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".
Raedawn
MF Doom Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
V the beat bandit who bring heat for the mic, unhand it
Whoever go after burn they hands and lips
A lot of rappers ran and abandoned they whips
It's just another day in the Dunya
Don't leave your girl around V he might swoon her
Up under the window serenade her like a crooner
Stay ahead of the game and cut her off sooner rather later
Scoop her in the butter soft moon roof Navigator
Or the Land or the Lex or the Benz
116th by the hour from the Africans
But they won't let you push 'em
One tried to get fly I almost had to mush him
If I wanted to rob him I would have wore a mask
Hit him with the four, took the dough and tore ass
Want not, waste not, front not
They didn't see him dip into the 50 cent blunt spot
V walked the town with space boots, space suits
Fucked up cut but she still say his face cute
Told the streets, "What you staring at?"
The sewer cap opened up and said, "Why you wearing that?"
He said, "Oh you wanna snap, piss-face?
The way you be in everybody business is a disgrace!"
At the park gates, "Hark who goes there?"
"It's V, the MC who's nasty as nose hair"
"You may go", He said, "You should have been say so!"
Tipped him in cash, an Argentinian Peso
"There you go my good man, buy something nice for the seed
And please keep it moving twice the speed
Consider that your fair warn
Or else I'll bring it to ya express like Airborne"
Vaughn, drop a turd on the beat
And shout out that little bird from the Word on the Street
He write "VIK" in a sick demented handstyle
And go bombing with a chick who whipped the rented van while
All he say is, "You nuts"
He really had enough of poo putts and crew cuts, soup's on!
And I got a coupon
Chinese restaurant asking for the grey poupon
He said, "No! Duck sauce, soy sauce!
And this ain't no Burger King so you don't get no toy, boss"
Oh-oh it's beer o'clock I think I'm sober
"How 'bout we think this over over a can of King Cobra?" (Ok)
You ain't nicer than the lunatic sheister
Aka the Vikster, or the Vikmeister
He wonders should he get a baldie
Or keep his edge up, V-shaped like Mamuwalde
That is the question
They wonder why he always wear hats in the sessions
(Listen up) new drink, named it after Chong daughter
Triple shot of 'gnac with a chaser of bong water
V a strong supporter
Triple shot of 'gnac with a chaser of bong water
(I dare ya)
C'mon bring the slaughter
(Y'all scared!)
In the song "Raedawn" by MF DOOM, the lyrics depict the braggadocious nature and slick wordplay of the artist. The opening lines establish DOOM as the beat bandit who brings heat for the microphone. He warns that anyone who tries to challenge him or go after him will burn their hands and lips, metaphorically suggesting that his skills are unmatched in the rap game. DOOM also mentions how many rappers have run away and abandoned their flashy cars, implying that they are unable to keep up with his level of skill and success.
As the lyrics progress, DOOM delves into his interactions with women, using them to gather information or simply entertaining them with his seductive charm. He mentions how he serenades them under their windows like a crooner, but also advises others to cut them off sooner rather than later. The song continues with DOOM boasting about his material possessions, mentioning luxury vehicles like the Navigator and various high-end brands.
DOOM also pokes fun at those who constantly pry into other people's business, referring to them as "piss-face" and calling their nosiness a disgrace. He confidently brushes off their judgment and continues to do his own thing. The lyrics end with a playful exchange between DOOM and an unidentified person, discussing their preferences for condiments and suggesting that they should think things over while enjoying a can of King Cobra beer.
Overall, "Raedawn" showcases MF DOOM's lyrical prowess, his ability to craft clever wordplay and metaphors, and his nonchalant attitude towards those who question or challenge him.
Line by Line Meaning
I could understand it
I am capable of comprehending it
V the beat bandit who bring heat for the mic, unhand it
V, the skilled rapper who delivers impressive performances, demands that others release their grip on the microphone
Whoever go after burn they hands and lips
Anyone who attempts to compete with V will suffer metaphorical burns on their hands and lips
A lot of rappers ran and abandoned they whips
Many rappers cowardly fled and left their expensive cars behind
It's just another day in the Dunya
This is just another ordinary day in the world
Don't leave your girl around V he might swoon her
Be cautious not to leave your girlfriend with V because he might captivate and charm her
Up under the window serenade her like a crooner
V will romantically sing to her beneath the window like a traditional crooner
Stay ahead of the game and cut her off sooner rather later
To maintain control, it is wise to end the relationship before it becomes problematic
Use her to gather data
Take advantage of her presence to collect information
Scoop her in the butter soft moon roof Navigator
Pick her up in a luxurious moon roof Navigator vehicle
Or the Land or the Lex or the Benz
Alternatively, use a Land Rover, Lexus, or Mercedes-Benz
116th by the hour from the Africans
Travel to 116th street from the Africans who operate there
But they won't let you push 'em
However, they will not allow themselves to be taken advantage of
One tried to get fly I almost had to mush him
One individual attempted to act superior, and I nearly had to physically confront him
If I wanted to rob him I would have wore a mask
Had I intended to rob him, I would have concealed my identity with a mask
Hit him with the four, took the dough and tore ass
I would have struck him forcefully, taken the money, and quickly left the scene
Want not, waste not, front not
Do not desire unnecessarily, avoid squandering, and do not act arrogantly
They didn't see him dip into the 50 cent blunt spot
Others failed to notice him discreetly using the designated area for smoking inexpensive marijuana cigarettes
V walked the town with space boots, space suits
V confidently roamed the town wearing futuristic space boots and suits
Fucked up cut but she still say his face cute
Despite having an unconventional hairstyle, she still finds his face attractive
Told the streets, "What you staring at?"
He boldly questioned the bystanders, asking why they were staring at him
The sewer cap opened up and said, "Why you wearing that?"
In an imaginative scenario, the sewer cap suddenly spoke and asked why he was wearing a particular item
He said, "Oh you wanna snap, piss-face?
In response, he sarcastically asks if the sewer cap wants to engage in a confrontational exchange
The way you be in everybody business is a disgrace!"
He criticizes the sewer cap for being excessively involved in the affairs of others
At the park gates, "Hark who goes there?"
At the entrance of the park, a voice inquires about the identity of the approaching individual
"It's V, the MC who's nasty as nose hair"
"It is me, V, the rapper who possesses exceptional skill, just like the discomforting presence of nose hair"
"You may go", He said, "You should have been say so!"
"You may proceed", he responds, noting that the individual should have indicated their intent earlier
Tipped him in cash, an Argentinian Peso
He hands the gate attendant a tip in the form of an Argentinian Peso
"There you go my good man, buy something nice for the seed
"Use this money, my dear sir, to purchase something pleasant for your child
And please keep it moving twice the speed
Also, please ensure you continue your duties at an accelerated pace
Consider that your fair warn
Take this as a fair warning
Or else I'll bring it to ya express like Airborne"
Otherwise, I will swiftly deliver the consequences to you, similar to the delivery of Airborne products
Vaughn, drop a turd on the beat
Vaughn, the producer, creates a subpar musical composition
And shout out that little bird from the Word on the Street
He gives recognition and acknowledgment to the informant from the Word on the Street
He write "VIK" in a sick demented handstyle
The informant scribbles the initials "VIK" in a disturbed and twisted artistic manner
And go bombing with a chick who whipped the rented van while
They engage in graffiti spraying activities while accompanied by a woman who skillfully drives the rented van
All he say is, "You nuts"
The informant frequently responds to others by indicating that they are irrational or insane
He really had enough of poo putts and crew cuts, soup's on!
He has grown tired of individuals with subpar hairstyles and is ready to assert himself
And I got a coupon
Additionally, he possesses a coupon
Chinese restaurant asking for the grey poupon
While in a Chinese restaurant, he requests a particular type of mustard called grey poupon
He said, "No! Duck sauce, soy sauce!
The restaurant server informs him that they do not serve grey poupon, but rather duck sauce and soy sauce
And this ain't no Burger King so you don't get no toy, boss"
Furthermore, this establishment is not a Burger King, so they do not provide toys with meals
Oh-oh it's beer o'clock I think I'm sober
Oh no, it is time to consume beer, and he believes he is no longer intoxicated
"How 'bout we think this over over a can of King Cobra?" (Ok)
"Shall we reconsider our decision while drinking cans of King Cobra beer?" (Agreed)
You ain't nicer than the lunatic sheister
You are not more skillful than the crazed and cunning individual
Aka the Vikster, or the Vikmeister
Also known as the Vikster or the Vikmeister
He wonders should he get a baldie
He contemplates whether he should shave his head completely
Or keep his edge up, V-shaped like Mamuwalde
Alternatively, he considers maintaining a clean V-shaped hairline, much like Mamuwalde's appearance
That is the question
That is the dilemma he is pondering
They wonder why he always wear hats in the sessions
Others question why he consistently wears hats during musical recording sessions
(Listen up) new drink, named it after Chong daughter
"Pay attention, I have created a new beverage and named it after Chong's daughter"
Triple shot of 'gnac with a chaser of bong water
It consists of a triple shot of brandy accompanied by a chaser of water from a bong
V a strong supporter
V is a significant advocate for this particular drink
Triple shot of 'gnac with a chaser of bong water
The beverage consists of a triple shot of brandy along with a chaser of water from a bong
(I dare ya)
(I challenge you to try it)
C'mon bring the slaughter
Come on, prepare for a merciless defeat
(Y'all scared!)
(You all are afraid!)
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Daniel Thompson, Mathew Schmitz, Nathaniel Gosman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind