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".
Hook's Is Extra
MF DOOM Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Frown like Homey the Clown
Shelltoe Lee crown, well blow me down
Blow! Hell no, he sound funny
Outta bounds tryin'ta cop a
Pound with brown money
Keep the change, peep game, the Range
Inches on the fringes of
Went and met a dread at the swine roast
Find him in the zone up
Ahead near the sign post
Follow the beat, you won't stumble
Shut your mouth, swallow your feet
Or try'an rumble
In discreet they lie and mumble
Catch 'em in the street they as
Humble as Bryant Gumble cryin' fumble
Don't let him get the call
Keep a stack a diss rhymes
One-size-fit's-all try ta' avoid the pitfall
Or else get hit in the eye
With a old dry spitball
You must be crazy out ya mind
Even on the days he feel lazy he shout rhymes
No chains, no bridge, just get outshined
When he come blaze it people
Say it's about time
The old God with the old gold gold card
When he's on the road it's no-holds barred
No lard
In the record game on some bull guard
So many nekked dames he might
Blow his whole wad
Ya learn somethin' new everyday
Go ahead and burn
They ain't nothin' to do anyway
'cept sell tracks out the
Cheverolet like lemonade
And go gold in the hood so
He can get ghetto paid
Now that's usin' the ol' cranium
Like the jewelry cat who sold
Him fake plat uranium
Guaranteed to turn necks green like the Hulk
Have it manufactured by machine in bulk
They rock 'n roll like: 'Stop, Drop '
And if they got soul
Then welcome to the sock hop
Hip-be-bop at ya block mom 'n pop shop
Timing when it comes to rhymin' is chop-chop
Keep it lit till the last stroke'a the pen
And ya don't quit like ya quit smokin' again
They said he keep his lyrics poked in a tin
And his secret recipe, soak it in some gin
Brings the heat like a radiator
Stays on beat with the mask like a gladiator
Sword is the mic cord
And he came to turn it out like
A dyke broad out the psych ward
I recollect when he first took the sector
He use the connect-the dot styles
As a mic checka
Told him give the deposit, book the lecture
The crooked look wrecka, HOOKS IS EXTRA!
The lyrics to MF DOOM's song "Hooks Is Extra" paint a vivid picture of a skilled and confident rapper navigating through the music industry. The opening lines compare the singer's demeanor to that of Homey the Clown, suggesting that he might appear unapproachable or serious. However, he wears a "Shelltoe Lee crown," a reference to the iconic Adidas Superstar sneakers, indicating his influence and authority in the hip-hop world. Despite his serious image, he possesses a sense of humor as reflected in the line, "Blow! Hell no, he sound funny."
The lyrics also touch on themes of money and fame. The singer mentions trying to purchase drugs with counterfeit money ("pound with brown money") and showcases his ability to detect deception or shady behavior ("Catch 'em in the street they as humble as Bryant Gumble crying fumble"). He urges others to be cautious and not fall into the traps of the music industry ("try to avoid the pitfall").
As the song continues, it becomes clear that the singer is a respected and successful rapper. He proudly proclaims that he can outshine others without relying on gimmicks or chains ("No chains, no bridge, just get outshined"). He travels extensively, indicated by the reference to his "old gold gold card" and being on the road. He also mentions encountering numerous women ("nekked dames") while on tour. However, he maintains his lyrical prowess and dedication to his craft.
Line by Line Meaning
He walk around town with a
Frown like Homey the Clown
He strolls through the city wearing a perpetual frown, reminiscent of Homey the Clown.
Shelltoe Lee crown, well blow me down
Blow! Hell no, he sound funny
With his distinctive Shelltoe sneakers and an air of confidence, he surprises and impresses everyone around. However, his unique style of delivery may sound unusual to some.
Outta bounds tryin'ta cop a
Pound with brown money
He pushes boundaries, attempting to acquire a pound of something using unconventional or questionable means.
Keep the change, peep game, the Range
Inches on the fringes of
A deep steepa' strange
He nonchalantly keeps the extra money, but people should pay attention and observe closely, as he dwells on the outskirts of an intricate and mysterious world.
Went and met a dread at the swine roast
Find him in the zone up
Ahead near the sign post
He went to meet a Rastafarian at a gathering where pork is being served. You can find him in a focused state, slightly ahead, near a sign that signifies a significant direction.
Follow the beat, you won't stumble
Shut your mouth, swallow your feet
Or try'an rumble
If you follow the rhythm of the music, you won't make mistakes. Keep quiet and do not embarrass yourself, or else you may find yourself in a confrontation.
In discreet they lie and mumble
Catch 'em in the street they as
Humble as Bryant Gumble cryin' fumble
They deceive quietly and mutter softly without drawing attention. However, when confronted on the streets, they become as humble as Bryant Gumble, apologizing for their mistakes.
Don't let him get the call
Keep a stack a diss rhymes
One-size-fit's-all try ta' avoid the pitfall
Don't let him gain the advantage or opportunity. He keeps a plentiful supply of sharp and insulting lyrics that can be used universally to counter any situation or threat.
Or else get hit in the eye
With a old dry spitball
Otherwise, be prepared to face the consequences, like being unexpectedly hit in the eye by a dried-up ball of saliva.
You must be crazy out ya mind
Even on the days he feel lazy he shout rhymes
You must be insane if you think otherwise. Even on his laziest days, he still passionately expresses his artistic abilities through emphatic rhymes.
No chains, no bridge, just get outshined
When he come blaze it people
Say it's about time
He doesn't need flashy accessories or unnecessary connections, he simply outshines others with his talent. When he ignites his performance, people recognize and appreciate his long-awaited arrival.
The old God with the old gold gold card
When he's on the road it's no-holds barred
No lard
He is regarded as a respected figure with a prestigious and established reputation. When he embarks on his journey, there are no restrictions or limitations. There is no unnecessary fat in his approach.
In the record game on some bull guard
So many nekked dames he might
Blow his whole wad
In the music industry, he acts as a vigilant protector, watching out for deceptive practices. He encounters so many attractive women that he might spend all his money on them.
Ya learn somethin' new everyday
Go ahead and burn
They ain't nothin' to do anyway
Every day, there's an opportunity to gain new knowledge. Take the risk and go for it. There's nothing else to occupy oneself with at the moment.
'cept sell tracks out the
Cheverolet like lemonade
And go gold in the hood so
He can get ghetto paid
Except for selling music tracks out of a Chevrolet like a refreshing beverage stand. Also, achieving commercial success in his neighborhood, allowing him to earn a significant income.
Now that's usin' the ol' cranium
Like the jewelry cat who sold
Him fake plat uranium
That's putting his brain to good use. Reminiscent of an individual who sold him fake platinum disguised as uranium, he knows the importance of using his intellect wisely.
Guaranteed to turn necks green like the Hulk
Have it manufactured by machine in bulk
He ensures that his presence and talent will amaze and make others envious. His products are produced using automated processes and in large quantities.
They rock 'n roll like: 'Stop, Drop '
And if they got soul
Then welcome to the sock hop
They execute their craft with an enthusiastic and energetic style, similar to the command 'Stop, Drop' often associated with intense dance moves. If they possess true soul and depth, they are invited to join the lively dance event known as the sock hop.
Hip-be-bop at ya block mom 'n pop shop
Timing when it comes to rhymin' is chop-chop
Bringing a hip and bouncy style to your local small businesses. When it comes to rhyming, he has impeccable timing and executes it swiftly.
Keep it lit till the last stroke'a the pen
And ya don't quit like ya quit smokin' again
He maintains the intensity and passion until the very last moment of writing lyrics. He doesn't give up easily, just like the way one continues smoking after a previous attempt to quit.
They said he keep his lyrics poked in a tin
And his secret recipe, soak it in some gin
Rumors suggest that he stores his written lyrics in a tin to preserve their essence. Furthermore, his secret recipe, a metaphor for his unique artistic approach, is enhanced by soaking it in gin.
Brings the heat like a radiator
Stays on beat with the mask like a gladiator
He brings the intensity and heat, likening himself to a radiator. He remains perfectly in sync with the rhythm, just like a masked gladiator in the arena.
Sword is the mic cord
And he came to turn it out like
A dyke broad out the psych ward
The microphone cord is his weapon, akin to a sword. He arrives with the intention to captivate and impress, just like a passionate and flamboyant woman out of a psychiatric ward.
I recollect when he first took the sector
He use the connect-the dot styles
As a mic checka
I remember vividly when he first entered the rap scene. He showcased his talent by employing a unique approach similar to connect-the-dots, making patterns and connections evident in his style during his microphone tests.
Told him give the deposit, book the lecture
The crooked look wrecka, HOOKS IS EXTRA!
I advised him to secure the initial payment and schedule the speaking engagement. He is a disruptor, known for his devious appearance and delivery. Hooks, which refer to choruses in songs, are an additional and extravagant aspect he incorporates.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Christopher Craft
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Cragmortis
Every time I search DOOMS treasure chest I find new gems that I had yet to find. Can't wait to discover more.
Tyler Grace
I remember seeing this comment years ago, RIP DOOM...
nycugz
In terms of longevity and consistency, DOOM is the 🐐. Add the lyrical prowess, and he's revolutionary. I appreciate cats talking about him now cause he definitely influenced rap to this day. Folks are only now learning who his students were.
Desmondo
Absolutely, and I believe DOOM has a vault of gems we haven't heard
TylerBihh
Dodger 2020
Cragmortis
@Dodger There will be many more.
danofthedead1979
Does anyone even know if theyve heard every DOOM track yet? Ive been into DOOM for easily the last 15 years, and never heard this track before until today!
CHIEF ROCKA
Found this searching for rare DOOM. I wasn't expecting to find much. Found hella
bernal830
hip hop is alot like graffiti.. there comes a point when you reach a level where none are better or worse, just different... different styles, different audience, different reasons, different feelings..
x_x
R.I.P. DOOM a legends legend