Enlightening Albums: MM.. Food | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Enlightening Albums: MM.. Food

MF Doom and his complex aura exert an indelible, below-the-surface mark on music

201
Enlightening Albums: MM.. Food
Genius

If music is to be thought provoking, detailed and metaphorical, one should have no problem feeding their mind a diet of questions. During these evolving times, people are called upon to search for archive-worthy music, given the innumerable platforms at ones disposal.

Music isn't to be taken literally all of the time, even though there's an impenetrable fix in the image of your favorite artist -- or any mainstream artist. And with the abundance of material being released on any given day, it's hard to see the other side. If you have heard MF DOOM, chances are you have familiarized yourself with his mask or his subterranean aura. But have you tested your own creativity by actually listening to him? Anyone can hear music and claim that they understand it; listening takes work. The 2004 album, "MM.. FOOD" (which is an anagram of the emcee's stage name) has been an aural comestible to fill the mind, tirelessly.

On the opening track, "Beef Rapp," after a montage of sound bytes fill the first one and a half minutes, DOOM begins to introduce a running dichotomy between the actuality of consuming beef and its shortcomings (heart attack, heart disease, high blood pressure, etc.) with the hip-hop token of having "beef" with someone. He eloquently teeters on the rope of obvious exposure and cunning lyricism, but he never falls. This is the genius at work, toying with a brilliant double entendre.

The second and third tracks are "Hoe Cakes" and "Potholders," with the latter featuring Bronx native Count Bass D, who also produced the track.

A thunderous track then appears, as the Madlib-produced "One Beer" (which exactly samples Cortex's "Huit Octobre 1971") begins with DOOM candidly saying that he doesn't get a kick from champagne. One could encapsulate all of DOOM's stultifying, superhero poetry in a book, but beyond his words lies his unparalleled flow. When speaking about paying for a drink, DOOM rattles off this: "...It's on me. Put it on my tab kid. However you get there, foot it, cab it, iron horse it. You're leaving on your face, forfeit."

All of these lyrics may have tenfold meanings, but, on the surface, the rapper who holds 35 monikers encodes meanings about being the only real rapper left. He encourages it by comparing a microphone to a shotgun, and saying to bring heat.

DOOM realizes he can spit, and doesn't feel the need to give away the monetary impact rapping has made on his life. Throughout the album, their are many dialogue cuts from specific superhero television shows, such as "The New Fantastic Four," of which sample encounters between heroes and villains (like Doctor Doom himself, of whom the rapper gets his alias from).

Many of the cuts signify the quirks and aloneness of MF DOOM, transmitted via popularized television shows. The intricate mash-ups preach uniqueness.

On "Deep Fried Frenz," the English rapper notes how individualistic some friendships can become, while noting the many stereotypical friends.

Skits like "Poo-Putt Platter" and "Fillet-O-Rapper" heavily sample cartoons ("The Herculoids") and movies ("Hell Up In Harlem"). "Gumbo" deftly samples Frank Zappa's "Would You Like A Snack?" to underlie a skit from The Electric Company. "Fig Leaf Bi-Carbonate" shines light, using myriad, non-DOOM cuts, on artificial colorings approved by the FDA.

Unquestionably, MF DOOM illuminates and advocates pro-health, while metaphorically unpacking this concept into tales of bravado, heroic encryption, loneliness (such as "Kon Karne," which is a tribute to his brother) and social justice and more.

On the last track that doesn't feature DOOM, "Guinnesses," rapper Angelika outlines how social anxiety provokes alcoholism. "Kon Queso" takes its instrumental from Christian Chevallier's "Newcast One." Again, there are plentiful entendre, but the listener shouldn't be given nuggets.

"Rapp Snitch Knishes" features Mr. Fantastik and talks about the fallacy of rapper's preaching illegal activities on a mainstream platform. The penultimate track, "Vomitsmit" shows DOOM in his "oratory glory" that is reminiscent of a "horror story".

"Kookies" associates a prolonged sexual fetish and the cookies that are found on the internet with actual cookies.

DOOM is inconclusive. DOOM is ambiguously defined. DOOM is an enigma who proudly dwells on his social conscience.

This album can be relatable at times, while, at other times, it can make you feel incomplete. In a genre in which styles mesh very closely, if one is to excavate MF DOOM's prolific canon, one has the chance to be presented with a compassionate poet who breathes through the unique in life.

You can never be full.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Vivien Leigh
Revelist

I've lived a whole 21 years with an RBF (Resting Bitch Face), so naturally, I go through most of these struggles on a daily basis.

And before you ask, yes I'm fine. No, I'm not mad. This is just my face, so take it or leave it! To those of you who have been #blessed with an RBF, you'll probably relate to these more than you'd like to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Iconic Duos: Timeless Legends

From Luke and Leia to Beyonce's twins...

774517
Luke and Leia from Star Wars, a iconic duo
Lucasfilm

“Name a more iconic duo... I'll wait." OK, well, if you insist. In no particular order, here's a list of 100 iconic duos that seem to be timeless.

SEE MORE: This Is The ICONIC Disney Sidekick You Are To Your BFF, According To Your Zodiac Sign

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

A Candid Letter to My Best Friends Ex

Because this is the real form of torture you deserve.

331
middle finger
Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

What's up Asshat,

I've composed a list of things that I wish upon you, and they're harsh and cruel. These things are things that I wouldn't wish upon my worst of enemies, not even that Starbuck's barista who always screws up my order, not even him. You fall into a whole other category of hate. You surpass Starbucks barista. Congratulations, I'm actually a pretty nice person, making you worthy of every single bit of torture I wish upon you. What are these things I wish upon you you might ask?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

College Life: As Told By Bob's Burgers

If there's anyone who understand the struggles of college, it's the Belcher family

1008
Bob's Burgers

College is a time of gaining independence, exploring new things, and copious amounts of Netflix. If you're like me, you often find yourself laughing at the sheer ridiculousness of the situations you find yourself in. Here are ten times Bob's Burgers accurately captured college life.

1. What you're pretty sure your upstairs neighbors do at 3am every morning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Why Theater Kids Are the Greatest People Ever

Supportive and spontaneous human beings are the best.

759
Theater Kids

Throughout school, the theater department has always been my go-to place with go-to people when I need advice, a dance party, or just someone to listen to me vent.

You never know what's going to happen when you're dealing with theatre or what kind of characters you'll encounter. We have too much fun doing anything! One time in my senior year acting class, we spent an entire class period watching Bob's Burgers, and it was the greatest class period ever.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments