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".
Vaudeville Villain
MF DOOM Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who don't give a flying fuck who ain't not feeling him
Watch what ya' dealing him: ace, king, death card
Strong-arm the wrong man, pardon the left, god
Get money and earn it, then everything you touch turn shit
Got much to learn kid, light it up burn shit
Light it up like the Dutch when the hash melt
Only time they see him is when they need him with the cash belt
One dry summer, as far as I remember
Burnt out, but gaining every edgy penny
Then he hit him straight to the head like Reggie Denny
Call him back when you need some more 'gnac, horse-yak
Doing 80 down the Van Wyck on horseback
Ya' man sick but he wreck tracks, puto
Get back too bro', exactamundo
Viktor the director flip a script like Rob Reiner
The way a lotta dudes rhyme their name should be "knob shiner"
For a buck, they'd likely dance the Jig or do the Hucklebuck
To Vik it's no big deal, they're just a buncha knuckle-fucks
You wonder how well would they hold up in a holding cell
It sorta had the strange makings of a tale told in hell
Like "Oh well," hold tall riches
If the Feds is really after him they'll just tell all the snitches
On borrowed-time rhymes, gassed by the silver screen
They cat like their monkey ass can heal back like Wolverine
Mellow out what y'all bellow out ya' yellow mouth
What happened to the kinda spit that used to help a fellow out?
No doubt, leave a rapper in a body cast
And wonder what he was doing while we was in a karate class
Snotty ass, it's really like he was a white-belt
Right before he "night-night" ask him how the light felt
I wouldn't take their tape if they gave it free
Maybe it's me, maybe it's V!
Throw down the key, y'all know how shit be
In the naked city, rappers is so giddy
That's no ditty, Vaughn so witty
The way he take no prisoners and show no pity
It's how son became a big man from a Black boy
To name names, a really big fan of Dan Akroyd
He feel they need to give him his own dance
This his only chance to shoot the gift like a lone glance
Or like a beef scene that leave the oo-ey smoking
Or between Hoktuo Shinken and Nanto Koukakuken
The lyrics of "Vaudeville Villain" by MF DOOM, under his alter ego V. Vaughn, tell the story of a traveling performer who is unbothered by those who don't appreciate his talent. V. Vaughn is portrayed as a charismatic and confident character, not caring about anyone who doesn't like him. He warns others to be cautious when dealing with him, as he holds power and isn't afraid to use it. The lyrics hint at his involvement in illegal activities, such as strong-arming and shady business deals.
V. Vaughn is described as someone who earns money effortlessly, but also acknowledges that he still has much to learn. He smokes hash and is only sought after by others when they need his assistance for financial purposes. The lyrics also emphasize V. Vaughn's unique and unapologetic personality.
Overall, the lyrics of "Vaudeville Villain" present V. Vaughn as an entertaining and slightly enigmatic character who is unafraid to be himself, even if it means alienating those around him.
Line by Line Meaning
V. Vaughn, the traveling Vaudeville Villain
V. Vaughn is the stage name of the artist, who portrays himself as a wandering, mysterious and villainous performer in the Vaudeville style.
Who don't give a flying fuck who ain't not feeling him
He doesn't care at all about the opinions of those who dislike him.
Watch what ya' dealing him: ace, king, death card
Be careful when engaging with him because he is strategic and unpredictable, like a combination of powerful cards in a card game.
Strong-arm the wrong man, pardon the left, god
He intimidates or takes advantage of the wrong person and then asks for forgiveness later, showing his cunning nature.
Get money and earn it, then everything you touch turn shit
If you work hard and accumulate wealth, everything you involve yourself with will turn successful or profitable.
Got much to learn kid, light it up burn shit
You have a lot to learn, youngster. Ignite or excel in your endeavors and cause chaos or disruption.
Light it up like the Dutch when the hash melt
Ignite or stimulate something intensely, similar to when the Dutch smoke hash and it melts, releasing its active compounds.
Only time they see him is when they need him with the cash belt
He only becomes visible or relevant to others when they require his financial assistance or resources.
Ay carumba, now that's my number
An exclamation of surprise or excitement, expressing that he possesses great skills or capabilities.
One dry summer, as far as I remember
A metaphorical period of difficulties or hardships that he endured and can recall vividly.
Burnt out, but gaining every edgy penny
Feeling mentally or physically exhausted, yet still accumulating wealth and success in unconventional ways.
Then he hit him straight to the head like Reggie Denny
He delivered a powerful blow or impact directly to someone's head, comparable to Reggie Denny, a professional boxer.
Call him back when you need some more 'gnac, horse-yak
Contact him again when you require additional alcohol, specifically brandy or whiskey, which he can provide.
Doing 80 down the Van Wyck on horseback
Travelling at high speed along Van Wyck Expressway while riding a horse, showcasing his unconventional and daring nature.
Ya' man sick but he wreck tracks, puto
Your friend may be ill or talented, but he excels at destroying or dominating music tracks, emphasizing his skill and dominance.
Get back too bro', exactamundo
Step back or retreat, my friend, exactly as expected or understood.
Viktor the director flip a script like Rob Reiner
Viktor, the artist, has the ability to change course or create unexpected outcomes, similar to film director Rob Reiner's storytelling techniques.
The way a lotta dudes rhyme their name should be 'knob shiner'
Many individuals who rap boastfully about themselves should be called 'flatterers' or 'bootlickers' instead.
For a buck, they'd likely dance the Jig or do the Hucklebuck
In exchange for money, these people would willingly perform silly or trivial tasks, such as dancing a traditional Irish jig or the hucklebuck.
To Vik it's no big deal, they're just a buncha knuckle-fucks
To Viktor, these individuals are insignificant and foolish, simply a group of incompetent and foolish people.
You wonder how well would they hold up in a holding cell
One might question how these people would fare or survive in a prison cell.
It sorta had the strange makings of a tale told in hell
Their behavior and actions possess eerie qualities that resemble a story narrated in the depths of hell.
Like 'Oh well,' hold tall riches
Despite any challenges or setbacks, he continues to maintain his wealth and success.
If the Feds is really after him they'll just tell all the snitches
If the government authorities are truly pursuing him, they'll easily manipulate or coerce the informants to reveal everything.
On borrowed-time rhymes, gassed by the silver screen
He delivers his rhymes or lyrics with a sense of urgency, influenced by the grandiose illusions created by the film industry.
They act like their monkey ass can heal back like Wolverine
These individuals behave arrogantly, as if they possess the regenerative abilities of the fictional character Wolverine.
Mellow out what y'all bellow out ya' yellow mouth
Calm down or moderate the loud and boastful claims that you make with your cowardly and fearful demeanor.
What happened to the kinda spit that used to help a fellow out?
He questions the absence of the supportive and uplifting rap lyrics that used to assist and aid others in their struggles.
No doubt, leave a rapper in a body cast
Undoubtedly, he would physically harm or incapacitate another rapper, leaving them severely injured and requiring a body cast.
And wonder what he was doing while we was in a karate class
He would outshine or surpass his peers in their martial arts training, leaving them astonished and curious about his own activities.
Snotty ass, it's really like he was a white-belt
He displays arrogance or an unpleasant attitude towards others, as if he possessed a beginner's level of skill or knowledge, symbolized by a white karate belt.
Right before he 'night-night' ask him how the light felt
Right before he puts someone to sleep or renders them unconscious, he mockingly asks them to reflect on their actions and experience the darkness or emptiness.
I wouldn't take their tape if they gave it free
He wouldn't accept or listen to their music even if they offered it for free, emphasizing his strong dislike or lack of interest.
Maybe it's me, maybe it's V!
Perhaps the reason lies within himself, or perhaps it's a reflection of his own artistic identity as V.
Throw down the key, y'all know how shit be
Give up or surrender the key to success, as everyone understands the harsh realities and challenges of life.
In the naked city, rappers is so giddy
Within the exposed and unfiltered music industry, rappers become overly excited, exuberant, or pleased with themselves.
That's no ditty, Vaughn so witty
This situation or circumstance is not a lighthearted and catchy song; instead, Vaughn is clever and humorous in his response or actions.
The way he take no prisoners and show no pity
He doesn't take any captives or show any mercy, displaying his ruthless and merciless attitude.
It's how son became a big man from a Black boy
This is how he transformed from being a young Black boy into a successful and influential figure.
To name names, a really big fan of Dan Akroyd
He enjoys publicly calling out or exposing individuals, just like he admires the actor Dan Akroyd for his straightforwardness and honesty.
He feel they need to give him his own dance
He believes that others should create a unique dance or movement specifically dedicated to him.
This his only chance to shoot the gift like a lone glance
This is his sole opportunity to showcase his artistic talent or skill, capturing it in a powerful and unforgettable manner.
Or like a beef scene that leave the oo-ey smoking
Similar to a confrontation or conflict that produces intense smoke or drama, leaving a lasting impact on those involved.
Or between Hoktuo Shinken and Nanto Koukakuken
Comparable to the battle or rivalry between two fictional martial arts styles, representing a clash of opposing forces or ideologies.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: D Dumile, Maximillian Pond Lawrence
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind