Image via Complex Original
Daniel Dumile—better known by his rap alias MF DOOM—turns 44 years old today. Running down his list of achievements feels never-ending, with collaborative projects alongside Madlib, Danger Mouse, Bishop Nehru, and Jneiro Jarel displaying his diverse catalog, as well as solo albums like Operation: Doomsday and Mm.. Food solidifying his presence as a pillar of the underground rap scene.
It's amazing to think that he's had such a prolific career in the shadows, so to speak, as he's taken on a mysterious approach that switches up with each and every rap alias: MF DOOM, Zev Love X (with KMD), Viktor Vaughn, King Geedorah, Metal Fingers, or simply the "Super Villain."
If you've followed DOOM's enigmatic career, you should be well aware that interviews with the rapper are few and far between, and also vary depending on which alias he's portraying. So we did some digging to get a closer look at the man behind the Metal Face mask. From his first rapper name, to the origins of his mask, sneaker collaborations, and his surprising friendship with one of the biggest rappers alive, there are a lot of gems here for the taking. Here are 20 Things You Didn't Know About MF DOOM.
His first rap name was MC Dan.
[via]
KMD originally started as a graffiti crew.
[via]
MF DOOM once followed the teachings of Malachi Z York, leader of the Nuwaubian movement who is currently serving a 135-year sentence on child molestation charges and violating the RICO Act.
[via]
His mask was initially similar to Darth Maul's before he and graffiti writer KEO settled on a mask from Gladiator.
[via]
The cover for MF DOOM and Madlib's “Madvillainy” was modeled after Madonna's debut self-titled release.
[via]
He is heavily inspired by poet and novelist Charles Bukowski.
[via]
He says he experiences synesthesia when recording.
[via]
In 2010, DOOM was denied entry into America, to which he replied, “I'm done with the United States. It's no big deal.”
[via]
MF DOOM is good friends with Kanye West, who was featured on a remix of “Gazzillion Ear.”
[via]
