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".
Potholderz Featuring Count Bass D
MF Doom Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Never sold a jumbo or copped chicken with its mumbo sauce
Tyson is a fowl holocaust
Hitler gassed your whole head up with poultry, I'm fed up
Ignore cordon bleu, stand up get up
Lunge for your knife, don't forget your potholders
These old things
With the gold rings that make em don't fit like OJ
Usually I take them off with Oil of Olay
MCs is crabs in a barrel, pass the Old Bay
Hot as hell and it's a cold day in it
Working on a way that we can roll away tinted
Some say the price of holding heat is often too high
You either be in a coffin or you be the new guy
The one that's too fly to eat shoo pie, never too busy
Never too busy when it comes down to you and I
Swear to god
A lot of niggas wish to die
They need to hold they horses
There's bigger fish to fry
You're on the list, if not pick a number spot
Ten and a half Timbs is made to kick your bumba claat
I could have had a V-8
F-150 quad cab but I'll be straight
Money comes and goes like that two bit hussy that night that tried to rush me
Dwight pass the dutchie
So I can calm down so they don't get it twisted
Take it from the fire side it won't get blistered
Got it, what happened
Oh, it's not lit
These metal fingers be holding hot shit
When I was four I pen god was born in New York
Back in seventy seven still got nan in the crescent
The effervescent of God's presence is thick
Unlike vapor, escarole, extra roll, word to the baker
Peace to the hard workin ginger bread makers
Looked her up and down said hmmmm too much makeup
Poor music taste, ten years from being grown up
Rappers don't blow up heads do
My name is Dwight Spitz, I'mma Sonic addict
I use to think it was merely a nagging habit
Born under a bad sign
I'm serious about this curse of mine
I strive to flip it into fine wine
Barely born a Virgo is what the stars said
Black not white, red all over though like Elmo
Twenty-eight years have passed I feel I'm peaking
I make music every weekend
It's a chore, a fact of life
A labor of love
I get mad love but I detest the labor
And it's wages, you know death
I'm servin life on this gift of God
Don't forget your potholders my niggas
The lyrics in "Potholderz" by MF Doom and Ugly Mac Beer Invasi are complex and layered, filled with metaphors and cultural references. The opening lines convey a sense of humility and caution, reminding the listener that success can be fleeting and that it's important to stay grounded. The references to food, particularly chicken, tie into larger themes of oppression and violence, with Tyson being compared to Hitler and the idea of a "fowl holocaust" suggesting the mass destruction of the natural world. The lines "Ignore cordon bleu, stand up get up / Lunge for your knife, don't forget your potholders" could be interpreted as a call to action, urging people to take a stance against these broader injustices and to protect themselves in the process.
Later in the song, there are references to consumer culture and materialism, with the mention of "gold rings that make em don't fit like OJ" and the line "Money comes and goes like that two bit hussy that night that tried to rush me." These references are juxtaposed against larger, more existential concerns, such as the idea that "Rappers don't blow up heads do" and the singer's attempts to "flip" their "curse" into something positive. All of these threads combine to create a dense, thought-provoking piece of music that rewards careful listening and interpretation.
Line by Line Meaning
I strive to be humble, lest I stumble
I make an effort to remain modest, to avoid making mistakes
Never sold a jumbo or copped chicken with its mumbo sauce
I have never participated in the sale of counterfeit or illegal goods
Tyson is a fowl holocaust
Mike Tyson's behavior is reminiscent of a massacre, particularly his mistreatment of women
Hitler gassed your whole head up with poultry, I'm fed up
The promotion and consumption of unhealthy food is akin to genocide, and I am angry about it
Ignore cordon bleu, stand up get up
Don't waste your time on fancy food, take action and fight for what you believe in
Lunge for your knife, don't forget your potholders
Be prepared for whatever may come your way, and always protect yourself
These old things
Referring to a pair of shoes I am considering throwing away
About to throw them away
Considering getting rid of something I no longer need or want
With the gold rings that make em don't fit like OJ
The shoes have gold accents that no longer appeal to me, they don't fit me well
Usually I take them off with Oil of Olay
I usually take good care of my belongings, like taking my shoes off with care to avoid damaging them
MCs is crabs in a barrel, pass the Old Bay
The music industry is competitive and cutthroat, like crabs in a barrel fighting for survival. Old Bay is a seasoning commonly used with seafood, and the line is referencing the idea that people will do whatever it takes to get ahead, including betraying each other to advance their own careers.
Hot as hell and it's a cold day in it
It's a difficult situation, despite appearing to be a good day
Working on a way that we can roll away tinted
Trying to find a way to escape or hide from difficult situations
Some say the price of holding heat is often too high
Many believe that carrying weapons or being involved in criminal activities is not worth the risk
You either be in a coffin or you be the new guy
Getting involved in dangerous situations can lead to either death or being targeted by those who want to take your place
The one that's too fly to eat shoo pie, never too busy
Some people think they're too good for certain things, but they're not actually too busy to do them
Never too busy when it comes down to you and I
I will always make time for you when it's important
Swear to god
Truthfully speaking or making a vow
A lot of niggas wish to die
Many people are unhappy with their lives and feel like they have nothing to live for
They need to hold they horses
They need to take a step back and think before acting recklessly
There's bigger fish to fry
There are more important matters to attend to
You're on the list, if not pick a number spot
You're in trouble, and we're watching you
Ten and a half Timbs is made to kick your bumba claat
I have large boots that are meant for stomping on people who wrong me
I could have had a V-8
I could have had something better or done something differently, if only I had known earlier
F-150 quad cab but I'll be straight
I didn't need anything fancy, just a reliable truck to get me around
Money comes and goes like that two bit hussy that night that tried to rush me
Money is fleeting and unreliable, like a woman who tried to take advantage of me
Dwight pass the dutchie
Pass me the joint so I can calm down
So I can calm down so they don't get it twisted
I don't want people to misunderstand my words or actions
Take it from the fire side it won't get blistered
I've been through tough situations and I can handle more without getting hurt
Got it, what happened
I understand, what's going on?
Oh, it's not lit
The joint is not burning currently
These metal fingers be holding hot shit
I have powerful hands that can handle anything, even dangerous situations
When I was four I pen god was born in New York
I was very young when I first started writing and making music, and I began my career in New York City
Back in seventy seven still got nan in the crescent
I have family who still live in the neighborhood in Brooklyn where I grew up
The effervescent of God's presence is thick
I feel a strong spiritual presence around me
Unlike vapor, escarole, extra roll, word to the baker
Unlike things that are fleeting or superficial, I am genuine and substantial
Peace to the hard workin ginger bread makers
Respect to those who work hard to make a living and take pride in their craft
Looked her up and down said hmmmm too much makeup
I judged someone based on their appearance, but I realized it was wrong and shallow
Poor music taste, ten years from being grown up
I used to think I had good taste in music, but looking back at my younger self, I realize I had a lot to learn
Rappers don't blow up heads do
A person's ego or sense of importance can become inflated when they achieve success as a rapper
My name is Dwight Spitz, I'mma Sonic addict
My name is Dwight and I am a big fan of Sonic the Hedgehog
I use to think it was merely a nagging habit
I used to think my love of Sonic was just a minor interest, but it became a bigger part of my life
Born under a bad sign
I feel like I was destined for failure or misfortune
I'm serious about this curse of mine
I believe in superstitions and jinxes that affect my life
I strive to flip it into fine wine
I try to turn my bad luck into something positive
Barely born a Virgo is what the stars said
I was born during a certain astrological sign and believe it affects my life
Black not white, red all over though like Elmo
I am black, not white, and have a red complexion, like the character Elmo from Sesame Street
Twenty-eight years have passed I feel I'm peaking
I am currently in my late twenties and believe I am at the best point in my life so far
I make music every weekend
I am committed to making music regularly
It's a chore, a fact of life
Making music can be difficult and time-consuming, but it is a necessary part of my life
A labor of love
I make music because I am passionate about it, despite the challenges
I get mad love but I detest the labor
People appreciate my music, but I don't enjoy the work that goes into making it
And it's wages, you know death
The price of working hard can feel like death, it can be that taxing and exhausting
I'm servin life on this gift of God
I am dedicating my life to my music, which I see as a gift from a higher power
Don't forget your potholders my niggas
Remember to be prepared and protect yourself in all situations
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind