Hold On To
MF DOOM Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Be better than yesterday
Yeah, the last word you hear
A Wall Street investor say
That’s the way the ball
Bounces off the asphalt
He hit the concrete and came to a fast halt
It could really hurt your brain
Ask Milli or Kurt Cobain
What profit the man who gain the whole world
Just to lose his soul
Plus his main ol’ girl? Sounds slick
He wrote it with a Bic Round Stic
Tie a brick around his neck so he drown quick
Prick… the tricks the Villain plays
For kicks make a killin’
Like ‘Six Million Ways…’
A four pound, Tec or shotty
Turned the party out
Bound to wreck your body
Til the soul’s gone, he keep an old born
That make more noise than a gold horn
Hold on
Whats the score? Still slaughter, such a bore
Whoever want some water
Come in and shut the door
There’s too much to live for
Got more, give to the poor
I’m abso tutely positively sure
Put the raw in the wind like missiles
A lotta wack beats bring
The gin like whistles shot the black heat
Sting the skin to the gristle
Got the back seat to the kingpin, sizzle
Fire burn, it’s not none of my concern
Villain for hire for those who
Wanna try and learn from the clever
Wise brother who’s forever in disguise
Don’t be surprised when he sever ties
He never lies like Doctor Doom trust me
He keep it musty like a guys' locker room
Trying to find out who stole the roll on
And make moves like a bold pawn, hold on
In "Hold On To," MF DOOM reflects on the fleeting nature of success, wealth, and fame. The opening lines suggest that no matter how successful one may be, it can all come crashing down in an instant. The reference to a Wall Street investor highlights the emptiness and superficiality of material wealth. The line "Was it worth the pain, ask Milli or Kurt Cobain" alludes to the tragic deaths of Milli Vanilli's Rob Pilatus and Nirvana's Kurt Cobain, suggesting that even those who seemingly had it all can still suffer internally.
The lyrics also touch on the concept of selling one's soul for worldly gains, as the singer questions the value of gaining the entire world but losing "his main ol' girl," implying the loss of genuine human connection and love. MF DOOM continues to criticize society's obsession with material success, mentioning the tricks and games that the villain plays to make a fortune, drawing parallels to the hits made by "Six Million Ways."
The second verse emphasizes the singer's confidence and uniqueness. He asserts that there is plenty to live for and that he has more to offer, including giving to the less fortunate. The use of wordplay and clever metaphors is highlighted, as the "raw" is put into the wind like missiles, representing the impact and power of his lyrics. The mention of the black heat suggests a forceful and potent delivery that can penetrate deeply. The line "Trying to find out who stole the roll on and make moves like a bold pawn" illustrates the singer's determination to navigate the chessboard of life strategically, suggesting a sense of resilience and perseverance.
Overall, "Hold On To" critiques the pursuit of material gain and superficial success while encouraging listeners to value authentic connections and stay true to themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
You never know it might
There's always potential for something unexpected and positive to happen
Be better than yesterday
Each day has the opportunity for improvement and growth
Yeah, the last word you hear
The final remark from a Wall Street investor, known for their influence and power
A Wall Street investor say
The perspective and ideology often shared by powerful figures in finance
That’s the way the ball
Life's unpredictability and how situations can change rapidly
Bounces off the asphalt
The rebound and consequences of actions or decisions
He hit the concrete and came to a fast halt
An abrupt and unpleasant end to someone's endeavors
It could really hurt your brain
The mental weight and potential negative impact of certain choices
Was it worth the pain
Questioning the value or justification of enduring hardship
Ask Milli or Kurt Cobain
Referring to famous individuals who faced struggles and ultimately lost their lives
What profit the man who gain the whole world
Pondering the ultimate value of material success and accomplishments
Just to lose his soul
Sacrificing one's spiritual well-being or true identity for worldly gains
Plus his main ol’ girl? Sounds slick
Additionally, losing the love and loyalty of a significant other, which is deceptive and manipulative
He wrote it with a Bic Round Stic
Crafting deceitful words using a common pen, suggesting the ease of manipulation
Tie a brick around his neck so he drown quick
Conveying the desire for swift punishment and consequences for deceitful actions
Prick… the tricks the Villain plays
The sneaky and manipulative schemes employed by the Villain character
For kicks make a killin’
Engaging in harmful activities solely for personal amusement or gain
Like ‘Six Million Ways…’
Similar to the vast multitude of deceitful methods and tricks employed
A four pound, Tec or shotty
Referencing firearms as tools for causing chaos and destruction
Turned the party out
Causing chaos and disruption in a social gathering
Bound to wreck your body
Destructive actions leading to physical harm or deterioration
Til the soul’s gone, he keep an old born
Continuing destructive behavior until one's spiritual essence is depleted
That make more noise than a gold horn
Creating disturbance and chaos that attracts attention, even more than something extravagant like a golden horn
Whats the score? Still slaughter, such a bore
Observing that the ongoing conflict remains brutal and monotonous
Whoever want some water
Extending an invitation for respite or relief to those who seek it
Come in and shut the door
Entering a safe space and shutting out the outside chaos and negativity
There’s too much to live for
Acknowledging the abundance of reasons to embrace life and its possibilities
Got more, give to the poor
In possession of more resources and willing to share with those in need
I’m abso tutely positively sure
Expressing complete certainty and conviction
Put the raw in the wind like missiles
Deploying raw and unfiltered truths or actions like projectiles in the wind
A lotta wack beats bring
Many subpar musical compositions result in
The gin like whistles shot the black heat
The alcohol, like an intoxicating whistle, amplifies the intensity of the oppressive atmosphere
Sting the skin to the gristle
Causing pain and discomfort that penetrates deep to the core
Got the back seat to the kingpin, sizzle
Having a subordinate position to a powerful figure, experiencing the intense heat and pressure
Fire burn, it’s not none of my concern
Acknowledging the presence of fire and chaos, but refusing to shoulder personal responsibility
Villain for hire for those who
Presenting the artist as a character available to engage in questionable activities for others
Wanna try and learn from the clever
Those who wish to gain knowledge and insights from someone cunning and astute
Wise brother who’s forever in disguise
A knowledgeable individual who perpetually conceals their true identity or intentions
Don’t be surprised when he sever ties
Advising others not to be shocked when the person abruptly ends relationships or connections
He never lies like Doctor Doom trust me
Assuring that the character, similar to the fictional Doctor Doom, is always truthful
He keep it musty like a guys' locker room
Maintaining an air of secrecy and unpleasantness similar to the atmosphere in a locker room
Trying to find out who stole the roll on
Investigating the identity of the person who took advantage of the situation
And make moves like a bold pawn, hold on
Taking calculated and audacious actions, while emphasizing the need to stay determined and persevering
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Chester Burnett
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Omar Saeed
RIP. This song was my ringtone back in 2007 and I would purposely miss the call just so I could listen to the song play.
Validity
Excellent
Jimi Jamma
Rest in peace DOOM. The Supervillain. The Legend lives on.
MEGAJEF
RIP to the greatest
horsepowerchef
RIP...Transitioned on Halloween, like a true villain...
J da high roller
This came out during the 08 recession and was a good cultural undertone and barometer even tho at the time i thought it came out long ago.. this ominously foretelling
Bearded Sloth
where did you get that picture!?!??
PopperShnoz
Crazy how this Mix sounds better on his Vocals than his Recent albums.
Noah ARKADE Delgado 2
@Zachariah the song is called "F.Y.I."
Zachariah
@PopperShnoz oh and one more... "The Coroner's report say he SIMPLY SIGNED OUT" – A Dead Mouse