Disco de MF Doom: “Born Like This”

After much uncertainty as to whether the man behind the mask would release another LP, here comes 'Born Like This', the newest rap gem by MF DOOM (just DOOM now I guess). Like the gold painted mask on the cover, this album is straight up gold, an instant hip hop classic, on par with his stunning 'MMM...Food' album, and easily surpassing his collaboration with Madlib on the breakthrough 'Madvilliany'.

After hearing about the whole 'Madvilliany 2' mess I figured ol' DOOM might disappear on us, far from it, in fact DOOM is back with more intelligent, clever lyrics, dope beats and a rather cohesive album. DOOM's flow is much tighter this time around, ensuring his place amongst those rare rappers that can seamlessly blend a poppy flow with an underground variant, still weaving pop icon references, comic books, video games, awesome metaphors and a rugged vibe into his lyrical style. Yet he also retained a socially conscious element to his visions, blended with the myriad of obscure cartoon samples and sound effects. The beats feature a more solid production, and are some of DOOM's best yet.

Whether it be calling out the power hungry of the world or bellowing out cypher-like braggadocio rants, DOOM has the microphone in control. DOOM never fails to impress me; his lyrical flow is unique and unmatched, his beats original and flavorful. 'Born Like This' is easily a top contender for best Hip Hop album of 2009.

I have most, if not all, of Dumile's recordings under various guises. This collection of tracks is mediocre for his talent. There is a gem or two in the bunch, but the compilation is not fit to "let it ride."

--Dumile fan

DOOM is taking a full length more seriously now and I believe this is some of this best work yet. You have to pick the album up, it's amazing.

From top to bottom, this album is solid. Beats and rhymes are both dope. Tracks by Dilla, Jake One and Madlib round out a top notch production effort. The only real skit here is a Bukowski poem, which makes a lot of sense in the context of the song following it. This is probably tied with the POS album as the best of the year so far.

This is a great DOOM album from start to finish. He has some familiar wu-tang guests such as ghostface as his alias tony starks, and also has Raekwon at his sharpest on the track yessir. he has his numerous speaking samples breaking up the raps from track to track. Overall if your a fan of MF DOOM, Viktor Vaughn, or King Geedorah you should buy this album. end of story.