Career Timeline of MF Doom: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how MF Doom made an impact.

Daniel Dumile, known as MF Doom, was a highly influential British-American rapper and producer. Recognized for complex lyrics, a distinct metal mask, and a supervillain persona, he was a key figure in underground and alternative hip hop during the 2000s. His unique style and approach to music made him a significant artist.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1988: KMD Formation

In 1988, Dumile started his career as a member of the trio KMD, performing as Zev Love X. The group helped launch his career.

1993: KMD Disbandment

In 1993, KMD disbanded after the death of DJ Subroc, Dumile's brother, marking a turning point in Dumile's early career.

May 3, 1994: KMD Dropped by Elektra Records

On May 3, 1994, KMD was dropped by Elektra Records and their album Black Bastards went unreleased due to its controversial cover art.

1994: Retreat from Hip Hop Scene

After his brother's death in 1994, Dumile retreated from the hip hop scene and lived "damn near homeless, walking the streets of Manhattan, sleeping on benches".

1997: Freestyling Incognito

In 1997, Dumile began freestyling incognito at open-mic events at the Nuyorican Poets Café, obscuring his face.

1998: Development of MF Doom Persona

In 1998, Dumile turned his incognito freestyling into a new identity, MF Doom, with a mask similar to that of Marvel Comics supervillain Doctor Doom.

1999: Release of Operation: Doomsday

In 1999, Bobbito Garcia's Fondle 'Em Records released Operation: Doomsday, Dumile's first full-length LP as MF Doom.

1999: Reemergence as MF Doom

In 1999, Dumile reemerged performing at open mic events wearing a metal mask resembling Doctor Doom. He adopted the MF Doom persona and rarely made unmasked public appearances thereafter. He released his debut solo album Operation: Doomsday.

2000: Gladiator Mask

In 2000, MF DOOM started basing later versions of his mask on a prop from the movie Gladiator.

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2001: Beginning of Special Herbs Series

In 2001, Dumile began releasing his Special Herbs instrumentals series under the pseudonym Metal Fingers, showcasing his production skills.

2003: Release of Take Me to Your Leader

In 2003, Dumile released the album Take Me to Your Leader under his King Geedorah moniker, exploring a concept album format.

2003: Release of Vaudeville Villain

Later in 2003, Dumile released the LP Vaudeville Villain under the moniker Viktor Vaughn, adding another persona to his discography. It was released to critical acclaim.

March 23, 2004: Release of Madvillainy

On March 23, 2004, Dumile achieved a breakthrough with the album Madvillainy, created with producer Madlib under the group name Madvillain.

October 11, 2005: Release of The Mouse and the Mask

On October 11, 2005, The Mouse and the Mask, a collaboration with DJ Danger Mouse under the name Danger Doom in collaboration with Cartoon Network's Adult Swim, was released.

2006: Production for Ghostface Killah

In 2006, Dumile produced tracks for both of Ghostface Killah's albums Fishscale and More Fish, expanding his production credits.

March 24, 2009: Release of Born Like This

On March 24, 2009, Dumile's Born Like This was released on Lex Records. It was Dumile's first solo album to chart in the US.

March 5, 2010: First London Doom Show

On March 5, 2010, Lex and Sónar presented the first Doom show in London, at the Roundhouse in Camden. It marked Dumile's first performances outside North America.

August 20, 2012: Release of Key to the Kuffs

On August 20, 2012, Key to the Kuffs, an album Dumile made in collaboration with the producer Jneiro Jarel as JJ Doom, was released, referencing Dumile's "exile" in the United Kingdom.

February 2013: Announcement of Collaborative Album with Ghostface Killah

In February 2013, Ghostface Killah said that he and Dumile were in the process of choosing tracks for a collaborative album, though it remained unreleased.

October 7, 2014: NehruvianDoom Album Release

On October 7, 2014, NehruvianDoom, MF Doom's collaboration with rapper Bishop Nehru, was released. MF Doom produced all the tracks, often using beats from his Special Herbs series. The album was Nehru's major label debut but received mixed reviews, with critics noting limitations in Nehru's performance and suggesting Doom's contributions seemed uninspired.

2015: Announcement of Swift & Changeable album release in 2016

In 2015, Ghostface Killah announced that the album, Swift & Changeable, would be released in 2016, and later posted promotional artwork for the collaboration. It remains unreleased.

2016: Unreleased Album

In 2016, Dumile and Ghostface Killah's announced album Swift & Changeable, was to be released and remains unreleased.

August 2017: Adult Swim Announces Compilation Album

In August 2017, Adult Swim announced a compilation album by MF Doom titled 'The Missing Notebook Rhymes', which was to include songs from upcoming projects and featured appearances. The plan was to release one new song per week for 15 weeks on the Adult Swim website.

February 2018: Czarface Collaboration Single Release

In February 2018, MF Doom and Czarface released "Nautical Depth", which was the first single from their collaborative album 'Czarface Meets Metal Face'.

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March 30, 2018: Czarface Meets Metal Face Album Release

On March 30, 2018, the collaborative album 'Czarface Meets Metal Face' by MF Doom and Czarface was released. The album received lukewarm reviews, with critics comparing other artists' verses favorably to Dumile's.