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".
Supervillain
MF DOOM Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That's the best part of all
I'm working for the biggest group of villains this world has ever known!
We're led by the man himself! (The Supervillain!) (Yuh!)
Doom's got a plan that's gonna shake the heavens
You wanna get tough punk?! Good! Time to get the feta!
The lyrics to MF Doom / MF Grimm's song Intro seem to be a boastful claim of the singer's affiliation to a group of supervillains led by Doom. The tone is one of celebration and victory, as if the singer has finally achieved his goal of joining this infamous group. The phrase "hit the jackpot" implies that he may have been searching for this opportunity for a long time and now that he's found it, his excitement is palpable.
The use of the word "working" also gives the impression that this is a job or a mission that the singer has been assigned, suggesting that there may be more to this than just a group of villains hanging out together. The next line, "the biggest group of villains this world has ever known", is a hyperbolic claim, further emphasizing the power and menace of this group.
The line "Doom's got a plan that's gonna shake the heavens" adds a layer of intrigue, suggesting that the group may be planning something monumental and potentially catastrophic. The use of the word "shake" implies movement or disruption, which could have serious implications for the world at large. The final line is a challenge to anyone who dares to stand in the group's way: "You wanna get tough punk?! Good! Time to get the feta!" The use of "feta" instead of "cheddar" as a synonym for money adds a playful element to the lyrics, but also reinforces the idea that this group is in it for personal gain and power.
Line by Line Meaning
Looks like I hit the jackpot! (Supervillain!)
I am pleased with my recent success as a supervillain.
That's the best part of all
My recent success as a supervillain is the most exciting aspect of my life.
I'm working for the biggest group of villains this world has ever known!
I am a part of a group of supervillains that is larger and more powerful than any other in existence.
We're led by the man himself! (The Supervillain!) (Yuh!)
Our group of supervillains is led by the most powerful and influential supervillain in existence.
Doom's got a plan that's gonna shake the heavens
Our leader, Doom, has a plan to cause a significant amount of chaos and destruction.
You wanna get tough punk?! Good! Time to get the feta!
If you want to engage in a physical altercation, I am ready and willing to fight.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Daniel Thompson Dumile, Corin Douglas Littler
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Juiceboy3005
What makes DOOM a villain is not spitting over this beat
@bakothegreat6986
Fr he wouldn't spit over dragon's blood and not this
@buckbumble
@@bakothegreat6986 or Sickfit. He said he didn’t because the beat was too ill
@jenkemuser4636
It’s because it’s meant to be an interlude. DOOM wants the listener to imagine what’s going on in the world that the album creates and what that world’s atmosphere is. When I hear this track on the album I picture the Villain fleeing a crime scene or driving to the next song.
@axep3785
@@jenkemuser4636 nah this song feels like the apocalypse where doom has won
@rivolverocelot3010
He made the right decision imo
@MrAphex117
This is one of the best fucking beats I have ever heard in my life. I can't stop listening to this album is damn near perfect.
@engraciadelapena6374
made on the sp 303 from start to fin
@kryptickodex3846
aphex!
@Pvctote
Engracia Pszczolkowski j