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".
Orris Root Powder
MF Doom Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Large, purple flowers and sword-like leaves
Native to the Mediterranean region, the violet-scented
Root has been used in perfumery since the time
Of ancient Greece. Our orris root powder is ground from
Organic Iris germanica. Orris root powder can be employed
As a fixative in potpourri or a stabilizer in cosmetic products
And will impart its pleasant scent if added to herbal sachets
The iris is a group of plants known for their beautiful blooms
And their adaptability to an astonishing variety of growing
Conditions, from the temperate reaches of Oregon to the
Marshes of Louisiana and even the desert American Southwest
In ancient times the iris was a symbol of power and
Majesty used as the original scepter
The orris is a group of two species of European iris
Cultivated in the region near Florence and sold as "ghiaggiuolo."
The rhizomes, resembling ginger, are dug up in August
Stripped of their rootlets and bark, and then dried
Until they have a chalky appearance
Dried orris root smells like violets. It is used primarily as a
Fixative in perfumes to enhance other aromas
Powdered orris root lends a pleasant scent to freshly laundered
Linens and to potpourri
It also can be used as a stabilizer in cosmetics
The lyrics to "Orris Root Powder" by MF DOOM delve into the history and properties of orris root, a member of the iris family. The song starts by describing the physical characteristics of orris root, such as its large purple flowers and sword-like leaves. Native to the Mediterranean region, this fragrant root has been used in perfumery since ancient Greece. The powdered form of orris root comes from the organic Iris germanica.
The song explains that orris root powder can serve as a fixative in potpourri, helping to preserve the scent of other ingredients. It can also function as a stabilizer in cosmetic products, giving them a pleasant fragrance. Additionally, when added to herbal sachets, orris root imparts its own pleasing scent.
The lyrics continue by exploring the broader significance of the iris plant. Known for its beautiful blooms, the iris is highly adaptable and can thrive in various growing conditions, from temperate areas like Oregon to the marshlands of Louisiana and even the arid Southwest. In ancient times, the iris was considered a symbol of power and majesty and was used as an original scepter.
Interestingly, the orris plant specifically refers to two species of European iris cultivated near Florence, Italy, and sold under the name "ghiaggiuolo." The rhizomes of these plants are harvested in August and undergo a process of removing rootlets and bark before being dried to achieve a chalky appearance.
In summary, the song "Orris Root Powder" by MF DOOM delves into the characteristics and uses of orris root, highlighting its history in perfumery and cosmetic products. It also touches on the broader significance of iris plants and their adaptability, as well as the specific cultivation of orris plants in Florence.
Line by Line Meaning
Orris root is a member of the iris family with beautiful
Large, purple flowers and sword-like leaves
Orris root belongs to the iris family and is characterized by its stunning and vibrant large flowers that are purple in color, along with its long and narrow leaves
Native to the Mediterranean region, the violet-scented
Root has been used in perfumery since the time
Of ancient Greece
Originating from the Mediterranean region, the fragrant orris root has been utilized in the art of perfumery since the ancient Greek era
Our orris root powder is ground from
Organic Iris germanica
The orris root powder we offer is made by grinding organic Iris germanica plants
Orris root powder can be employed
As a fixative in potpourri or a stabilizer in cosmetic products
And will impart its pleasant scent if added to herbal sachets
Orris root powder serves as a fixative in potpourri or a stabilizer in cosmetic products, while infusing them with its pleasant fragrance when included in herbal sachets
The iris is a group of plants known for their beautiful blooms
And their adaptability to an astonishing variety of growing
Conditions, from the temperate reaches of Oregon to the
Marshes of Louisiana and even the desert American Southwest
The iris encompasses a collection of plants recognized for their captivating flowers and ability to thrive in diverse environmental conditions, ranging from temperate regions like Oregon to marshy areas in Louisiana, and even the arid landscapes of the American Southwest
In ancient times the iris was a symbol of power and
Majesty used as the original scepter
During ancient times, the iris was regarded as a symbol of authority and grandeur, often employed as an original form of a scepter
The orris is a group of two species of European iris
Cultivated in the region near Florence and sold as "ghiaggiuolo."
The rhizomes, resembling ginger, are dug up in August
Stripped of their rootlets and bark, and then dried
Until they have a chalky appearance
The orris consists of two European iris species that are cultivated near Florence and marketed as "ghiaggiuolo." The rhizomes, bearing a resemblance to ginger, are extracted in August, cleaned of their roots and bark, and subsequently dried until attaining a powdery texture
Dried orris root smells like violets. It is used primarily as a
Fixative in perfumes to enhance other aromas
Once dried, orris root emits a floral fragrance reminiscent of violets. Its main purpose is to serve as a fixative in perfumes, augmenting the presence of other scents
Powdered orris root lends a pleasant scent to freshly laundered
Linens and to potpourri
When used in powder form, orris root imparts a delightful aroma to freshly washed linens and enhances the fragrance of potpourri
It also can be used as a stabilizer in cosmetics
Additionally, orris root can function as a stabilizer in cosmetic products
Writer(s): Daniel Thompson
Contributed by Lily W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.