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".
More Rhymin'
MF DOOM Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Raw lining, Paul Simon touring, I'm in
Boring typing, snoring pipe when hyper than four hypemen
Excited writing, trifling times ten
Long stay, songs play, gone haywire, wrong way
On the interstate, integrate all day
It's just a small phase, that's what them all say
Then fall prey in a mini-mall hallway
Remember these intentionally, empathy please
Silent moment, violent prone atonement
Miles a minute on a microphone, own rent, loan spent
No debt, has bet, fast get, cash jet
Master McSmash, Asterix stashed it last
Not least, pass the pot of hot grease
Geese shot, not easily spotted plot, cease snot release
Hold your insulting tongue and mark his words well
Or end up to the curb and shocked by third rail
Get the message by bird mail or turds flail
Villain man, best nerd male you heard wail
An absurd tale of books, nooks and crannies
Before she look, he have his fancy hooks in them granny panties
Or plan B, when in Rome, go back home
And get real dome from a well-known crack gnome
He talk to himself when he need someone to hate on
The black McCain campaign, negative debate-a-thon
Gone wrong on the song
Who's zooming who? Knew it was you, DOOM, all along
Ever since he first started the art, it's been worth it
Soon to charter a stint on part of the Chitlin' Circuit
Word kid, get your ticket from the telepath
"Wicked, wicked, wicked" on electroencephalograph
Villain, nice to meet you
You born like this?
The lyrics to MF DOOM's song "More Rhymin" are packed with wordplay and clever metaphors that showcase the rapper's lyrical prowess. DOOM starts off by boasting about his rhymes being pure and valuable like a diamond and tearing through obstacles with his skill. He sarcastically mentions the idea of Paul Simon touring while he is stuck in a mundane activity like typing. Despite such boredom, DOOM's rhymes remain hyper and electrifying, as he references being more excited than four hypemen.
DOOM goes on to talk about the ups and downs of his career, acknowledging that there are times when things go haywire and he feels lost. However, he reassures himself that it's just a temporary phase, albeit one that traps him in the monotonous corridors of a mall. He emphasizes the importance of his music being experienced firsthand rather than being sold to friendly enemies. DOOM requests empathy and asks his listeners to pay attention to his intentionally crafted lyrics.
The next part of the song delves into DOOM's alter ego and his daring exploits. He talks about his ability to quickly think and rap on the microphone, renting and spending money without incurring debt. He refers to himself as "Master McSmash" and mentions hiding something called Asterix. DOOM's imagery takes an unexpected turn as he describes geese being shot and plots being concealed.
DOOM then shifts gears to discuss his relationship with women, referring to seducing older women through his charm and wit. He sarcastically mentions having a backup plan in case things don't go well. He criticizes politicians and their negative campaigning, comparing it to his own "black McCain campaign." Despite the chaos, DOOM finds solace in his art and the connection he creates with his audience.
Line by Line Meaning
More rhymin', pure diamond, tore hymen, poor timing
I am increasing my rhyming abilities, just like a valuable diamond. My words are powerful enough to break barriers and disrupt the normal flow, but unfortunately, the timing is not favorable.
Raw lining, Paul Simon touring, I'm in
I'm using unfiltered, honest lyrics while Paul Simon is out there performing his music tours and I'm a part of it.
Boring typing, snoring pipe when hyper than four hypemen
Even when I'm bored and tired of typing, my energy level still surpasses that of four hyped hypemen.
Excited writing, trifling times ten
When I'm enthusiastic and writing with excitement, my words become even more trivial and unimportant.
Long stay, songs play, gone haywire, wrong way
I've been around for a while, my songs are being heard, but sometimes everything goes chaotic and goes in the wrong direction.
On the interstate, integrate all day
I'm constantly moving forward and blending my style seamlessly, like driving on the interstate.
It's just a small phase, that's what them all say
People believe it's just a temporary period of creativity, but that's what everyone keeps repeating.
Then fall prey in a mini-mall hallway
Eventually, they become victims in a confined space of consumerism like a hallway in a small shopping center.
Meant to be sold, not told to friendly enemies
My art is meant to be commercialized and marketed, not shared with those who pretend to be friends but are actually enemies.
Remember these intentionally, empathy please
I want listeners to remember and understand these lyrics purposely, and I hope they can empathize with the messages.
Silent moment, violent prone atonement
In a brief pause, there is a tendency for aggression and a need for redemption.
Miles a minute on a microphone, own rent, loan spent
I rap rapidly on the microphone, making progress and establishing my own presence, but also spending money on rent and loans.
No debt, has bet, fast get, cash jet
I have no debts, I take calculated risks, quickly earn money, and move forward swiftly like a jet.
Master McSmash, Asterix stashed it last
I am a skilled rapper, dominating the scene, and hiding my true identity like Asterix kept his hidden strength until the end.
Not least, pass the pot of hot grease
And finally, let's pass around the pot of boiling hot grease, symbolizing the intensity and heat of our actions.
Geese shot, not easily spotted plot, cease snot release
We shoot down unsuspecting geese, metaphorically representing our plans that are not easily detected. We should stop the unnecessary conflict and emotional outbursts.
Hold your insulting tongue and mark his words well
Restrain yourself from using offensive language and pay close attention to the profound meaning of my words.
Or end up to the curb and shocked by third rail
If you don't heed my advice, you'll be left on the side of the road and shocked by the electrified third rail.
Get the message by bird mail or turds flail
Receive my message through unconventional means, like carrier pigeons or even through a display of dissatisfaction.
Villain man, best nerd male you heard wail
I am the villain, a unique and talented male nerd that you've heard express his emotions strongly.
An absurd tale of books, nooks and crannies
Here is a ridiculous story that delves into the details of books, hidden corners, and crevices.
Before she look, he have his fancy hooks in them granny panties
Before the woman realizes, I have already seduced her, leaving my tempting hooks deep inside her granny panties.
Or plan B, when in Rome, go back home
Alternatively, when facing unfamiliar situations, go back to your comfort zone or place of origin.
And get real dome from a well-known crack gnome
In that place of comfort, seek pleasure from a renowned individual who is specialized in providing oral sex.
He talk to himself when he need someone to hate on
He engages in internal monologues, speaking to himself when he wants to direct his hatred towards someone.
The black McCain campaign, negative debate-a-thon
Comparing himself to the unsuccessful McCain campaign, he engages in a continuous cycle of negative debates.
Gone wrong on the song
Everything has gone awry within this song.
Who's zooming who? Knew it was you, DOOM, all along
Who is deceiving whom? I knew it was you, DOOM, the mastermind behind it all.
Ever since he first started the art, it's been worth it
From the very beginning of his artistic career, it has been worthwhile and rewarding.
Soon to charter a stint on part of the Chitlin' Circuit
He will soon embark on a successful journey, performing on the Chitlin' Circuit, a circuit of venues primarily catering to African American performers.
Word kid, get your ticket from the telepath
Listen closely, young one, and receive your pass to this experience directly from someone who has the power of telepathy.
"Wicked, wicked, wicked" on electroencephalograph
The readings on an electroencephalograph clearly show intense and wicked thoughts being transmitted.
Villain, nice to meet you
I am the villain, and it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance.
You born like this?
Were you naturally gifted with these skills and traits?
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Daniel Thompson Dumile, Jake Dutton
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind