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".
Bell of Doom
MF Doom Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Those dim-witted, no talent studio execs
That I I'll prove that I'm the
Greatest soundman of all time!
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah i'm wit' it
He was a recording genius who invented this
Gizmo that turns bells into bombs
The soundwaves of those bells
Who got the most whips, gats and cash?
If you ask the villain, he say
"Who gives a rat's ass?"
Can't take it wit'choo you when
You breathe your last
In the meaning in between "pass that grass"
Give thanks
His rank is that of big stank dank
He often time drank by the river bank
And kept a silver shank for a calm cat
Always stayed strapped for hand-to-arm combat
For DOOM the bell tolls
Let them fools know ain't no more
Room in these hell holes
It's filled up to the brim with sold souls
Crackheads, dope fiends and 40s of ol' gold
Hold up, the boldest who ever sold it
Whoever dare roll up, prepare to get folded
Like Holly Hobbie, gosh golly gee
The back of Hector Hoskerish's
Trolly read "Wash me" (Ha, ha, ha, ha)
Dagnabbit, the mask is like a chick magnet
Some'll let you stab it for
A nic' of the babbit
They say he talk slick like Dick Cavett
A fiend for the mic and can't
Kick it like a sick habit (The bells)
Give him a hero's holla
Along wit' more free dough than Creflo Dollar
Holy Toledo
How he made base on The Today Show?
They say he wear a mask in case his face show
It's better than a stocking, birdbrain
Find him on the corner
Rockin' Mockingbird Lane
He's a odd man, Grandma
And she's a bad mamma-jamma either
Squeeze the damn hammer or stop complainin'
On the top he's remainin'
A lot of pop sensations need
More proper home trainin'
The people say he's the nicest
He only wants to be left alone
To his own devices if the price is right
He might sing a new smash
Then laugh 'n twist his
Rollie Fingers moustache
Tear ya crew a new gash
And prepare a new batch of
His own special herb goulash
Villain, the dork who talk funny
And'll put one in ya, so
Watch where you walk, money
Like Semy say, do more boomers
They cure tumors and beware the Doomsta!
The bells toll for you! Ha, ha, ha, ha
"Bells of DOOM" by MF Doom and The Prof is a song that showcases the confidence and skill of the sound engineer, asserting himself as the greatest in the industry. The lyrics highlight a recording genius who has invented a gizmo that can turn bells into explosive devices. The soundwaves produced by these bells are so powerful that one needs to get out of their way. This genius aims to prove his worth to the world, especially those foolish studio executives who lack talent and intelligence.
The song also delves into the persona of the villain, a character embodied by MF Doom. This villain is indifferent to material possessions such as cars, guns, and money, recognizing their insignificance in the grand scheme of things. He presents a cynical perspective, suggesting that one cannot take these worldly possessions with them beyond death. Instead, he focuses on the meaning found in life's simple pleasures, such as passing a joint with friends.
The lyrics further explore the duality of this villainous character. On one hand, he is presented as a shrewd and calculating person who always stays armed and ready for combat. On the other hand, he is portrayed as someone who enjoys the little things in life, like drinking by the river and having a silver shank for protection. The overarching theme of the song seems to be the villain's defiance against societal norms, his disinterest in conformity, and his determination to carve his own path in a world filled with sold souls and decay.
Line by Line Meaning
I'll show the world, and more particularly
I will prove to everyone, especially those ignorant studio executives, that I am the greatest soundman of all time!
Those dim-witted, no talent studio execs
Referring to the studio executives as unintelligent and lacking artistic ability
That I I'll prove that I'm the
I want to demonstrate and make it evident that I am the
Greatest soundman of all time!
The most skilled and accomplished audio engineer in history!
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Expressing agreement and enthusiasm
Yeah i'm wit' it
I am in full agreement and support
He was a recording genius who invented this
Describing a person with exceptional abilities in audio production who created
Gizmo that turns bells into bombs
A device capable of transforming bells into explosives
Or something! Wow gotta get outta the way of
Implicitly acknowledging uncertainty or lack of precise knowledge, but recognizing the need to avoid
The soundwaves of those bells
The vibrations produced by the bells and the potential danger they pose
Who got the most whips, gats and cash?
Which individuals possess the greatest number of luxury cars, firearms, and money?
If you ask the villain, he say
According to the villain's perspective or response
"Who gives a rat's ass?"
"Why should anyone care?"
Can't take it wit'choo you when
You cannot bring any material possessions with you
You breathe your last
At the moment of your final breath
In the meaning in between "pass that grass"
Referring to the significance found within the action of sharing marijuana
Give thanks
Expressing gratitude
His rank is that of big stank dank
His status is that of the highest quality, potent marijuana
He often time drank by the river bank
He frequently consumed alcohol near the riverside
And kept a silver shank for a calm cat
He possessed a concealed weapon, specifically a silver knife, for quiet individuals
Always stayed strapped for hand-to-arm combat
He was consistently armed and prepared for physical confrontation
For DOOM the bell tolls
The sound of bells signifies impending danger or trouble for DOOM
Let them fools know ain't no more
Informing ignorant individuals that there is no longer any
Room in these hell holes
Space available in these miserable and oppressive situations
It's filled up to the brim with sold souls
These places are completely occupied by individuals who have surrendered their integrity for personal gain
Crackheads, dope fiends and 40s of ol' gold
Specifically referring to drug addicts and cheap malt liquor
Hold up, the boldest who ever sold it
Wait a moment, the most daring person who has ever distributed
Whoever dare roll up, prepare to get folded
Anyone who has the audacity to approach or challenge will experience severe consequences
Like Holly Hobbie, gosh golly gee
Eliciting a sense of surprise or amusement, akin to the innocence portrayed by Holly Hobbie
The back of Hector Hoskerish's
The rear of Hector Hoskerish's
Trolly read "Wash me" (Ha, ha, ha, ha)
The inscription "Wash me" on Hector Hoskerish's cart, accompanied by a mocking laugh
Dagnabbit, the mask is like a chick magnet
Expressing mild frustration, the mask acts as an attractive force for women
Some'll let you stab it for
Certain women would willingly engage in sexual activities even if you were to harm or betray them
A nic' of the babbit
A small amount of cannabis
They say he talk slick like Dick Cavett
According to popular opinion, his way of speaking is smooth and charming, reminiscent of Dick Cavett
A fiend for the mic and can't
He is addicted to the microphone and
Kick it like a sick habit (The bells)
He cannot control his habit of obsessively rapping (The bells symbolizing his persistent musical calling)
Give him a hero's holla
Offer praise and admiration to him like a hero
Along wit' more free dough than Creflo Dollar
Additionally, he possesses a significant amount of money, exceeding that of the notorious televangelist Creflo Dollar
Holy Toledo
Expressing surprise or astonishment
How he made base on The Today Show?
How did he become a prominent figure on The Today Show?
They say he wear a mask in case his face show
According to rumors, he wears a mask to prevent his true identity from being revealed
It's better than a stocking, birdbrain
Wearing a mask is more effective than a stocking when it comes to concealing one's identity, foolish individual
Find him on the corner
Locate him at the street corner
Rockin' Mockingbird Lane
Present on Mockingbird Lane, radiating a cool and confident demeanor
He's a odd man, Grandma
He possesses peculiar traits, Grandma
And she's a bad mamma-jamma either
Furthermore, Grandma is an attractive and formidable woman
Squeeze the damn hammer or stop complainin'
Either take action and use the weapon, or cease expressing dissatisfaction
On the top he's remainin'
Despite challenges and obstacles, he maintains a position of prominence
A lot of pop sensations need
Many popular musical artists require
More proper home trainin'
Additional education and guidance in regards to their behavior and actions
The people say he's the nicest
The general consensus is that he is the most skillful and talented
He only wants to be left alone
His desire is to be solitary and undisturbed
To his own devices if the price is right
Permitted to pursue his creative endeavors if the compensation is satisfactory
He might sing a new smash
He could potentially perform a new, highly successful song
Then laugh 'n twist his
Followed by a laugh and a sly, mischievous movement of
Rollie Fingers moustache
His unique and distinctive mustache, reminiscent of Rollie Fingers
Tear ya crew a new gash
He will figuratively tear apart your group, causing significant damage
And prepare a new batch of
Additionally, he will create
His own special herb goulash
A unique blend of marijuana that he personally concocts
Villain, the dork who talk funny
Referring to himself as the villain or antagonist, characterized by his quirky and distinctive manner of speaking
And'll put one in ya, so
He will shoot you without hesitation, therefore
Watch where you walk, money
Be cautious and mindful of your actions to avoid negative consequences
Like Semy say, do more boomers
As Semy suggests, consume more psychedelic mushrooms
They cure tumors and beware the Doomsta!
Claiming that psychedelic mushrooms possess medicinal properties and advising caution in the presence of DOOM!
The bells toll for you! Ha, ha, ha, ha
Symbolizing impending doom and the consequences of one's actions
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Daniel Thompson, Devin Horwitz
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind