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".
hey
MF DOOM Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'd like to thank you all for joining us this evening
Let me know if y'all with me y'all (hey)
Just a couple of things I wanna say
I only play the games that I win at
And stay the same with more rhymes than there's ways to skin cats
As a matter of fact, let me rephrase
Watch the path of the black one
Supervillain, he wrecks clubs for delf
In a drunken stupor chillin'
Ready and willing to inadvertently foil that
Plan of any rhymer, whiner or spoiled brat
Who got more snottier flows than snotty nose?
And holds mics like he knows karate body blows?
Nobody knows
The trouble I see
From the MPV fly dirty tailin' the eye bubble eye thirty
For the record this is some shit I just thought of y'all
Science fiction that's not admissible in no court of law
I live to rock mics 3-D
The only reason I seek to stop, to snuff the TV
I heard beats, they sound like karaoke
With monkey rhymers on a leash like don't have this fairy choke me
Hit 'em with a penny so we can get these peanuts
And I thought we was nuts, I used to get free cuts
They locks Lex Luthor up in green haven
Since when a nigga never really been to clean shaven
Misbehavin' rap stars need Listamint
Call me Mista Bent, I'm at where your sister went
Intelligent, used to write and be well spoke
Now all a nigga wanna do is fight and sell (hey)
Tell a joke
This could lead to catastrophe
'Bout to stop the violence right after these last three shots
From the black bat got me at headlock
Holdin' on to sanity, by strands of that dreadlock
She told me get off I said, "Bitch
Let me set this shit off so I could get rich right quick"
Then it hit me like the point of intoxication
Nigga come out and rock this nation like ox defacin' (hey)
A lot of niggas out is rusty like oxidation
In the world's most strangest most dangerous occupation
But you could do it, you the Super like in your building
Villian like trife Kinder is in All My Children
Plotting and it sure to pay ends
With some real mature womens, and more of they friends (hey)
When bad men roll tight, it's actual true
Like a pack of Big BambΓΊ, with natural glue
Who grip necks of Becks next to triple X?
He just came in 4D: Follow the ripple effects
And it'll lead you right to him, oh snap
It seems you walked into a trap, through rap, zoinks
This place is filled with pretender willies
One false move, and get broke off, like end of Phillies
True believers, ain't nothin new to a
Crook with special powers like how to tell the future uh, uh
Rhyme of the month two page long
Bustin' off two gages with my cape on wrong
Son it's on remind me of a Raekwon tape song
With a fleet of super bad, some status, Rae Dawn Chong
Let me know if y'alls with me y'all (hey)
National and geographic down to the titty-bar
Rep Monster Island City y'all
To all my brothers who is doin' unsettling bids
You could have got away if it was not for them meddling kids
(Over here)
(Hey)
(Hey)
The song "Hey!" by MF DOOM is a classic rap that perfectly captures the essence of the artist β witty, humorous and unconventional. The song begins with MF DOOM thanking the audience for joining him and declaring that he only plays games he can win. He then highlights his unique style of rap and figuratively suggests his superiority to other rappers. He likens himself to a supervillain who wrecks clubs and disrupts any effete plans of other rappers. He asserts confidently that his flows are verbose and lyrical and that no one can come near him.
In the second verse, MF DOOM reiterates his claim that he is stronger than most other rappers and that he can stop the violence that often characterizes rap culture. He likens rap music to a dangerous occupation and suggests that only true believers can survive in that environment. He then describes his enemies as "pretender willies" who can easily be broken off like the end of Phillies with one false move. MF DOOM also gives a shoutout to his hometown, Monster Island City, before concluding with a reference to the iconic cartoon 'Scooby-Doo', saying, "you could have got away if it was not for them meddling kids."
Overall, the song has an ostentatiously lighthearted and playful tone, but it also highlights MF DOOM's exceptional skills as a rapper and his unconventional worldview.
Line by Line Meaning
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen (hey)
Greetings, this is MF DOOM and I am thankful for your presence
I'd like to thank you all for joining us this evening
Thank you for taking the time to be here
Let me know if y'all with me y'all (hey)
Are you guys ready to hear what I have to say?
Just a couple of things I wanna say
I have a few important things to share
I only play the games that I win at
I only engage in activities that I know I can succeed in
And stay the same with more rhymes than there's ways to skin cats
I consistently produce new and unique lyrics without deviating from my style
As a matter of fact, let me rephrase
Actually, let me clarify myself
With more rhymes and ways to fillet felines these days
My skills have evolved to include new methods of rap wordplay
Watch the path of the black one
Pay attention to the actions of the supervillain (MF DOOM)
Supervillain, he wrecks clubs for delf
MF DOOM puts on shows that are entertaining and unforgettable
In a drunken stupor chillin'
Relaxing after drinking alcohol
Ready and willing to inadvertently foil that
MF DOOM is prepared to unintentionally disrupt the plans of any rappers that cross him
Plan of any rhymer, whiner or spoiled brat
MF DOOM is referring to rappers who complain or act entitled
Who got more snottier flows than snotty nose?
MF DOOM is making a rhetorical question in response to rappers who can't compare to his rhyming abilities
And holds mics like he knows karate body blows?
Rappers who grip their microphones as if they are martial artists are not impressing MF DOOM
Nobody knows
Only MF DOOM knows the struggles and difficulties he has faced in his life
The trouble I see
MF DOOM has encountered numerous obstacles in his path to success
From the MPV fly dirty tailin' the eye bubble eye thirty
MF DOOM has experienced his fair share of disturbing situations and encounters
For the record this is some shit I just thought of y'all
What I'm sharing with you is something I recently produced or came up with
Science fiction that's not admissible in no court of law
The storytelling in MF DOOM's music is purely fictional and therefore not legally binding or admissible in court
I live to rock mics 3-D
MF DOOM lives and breathes for performing on stage
The only reason I seek to stop, to snuff the TV
MF DOOM wants to put an end to the oversaturation of television and popular media
I heard beats, they sound like karaoke
MF DOOM doesn't appreciate hearing unoriginal and uninspiring beats
With monkey rhymers on a leash like don't have this fairy choke me
MF DOOM is referring to rappers who are being controlled or held back by the music industry
Hit 'em with a penny so we can get these peanuts
MF DOOM is aiming to receive a small amount of money in exchange for his music
And I thought we was nuts, I used to get free cuts
MF DOOM is reminiscing about the days when he was unrecognized and received free haircuts
They locks Lex Luthor up in green haven
MF DOOM is making a reference to the imprisonment of the Superman villain Lex Luthor
Since when a nigga never really been to clean shaven
MF DOOM doesn't care whether or not he shaves his facial hair
Misbehavin' rap stars need Listamint
MF DOOM is referencing the rapper's bad breath while also criticizing their disobedient attitudes
Call me Mista Bent, I'm at where your sister went
MF DOOM is somewhere his listener's sister has also been
Intelligent, used to write and be well spoke
MF DOOM is a highly intelligent individual who delivers his rhymes in a well-spoken manner
Now all a nigga wanna do is fight and sell (hey)
MF DOOM is expressing some of the negative temptations he has encountered in the music industry
Tell a joke
MF DOOM often includes humorous comments or jokes in his music
This could lead to catastrophe
This mindset could result in a terrible outcome
'Bout to stop the violence right after these last three shots
MF DOOM wants to put an end to the violence occurring in some rap communities
From the black bat got me at headlock
MF DOOM feels like he is stuck in a negative situation and not in control
Holdin' on to sanity, by strands of that dreadlock
MF DOOM is holding on to his sanity only by a small margin
She told me get off I said, "Bitch
MF DOOM is recounting the memory of a woman he was with who told him to stop
Let me set this shit off so I could get rich right quick"
MF DOOM is motivated by money and is using his music to try and become wealthy
Then it hit me like the point of intoxication
MF DOOM came to a sudden realization
Nigga come out and rock this nation like ox defacin' (hey)
MF DOOM wants to inspire and impress his listeners like the act of a defecating ox
A lot of niggas out is rusty like oxidation
Many rappers today are unpolished and lack creativity
In the world's most strangest most dangerous occupation
Rap music is a unique and risky industry
But you could do it, you the Super like in your building
MF DOOM is implying that anyone has the power to succeed in the music industry
Villian like trife Kinder is in All My Children
MF DOOM is comparing himself to the villainous character Trife in the television show All My Children
Plotting and it sure to pay ends
MF DOOM is making calculated moves in order to achieve his goals
With some real mature womens, and more of they friends (hey)
MF DOOM is surrounded by attractive women and their friends
When bad men roll tight, it's actual true
MF DOOM is making a general statement about the behavior of unpleasant people
Like a pack of Big BambΓΊ, with natural glue
This is a metaphor comparing the bonding properties of natural glue to the cohesion of a tight-knit group of bad men
Who grip necks of Becks next to triple X?
This lyric is referring to a dangerous group of men who hold on tightly to their bottles of beer and pornography
He just came in 4D: Follow the ripple effects
MF DOOM is claiming that he has just entered the scene and viewers should pay attention to the changes he will make
And it'll lead you right to him, oh snap
MF DOOM wants his listeners to follow him and his actions in the music industry
It seems you walked into a trap, through rap, zoinks
MF DOOM is warning his listeners that the music industry can be a trap that they may fall into
This place is filled with pretender willies
MF DOOM is suggesting that there are many people in the music industry who pretend to be someone they're not
One false move, and get broke off, like end of Phillies
In the music industry, one mistake can cost a person a lot of money and success
True believers, ain't nothin new to a
MF DOOM is addressing his true supporters, those who have been with him since the beginning
Crook with special powers like how to tell the future uh, uh
MF DOOM is comparing himself to a crook or criminal who has unique skills and abilities
Rhyme of the month two page long
MF DOOM has a two-page-long rap with exceptional wordplay and rhyming skills
Bustin' off two gages with my cape on wrong
MF DOOM is about to go on an offensive attack while wearing his superhero cape backwards
Son it's on remind me of a Raekwon tape song
MF DOOM is comparing his actions to those of his friend and fellow rapper Raekwon, suggesting that they both have a similar mindset
With a fleet of super bad, some status, Rae Dawn Chong
MF DOOM is surrounded by beautiful and powerful women, including the actress Rae Dawn Chong
To all my brothers who is doin' unsettling bids
MF DOOM wants to acknowledge and support his fellow rappers who are serving time in prison
You could have got away if it was not for them meddling kids
MF DOOM is making a reference to the cartoon Scooby-Doo, suggesting that the people in the music industry who have been caught could have gotten away with their crimes if not for the people who exposed them
Lyrics Β© Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Daniel Dumile Thompson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jay Herrera
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen
("Hey!")
I'd like to thank you all for joining us this evening
Let me know if y'all with me, y'all
("Hey!")
Just a couple of things I wanna say
I only play the games that I win at
And stay the same with more rhymes than there's ways to skin cats
As a matter of fact, let me rephrase:
With more rhymes than there's ways to fillet felines these days
Watch the path of the black one:Β Supervillian
He wrecks clubs forΒ delf in a drunken stupor, chillin'
Ready and willin' to inadvertently foil that
Plan of any rhymer, whiner or spoiled brat
Who got more snottier flows than snotty nose?
And holds mics like he knows karate body blows?
Nobody knows the trouble I see
From the MPV fly dirty tailin' the eye bubble eye thirty
For the record; this is some shit I just thought of, y'all
Science fiction that's not admissible ("Hey!") in no court of law
I live to rock mics 3-D
The only reason I seek to stopβto snuff the TV
I heard beats, they sound like karaoke
With monkey rhymers on a leash like don't have this fairy choke me
Hit 'em with a penny so we can get these peanuts
And I thought we was nuts, I used to get free cuts
They locks Lex Luthor up in Green Haven
Since when a nigga never really been too clean shaven
Misbehavin' rap stars need Listamint
Call me Mista Bent
I'm at where your sister went
Intelligent, used to write and be well spoke
Now all a nigga wanna do is fight and sellβ("Hey!")
βtell a joke
This could lead to catastrophe
'Bout to stop the violenceΒ right after these last of three
Shots from the black bat got me at headlock
Holdin' on to sanity, by strands of that dreadlock
She told me, "Get off," I said, "Bitch!
Let me set this shit off so I can get rich right quick"
Then it hit me like the point of intoxication
Nigga, come out and rock this nation like ("Hey!") ox defacin'
A lot of niggas out is rusty like oxidation
In this world's strangest, most dangerous occupation
But you could do it, you the Super like in your building
Villian like trife Kinder is in All My Children
Plottin' and it sure to pay ends
With some real mature womens, and more of they friendsΒ ("Hey!")
And when bad men roll tight, it's actual true
Like a pack of Big BambΓΊ, with natural glue
Who grip necks of Becks to triple X?
He just came in 4-D: Follow the ripple effects
And it'll lead you right to him
Oh, snap!
It seems you walked into a trap, through rap
Zoinks!
This place is filled with pretender willies
One false move, and get broke off like end of Phillies
True believers
Ain't nothin new to a
Crook with special powers like how to tell the future uh-uh-
Rhyme of the month two page long
Bustin' off two gages with my cape on wrong
Son, it's on, remind me of a Raekwon tape song
With a fleet of super bad... Status: Rae Dawn Chong
Let me know if y'alls with me, y'all! ("Hey!")
National and geographic down to the titty-bar
Rep Monster Island City, y'all!
To all my brothers who is doin' unsettlin' bids
You could have got away with it if it was not for them
Meddlin' kids!
("Over here!")
Toby Check
Only MF DOOM could make a Scooby doo sample go this hard π
MegATroN . .
Lord fucking Finesse!
Hairy Asshole
@Greg Coyle Doom still did it first as much as i know
Negus Phillip
Like
Nigmatics
SUPERDABBED KAT420710 DOOM def flipped it first.
Pete Rock_76
Iβll forever love this track RIP MF DoomβΌοΈ
Zaid Martin
This one in particular was such a huge part of my younger days. REST IN POWER SUPERVILLIAN!
Jazzfunkmaster
"For the record this is some shit I just thought of y'all
It's science fiction that's not permissible in no court of law"
RIP to one of the greats
Bryant Watts
Then it hit me like a point of intoxication π₯π₯π₯
Matthew Hill-Montemayor
Admissible **