The Loss of Hip-Hop’s Lyrical Specter
MF Doom, hip-hop’s notorious masked supervillain, a purveyor of intricate rhyme schemes, storytelling, and uncanny personal style has passed away at the age of 49. The news originally surfaced on Doom’s Instagram page as an announcement made by his wife Jasmine. The post, a small dedication to her late husband, concluded with the sentence “Transitioned October 31, 2020,” which was later confirmed to be the date of Doom’s passing—something that his family had kept private until Thursday evening.
To Dumile
The greatest husband, father, teacher, student, business partner, lover and friend I could ever ask for. Thank you for all the things you have shown, taught and given to me, our children and our family. Thank you for teaching me how to forgive beings and give another chance, not to be so quick to judge and write off. Thank you for showing how not to be afraid to love and be the best person I could ever be. My world will never be the same without you. Words will never express what you and Malachi mean to me, I love both and adore you always. May THE ALL continue to bless you, our family and the planet.
All my Love
Jasmine
Transitioned October 31,2020
Doom, who’s real name was Daniel Dumile, was a major influence for many in the hip-hop community. An enigmatic presence to his fans, Dumile donned his famous anonymous style in the late 1990s, after a long hiatus that followed the death of his brother and musical partner DJ Subroc, who passed after a car accident in 1993.
MF Doom truly came onto the scene in 2004 with his two albums Mm.. Food—which displayed the strength of his storytelling prowess—and Madvillainy, a collaborative effort created alongside producer Madlib; the heralded classic showcased Doom’s ability to navigate and endure complicated beats and concepts. So much so, that the album is still vehemently discussed to this day.
Even after the death of his son Malachi, in 2017, Doom remained consistent. Putting out work with artists such as Del the Funky Homosapien, Your Old Droog, Bishop Nehru, Flying Lotus, and BadBadNotGood. His most recent release was a track for The Music of Grand Theft Auto Online: Cayo Perica Heist, titled “Chocolate Conquistadors” which he created alongside BadBadNotGood.
MF Doom has released six albums, five collaborative works, 16 singles, and innumerable guest appearances with notable acts such as Aesop Rock, Madlib, De La Soul, Gorillaz, Talib Kweli, Wu-Tang Clan, RZA, Quasimoto, Ghostface Killah, J Dilla, BadBadNotGood, Bishop Nehru, Flying Lotus, The Avalanches, Busta Rhymes, Atmosphere, Kool Keith, and MF Grimm.
His fans and peers alike, have lamented his passing.
The void left by his departure is something that can never be filled—but it can be remembered.
Rest in peace Doom.
Feature photo credit to Bruno Emmanuelle—@brunocervera—at Unsplash.com