Legendary rapper MF DOOM has died, at the age of 49
The legendary rapper and producer MF DOOM has died at the age of 49, his family have confirmed on social media.
His wife, Jasmine, took to Instagram on 31st December 2020 to share the news of his passing. MF DOOM (real name Daniel Dumile) passed away on 31st October 2020, but his family officially shared the news of his death on 31st December. The cause of death is yet to be 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. 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.”
MF DOOM was born in London but moved to New York as a child. As a teenager he performed in the hip-hop group, KMD, as Zev Love X, which he had formed with his brother, DJ Subroc. They signed to Elektra Records and released their critically acclaimed 1991 album, Mr. Hood, and were working on the follow up when DJ Subroc was killed in a car crash in 1993.
MF DOOM all but all but disappeared from the music scene, but returned to performing in 1997. He would famously perform wearing a mask, based on the mask worn by the Marvel Comics villain, Doctor Doom. And it was his debut album, Operation: Doomsday that set him off on his career.
The rapper would release a huge amount of music over his life, both as MF DOOM and under other monikers. His 2004 collaboration with the producer Madlib, Madvillainy, would be perhaps the crowning glory in an incredible catalogue of music. MF DOOM collaborated with a range of musicians and producers including Ghostface Killah and Danger Mouse, as well as Flying Lotus.
His influence on other artists has been far reaching, and many took to social media to celebrate his life and work, and pay their respects. Flying Lotus revealed the pair had been working on an EP together, and said “my soul is crushed.”, while Tyler, The Creator wrote, “Safe travels villain” and Q-Tip from A Tribe Called Quest said, “RIP to another Giant. Your favorite MC’s MC.. MF DOOM!! crushing news…”