Born Into This [PA] - MF Doom

'Born Like This' is DOOM's (previously MF Doom and many many other pseudonyms) most recent album which was released on Mrach 24th 2009 on the Lex Records label.

This album continues Doom's approach of playing a cartoon-esque supervillain and he is joined by various other characters throughout the album thanks to some awesome cameo appearances.

The man behind the mask produces the majority of the album himself (ten of the ...
...tracks), Madlib (one track) and te deceased J Dilla provides the backing track for two songs on here.

1. Supervillain Intro

Short intro to the album sees Doom boasting over his own Coca Leaf beat (which will be used again later on in the album).

2. Gazzillion Ear

First tune proper, this is a great track. Produced by J Dilla, this uses a wide range of samples but, as you would expect, all are crafted ... more

'Born Like This' is DOOM's (previously MF Doom and many many other pseudonyms) most recent album which was released on Mrach 24th 2009 on the Lex Records label.

This album continues Doom's approach of playing a cartoon-esque supervillain and he is joined by various other characters throughout the album thanks to some awesome cameo appearances.

The man behind the mask produces the majority of the album himself (ten of the seventeen tracks) but guest production comes from Jake One (four tracks), Madlib (one track) and te deceased J Dilla provides the backing track for two songs on here.

1. Supervillain Intro

Short intro to the album sees Doom boasting over his own Coca Leaf beat (which will be used again later on in the album).

2. Gazzillion Ear

First tune proper, this is a great track. Produced by J Dilla, this uses a wide range of samples but, as you would expect, all are crafted perfectly. Doom rhymes over this one more aggressively at the beginning but the track switches to a more laid back electronic groove which allows him to chill out a bit before returning to the haunting beat seen at the beginning. This is an excellent introduction to the album. Its funky in its own way.

3. Ballskin

This track provides the title of this review. Its only a short track but Doom raps continuously, twisting words and phrases expertly. There are some very clever lyrics in this song as Doom calls out those rappers who make false claims in their own songs and who brag without backing it up.

4. Yessir

Featuring Raekwon this track is based around a sample from ESG's UFO. This sample has been used extensively in Hip Hop music over the years but it is put to very good use here, building up a moody and gloomy atmosphere. Both rappers provide excellent verses on this one, both proving their longevity in the industry is deserved.

5. Absolutely

This track is more political minded. It compares the governments behaviour to that of street criminals. 'Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely'. Simple really. The beat on this track is awesome, really laid back with a subtle groove, I like the fact that there are pops and crackles as if you were listening to an old vinyl record.

6. Rap Ambush

This track starts as a police report explaining an operation thats not really gone to plan. Doom's lyrics on this compliment the beat well. This is only a short track at 1 minute and 28 seconds but its full of impact.

7. Lightworks

Sampling J Dilla's 'Lightworks' and the Raymond Scott song of the same name, this is an upbeat track with a quick tempo. There are some interesting sound effects used here too. Doom rhymes over this fast beat effortlessly.

8. Batty Boyz

This is one of the best beats on the whole album as far as I'm concerned. The subject matter of this should be seen as a light hearted dig at superheroes but some people have taken it as an insult to homosexuals. I admit that its easy to see it that way but in the context of the album is just a joke track. The lyrics on this are well written and performed, I love this track.

9. Angelz

Featuring Tony Starks (aka Ghostface Killah) this track could have easily come from any of the Wu-Tang albums. It has a really classic feel to it. Both rappers deliver their verses as perfectly as you would expect from such seasoned professionals. Apparently these two are doing an album together, exciting times. There are some Mr. T samples thrown in for good measure, always a treat.

10. Cellz

This track features a spoken word intro from Charles Bukowski. It talks of the impending doom mankind faces and the way society is corrupt. To say this is really quite depressing is putting it mildly. The track itself is well produced and has a really intimidating feel to it.

11. Still Dope

This one features Empress Starhh who delivers a wicked verse. I'm not really a big fan of female rappers but this one is good. The beat is produced by Doom and suits Starhh's bragging lyrics perfectly.

12. Microwave Mayo

Produced by Jake One, this has a subdued feel to it but Doom's lyrics add some energy to the proceedings, there is no chorus on this one, just two and a half minutes of frantic rhymes.

13. More Rhymin

Another Jake One song, this has an excellent piano-led backing track, it has some really haunting sound effects and feels eerie in parts. This is really well produced. At just over a minute and a half long, this has no room for a chorus either so Doom raps his way through the whole song relentlessly.

14. That's That

Doom again uses one of the beats from his huge back catalogue on this one (Hyssop is the track in question) and boy, it works well. Doom raps his way through the whole song before singing at the end 'Can it be I stayed away too long? Did you miss these rhymes when I was gone?'. There was a three year gap between his last album and this one, I hope the gap between this and the next is much shorter.

15. Supervillainz

This one features Posdnous and Prince Paul as P-Pain and Filthy Pablo respectively. A stuttered beat and some interesting horn work completes this track. Posdnous mimics T-Pains singing voice and overuse of autotune to great comic effect throughout the song. Kurious, Slug and Mobonix also provide guest vocals on this one.

16. Bumpy's Message

More of an interlude here, this is basically played as a voicemail message left by Bumpy Knuckles (aka Freddie Foxxx) for Doom. Nothing too exciting going on here to be honest.

17. Thank Yah

This uses the same 'Coca Leaf' sample as used in track one of the album and also contains the same 'Thank Yah' chorus too. A simple but effective outro to the album.

This is a fantastic return from Doom (albeit with yet another nickname) which flows easily from one track to the next. There is a distinct lack of 'filler' songs here, each and every one is a winner. Go and get this. Now. 

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