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".
What A Niggy Know
MF DOOM Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He′s a nigga today!
And he gonna be a nigga, tomorrow!
The lyrics of MF DOOM's song "What A Niggy Know" contain a provocative exploration of racial identity and societal perceptions. In four long paragraphs, we can interpret these lyrics as a commentary on the enduring and unrelenting stereotypes and prejudices faced by Black individuals.
The repetition and emphasis on the word "nigga" throughout the lyrics draws attention to the racial experiences and marginalization faced by Black people. By stating, "He was a nigga yesterday! He's a nigga today! And he gonna be a nigga, tomorrow!" MF DOOM emphasizes the constant presence of racial identity and the perpetuation of racial biases. This repetition amplifies the frustration and endurance of the racial categorization imposed on Black individuals, challenging the notion that racial identities can simply be disregarded or erased.
By using the term "nigga," a reclaimed word often used within the Black community, DOOM highlights the complexities of racial identity and the power dynamics surrounding the term. The repetition both asserts and subverts the derogatory connotations historically associated with the term, simultaneously reclaiming and challenging its usage. It serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness between identity and historical struggles against racism, as well as the ongoing struggle for equality and recognition.
Furthermore, by stating that someone will "be a nigga, tomorrow," DOOM suggests that racial identity is not something that can be easily shed or escaped. It reflects the reality that society consistently imposes racial stereotypes and sees individuals through the lens of their race, regardless of personal growth or changes. This line emphasizes the systemic racism and enduring societal norms that perpetuate racial discrimination and marginalization.
In the larger context of the song, these lyrics contribute to MF DOOM's larger body of work, which often delves into themes of identity, perception, and social commentary. Through his music, DOOM challenges stereotypes, systemic racism, and the ways society perpetuates division based on race. "What A Niggy Know" serves as a thought-provoking critique on the ongoing struggles faced by Black individuals, urging listeners to question the societal constructs that perpetuate racial inequality.
Line by Line Meaning
He was a nigga yesterday!
In the past, he was identified as a person of African descent, subjected to racial discrimination and stereotyping.
He's a nigga today!
Currently, his racial identity as a black person persists, highlighting the ongoing experiences of prejudice and systemic racism.
And he gonna be a nigga, tomorrow!
In the future, he will continue to face racial discrimination and societal expectations based on his black ethnicity.
Writer(s): Daniel Thompson
Contributed by Nicholas A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.