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".
Who You Think I Am
MF DOOM Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When I rock, jock niggas in shellshock
Don't watch the birdie watch the clock go tick tock
I rip shop, I make ya girls bottom lip drop
Yo word to the truckers at the pit stop I'm hip hop
I hold heat, never forget what niggas told me they showed me
Other emcees trying to fold me they owe me
I got my "Get U Now" so I'm comin with my homie
Here's the plan, stick 'em up, I enter, through the window
Stoop down so we can't see our crescendo
Pass the indo, yo we used to be our friend though
Yeah but that's the reason I don't really like to lend dough
From the corners cylindrical triangle hats
Says dunce lyrics precise like forensical science leave you entangled for months
Tryin to figure who done it, you fronted
Got cha shit stunted, didn't have to be that way
Some saw the light comin in, they shunned it
For the wickedness to those whose despise life and worship death
The established matched at eye for eye, tooth for tooth, breath to breath
These are the last days of the countdown, shit is just that drastic
Write journals, like they use the prophets, study math like a Aztec
Loved not for who you think I am, but who you want me to be
A true thuggin' emcee, true thugs, with no strings attached
I wanna give you my slugs and don't wanna take 'em
Box sprays, but with my box cutter in my boxes
Shots sprayed, who on cops high says we rastas
Rock away boulevard, got love and obnoxious
Bout five cops today, my rock away
Niggas and rock rage, got paid
A rock, you know why I rock, meet me at the Lobster's
I suggest I should dress proper
Copped a buzz, I copped a dutch
I got a lotta love, with no strings attached
Rhymes, rhymes, rhymes, we got plenty
Dimes, dimes, dimes, too many
Sparked up and chat, you keep countin'
I do my thing, jealous niggas keep doubtin'
Rock 'n' roll, lock 'n' load
Emcees out for pots of gold, we stop 'em cold
In they tracks an take all they chips-eses
All they dats, all they bullshit mixeses
Give 'em a credit, not debt it
We just flipped the calisthenics
Toss the Andy Pettitte, you said it
We grandslam in the never boss stand
Any pussy emcee's we abandon
Flew in from Monster Island just to rag shit wit jet lag
With brothers specializing ways how us not to get bagged
Egads! I bring confusion like roll call
To emcees so-called, hoes be like "yup I told y'all"
So socialize my bio so I dip dip dive
Memorize like I-omega zip drive
Go to the bar to drink to get soberer
King Ghidra eat the head of a king cobra like ginkoba
Kong get a cut like Kobe, now hold heat
So sweet, roll deep but no beef
Those that doze deep, close sheets
Po chose to speak with, reach over to reload the piece
Slip from freak to deak, keep concrete
Parallel to body 'til the next male
Shotties and hotty, still waitin' to exhale
Smell the blood bath a slugs caught
Slugs passed and bloodsport
Bugged laugh, a bugged thought
Caught some eyes make the case last stack a locker
Bocker, drink a vodka, hit note, like Sinatra at a opera
Drop a flocker, Orville Redenbocher
Get you, got you, shot the two L's without the proper
For the albums knocker
Hit the liquor, quicker than a quicker picker upper
Girl and stick er, I leave more nuts than a snicker
Kick er to the curb, punk a bitch, stomp a chick
For now call me Kong, Monster Isle, Monster Click (Bow!)
Loved not for who you think I am, but who you want me to be
True thuggin' emcee, true thugs, with no strings attached
I wanna give you my slugs, and don't wanna take 'em back
The song "Who You Think I Am?" by MF Doom featuring X-Ray Rodan Megalon K.D. King Ghidra & Kong is a hard-hitting track that showcases the artists' exceptional rap skills. The lyrics delve into the theme of identity, where the artists question whether people see them for who they really are or what they portray themselves to be. The chorus repeats the line "Loved not for who you think I am, but who you want me to be," which suggests that people are often misled by appearances.
Throughout the song, the rappers boast about their skillset and success in the industry. The lines "I rip shop, I make your girls' bottom lip drop" and "Rhymes, rhymes, rhymes, we got plenty, dimes, dimes, dimes, too many" highlight their confidence and talent in delivering powerful rhymes. The lyrics also touch on darker subjects such as death and violence, where the artists talk about carrying weapons and using them if needed.
Overall, "Who You Think I Am?" is a hard-hitting rap song that delves into the theme of identity and showcases the artists' exceptional skills in delivering powerful rhymes.
Line by Line Meaning
Who you think I am, but who you want me to be?
Questioning who others perceive the singer to be versus who they want them to be
When I rock, jock niggas in shellshock
The singer rocks the crowd and leaves them stunned
Don't watch the birdie watch the clock go tick tock
Focus on the time passing rather than trivial distractions
I rip shop, I make ya girl's bottom lip drop
The artist is a skilled rapper and impresses his listeners, even causing their jaws to drop
Yo word to the truckers at the pit stop I'm hip hop
The artist identifies as a part of the hip hop community
I hold heat, never forget what niggas told me they showed me
The singer is prepared for any situation and remembers past experiences
Other emcees tryna fold me they owe me
Other rappers try to copy the singer's style because they owe him respect
Yo plus them niggas mad slow gee
The other rappers are not as skilled or quick-witted as the artist
I got my 'Get U Now' so I'm comin' with my homie
The artist is confident in his ability to succeed and has backup support
Here's the plan: stick 'em up, I enter, through the window
The artist has a plan to take control of a situation
Stoop down so we can't see our crescendo
Take a lower profile to avoid being noticed during a key moment
Pass the indo, yo we used to be our friend though
The artist reminisces about a time when he and his colleagues were friends
Yeah but that's the reason I don't really like to lend dough
The singer has had negative experiences lending money to former friends
From the corners cylindrical triangle hats
Description of the unusual hats worn by the singer and his crew
Says dunce lyrics precise like forensical science leave you entangled for months
The singer's lyrics are precise and deliberate, like a forensic scientist, and can leave a lasting impact on listeners
Tryin to figure who done it, you fronted
Listeners struggle to understand the artist's lyrics and may feel intimidated or challenged
Got cha shit stunted, didn't have to be that way
The artist's impressive rapping style is having a negative effect on those around him
Some saw the light comin in, they shunned it
Some people cannot handle the singer's intense style and avoid it
For the wickedness to those whose despise life and worship death
The singer's music may appeal to those who are nihilistic or embrace dark thoughts
These are the last days of the countdown, shit is just that drastic
The world is in a dire state and time is running out
Write journals, like they use the prophets, study math like a Aztec
The artist is knowledgeable and studious, drawing inspiration from historical figures and cultures
Loved not for who you think I am, but who you want me to be
The artist wants to be accepted for who he is, rather than who others may perceive him to be
A true thuggin emcee, true thugs, with no strings attached
The singer identifies as a tough and authentic rapper
I wanna give you my slugs and don't wanna take em
The artist wants to share his music with his listeners and does not want anything in return
Box sprays, but with my box cutter in my boxes
The singer is ready for action and prepared for any situation
Shots sprayed, who on cops high says we rastas
The singer is asserting his identity as a Rasta and not afraid to stand up to the cops
Rock away boulevard, got love and ?knoxus?
Referencing a location the singer is familiar with and enjoys spending time in
Bout five cops today, my rock away
The artist has had run-ins with the cops and is familiar with their presence in his neighborhood
Rhymes, rhymes, rhymes, we got plenty
The artist has plenty of rhymes at his disposal and is skilled at using them
Dimes, dimes, dimes, too many
The singer is surrounded by attractive women
Sparked up and chat, you keep countin
The singer is not worried about what others are doing or saying and is focused on his own craft
I do my thing, jealous niggas keep doubtin
Despite criticism from others, the artist remains confident in his abilities and continues to produce his music
Rock 'n' roll, lock 'n' load
Referencing the grit and determination of rock and roll, while also being ready for action
Emcees out for pots of gold, we stop 'em cold
The artist and his crew are not in it for the money and will stop those who are
In they tracks an take all they chips-eses
The singer is willing to take all the winnings from those seeking fame and fortune
All they dats, all they bullshit mixeses
The artist is not interested in fake or insincere music
Give 'em a credit, not debt it
The singer wants to be recognized for his work, not exploited or ripped off
We just flipped the calistetic
The singer has flipped the script or changed the game
Toss the Andy Pettitte, you said it
The singer is confident and dismissive of potential challenges or criticisms
We grandslam in the never boss stand
The artist and his crew are focused on success and will not be held back by anyone else
Any pussy emcee's we abandon
The artist has no respect for weak or talentless rappers
Flew in from Monster Island just to rag shit wit jet lag
The singer has traveled a great distance and is tired but still showing off his skills
With brothers specializin ways how us not to get bagged
The singer and his crew are experienced in avoiding trouble with the law
Egads! I bring confusion like roll call
The artist's unique style can be confusing, much like a roll call
To emcees so-called, hoes be like 'yup I told y'all'
Listeners and groupies are impressed with the artist's skill and charisma
So socialize my bio so I dip dip dive
The artist wants his listeners to understand his personality and experiences
Memorize like I-omega zip drive
Listeners should remember the singer's music and lyrics like a digital storage device
Go to the bar to drink to get soberer
The artist is drinking to sober up or clear his head
King Ghidra eat the head of a king cobra like ginkoba
Referencing the mythical beast Ghidra, with the ability to consume even a deadly cobra with ease
Kong get a cut like Kobe, now hold heat
Like Kobe Bryant getting a cut during a game, the singer is also prepared for action
So sweet, roll deep but no beef
The singer and his crew are united but not aggressive or violent
Those that doze deep, close sheets
The artist is critical of those who are lazy or uninspired
Po chose to speak with, reach over to reload the piece
The artist chooses to talk it out but also keeps his weapon nearby
Slip from freak to deak, keep concrete
The singer is versatile and can switch between styles, but remains grounded
Parallel to body til the next male
The singer is focused on his physical body and being in top shape or condition
Shotties and hotty, still waitin to exhale
The artist is surrounded by attractive women and is waiting for his big moment
Smell the blood bath a slugs caught
The artist senses violence or danger nearby
Slugs passed and bloodsport
Referencing a violent altercation with gunfire
Bugged laugh, a bugged thought
The singer is amused or puzzled by something
Caught some eyes make the case last stack a locker
The artist is being watched or suspicious activity is occurring
Bocker, drink a vodka, hit note, like Sinatra at a opera
The singer celebrates with a drink and performs like a top-class entertainer
Drop a flocker, Orville Redenbocher
Referencing a gun and popcorn
Get you, got you, shot the two L's without the proper
The singer takes out his targets quickly and aggressively, without following standard procedures
For the albums knocker
The artist's music will be impactful and well-received by listeners
Hit the liquor, quicker than a quicker picker upper
The artist drinks quickly and efficiently
Girl and stick er, I leave more nuts than a snicker
The singer is sexually active and leaves behind many partners
Kick er to the curb, punk a bitch, stomp a chick
The singer is aggressive towards women and advocates for violence
For now call me Kong, Monster Isle, Monster Click (Bow!)
The artist's new nickname is Kong and he is part of a group called the Monster Click
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Daniel Dumile Thompson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind