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".
Doom Are You Awake
MF Doom Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Yes, but what do you want?)
You fool, it's a miracle that you didn't kill Costez as well as yourself
So, before you cause greater harm
Get out of here
(This is just a minor disappointment, I shall overcome it)
The failure of DOOM's experiment did not end his tragedy
For a few days later, his bandages were removed
There, aah, how horrible, that face
What have I done to myself? My face is hideous
He made me hurry my experiment
Now I must hide my face from all mankind
But he will pay, oh, how he will pay
So after his face was ruined, he just seemed to disappear
Why did DOOM threaten just to
Well, like I said he just disappeared, I'll never forgot that day
The lyrics of MF DOOM's song "Doom Are You Awake?" depict a conversation between two individuals. The first voice, which could be interpreted as a sort of conscience, asks DOOM if he is awake. DOOM responds, asking what the voice wants. The voice proceeds to scold DOOM for a failed experiment that could have potentially harmed people other than himself. DOOM responds confidently, saying that the failure is nothing but a minor disappointment and that he will overcome it. However, the following lines of the song suggest otherwise. DOOM's bandages are removed a few days later to reveal a horribly disfigured face. He regrets making haste with the experiment and is now forced to hide his face from everyone. To make matters worse, DOOM plans to pursue vengeance against someone who is presumably responsible for his current state.
The lyrics are filled with themes of regret, failure, and revenge. DOOM's arrogance and impulsivity led to the experiment's failure, and he is now paying the price for his actions. His desire for retribution against the unknown party shows that he is still holding onto his past mistakes and cannot let them go. Overall, the song depicts a character who is struggling with the consequences of their actions and the impact they have on others.
Line by Line Meaning
Doom, are you awake?
Asking if MF DOOM is awake and alert.
(Yes, but what do you want?)
Responding in the affirmative, but still questioning the purpose of the question.
You fool, it's a miracle that you didn't kill Costez as well as yourself
Admonishing someone for their reckless behavior and expressing gratitude for the fact that they didn't accidentally harm someone else.
So, before you cause greater harm
Get out of here
(This is just a minor disappointment, I shall overcome it)
Advising the person to leave so as to prevent any further damage, while also expressing the belief that the current setback can be overcome.
The failure of DOOM's experiment did not end his tragedy
For a few days later, his bandages were removed
Despite the failure of DOOM's experiment, his misfortune continued even after the initial incident.
There, aah, how horrible, that face
What have I done to myself? My face is hideous
He made me hurry my experiment
Now I must hide my face from all mankind
But he will pay, oh, how he will pay
Expressing remorse and disgust at the physical consequences of a reckless experiment that was rushed due to pressure from someone else. Vowing to seek revenge for what happened.
So after his face was ruined, he just seemed to disappear
Why did DOOM threaten just to
Well, like I said he just disappeared, I'll never forgot that day
Reflecting on how the person in question vanished into thin air after the incident, wondering why he had made threats beforehand. Remembering the day in question with sadness and disbelief.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Daniel Dumile Thompson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind