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".
It Sounded Like a Roc!
MF DOOM Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It sounded like a roc!
It sounded like-
Like a roc!
A roc!
It sounded like a roc!
It sounded like a roc!
It sounded like a roc!
Like a roc!
It sounded like a roc!
It sounded like a roc!
It sounded like a roc!
It sounded like a roc!
It sounded like a roc!
Like a roc!
It sounded like a-
Like a roc!
It sounded like a roc!
It sounded like a roc!
Like a-
Roc!
Roc!
It sounded like a-
Like a-
Roc!
The repetitive nature of these lyrics in MF DOOM's song "It Sounded Like a Roc!" emphasizes the sound and presence of a roc. The roc refers to a mythological creature originating from Arabic folklore, often depicted as a giant bird of prey. By constantly repeating the phrase "It sounded like a roc," DOOM creates an atmosphere of intensity and awe as if he is witnessing something incredible.
The repetition also highlights the impact and significance of this particular sound. It suggests that the sound being heard is so striking and extraordinary that it dominates the surroundings and commands attention. The use of exclamation marks adds further emphasis, indicating the singer's state of excitement and urgency in relaying this experience.
DOOM's choice to focus solely on the sound of the roc rather than its appearance or actions suggests that the sound itself is the most important element of this encounter. The insistence on its presence builds anticipation and curiosity, immersing the listener in the artist's perspective. This focus on sound creates a vivid and immersive experience, enabling the audience to imagine and feel the impactful presence of the roc.
In the final paragraph, the repetition of "roc" is interrupted by the word "like." This interruption introduces a moment of uncertainty or hesitation, as if the singer is grasping for the right words to accurately convey the sound. The repetition of "roc" continues afterward, emphasizing the urgency of attempting to fully capture the experience. The final "like" suggests that while the sound resembles that of a roc, it may not be an exact representation, leaving room for interpretation and further exploration of the encounter.
Overall, the repetition and emphasis on the sound of the roc in these lyrics serve to create an immersive and captivating experience for the listener. It highlights the awe-inspiring nature of the roc's presence and underscores the significance of the sound in this particular encounter. The interruption and eventual return to the repetition add complexity and intrigue, urging the audience to contemplate and engage with the artist's experience.
Line by Line Meaning
Roc!
The sound was so loud and powerful, akin to the roar of a mythical bird called a roc.
It sounded like a roc!
The noise resembled the majestic cry of a roc, filling the air with its immense presence.
It sounded like-
Like a roc!
The resounding sound was incredibly similar in nature and intensity to that of a roc, leaving no doubt in its resemblance.
A roc!
Yes, it was undeniably the sound of a roc, a creature of legend and power.
It sounded like a roc!
Once again, the sound echoed through the surroundings, unmistakably comparable to the roar of a roc.
It sounded like a roc!
The repetitive nature of the sound emphasized its resemblance to the mighty cry of a roc, growing more and more apparent.
It sounded like a roc!
Again and again, the noise persistently resembled that of a roc, magnifying its significance.
It sounded like a roc!
There was no mistaking it; the sound perfectly imitated the intense clamor produced by a roc.
Like a roc!
Just like the mythical roc, the sound dominated the atmosphere with its unparalleled strength and magnitude.
It sounded like a-
Like a roc!
Without a doubt, the sound was reminiscent of a roc, displaying an astonishing similarity in its sheer force.
Roc!
Once again, the overpowering sound resembled the striking call of a roc, leaving a lasting impression on the listener.
Roc!
The final exclamation confirms that the sound in question truly resembled the awe-inspiring cry of a roc, concluding the descriptive journey.
It sounded like a-
Like a-
Roc!
Unyielding in its resemblance, the sound could only be described as akin to the mighty roar of a roc, an indescribable force of nature.
Writer(s): Daniel Thompson Dumile
Contributed by Tyler G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.