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".
Trap Door
MF Doom Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No curse words
DOOM the worst church nerd verse heard
Appeared blurred to a million true believers
He's the supervillain armed dealer
To the divas
Catch, amongst other world scandals
Butter pearl handles to match
Plan was hatched by a pack of old vandals
Who flag was a black and
Gold patch with bloody anvils
"Hit 'em to the head" was the motto
And one more time to make sure them dead
BLAKKO
When you throw blows in a knife fight Paco
That's how it goes in this
Modern Life like Rocko
Clock dough 24-7 cycle
When it comes to flows he got
More than a mic full
Pull a broad like a dyke bull on a long bid
You're messin with the wrong kids Michael
It ain't Jack-son
For him to flip scripts like camera, action
Villain! Raw by the laws of attraction
For future generation's information -
The black one
Move the crowd like a buddha cloud
The purple, puff puff pass 'round the circle
A jerk well renowned for his work skill
He's out
The proof is the computer's down Urkel
MC a show via wi-fi
And paid way before we wrap
It up like tie-dye
Hip-Hop sci-fi, you can see he had the eye
Of the tiger through the mask
Like the Fry Guy
Just made a baby Olmec dome check
Left some folks' ancestors home wreck
With blown backs
These lesser known facts thwart evil
It got no reason, like short people
No offense, his feet was burnt brass
Whenever he walked on the
Street it turned glass
On his lucky rat's paw in the crap drawer
All the world's a stage
Where's the trap door, slackjaw
Logic, to keep your mind in the project
Drop the check, his job is to chop neck
That's just payback for noses
There's no psych though
What they don't know like Bo
Won't hurt Diddley squat
Got to be kiddin me, not seriously plot
To put a hit out on the G-spot
Gypped like Egypt out their
Kettles and they teapot
The lyrics to MF DOOM's song "Trap Door" present a vivid portrayal of the supervillain persona he embodies. The opening line, "He moves the crowd like a cursor on zoom," suggests that DOOM has incredible control over his audience, captivating them with his lyrical prowess. Despite his clean delivery without curse words, he asserts himself as the worst church nerd verse heard, showcasing his unique and unconventional style that resonates with his dedicated fanbase.
DOOM is portrayed as an enigmatic figure, appearing blurred to a million true believers. He is depicted as an armed dealer to the divas, suggesting that his words hold power and influence over those who listen. The song references his involvement in scandals and his connection to a pack of old vandals, symbolized by their black and gold patch with bloody anvils.
The lyrics also touch on DOOM's ability to adapt and thrive in the modern world, comparing his skills to the character Rocko from the show "Modern Life." He is described as having an abundance of flows, more than a mic can handle. The line "You're messin with the wrong kids Michael, it ain't Jack-son" cleverly plays on the name Michael Jackson, emphasizing DOOM's dominance and expertise.
The song continues to portray DOOM as a unique force in the hip-hop world. He is depicted as a purveyor of knowledge, moving the crowd like a Buddha cloud. The line "the proof is the computer's down Urkel" suggests that his impact goes beyond superficial trends and is rooted in substance and intellect. DOOM's work ethic and talent are highlighted through his ability to rap via Wi-Fi and his dedication to his craft.
Overall, "Trap Door" showcases MF DOOM's lyrical prowess, his ability to captivate an audience, and his persona as a supervillain in the genre of hip-hop.
Line by Line Meaning
He moves the crowd like a cursor on zoom
He captivates the audience with precision and intensity
No curse words
He doesn't rely on profanity to make an impact
DOOM the worst church nerd verse heard
DOOM is a unique and talented rapper, despite being seen as an unconventional figure
Appeared blurred to a million true believers
His persona may be unclear, but he has a devoted fanbase
He's the supervillain armed dealer
He presents himself as a villainous character with powerful lyrical abilities
To the divas
Even the most glamorous and attractive individuals are drawn to him
Catch, amongst other world scandals
He attracts attention and becomes entangled in controversies worldwide
Butter pearl handles to match Your girl's sandals
He possesses luxurious possessions that complement the elegance of his female companion
Plan was hatched by a pack of old vandals Who flag was a black and Gold patch with bloody anvils
A group of mischievous individuals with a symbol of chaos came up with a clever scheme
"Hit 'em to the head" was the motto And one more time to make sure them dead BLAKKO
Their motto was to strike their enemies with extreme force, ensuring their demise
When you throw blows in a knife fight Paco That's how it goes in this Modern Life like Rocko
In this harsh reality, engaging in conflicts is as unpredictable as a knife fight
Clock dough 24-7 cycle When it comes to flows he got More than a mic full
He is constantly making money and producing an abundance of exceptional rap verses
Pull a broad like a dyke bull on a long bid You're messin with the wrong kids Michael
He effortlessly attracts women and intimidates adversaries, warning them they are facing the wrong opponents
It ain't Jack-son For him to flip scripts like camera, action
He easily switches up his style and lyrics, just like a film director changing scenes
Villain! Raw by the laws of attraction
He embraces his villainous persona and gains attention through his magnetic presence
For future generation's information - The black one
For future reference, he is the influential and significant figure known as 'the black one'
Move the crowd like a buddha cloud The purple, puff puff pass 'round the circle
He mesmerizes the audience like a peaceful cloud, as they indulge in the shared experience of smoking marijuana
A jerk well renowned for his work skill He's out The proof is the computer's down Urkel
He may be seen as an unpleasant person, but his talent is widely recognized. The evidence lies in the fact that even the computer crashes when he leaves the stage, like the character Urkel from the TV show Family Matters
MC a show via wi-fi And paid way before we wrap It up like tie-dye
He delivers his performance through wireless communication and receives payment even before the conclusion of his show, just like the tie-dye dyeing process
Hip-Hop sci-fi, you can see he had the eye Of the tiger through the mask Like the Fry Guy
His rap style is futuristic, resembling science fiction. Despite his mask, his determination and fierceness shine through, akin to the character Fry Guy from the video game Super Mario Bros.
Just made a baby Olmec dome check Left some folks' ancestors home wreck With blown backs
He has accomplished something remarkable, reminiscent of the monumental Olmec heads, and unintentionally disrupted the heritage and lineage of certain individuals
These lesser-known facts thwart evil It got no reason, like short people
These unknown truths serve as a defense against malevolence, but they have no justifiable rationale, much like the height of short individuals
No offense, his feet was burnt brass Whenever he walked on the Street it turned glass
Without intending to offend, his presence was so extraordinary that the ground beneath him seemed to transform into fragile glass
On his lucky rat's paw in the crap drawer All the world's a stage Where's the trap door, slackjaw
He keeps a fortunate charm hidden away in a drawer of undesirable items. The entire world is like a theatrical performance, but where is the escape route for those who are ignorant and foolish?
Logic, to keep your mind in the project Drop the check, his job is to chop neck
He employs logic to keep your thoughts focused, and his duty is to swiftly decapitate his opponents
That's just payback for noses There's no psych though What they don't know like Bo
He seeks revenge for those who have wronged him, without resorting to psychological manipulation. People are unaware of the things they don't know, similar to the artist Bo Jackson
Won't hurt Diddley squat Got to be kiddin me, not seriously plot To put a hit out on the G-spot
It won't cause any significant harm. One must be joking, as it is not a serious plan to target the G-spot
Gypped like Egypt out their Kettles and they teapot
They have been deceived and cheated, similar to how Egypt lost their valuable possessions such as kettles and teapots
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Daniel Thompson, Jacob Dutton, Robert Mandell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@JuJuBC90
Just made a baby Olmec dome check
Left some folks' ancestors home wreck
With blown backs, these lesser known facts thwart evil
It got no reason, like short people
No offense, his feet was burnt brass
Whenever he walked on the street it turned glass
On his lucky rat's paw in the crap drawer
All the world's a stage, where's the trap door, slackjaw
Logic, to keep your mind in the project
Bumba... R.I.P DOOM truly a Hip-Hop emcee legend
R.I.P Dingilizwe, King Malachi.
@r3b3lvegan89
Rest in power Daniel Dumile, can't believe it. love to all your family and everyone like me who loved this king. peace
@eviled2925
🙏🏻❤
@taggangmember
RIP KING
@odeus7164
Rip DOOM. You ll never be forgotten by your 💕 1’s and fans.
@Youngapollo47
Jake One is a very underrated producer man, dude can spin shit for real
@FRANKLINBENJAMINLARESURRECCION
foxking39 whaaaaaaaat...Jake One isn't underrated ...dudes been blown up for a while...his name rings bells now. He's like the new era Scott Storch, but he's not a coke sniffing douchebag. 🤕
He's big time blown up, while at the same time managing to make beats for pop artists and the few major record labels that still exist without selling his soul or creativity just to make a dollar.
Many producers that have reached the top of the mountain (as far as producing goes)
end up sacrificing and dumbing down their style for the masses.
#RespectPaidInFull
#JakeOne
@nomadsince07
Still cant get enough of the Rocko's Modern Life reference.
@yaady2366
24/7 psycho
@dwn4thaundaground103
Yo I tripped when they played this track on the show Orange is the new black..
@Temall
what ep?