MF DOOM uses puns and rhyme schemes in order to convey to the listener the importance of breaking the mold and not participating in “Pack Culture”

Daniel Dumile is a rapper and producer known under many names, as part of solo projects and collaborations with many artists such as producer “Madlib” with who he created the critically acclaimed album “MadVillainy”

One of his earlier records “Black Bastards”, which was made with his brother (DJ Subroc) and rap group “KMB”, was delayed due to controversy around the imagery of a music video “Who me” as well as the provocative nature of some of the lyrics. Doom has switched labels many times since and even created his own “Metal Face Records” as a metal middle finger the current state of the music industry.

Mm.. Food was released in 2004 under the label “Rhymesayers Entertainment” and under Dumile’s most popular persona, super-villain M.F. DOOM. Notice Mm.. Food is a perfect anagram for the artist’s name.

The general theme of the album (as the title suggests) is food. Doom deliciously weaves lyrics rich with food and drink metaphors and puns. He manages to disguise heavy lyrics such as “Jealousy: the number 1 killer among black folk” under a seemingly light-themed song titled “Deep Fried Frenz”. As an underground rapper, he often critiques the current state of the mainstream rap industry. The very first song “Beef Rapp” is about rappers creating controversy to boost sales. The skit track: “Fig Leaf Bi-Carbonate” (Once again through food analogy), parodies the gullibility of people and their willingness to believe misinformation only to fit their ideology.

Another stand-out aspect of Doom’s uniquity comes from his use of samples. One example of this is the sample lyric “Super!” sampled from J.J Fad’s “Supersonic” used on the track “Hoe Cakes”. These samples are often used to provoke nostalgia or the “I know where that’s from!” effect. These samples also help achieve a Lo-Fi sound which sets him apart from most rappers and fits his whole cartoon SuperVillain persona. The way he forms his rhyme schemes and inside rhymes tend to follow the very same rhythmic pattern, yet he somehow keeps them fresh whilst reinforcing his brand with each verse.

I personally enjoy like DOOM’s “mm… Food” is for it’s replayability. It’s quirky skits give a story to follow whilst the lyrics and rhyme schemes still leave me in awe after multiple listens.

Mm.. food is a text which aims to make a fun, digestible social commentary on the state of hip-hop, the African-American experience, as well as the common sheep-like behavior of humans.