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".
Mr. Clean
MF DOOM Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Whoever don't? I pity-the-fool like Mr. T
Knowledge this degree, it ain't no mystery
"What you gon' do" or "what you know" is what is to see
And that's more than meets the eyeball
Now who wants to buy a brand new tsetse fly call?
Alright y'all (zooom), the speed was break-neck
Faster than the hi-speed, dual cassette tape deck
He went to see a buddy who said he had some white weed
In case it might need, it didn't mean much
For in his lean clutch was the elusive green Dutch
Who that? Kinga, Vaughn's younger brother
A real live swinger who rock Louis Vuitton pleather
And he walk around like he think he king
Even made the hood-rats stop to kiss his pinky ring
Like a soup sandwich on a hand dish
Some say his language is way too outlandish
He did his thing, spoke in a jig slang
And translate Einstein's theory of the Big Bang
He told his boo: "Boo, I put a spell on you
Stay with me, whether we broke or we well-to-do
If it don't work, the hell with â??cha
May the doorknob hit â??cha where the poor slob bit â??cha"
What you thought ya' darn skeezer?
The G of a mack and the steez of a geezer
True man of leisure, she must've caught amnesia
Paid off the 8th grade fade or a Caesar
He was known for his thick skin
Part Zimbabwean and part Trini mixed in
Big shot, sold a guy a pound of pig snot
Said it was proven to remove stains and ink spots
Kinky flow, dripped down her leg to her pinky toe
Jiggy hoe, who don't know as much as she think she know
One week she stepped to him like a Slinky, yo'
Wig like a mink skin, soft like Twinkie dough
Then she kissed the queen, and told her she need Listerine
Twist the green, it's laced with antihistamine
Enough to make you make your face like Mr. Bean
V hit the scene like: "Fuck it, give me a Mr. Clean"
Shit, tired of all this
It's too hot out here, to be having all this shit, man
Shit, take it off
Take it all off, boss
No matter what the cost
The lyrics of MF DOOM's song "Mr. Clean" explore themes of knowledge, personal identity, and the pursuit of material wealth. The opening lines emphasize the importance of studying history and acquiring knowledge. The reference to Mr. T, known for his role as B.A. Baracus in the TV show "The A-Team," suggests that those who are ignorant or indifferent about their history are to be pitied. The lyrics suggest that knowledge is not a mystery but rather something that can be seen in one's actions and choices.
The song then introduces a character named Kinga, who is described as Vaughn's younger brother. Kinga presents himself as a confident and stylish individual, wearing luxury fashion and exuding an air of superiority. He speaks in a distinct slang and is knowledgeable enough to explain Einstein's theory of the Big Bang. Despite his flamboyant persona, Kinga asserts his control over his romantic partner, advising her to stay with him regardless of their financial status. The lyrics also reveal that Kinga engages in shady dealings, selling a substance disguised as a stain remover.
The lyrics take a shift in perspective as the song introduces a female character who is attracted to Kinga's charm. She is described as uninformed and unaware of her own ignorance. The lyrics suggest that she approaches Kinga with confidence but lacks true knowledge. The song concludes with the singer expressing fatigue and frustration, suggesting a desire to escape from the complications and pressures of life.
Overall, "Mr. Clean" delves into the complexities of knowledge, personal identity, and the allure of material wealth. It explores the dichotomy between those who seek knowledge and understanding and those who chase the surface-level trappings of success.
Line by Line Meaning
Study your history --
Educate yourself about the past
Whoever don't? I pity-the-fool like Mr. T
I feel sorry for anyone who doesn't
Knowledge this degree, it ain't no mystery
Understand this level of knowledge, it's not difficult to comprehend
"What you gon' do" or "what you know" is what is to see
Your actions and knowledge define you
And that's more than meets the eyeball
There's more to it than what you can see at first glance
Now who wants to buy a brand new tsetse fly call?
Who wants to purchase a unique and distinctive item?
Alright y'all (zooom), the speed was break-neck
Everything moved quickly and at a thrilling pace
Faster than the hi-speed, dual cassette tape deck
Even faster than a high-speed cassette tape player
(How far?) The distance was light-speed
The distance traveled was incredibly fast
He went to see a buddy who said he had some white weed
He visited a friend who claimed to have strong drugs
In case it might need, it didn't mean much
Just in case it was necessary, but it wasn't important
For in his lean clutch was the elusive green Dutch
Because he held tightly onto the rare green marijuana
Who that? Kinga, Vaughn's younger brother
Who is that? Kinga, the sibling of Vaughn
A real live swinger who rock Louis Vuitton pleather
A confident person who wears fake Louis Vuitton leather
And he walk around like he think he king
He struts around as if he believes he is royalty
Even made the hood-rats stop to kiss his pinky ring
Even the low-class women admire him and show affection
Like a soup sandwich on a hand dish
Unpleasant and messy, like a poorly executed meal
Some say his language is way too outlandish
Critics claim his way of speaking is excessively strange
He did his thing, spoke in a jig slang
He did what he does best, speaking in a unique vernacular
And translate Einstein's theory of the Big Bang
He even managed to interpret complex scientific theories
He told his boo: "Boo, I put a spell on you
He confessed to his significant other that he enchanted her
Stay with me, whether we broke or we well-to-do
Stay by my side, regardless of our financial situation
If it don't work, the hell with 'cha
If it doesn't succeed, disregard it
May the doorknob hit 'cha where the poor slob bit 'cha
I hope you face misfortune and injury
What you thought ya' darn skeezer?
Did you really believe, you foolish person?
The G of a mack and the steez of a geezer
He possesses the confidence of a player and the style of an older person
True man of leisure, she must've caught amnesia
He lives a life of relaxation, she seems to have forgotten that
Paid off the 8th grade fade or a Caesar
He bribed someone to have a trendy hairstyle
He was known for his thick skin
He had a tough and resilient personality
Part Zimbabwean and part Trini mixed in
He had a heritage that combined Zimbabwe and Trinidadian
Big shot, sold a guy a pound of pig snot
He successfully deceived someone into buying worthless merchandise
Said it was proven to remove stains and ink spots
Claimed that it was a tested solution for removing stains
Kinky flow, dripped down her leg to her pinky toe
His unique style of rap had a sensual effect on her
Jiggy hoe, who don't know as much as she think she know
An attractive woman who is not as knowledgeable as she believes
One week she stepped to him like a Slinky, yo'
One week she approached him in a flirtatious manner
Wig like a mink skin, soft like Twinkie dough
Her wig resembled luxurious fur, and her demeanor was pleasant
Then she kissed the queen, and told her she need Listerine
She insulted the queen and suggested she required mouthwash
Twist the green, it's laced with antihistamine
Manipulate the marijuana, it contains antihistamine
Enough to make you make your face like Mr. Bean
It will result in a distorted facial expression, like Mr. Bean's
V hit the scene like: "Fuck it, give me a Mr. Clean"
V appeared confidently and boldly demanded a powerful and effective cleaner
Shit, tired of all this
Expressing frustration with the current situation
It's too hot out here, to be having all this shit, man
The weather is unbearable, and dealing with these problems is overwhelming
Shit, take it off
Get rid of it
Take it all off, boss
Remove everything completely, my friend
No matter what the cost
Regardless of the price
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: PAUL JOHN WELLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jaimeespinal3855
"Then he kissed the queen and told her she need Listerine" 😂😂😂😂
@smashfam1
lol
@kylebroussard5952
This is the cleanest DOOM song in my opinion. The Einstein bar dropped my jaw. Unreal. Truly one of the greatest to ever do it, no question. A true MC.
@TrustTheShooters
Agreed
@r.alexander9075
It doesnt go that hard.
Its a fun bar but there is nothing super crazy about it.
Einstein didnt even create that theory, it was derived from his general relativity. He has so many better rhymes and people get stuck on his mediocre stuff.
Literally the next bar goes harder 😂
@DigitalIndustry
This is the most I've seen of him without the mask.
@OracleTheRonin
Since KMD definitely
@hobopig
Cuz it’s Vaughn man
@kenta000007
he puts such common words together that u can almost finish lines for him, but at the same time u can never replicate it
@Dankman9
He also sets you up thinking you can do that and then switches it up and surprises you a lot too.