The rap game became something to detest in the past ten years, which is undeniably depressing. What started off as a powerful way to express oneself musically has become something that’s too often boring and overdone. Upon entering a dance club or party, you can expect to hear songs about clubs and parties, with a hint of bragging and overpriced jewelry and clothes. That’s not all that hip-hop has had to offer though, and to those who wanted raw lyrics and ridiculous beats, Daniel Dumile has been and will continue to be your man. You may know him as King Geedorah, Viktor Vaughn, Metal Fingaz, or just DOOM. No matter his moniker, MF DOOM has shown a level consistency in his music that is pretty much unmatched. Playing a villain based on Victor Von Doom, a Marvel Comics villain most famous for his role in the Fantastic Four, DOOM has collaborated with talented DJs like Madlib and Danger Mouse, and equally talented MCs like Ghostface Killah and Talib Kweli. Lyrically, DOOM couldn’t be stranger in his style or flow; his albums often contain verses from old cartoons and odd skits. Yet the weirdness is part of what makes DOOM so damn infectious, and his lyrics are often hilarious and absolutely genius. His 2009 release was his first album produced under the name DOOM, as he removed the MF in January. It’s also one of his absolute best, with lyrics and style that haven’t been this ear-catching or weird since 2004’s Madvillainy.
Born Like This may not sit well with new listeners of DOOM. Honestly, I didn’t quite get it upon first listen. Later, I gave the album another chance and was blown away by the lyrics, flow, and sheer bizarreness of it all. Suddenly I was listening to it more closely, with a steady build up that led to my deciding that Born Like This is the best rap album of the year, even better than Raekwon’s Only Built For Cuban Link Pt. II. At almost 40 years old, DOOM is still the writer and producer of the freshest, most addicting beats and lyrics going. With the decade ending, this album can be safely mentioned with Madvillainy, Vaudeville Villain, and Follow The Leader as one of the best DOOM releases, as well as one of the best rap albums of the past ten years.
“Gazzillion Ear” is just over four minutes of DOOM spitting lyrics like it’s nobody’s business. With J Dilla as the producer, “Gazzillion Ear” has some of the album's catchiest lyrics and a smooth, intense flow. What follows is the much shorter but equally intense “Ballskin,” produced by Jake One. As the only track on the record produced by Madlib, “Absolutely” is a decent song lyrically with a fun beat to back it. While “Absolutely” is pretty good, “Rap Ambush” is simply awesome. Produced by Jake One, who is really on a roll with these tough-sounding short songs, “Rap Ambush” is a song about a military attack of rap form. Indeed, the Jake One produced songs tend to be the best on the album.
Back to the DOOM songs and just in time for some blatant homophobia on “Batty Boyz.” Before you get all offended though, I have a theory that this song is either A. simply suggesting the homosexual tendencies of some superheroes or B. mocking rappers for their blatant homophobia. It’s a funny song either way, so try to take it for what it is. “Cellz” begins with Charles Bukowski reading his poem, “Dinosauria, We.” It then moves on to two minutes of ill lyrics and one of the eeriest beats on the album. “More Rhymin” is slickly produced and similarly on the spooky side. As you can see, the highlights are overflowing on Born Like This. Even the disappointing tracks aren’t even so disappointing. Many are just songs you’ve heard before (“Angelz”), beats you’ve heard a million times (“Lightworkz”), or guest stars you’re probably not in the mood for (“Still Dope”). Nevertheless, you’re going to have little problem letting this album play straight through until the end.
What makes DOOM so fascinating is that he has a passion for rap itself. He’s not worried about his chain, the girls who love him for his money, or anything else that would make him another boring cliché. He just wants to spit sick verses: the kind of verses that will make you laugh, think, and bob your head up and down in agreement no matter what he says. There are no politics or repping hoods with DOOM—just smoking blunts and taking over the world. Is MF DOOM the best rapper of this era? That’s up to you and what kind of style sits best with your mood. However, there will never be another “illest villain” and there will never be a man better suited for a mask. If you find yourself intrigued, fascinated, or downright obsessed with DOOM, don’t hesitate to listen to everything he’s done this decade. You’ll become excited beyond belief when you learn that his future projects may include more Madvillain and an album with David Sitek. Even once you’ve discovered all of his great records, Born Like This will be one DOOM album that you’ll play when you feel that craving for rap for rap's sake.
Track List:
1. Supervillain Intro (0:54)
2. Gazzillion Ear (4:11)
3. Ballskin (1:30)
4. Yessir! Feat. Raekwon (2:33)
5. Absolutely (2:43)
6. Rap Ambush (1:28)
7. Lightworks (1:52)
8. Batty Boys (3:16)
9. Angelz Feat. Tony Starks (3:05)
10. Cellz (4:21)
11. Still Dope Feat. Empress Starhh (2:39)
12. Microwave Mayo (2:26)
13. More Rhymin' Feat. Kurious (1:38)
14. That's That (2:15)
15. Supervillanz (2:49)
16. Bump's Message (1:36)
17. Thank Ya (1:12)
