“Just remember all caps when you spell the man name.”

Daniel Dumile, more commonly known as MF DOOM, is a producing and rhyming virtuoso. A man of many projects, names, and faces (or masks), he shows his brilliance with his alias “Metal Fingers”. After the successful debut album, Operation: Doomsday, Dumile decided to release mixtapes of his own production. Every track has been used by either DOOM himself or various affiliated rappers. Volumes 1 and 2 really show his versatility as a producer and what classifies as something you can rap on.
This isn’t your typical hip hop record.

The opening track, Saffron, comes at you hard. A keyboard lead of simple but meaningful chords, turntable scratches that tear into your eardrums, and a soulful drum break help you slide into a hypnosis. A perfect introduction into the mind of Dumile.
“Doo-doo-doo-doo-doo! That’s a audio daily double.”

The following track, Arrow Root, follows by example and continues with a heavy jazz influence. A drum break to keep heads bobbing and a saxophone line that is soothing to the soul. You’ll definitely find yourself zoning out to this one.
“The world ain’t the same no more. Take your life to next level or remain no more.”

Nearing the end of Vol. 1, the track Charnsuka, for me, takes the cake. You’ll find yourself singing the melody for long after the song sadly ends. I’m truly at a loss for words regarding this song. It’s my personal favorite. This is classic hip-hop.
“By candlelight, my hand will write these rhymes ’til I’m burnt out.”

The ironically named, Monosodium Glutamate, really shows how versatile music can be. Stemming from a song on the opposite end of the spectrum from hip-hop, Dumile truly shows his beat making ability. This upbeat track can get anyone movin’ and groovin’.
“This fly flow take practice like Tae Bo with Billy Blanks.”

Nettle Leaves is another track that shows the darker side of hip hop. This song sounds like it’d be playing in a house of mirrors at a carnival in the ghetto. I’ve always thought of flutes as a happy sounding instrument, but, I guess I was wrong.
“Loved not for who you think I am, but who you want me to be.”

If only someone was smart enough to remake an Alfred Hitchcock movie and use Mullien as it’s score. This song has a 1950’s thriller vibe to it. Explosion and creepy vocal samples haunt the background and guitar licks to keep you locked in to the groove. A modern drum break gives this classical based song a reality check.
Don’t look behind you.

A simple 4 bar loop, yet so much emotion and soul captured. Mugwort could be the soundtrack to any 80’s Miami cop movie. If you’re ever at the beach, dig your toes in the sand, crack open a beer and blast this tune for everyone to hear.
“Vision clear like a Hindu with the third eye dot.”

Lovage is another song that really shouldn’t be rapped over. The melody he loops is beautiful on it’s own. DOOM himself couldn’t do this song justice and had to pass the mic to someone else. A guitar lick taken right from someone’s soul matched by chopped up piano and vocals. Definitely not a song to pass over.
“Mentally scarred for life, love is war.”

Another beautifully worked jazz sample. Myrrh makes you realize how simple something can be to really bring out the greatness in it. Closing out a marvelous and classic album, this song holds a secret track. But I know you’ll find that out anyway because you’ll be waiting for the album to end so you can start it over.
“Turn a deaf ear to the cellular phone. Send me a letter, or better, we could see each other in real life.”