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".
Elder Blossoms
MF Doom Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My thoughts, are like a bright symphony
I'm simply, changing everything that I begin to see
Mentally, but physically I plan to change history
With a pen, note pad and a distant dream
But distance ain't a obstacle, that's too much
I'm closer than you think to the stars, nigga look up
See an adolescent with impressive rhymes, chasin' dimes
Of my pocket, while I pocket some of these profits
Nigga's watch it and try to stop it, but all I do is block it
Straight lock it up, my cash started risin' up
Now everybody and they best friend try to ride with us
Never had a team, just a couple friends
Too many people around will hurt you in the end
Don't pretend you niggas would never kin, you tryna step in the circle but ain't allowed to get in
I'm getting more attention than I'm wishing
Not bitching, just surprised and did I mention, when I'm sentencing, people listening
Cause my songs go harder than crack interventions
Uh, living life like a menace
Tryna get in this game and leave with some riches
No need for bitches, but I'm down for pictures
cs long as they ain't girls that got no figures
Uh, Jordan 7's on my feet
Don't ask to come chill, girl I'm busy making beats
When I was in the hall you would never even speak
Now your tryna come through every day of the week
Shits crazy, you living real shady
cnd don't send me text messages calling me baby
I thought you were a lady, didn't give it up daily
cnd only enjoy boys who didn't like mainstream
Well I do, and this is nothing new
But looks like this life I ain't living for you
I know that you in love, but baby that sounds through
When the size don't fit, so why would I wear the shoe?
This ain't a love song so I'mma skip bars, rip hard, grip stars then dip off
Peace!
The lyrics in MF DOOM's song "Elder Blossoms" are actually performed by Bishop Nehru, a young rapper known for his impressive rhymes and introspective style. In this verse, Bishop Nehru reflects on his own aspirations and the obstacles he faces while pursuing his dreams. He compares his thoughts to a bright symphony, suggesting that his mental landscape is filled with creativity and potential. He believes that he has the power to change everything he sees, both mentally and physically, and he has lofty goals of leaving a mark in history.
Bishop Nehru acknowledges that distance is not an obstacle for him; he believes that he is closer to achieving greatness than others may perceive. He is driven by his talent for writing and his distant dream of success. Despite the attempts of others to stop him, he locks up their negativity and continues to rise. As he gains attention and people listen to his music, he is both surprised and grateful for the recognition. He confidently states that his songs go harder than interventions for crack addiction, emphasizing the power and impact of his music.
In the second part of the verse, Bishop Nehru confronts the complexities of relationships. He warns against the dangers of surrounding oneself with too many people, as it can ultimately lead to hurt. He reveals that while he may have had a few friends, he has always been cautious about who he lets into his inner circle. He emphasizes that he is focused on his career and isn't interested in superficial relationships, particularly those with women who lack substance or individuality. He asserts his independence and dedication to his craft, stating that he is busy making beats and striving for success. He cautions against being swayed by love when it doesn't fit or feel right, proclaiming that he won't wear the metaphorical "shoe" of a relationship that isn't meant for him. The verse ends with a confident departure, as he signs off with the word "Peace!"
Overall, Bishop Nehru's lyrics in "Elder Blossoms" explore his ambition, perseverance, and caution in navigating relationships as he pursues his dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
My thoughts, are like a bright symphony
The way I think and process information is harmonious and vibrant
I'm simply, changing everything that I begin to see
I have the power to transform and revolutionize any situation that comes my way
Mentally, but physically I plan to change history
While my intentions and ideas are mental, I am determined to make a profound impact on history through my physical actions
With a pen, note pad and a distant dream
All I need is my writing tools and an ambitious dream to manifest my aspirations
But distance ain't a obstacle, that's too much
Distance poses no challenge or hindrance to my goals and ambitions
I'm closer than you think to the stars, nigga look up
I am much closer to achieving greatness and reaching my goals than people realize, they just need to open their eyes
See an adolescent with impressive rhymes, chasin' dimes
As a young rapper with exceptional skills, I am focused on pursuing success and financial stability
Not the kind that want cash, but the ones that's inside
I'm not chasing material wealth, but rather the inner fulfillment and satisfaction that comes with my artistic expression
Of my pocket, while I pocket some of these profits
I am putting money in my pocket, both figuratively through my work, and literally from my earnings
Nigga's watch it and try to stop it, but all I do is block it
Some individuals try to hinder my progress, but I effortlessly deflect their attempts and continue on my path
Straight lock it up, my cash started risin' up
I securely seal my success and watch my financial situation improve greatly
Now everybody and they best friend try to ride with us
Now that I'm successful, everyone wants to be associated with me and benefit from my achievements
Never had a team, just a couple friends
I've never had a proper support system, only a small group of close friends
Too many people around will hurt you in the end
Having too many people surround you can lead to betrayal and negative consequences in the long run
Don't pretend you niggas would never kin, you tryna step in the circle but ain't allowed to get in
Don't act like you're family or close to me when you're trying to enter my inner circle but aren't truly allowed
I'm getting more attention than I'm wishing
I'm receiving more fame and recognition than I anticipated or desired
Not bitching, just surprised and did I mention, when I'm sentencing, people listening
I'm not complaining, just pleasantly surprised, and I must emphasize that when I rap, people pay close attention
Cause my songs go harder than crack interventions
My music is more compelling and impactful than even the most intense interventions for drug addiction
Uh, living life like a menace
I navigate through life with a rebellious and unconventional attitude
Tryna get in this game and leave with some riches
I'm striving to enter the music industry and exit with financial success
No need for bitches, but I'm down for pictures
I don't prioritize romantic relationships, but I'm open to taking pictures with admirers
cs long as they ain't girls that got no figures
As long as the girls in the pictures have attractive physical features
Uh, Jordan 7's on my feet
I'm wearing the Jordan 7 sneakers, indicating my stylish and fashionable choices
Don't ask to come chill, girl I'm busy making beats
Don't request to hang out with me, as I'm occupied producing music
When I was in the hall you would never even speak
Back when I was less successful, you wouldn't even acknowledge me or have a conversation
Now your tryna come through every day of the week
Now you're attempting to spend time with me every single day of the week
Shits crazy, you living real shady
The situation is absurd, and your actions are deceitful and dishonest
cnd don't send me text messages calling me baby
Stop sending me text messages with affectionate terms like 'baby'
I thought you were a lady, didn't give it up daily
I expected you to be more respectful and reserved, not engaging in physical intimacy all the time
cnd only enjoy boys who didn't like mainstream
I only prefer guys who have alternative tastes and don't conform to popular trends
Well I do, and this is nothing new
Well, I especially enjoy mainstream music, and this shouldn't come as a surprise
But looks like this life I ain't living for you
It seems like you can't appreciate or understand the lifestyle I'm pursuing, and that's okay
I know that you in love, but baby that sounds through
I understand that you have strong feelings for me, but your actions communicate something different
When the size don't fit, so why would I wear the shoe?
When we're not compatible, why would I force myself to be in a relationship?
This ain't a love song so I'mma skip bars, rip hard, grip stars then dip off
This song isn't about love, so I'll skip the romantic themes and instead deliver powerful verses, grab attention, and then move on
Peace!
Goodbye!
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind