Daniel Dumile is MF Doom. With his late brother Subroc and friend Onyx, he was part of K.M.D. back in the early 90's, then known as Zev Love X. The group dissolved after Subroc was killed in a car accident, and Zev Love disappeared for five years only to return as the mask-wearing supervillain MF Doom on Bobbito Garcia's Fondle 'Em label in 1998 with his comeback album. The premise is ingeniously simple — Doom rhymes over lush, jazzy beats (all produced by himself) while utilizing his trademark lyricism and versatile flow with the occasional help of a guest.

Simply taking a look at the album's cover would reveal the fact that MF Doom loves his comic books, even his alter ego is derived from the infamous Marvel Comics villain Doctor Doom. This creates a very unique blend of styles on Operation: Doomsday, Doom's lyricism revolves around colourful wordplay and clever punchlines which affirm his character's goal of world destruction, and his production is a rousing mix of jazzy and futuristic concepts that never sacrifice their musical quality. From the old-school flavour of Go With The Flow to the soulful samples and violins of Operation: Greenbacks, MF Doom proves he's one of the best underground producers in hip-hop.

The title track Doomsday is an introspective mosaic of street poetry, non-sequiturs, and serious knowledge that makes beautiful use of Dumiles's impeccable flow. One aspect that separates MF Doom from the average emcee is the fact that while he often jumps from topic to topic during a track, everything he says manages to maintain a cohesiveness that keeps things consistently interesting. For instance, acute observations about hip-hop are expressed on Rhymes Likes Dimes, which is backed by excellent light-hearted production driven by horns and a nice bassline. We are introduced King Geedorah on Red And Gold, one of MF Doom's other personas, an outstanding track where Doom reminisces about his past.

Concept tracks are pulled off perfectly as well. Doom's love affair with hip-hop and the microphone is described on the aptly titled The M.I.C., a touching ode to his passion and here his off-key delivery works wonderfully. Production-wise, the syncopated drums and the simple keyboard melodies fit together like a glove and only adds to the song's beauty.

Featuring his partner in crime, Tick, Tick has MF Grimm flowing over a beat which slows and quickens in tempo according to the speed of Grimm's flow. He's braggadocio rhymes are clever and potent, it's a magnificent collaboration between the two long-time friends.

The various guests on the album only reflect the album's atmosphere. All are associates of MF Doom, and they make the most of their appearances. Kurious drops by on ? to share some of his intellectual thoughts, and Tommy Gunn trades verses with Doom on The Finest, the brag infused "can't mess with us" cut. The crew who later go on the form the Monsta Island Czars steal the show on Who You Think I Am?, a track that reminds us of the early Wu-Tang Clan mentality where the emcees all spit fire, one after the other.

There are five skits on the album, but in typical MF Doom fashion they all serve a purpose and add that extra something to the album. Beginning with the intro and concluding with the album's final track, vocal samples from the Fantastic Four cartoon, which ran during the 80's, are put together to tell the story of Dr. Doom. Great stuff, more artists should take notice from these interludes which actually don't detract from the flow of the album — but instead add a dimension that is often lacking from many releases nowadays.

I can't say enough about this album. Inspired and creative lyricism from MF Doom. Production which never fails to impress. Guest appearances that help the album out — though after all is said and done Operation: Doomsday is more of a preview of what was to come for Doom in his career than anything.

4 Stars

Other reviews of MF Doom albums:

King Geedorah - Take Me To Your Leader

[ This review is 664 words long ]

Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Reading or Studying