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".
Is He Ill?
MF Doom Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Do he really fit the bill? [yes]
Spit to kill? [yes]
Keep things real? [yes]
Know the drill? [yes]
The ledge edge? [yes]
And still ...[yes]
And catch wreck at will? [yea]
Todays forecast, a slight chance of flurries
A slightly slim chance they might dance to worries
I won't know to say, break thru a cut away
Doom like the rain known to come back another day
Like this day like now-a-day be right there
Like [I, O, A], gimme half a light year
Same time it take y'all to drink a light beer
Feel the wrath of the tooth just like the cast of nightmare
Whoever got the cash, the mic, they both right here
What more can I say? keeps your sights clear
Bare facts, strip you naked to bare backs
The [owner] cant do jack rare tracks for your earwax
Oh snap! You hear that? Naw
Doomsday way up in the cut like maw and paw
When he come out he dumb out
There he go!
The villian with the illest flow in all of mexico
All foes on some when he leave out let me know
Just soes I can breath out before I let go
Rappers is like saschmo that you best know
Invested free dough like matthew lets go!
Sh-- followed by hail storm, snow and earthquakes
Give out more toothaches than first birthday cakes
The more we reverse scripts the worse they fate
To beat cha'll with dimes on dummy [ambesol shake]
Now u got a rhyme tummy ache by mistake
Can't call it, can't call jake, call cannonball face
[dig tapes] and stay in great shape,
Today's rap game is like one big date rape
M-F! the name ring bell like ring ding dong
He can never be wrong like ling ting tong
Once heard a hit song, sounded like an annoying gong
Tt's so wack, I didnt wanna hit the bong
Now who get iller with the pen than I do?
And in it just to get the benjamin like netenyahu? [not you]
Let the god bless you like Achoo!
Get you like whats that on your chest clook! gotchu
[PMS deep] good for you its shredded wheat
As well as getting shredded by the metal headed lead feet
Sun 'em and done 'em like a dad thats dead beat
Beat him like a dead horse nasty as red meat
Doom memorize rhymes and still forgot
Call it how he see it and kill a shot, like willard scott
In the place to be like no iller spot
To spill a knot, it's like a chilling thriller plot
Starring the villian as the black jesus
If it ain't yack or the jack is the grey goose
[stoke] can stay loose off grape juice regardless
Never-the-less did his best on the retarded test
Was trick questions, always kept a cheat sheet
On the microphone, a repper before beat street
And beat meat that MF doom he stay tru
If u online check the site and FAQ
Is He Ill? [yea]
Do he really fit the bill? [yea]
Spit to kill? [yup]
Keep the game real? [yup]
Know the drill? [yup]
The ledge edge? [yea]
And still [yea]
Can he catch wreck at will? [yea]
Is He Ill? [yea]
Do he really fit the bill? [yea]
Spit to kill? [yea]
And keep things real? [yea]
Know the drill? [yup]
The ledge edge? [yup]
And still [yup]
Can he catch wreck at will? [yea]
The lyrics to MF DOOM's song "Is He Ill?" are all about the rapper's skills and capabilities. The first verse asks a series of questions about DOOM, to which the answer is always yes - he is ill, he fits the bill, he can spit to kill, keep things real, knows the drill, can handle the ledge edge, and catch wreck at will. The second verse contains a lot of clever wordplay and metaphors, with DOOM comparing himself to rain that always comes back and likening the rap game to date rape. He also boasts about his ability to memorize rhymes, his dedication to his craft (including always keeping a cheat sheet handy), and his unique flow that can't be imitated. The overall message is clear: MF DOOM is a talented and confident rapper who knows that he's one of the best in the game.
Line by Line Meaning
Well Is He Ill? [yes]
Doom is ill, no doubt about it.
Do he really fit the bill? [yes]
Doom is everything he claims to be.
Spit to kill? [yes]
Doom's rhymes are deadly.
Keep things real? [yes]
Doom stays true to himself and his art.
Know the drill? [yes]
Doom knows what it takes to succeed in the rap game.
The ledge edge? [yes]
Doom walks a fine line, pushing the boundaries of rap.
And still ...[yes]
Despite it all, Doom is still at the top of his game.
And catch wreck at will? [yea]
Doom is a force to be reckoned with and can destroy any competition.
Todays forecast, a slight chance of flurries
The day is unpredictable, but something is brewing.
A slightly slim chance they might dance to worries
There's a small risk of something going wrong, but it's not a big concern.
I won't know to say, break thru a cut away
Doom's flow is unpredictable, but he's always breaking through with something fresh.
Doom like the rain known to come back another day
Doom is like the rain, always returning with new music.
Like this day like now-a-day be right there
Doom is always present in the rap game.
Like [I, O, A], gimme half a light year
Like the planets, Doom is always moving and evolving.
Same time it take y'all to drink a light beer
Doom is always one step ahead of his competition even during downtime.
Feel the wrath of the tooth just like the cast of nightmare
Doom's rhymes are painful like a trip to the dentist or a nightmare.
Whoever got the cash, the mic, they both right here
Doom is ready to take on anyone who thinks they can compete with him.
What more can I say? keeps your sights clear
Doom is confident and needs no further explanation of his abilities.
Bare facts, strip you naked to bare backs
Doom's rhymes reveal the truth and expose weaknesses.
The [owner] cant do jack rare tracks for your earwax
Doom is the only one capable of creating the unique and ground-breaking tracks that he does.
Oh snap! You hear that? Naw
Doom has just made a major impact with his rhymes.
Doomsday way up in the cut like maw and paw
Doom is always lurking, waiting to strike with his rhymes.
When he come out he dumb out
Doom comes out strong and doesn't hold back.
There he go!
Doom is unstoppable and always on the move.
The villian with the illest flow in all of mexico
Doom is the bad guy, but he's got the best rhymes in the game.
All foes on some when he leave out let me know
Doom's competition is always watching him and waiting for their chance to shine.
Just soes I can breath out before I let go
Doom's competition needs to catch their breath before challenging him again.
Rappers is like saschmo that you best know
Doom is likening his competition to a jazz legend who has been surpassed by newer artists.
Invested free dough like matthew lets go!
Doom has invested his time and energy in his craft like a successful investor.
Sh-- followed by hail storm, snow and earthquakes
Doom's rhymes are powerful and can cause chaos.
Give out more toothaches than first birthday cakes
Doom's rhymes are so sharp they cause more pain than a baby's first cake smash.
The more we reverse scripts the worse they fate
Doom is always flipping the script and wreaking havoc on the game.
To beat cha'll with dimes on dummy [ambesol shake]
Doom is unstoppable and doesn't need anything to aid him.
Now u got a rhyme tummy ache by mistake
Doom will have you feeling sick with envy from his rhymes.
Can't call it, can't call jake, call cannonball face
There's no predicting what Doom will do next or who he will partner with.
[dig tapes] and stay in great shape,
Doom is always digging up old tracks and reinventing himself while maintaining his skills.
Today's rap game is like one big date rape
The rap game is full of artists trying to take advantage of the genre for personal gain, like a date rape.
M-F! the name ring bell like ring ding dong
Doom's name is synonymous with his unique sound and style.
He can never be wrong like ling ting tong
Doom's rhymes are undeniable, there's no arguing with his talent.
Once heard a hit song, sounded like an annoying gong
Doom is critical of the current state of the rap genre and finds much of it lacking in true artistic talent.
Tt's so wack, I didnt wanna hit the bong
Doom is so disappointed in the current trend in rap, he doesn't even want to partake in drugs anymore.
Now who get iller with the pen than I do?
Doom is challenging anyone to prove they can compete with his writing skills.
And in it just to get the benjamin like netenyahu? [not you]
Doom's in the rap game to make money, he's not trying to win approval from anyone.
Let the god bless you like Achoo!
Doom's blessing is like a sneeze, it's contagious and unavoidable.
Get you like whats that on your chest clook! gotchu
Doom's rhymes will get inside your head and stay there.
[PMS deep] good for you its shredded wheat
Doom's rhymes are heavy and deep, but still good for you like a healthy breakfast.
As well as getting shredded by the metal headed lead feet
Doom's rhymes are heavy and hard, like being crushed by metal.
Sun 'em and done 'em like a dad thats dead beat
Doom is unbeatable and finishes off his competition quickly like a deadbeat dad.
Beat him like a dead horse nasty as red meat
Doom's beats and rhymes are brutal and leave nothing to chance, like striking a dead horse long after it's gone.
Doom memorize rhymes and still forgot
Doom's talent is so vast and complicated even he sometimes forgets what he's written.
Call it how he see it and kill a shot, like willard scott
Doom speaks his truth through his music and takes down his competition like a sharpshooter.
In the place to be like no iller spot
Doom is always present and dominating the rap game.
To spill a knot, it's like a chilling thriller plot
Doom's rhymes are exciting and unexpected, like the plot of a thriller movie.
Starring the villian as the black jesus
Doom is the bad guy, but he's the one with all the power and influence.
If it ain't yack or the jack is the grey goose
Doom doesn't mess with anything but top-shelf alcohol.
[stoke] can stay loose off grape juice regardless
Doom is always in control no matter what he's consuming.
Never-the-less did his best on the retarded test
Doom has succeeded even in situations that may have been against him.
On the microphone, a repper before beat street
Doom was a rapper before it was trendy and became mainstream.
And beat meat that MF doom he stay tru
Doom always stays true to himself and his art no matter what.
If u online check the site and FAQ
If you want to know more about Doom, check out his website and frequently asked questions.
Is He Ill? [yea]
Yes, Doom is ill.
Do he really fit the bill? [yea]
Yes, Doom is everything he claims to be.
Spit to kill? [yup]
Doom's rhymes are deadly.
Keep the game real? [yup]
Doom stays true to himself and his art.
Know the drill? [yup]
Doom knows what it takes to succeed in the rap game.
The ledge edge? [yup]
Doom walks a fine line, pushing the boundaries of rap.
And still [yup]
Despite it all, Doom is still at the top of his game.
Can he catch wreck at will? [yea]
Doom is a force to be reckoned with and can destroy any competition.
Is He Ill? [yea]
Yes, Doom is ill.
Do he really fit the bill? [yea]
Yes, Doom is everything he claims to be.
Spit to kill? [yea]
Doom's rhymes are deadly.
And keep things real? [yea]
Doom stays true to himself and his art.
Know the drill? [yup]
Doom knows what it takes to succeed in the rap game.
The ledge edge? [yup]
Doom walks a fine line, pushing the boundaries of rap.
And still [yup]
Despite it all, Doom is still at the top of his game.
Can he catch wreck at will? [yea]
Doom is a force to be reckoned with and can destroy any competition.
Contributed by Kylie N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@mohamedyassinemazouzi4976
[Hook]
Is he ill?
Do he really fit the bill?
Spit to kill?
Keep things real?
Know the drill?
The ledge edge still?
Catch wreck at will?
(Repeat x2)
[Verse 1: MF Doom]
Today's forecast, a slight chance of flurries
Slightly slim chance that they might dance to worries
And won't know what to say, break to a cutaway
DOOM like the rain known to come back another day
Like this day like now-a-day be right there
Like I, O, A, gimme half a light year
Same time it take y'all to drink a light beer
Feel the wrath of his truth is like a catholic nightmare
Whoever got the cash, the mic, they both right here
What more can I say? keep your sights clear
Bare facts, triple naked to bare backs
He only came to jack rare tracks for your earwax
Oh snap! You hear that? Naw
DOOM stay way up in the cut like Ma and Pa
When he come out he dumb out, there he go
The villain with the illest flow in all of Mexico
All foes on some when he leave out let me know
Just so's I can breath out before I let go
Rappers is like Satchmo that you best know
Invest in free dough like Matthew Lesko
Followed by hailstorms, snow and earthquakes
Give out more toothaches than first birthday cakes
The more we reverse scripts the worse they fate
To beat y'all with dimes and dummy Anbesol shake
Now you got a rhyme tummy ache by mistake
Can't call it, can't call Jake, call cannonball face
Dig tapes and stay in great shape
Today's rap game is like one big date rape
The name ring bell like ring ding dong
He can never be wrong like Ling Ting Tong
Once heard a hit song, sounded like an annoying gong
It's so wack, I ain't wanna hit the bong
Now who get iller with the pen than I do?
And in it just to get the benjamin like Netanyahu?
Let the god bless you like Achoo!
Get you like whats that on your chest, got you
PNS beat good for you it's shredded wheat
As well as getting shredded by the metal headed lead feet
Son 'em and dead 'em like a dad that's dead beat
Beat him like a dead horse, nasty as red meat
DOOM memorize rhymes and still forgot
Call it how he see it and kill a shot, like Willard Scott
In the place to be like no iller spot
To spill a knot, it's like a chilling thriller plot
Starring the villain as the black Jesus
If it ain't the 'gnac or the Jack it's Grey Goose
Still could stay loose off grape juice regardless
Nevertheless did his best on the retarded test
It's trick questions, always kept a cheat sheet
On the microphone, a rep up before Beat Street
And beat meat that MF DOOM he stay true
If you online check the site and FAQ
@nbm02ss
Thank you for what you left us. Rest in Power, sir.
@rudy1252
Yes💔
@jaime1531
U
@user-ck6yo4li2c
He will come back in another form. Just have some patience
@solowarrior1145
I'm smiling from ear to ear right now, love hidden MF DOOM tracks
@VirgiMacG
Me too!
@SAZERU
^^ truly a wonderful feeling
@iBust
Now who get iller with the pen than I do?
And in it just to get the benjamin like Netanyahu?
Let the god bless you like Achoo!
Get you like whats that on your chest, got you
@PostFrog
חח ביבי
@PostFrog
@@orlelouch6384בב חיחי):