Metal fingered mofo MF DOOM has dropped the MF but kept the DOOM (all caps!) on Born Like This, his first LP in four years.. Time was when he was shitting out about ten a month. It's far too early too speculate about how exactly this compares to the best records he's been involved with but I wouldn't be surprised if it ends up crawling up towards Vaudeville Villain and Madvillainy in many people's personal DOOM charts. The formula's pretty much the same: a couple of brilliantly chosen samples repeated in a rough and ready mix underneath his honeyed tones, telling tales that continue to build on his own mythology and comment on society in general while managing to be surreal, dirty and comical all at the same time. And all without any hint of a chorus, of course. Despite the extended absence he's obviously in a bit of a confident place, building a track on a sample of ESG's 'UFO' could have tits up since it's been used in countless songs down the years but somehow 'Yessir!' comes off sounding fresh as a daisy. Raekwon drops in on that one and his Cuban Linx chum Ghostface Killah's on the super lush 'Angelz', getting into the comic book spirit by using his Tony Starks alter ego. A couple of J Dilla beats make their presence felt but the majority of the production is handled by Jake One and the man himself with only one or two efforts being a little forgettable; no great issue as I don't think a single one of his LPs is totally consistent, it's all part of the charm. To be honest this LP would be worth it just for apocalyptic Bukowski-sampling centrepiece 'Cellz' but that's only the cherry on top of the tastiest of cakes. If you've got any taste for hip-hop give this one the little eyebrows and swallow it down - it's top ten of the year type shit in my book!
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Sound clips for Born Like This by MF Doom: on vinyl at Norman Records UK. Double LP (vinyl), Lex, LEX069LPX, £14.49.
American press have reported that the album is produced by MF Doom, J Dilla and Danger Mouse and guest MCs include Ghostface Killah and Raekwon from Wu Tang Clan.
Doom has sold hundreds of thousands of records worldwide and has a huge and growing cult following.
The new album is completely under wraps until the release date. Speculation about this deeply mysterious release only creates greater interest with his fanbase.
Tracklisting:
Supervillain Intro Gazzillion Ear Ballskin Yessir! (ft Raekwon) Absolutely Rap Ambush Lightworks Batty Boyz Angelz (ft Ghostface) Cellz (ft Charles Bukowski) Still Dope (ft Empress Starhh) Microwave Mayo * More Rhymin’ That's That * Supervillainz Bumpy's Message Thank Yah
![Operation Doomsday [ Deluxe Edition ] by MF Doom](/images/covers/d-thumbs/48/128798_thumb.jpg)
