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".
All Outta Ale
MF Doom Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All of you
Banned from all bars
The man with seven scars
Smack it up, flip it, pulled out
'bout to fell
Like a bat out of hell, tripped on a cat tail
Mutt drinkin out a pail
Who let the rat out the cell?
Got all the ingredients and recipe
Might as well
Since last week, the bootlegger been in jail
If all else fail, inhale the L
Makin' sure they can't see your
Sale via snail mail
Mind like a sewer, servin' rhyme on a skewer
DOOM'll step to a fine dime like he knew her
"My black sister!" She said
"Step back!" before he kissed her
She did the dipper and the
Smack just missed her there go a list of
Politics like Henry Kissinger
99% of rap's just a friendly listener
I'm like, "These dudes must have some screws
Loose to hate y'all"
Or a couple of ounces short
Of deuce-deuce or 8 Ball
Y'all know it's time for the
End when the day come buy a album
Get rudely insulted over fake drums
Same CDs you get for free, you break 'em
Wa-alaikum, make 'em eat they
Food like Steak-umm why she wanna ask me if
I could pass the paprika?
One hand on the mic, the other on the beaker
Every week or so, peeked out the lab though
Eureka! A technique to keep somethin'
Uniquer in ya speaker
For yo' information, I didn't do the beat
Y'all it ain't my fault if she didn't
Move her feet at all
Skeeter, robbed Peter to pay Paul
So he could trick it on Mary
So she can play ball
She better have my skrilla
Cut it out with all that funny hand jive
Will ya?
All this trouble for a tall glass of Olde E
Drink it all fast and make
You haul ass slowly
Remind me to remember what you told me
Holy moly
Did you get a load of her roly-poly?
Yo, G, remind me to remember what you told me
Whoever don't feel him
Feel balls like a goalie
One for the money, two for the better green
3, 4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine
Told the knock-kneed ghetto queen
"Get the head fiend"
Tell him it's from Medellin
And use oxyacetylene
Who needs airplay? It's all just hearsay
Leave a wig like it was having a bad hair day
Miracle glide master
Asked him what's his secret
He said, "Shasta
It turns to formaldehyde faster"
When I'm home with my lady
I try to duke her daily one night
She tried to flail me with her ukulele
Pack your heat
The Villain on the cover of Black Beat
With a bunch of crackers and some snack meat
They better have my skrilla
Cut it out with all that funny hand jive
Will ya?
All this trouble for a tall glass of Olde E
Drink it all fast and make
You haul ass slowly
Remind me to remember what you told me
Holy moly
Did you get a load of her roly-poly?
Yo, G, remind me to remember what you told me
The lyrics of MF DOOM's song "All Outta Ale" paint a vivid picture of a raucous night out, filled with quirky characters and chaotic situations. The song begins with the singer proclaiming that one more beer will make him unstoppable, ready to take on everyone around him. However, he reveals that he has been banned from all bars, suggesting a past filled with reckless behavior. The mention of the man with seven scars adds an element of danger and mystery to his persona.
As the song progresses, DOOM narrates a series of humorous and absurd events that unfold during a night in Atlanta where he runs out of ale. He compares his frenzied state to a bat out of hell and comically stumbles on a cat's tail. The imagery of a mutt drinking out of a pail and a rat escaping from its cell adds to the chaotic atmosphere DOOM is describing.
Throughout the song, DOOM showcases his lyrical prowess, effortlessly rhyming and weaving together clever wordplay. He delves into various topics, such as bootleggers in jail, the secrecy of drug deals, and his encounters with women. He also takes a swipe at the rap industry, suggesting that much of it is insincere and lacking substance.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the theme of trouble and the desire for a drink, with references to tall glasses of Olde English malt liquor. DOOM playfully urges someone to remember what they told him, highlighting the comical and nonsensical nature of the situations he presents.
Overall, "All Outta Ale" is a chaotic, humorous, and lyrically dense song that showcases MF DOOM's unique storytelling abilities and wordplay.
Line by Line Meaning
One more beer and I'll take you all
I am confident and ready to face any challenge after having one more beer.
Banned from all bars
I am not allowed to enter any bars due to my actions or behavior.
The man with seven scars
I am known as the man who has endured and survived many hardships, represented by my seven scars.
Smack it up, flip it, pulled out
'bout to fell
I am about to perform a skillful and impressive maneuver, but suddenly stumbled and lost my balance.
Sunday in the ATL and I'm all outta ale
It's a Sunday in Atlanta, and unfortunately, I have run out of ale to drink.
Like a bat out of hell, tripped on a cat tail
In a frantic and disoriented state, resembling a bat fleeing danger, I stumbled upon a cat's tail and lost my balance.
Mutt drinkin out a pail
Who let the rat out the cell?
I am drinking like a stray dog, using a pail as my drinking vessel. I question who released the rat from its prison cell.
Got all the ingredients and recipe
Might as well
I possess all the required elements and knowledge to do something, so I might as well proceed.
Since last week, the bootlegger been in jail
The person who sells illegal copies or unauthorized items has been incarcerated since last week.
If all else fail, inhale the L
If everything goes wrong and nothing else works, I suggest smoking a joint (inhaling the 'L').
Makin' sure they can't see your
Sale via snail mail
Taking precautionary measures to ensure that your transaction cannot be traced or intercepted by sending it through traditional mail.
Mind like a sewer, servin' rhyme on a skewer
My mind is filled with dark and twisted thoughts, allowing me to serve sharp, piercing lyrics.
DOOM'll step to a fine dime like he knew her
I confidently approach an attractive woman as if I have already established a connection with her.
"My black sister!" She said
"Step back!" before he kissed her
A black woman exclaimed that she is like my sister, but before I attempted to kiss her, she requested me to step back.
She did the dipper and the
Smack just missed her there go a list of
Politics like Henry Kissinger
The woman evaded my kiss and I accidentally struck air. This situation reminds me of the complex political dynamics involved in diplomacy, just like those concerning Henry Kissinger.
99% of rap's just a friendly listener
I express my skepticism that the majority of rap music is created by artists who are more interested in being passive consumers of the genre rather than active participants.
I'm like, "These dudes must have some screws
Loose to hate y'all"
I cannot comprehend why these individuals hold such strong animosity towards you. It seems that they are mentally unstable or irrational.
Or a couple of ounces short
Of deuce-deuce or 8 Ball
They may be lacking in both physical strength and mental capacity, resembling someone who is intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.
Y'all know it's time for the
End when the day come buy a album
I suggest that the impending end is near when people have to purchase an album instead of receiving it for free.
Get rudely insulted over fake drums
Instead of receiving genuine musical accompaniment, one is subjected to artificial or simulated beats, which leads to disrespectful and offensive remarks.
Same CDs you get for free, you break 'em
The CDs that you acquire without cost, you end up damaging or destroying them.
Wa-alaikum, make 'em eat they
Food like Steak-umm why she wanna ask me if
I could pass the paprika?
I respond with the Islamic greeting 'Wa-alaikum' and ask why a woman, who seems unfamiliar to me, is interested in whether I can hand her the paprika spice.
One hand on the mic, the other on the beaker
I skillfully multitask, with one hand holding the microphone and the other hand holding a scientific beaker, symbolizing my ability to excel in both music and science.
Every week or so, peeked out the lab though
Eureka! A technique to keep somethin'
Uniquer in ya speaker
Occasionally, I glance out of the laboratory, and suddenly have a breakthrough moment! I discover a method to create something more distinct and exclusive for your listening pleasure.
For yo' information, I didn't do the beat
Y'all it ain't my fault if she didn't
Move her feet at all
Just so you know, I am not responsible for producing the beat. Therefore, it's not my fault if the woman didn't dance to it.
Skeeter, robbed Peter to pay Paul
So he could trick it on Mary
So she can play ball
Skeeter (a character) stole money from one person to give to another, allowing him to deceive Mary and take advantage of her, possibly in a sexual context.
She better have my skrilla
Cut it out with all that funny hand jive
Will ya?
I demand that she better have my money. I am annoyed by her attempts at deceitful or playful gestures and ask her to stop immediately.
All this trouble for a tall glass of Olde E
Drink it all fast and make
You haul ass slowly
Despite going through various challenges, it's all worth it to enjoy a large glass of Olde English malt liquor. However, I advise drinking it slowly to avoid any adverse consequences.
Remind me to remember what you told me
Holy moly
Did you get a load of her roly-poly?
Please make sure to refresh my memory regarding what you just informed me. Oh my goodness! Did you notice her large and overweight physique?
Yo, G, remind me to remember what you told me
Hey, my friend, please ensure that I recall the information you just shared with me.
One for the money, two for the better green
3, 4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine
The first part represents the initial financial gain, while the second part symbolizes the pursuit of a more valuable and desirable substance, specifically referring to a chemical compound commonly known as MDMA or Ecstasy.
Told the knock-kneed ghetto queen
"Get the head fiend"
Tell him it's from Medellin
I instructed the slightly knock-kneed woman from the ghetto to fetch the individual addicted to receiving fellatio. I informed her that the request came from Medellin, a city associated with illicit drugs.
And use oxyacetylene
Implying the usage of oxyacetylene, a mixture of oxygen and acetylene gases used in welding or cutting metal, potentially suggesting a violent act or destruction.
Who needs airplay? It's all just hearsay
I question the importance of receiving airplay on radio stations, suggesting that it's merely based on rumors or unverified information.
Leave a wig like it was having a bad hair day
My performance is so energetic and intense that it metaphorically causes people's wigs (representing their sense of composure or normalcy) to become disheveled or chaotic.
Miracle glide master
Asked him what's his secret
He said, "Shasta
It turns to formaldehyde faster"
I encounter a skilled skateboarding professional known for executing smooth movements. Curious about his expertise, I inquire about his secret. He reveals that drinking a popular soda brand, Shasta, surprisingly accelerates the process of preserving bodies with formaldehyde.
When I'm home with my lady
I try to duke her daily one night
When I'm spending time with my romantic partner, I aim to engage in sexual intercourse regularly, emphasizing that it happened on a particular night.
She tried to flail me with her ukulele
She attempted to hit me violently using her ukulele as a weapon.
Pack your heat
The Villain on the cover of Black Beat
With a bunch of crackers and some snack meat
Prepare and carry your firearm. I, as the Villain, appear on the cover of Black Beat magazine alongside a group of white individuals, along with various snack items.
They better have my skrilla
Cut it out with all that funny hand jive
Will ya?
I demand that they possess and deliver my money. I am irritated by their attempts at deceitful or playful gestures, and I insist that they stop immediately.
All this trouble for a tall glass of Olde E
Drink it all fast and make
You haul ass slowly
Despite going through various challenges, it's all worth it to enjoy a large glass of Olde English malt liquor. However, I advise drinking it slowly to avoid any adverse consequences.
Remind me to remember what you told me
Holy moly
Did you get a load of her roly-poly?
Please make sure to refresh my memory regarding what you just informed me. Oh my goodness! Did you notice her large and overweight physique?
Yo, G, remind me to remember what you told me
Hey, my friend, please ensure that I recall the information you just shared with me.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Devin Horwitz, Daniel Thompson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind