Birth of Doom: The “Supervillain” of Rap

“No One is actually dead until the ripples they cause in the world die away”. 

I do not think that there are more profound words that have been stated when discussing the idea of death, This was said by Terry Pratchett One thing that the individual of the quote and the individual being spotlighted share is that they at the time of writing (Note when quote was found no name was attached, further looked into and found the name of the person who was quoted) are faceless but they both have made an impact on humanity.

Eight days have passed since the death of Rapper MF Doom [aka Doom] has been announced.  49-year-old Doom whose name was Daniel Dumile died on October 31st, 2020. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time. London born Daniel Dumile was raised between New York City and Long Island. MF Doom lived a pretty private life for being in such a public space, while others were dressing flashy he donned a mask based on the villain Dr. Doom from the Fantastic Four and would send out imposters so nobody knew what he looked like.  Doom has used many different coverings, such as a stocking, or a spray-painted Darth Maul mask and finally a deconstructed spiked helmet that was worn by Russell Crowe in Gladiator, to hide his identity in music videos, performances, photoshoots and interviews. In a 1998 profile, he stated “It’s the music that we’re selling-- not my face.” Doom has done work as  MF Doom, Viktor Vaughn, King Gheedorah, Madvillain and DANGERDOOM, as well as recording work under Metal Fingers.

Before the persona of MF Doom was born Daniel Dumile joined teenage rap group KMD along with his younger brother DJ Subroc. His stage name was Zev Love Their first single was Peachfuzz which gave a sort of playful youth view of adolescence without rushing to outgrow it and city life. 

No dreams or drugs like the slugs will I ever sell ya

A man I am, in the body of a youth

So don't play me like I'm Born Universe Truth Truth

So when I knock at your hearts, let me in

And judge me not by the hairs of my chinny-chin-chin

The adolescent innocence of  Doom was lost when during the recording of their second album Bl_ck B_st_ards, DJ Subroc was fatally struck by a car. Soon after the funeral of his brother the label that signed KMD declined the release of the album because they feared that there would be controversy based on the cover art. Dumile had drawn a Sambo figure being hanged and explained that it’s an idea being executed.  After the rejection, he took a break from the game until he released a project as MF Doom and held that persona till the end. Doom won fans over with the beautiful marriage of rhythms, lyrics and thought that was put into his songs and albums. He was the pop culture persona of a supervillain with ideas of pop culture rap being the force that he wanted to destroy.  MF Doom challenged the game, setting new expectations or ideals that newer players to the game can expand or play within to create different works of art that evolves and creates something that is pure beauty. 

I may not have listened to all of his work but through the works that I have been able to view and what I have been able to learn about him through research then I can say that I will take time to become acquainted with his work. Though the research did not tell me much about him I can respect his need for privacy and say that I was won over by his skill and the persona he was able to pull off. He was challenging but also respectful to the game which is something that not a lot of artists can do, and so he has also gained my respect for him as an artist. I look forward to seeing if there could be another rapper that will be able to do that as the years continue.

May he Rest in Peace.