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Tributes paid to legendary rapper MF DOOM, who has died aged 49

"MF DOOM FOREVER"

By Andrew Trendell
MF DOOM
MF DOOM. CREDIT: Peter Kramer/Getty Images

Legendary rapper and producer MF DOOM has died at the age of 49, his family have confirmed.

Posting on his Instagram account, his wife Jasmine revealed that the rapper (real name Daniel Dumile) passed away on October 31, 2020 – but broke the news tonight (Thursday December 31, 2020). His cause of death has not yet been confirmed.

Jasmine wrote: “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.”

She continued: “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 was known for his sharp, intricate rhymes and his signature Marvel-inspired mask, which he never removed in public, was born in London but moved to New York as a child. Before launching a solo career, he went by Zev Love X as part of the group KMD alongside his younger brother DJ Subroc and Onyx The Birthstone Kid.

The group released their debut album ‘Mr. Hood’ in 1991. Their controversial follow-up, ‘Black Bastards’, which was recorded in 1993, was shelved by Elektra Records and KMD were dropped. It came soon after Subroc was killed while attempting to cross an expressway. After being heavy bootlegged, the album was finally released in 1998 on Bobbito Garcia’s (of Stretch and Bobbito fame) Fondle ‘Em Records.

The influential rapper and producer, who performed using various monikers, went on to release six solo albums, including his acclaimed debut ‘Operation: Doomsday’ and 2004’s ‘Mm.. Food’. He also released a number of instrumental projects and a handful of collaborative albums, most notably ‘Madvillainy’ with Madlib, ‘The Mouse And The Mask’ with Danger Mouse, and ‘Czarface Meets Metal Face’ with Czarface.

While he hadn’t released a solo album since 2009’s Born Like This, he remained active in the decade that followed. Earlier this month, BADBADNOTGOOD released a collaboration with DOOM entitled ‘The Chocolate Conquistadors’, which featured in the new Cayo Perico Heist update of GTA Online.

MF Doom performs live in London in 2011. CREDIT: Jim Dyson/Redferns

In 2005, he featured alongside Gorillaz on the track ‘November Has Come’, taken from their UK Number One album ‘Demon Days’. Other collaborators included Ghostface Killah, Westside Gunn, Flying Lotus, The Avalanches and Radiohead.

In 2017, DOOM paid tribute to his son who passed away at the age of 14.

A number of figures from the world of music and pop culture have since paid tribute to MF DOOM – hailing him as one of the most important and influential rappers of all-time.

“I understand a great deal. But I am at a loss of spiritual understanding in this moment,” tweeted Pharoahe Monch. “Someone just stabbed all my chakras. I feel cheated and lied to. I feel selfish. It’s not fair. I’m angry. Im hollering and I’m crying and I’m sorry for that. I’m so saddened. Condolences.”

Jay Electronica wrote: “May Allah be please w our Brother MF DOOM.”

Jay-Z‘s engineer and music producer Young Guru said: “I can’t believe I’m writing this. RIP MF Doom!!! Please God no more death!!”

“I heard that some authors rewrote entire novels by the greats just to see how it felt. Denzel and I made UNLOCKED talking about DOOM every single day just trying to channel an ounce of the feeling. RIP MF DOOM,” said producer Kenny Beats, while El-P of Run The Jewels simply added: “MF DOOM FOREVER”.

See more tributes to MF DOOM, who many refer to as “your favourite rapper’s favourite rapper”, below:

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