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".
Potholderz
MF DOOM Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Never sold a jumbo or copped chicken with its mumbo sauce
Tyson is a fowl holocaust
Hitler gassed your whole head up with poultry, I'm fed up
Ignore cordon bleu, stand up get up
Lunge for your knife, don't forget your potholders
These old things
With the gold rings that make em don't fit like OJ
Usually I take them off with Oil of Olay
MCs is crabs in a barrel, pass the Old Bay
Hot as hell and it's a cold day in it
Working on a way that we can roll away tinted
Some say the price of holding heat is often too high
You either be in a coffin or you be the new guy
The one that's too fly to eat shoo pie
Never too busy when it comes down to you and I
Swear to God
A lot of niggas wish to die
They need to hold they horses
There's bigger fish to fry
You're on the list, if not pick a number spot
Ten and a half Timbs is made to kick your bombaclat
I could have had a V-8
F-150 quad cab but I'll be straight
Money comes and goes like that two bit hussy that night that tried to rush me
Dwight pass the dutchie
So I can calm down so they don't get it twisted
Take it from the fire side it won't get blistered
Got it, what happened
Oh, it's not lit
These metal fingers be holding hot shit
When I was four I pen god was born in New York
Back in seventy seven still got nan in the crescent
The effervescent of God's presence is thick
Unlike vapor, escarole, extra roll, word to the baker
Peace to the hard workin' ginger bread makers
Looked her up and down said hmmm too much makeup
Poor music taste, ten years from being grown up
Rappers don't blow up heads do
My name is Dwight Spitz, I'mma Sonic addict
I use to think it was merely a nagging habit
Born under a bad sign
I'm serious about this curse of mine
I strive to flip it into fine wine
Barely born a Virgo is what the stars said
Black not white, red all over though like Elmo
Twenty-eight years have passed I feel I'm peaking
I make music every weekend
It's a chore, a fact of life
A labor of love
I get mad love but I detest the labor
And it's wages, you know death
I'm servin' life on this gift of God
Don't forget your potholders my niggas
The lyrics to MF DOOM's song Potholderz are thought-provoking and multifaceted. The first verse begins with a statement about striving for humility to avoid stumbling. The next few lines reference food (jumbo chicken with mumbo sauce and cordon bleu) before delving into the more serious issue of Tyson's chicken farms and Hitler's use of gas chambers. DOOM is "fed up" with the way humans use and abuse these creatures. He then urges his listeners to stand up and fight against this injustice, wielding their "knife" (metaphorically) with caution and care (hence "don't forget your potholders").
The second verse takes a more personal turn, with DOOM reflecting on his own life and career. He mentions "these old things" (perhaps a reference to his own music and how it's gained him fame), but notes that they no longer fit him (like an old pair of gold rings). He uses the metaphor of crabs in a barrel to describe the competitive rap industry, where many are fighting to be on top. DOOM acknowledges the dangers of this pursuit, likening it to holding hot metal that can burn you if you're not careful. He also reflects on the fleeting nature of money and fame, and how he's learned to prioritize what truly matters in life.
Overall, MF DOOM's lyrics in Potholderz are a mix of social commentary, personal reflection, and powerful metaphors. His wordplay is clever and thought-provoking, weaving together disparate ideas in unexpected ways. The song encourages listeners to stay grounded, humble, and vigilant in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
I strive to be humble, lest I stumble
I aim to remain humble to avoid making mistakes and falling down.
Never sold a jumbo or copped chicken with its mumbo sauce
I have never dealt with any illegal or unethical activities involving food items like fried chicken.
Tyson is a fowl holocaust
The Tyson food company's poor treatment of chickens can be compared to the horrors of the Holocaust.
Hitler gassed your whole head up with poultry, I'm fed up
The Nazi propaganda about chickens and poultry can be compared to the absurdity of believing in conspiracy theories about food. I am tired of such irrational ideas.
Ignore cordon bleu, stand up get up
Do not be swayed by fancy culinary terms or techniques, instead rise up and stand for something meaningful.
Lunge for your knife, don't forget your potholders
Prepare yourself well and protect your hands when you are about to take a challenging task head-on.
These old things
These old potholders
About to throw 'em away
I was about to get rid of them.
With the gold rings that make em don't fit like OJ
The gold rings on the potholders make them unfit for use anymore, like gloves that no longer fit like OJ Simpson's gloves during his murder trial.
Usually I take them off with Oil of Olay
I typically use a moisturizer or lotion like Oil of Olay to remove the potholders.
MCs is crabs in a barrel, pass the Old Bay
Rappers are fighting against each other, like crabs in a barrel. They need to put aside their differences and focus on achieving greater things.
Hot as hell and it's a cold day in it
The situation is difficult and challenging, even though the weather is cold.
Working on a way that we can roll away tinted
We are trying to find a way to escape from a difficult situation with a sense of clarity and purpose.
Some say the price of holding heat is often too high
Carrying a weapon or being involved in violence can have serious consequences and costs.
You either be in a coffin or you be the new guy
If you are involved in violence, you could either end up dead or become the new criminal on the block.
The one that's too fly to eat shoo pie
The person who is too cool or proud to eat humble food like shoo-fly pie is missing out on the simple pleasures of life.
Never too busy when it comes down to you and I
I will always have time for you, no matter how busy I am.
Swear to God
I swear to God, I am telling the truth.
A lot of niggas wish to die
Many people are living a tough life and would prefer to die rather than keep suffering.
They need to hold they horses
They need to calm down and be patient.
There's bigger fish to fry
There are more important things to focus on, bigger challenges to tackle.
You're on the list, if not pick a number spot
You are on the list of those who are being targeted or scrutinized. If you are not, then choose your place or position to take action.
Ten and a half Timbs is made to kick your bombaclat
The sturdy footwear, Timberlands, is made for kicking butts, and more specifically, ass.
I could have had a V-8
I could have had a powerful engine or car to show off or enjoy.
F-150 quad cab but I'll be straight
I could have had a luxurious truck but I am content with what I have.
Money comes and goes like that two bit hussy that night that tried to rush me
Money can be fickle and fleeting, like a woman of cheap morals who tried to scam or take advantage of me that night.
Dwight pass the dutchie
Dwight, pass me the joint filled with weed (Dutch Masters cigars).
So I can calm down so they don't get it twisted
Pass me the joint so I can relax and stay focused, and people won't misunderstand what I am saying or doing.
Take it from the fire side it won't get blistered
Smoke the joint slowly from the lighter side so it doesn't get damaged or burnt out too quickly.
Got it, what happened
Understood, what's going on?
Oh, it's not lit
Oh, the joint isn't lit and can't be smoked yet.
These metal fingers be holding hot shit
My hands, which are often referred to as 'metal fingers', are holding something that is hot or dangerous.
When I was four I pen god was born in New York
I started to develop my writing and creative abilities at a very young age, and felt like a deity in the playgrounds and streets of New York.
Back in seventy seven still got nan in the crescent
In 1977, my grandmother was still living in the ethnic neighborhood of Crescent, where I have many fond memories.
The effervescent of God's presence is thick
The idea of God's presence is all around us and strongly felt.
Unlike vapor, escarole, extra roll, word to the baker
God's presence is unlike things that are light and fleeting, such as vapor or excess food.
Peace to the hard workin' ginger bread makers
Shout out to those who work hard to create simple but delicious food.
Looked her up and down said hmmm too much makeup
I saw a woman and thought that she had too much makeup on.
Poor music taste, ten years from being grown up
I overheard someone listening to bad music and felt they must be young and inexperienced because of it.
Rappers don't blow up heads do
Rappers do not become successful by themselves, it is through the support and recognition of others that they get big.
My name is Dwight Spitz, I'mma Sonic addict
My name is Dwight Spitz and I am addicted to vintage video games like Sonic the Hedgehog.
I use to think it was merely a nagging habit
I used to think my video game obsession was just a minor issue, but it may have deeper roots.
Born under a bad sign
I was born with some kind of curse or negative fate.
I'm serious about this curse of mine
I truly believe that I have bad luck or a curse of some kind.
I strive to flip it into fine wine
I am trying to turn this curse or bad luck into something positive or beneficial.
Barely born a Virgo is what the stars said
According to astrology, I was born during the time when the sun was passing through the Virgo constellation.
Black not white, red all over though like Elmo
I am black, not white, but my face turns red when I laugh or get embarrassed, like the character Elmo from Sesame Street.
Twenty-eight years have passed I feel I'm peaking
I am currently 28 years old and feel like I am at the top of my game, or at the peak of my abilities.
I make music every weekend
I dedicate my weekends to creating music and perfecting my craft.
It's a chore, a fact of life
Making music is a responsibility and a fact of life for me, something that must be done and taken seriously.
A labor of love
Despite the difficulties and challenges, I truly love making music and it brings me great joy.
I get mad love but I detest the labor
People appreciate my music, but I dislike the hard work and effort that goes into its creation and promotion.
And it's wages, you know death
The price of my hard work is ultimately death, as everyone will eventually pass away.
I'm servin' life on this gift of God
I am dedicating my life to using the gift of music that God has given me to contribute something positive to the world.
Don't forget your potholders my niggas
Remember to protect yourself and your hands, especially when dealing with difficult tasks or obstacles.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Daniel Thompson, Dwight Farrell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind