November 22, 2022

“Mm..Food,” released in November 2004, is the second full-length studio album of British-American rapper MF DOOM. MF DOOM described the release as a concept album that strays from modern-day rap.

“Mm..Food” uses a narrative style to tell the story of DOOM, the album’s antagonist (not to be confused with MF DOOM), and his plan to become “Master of the World.’’ MF DOOM uses cartoon samples to portray this style, including clips from “Wild Style” (1983), “Spider-Man” (1982) and “The New Fantastic Four” (1978).

“Mm..Food” opens with the track “Beef Rapp,” which introduces DOOM and ‘Operation Doomsday,’ (the plan to become “Master of the World”). “Beef Rapp” also develops the album’s motifs of food-related rhymes and edible puns.

“Hoe Cakes” changes the musical atmosphere with a self-produced upbeat piano instrumental.

“Potholderz,” featuring Count Bass D (who also produced this track) is one of the lengthier features on the album.

“One Beer” develops the narrative side of the album and samples Cortex’s “Huit octobre 1971,” providing the song with a unique instrumental.

In “Deep Fried Frenz,” MF DOOM raps about friendships, including the one with Mr. Fantastik, a character who is featured later in the album on “Rapp Snitch Knishes.”

“Poo-Putt Platter,” “Fillet-O-Rapper,” “Gumbo” and “Fig Leaf Bi-Carbonate” are all connected interludes, focusing entirely on the narrative aspect of the album. They use cartoon samples behind simple instrumentals, similar to “Beef Rapp” and “One Beer.”

“Rapp Snitch Knishes” is a critique of certain aspects of traditional hip-hop. MF DOOM primarily focuses on rappers snitching on themselves. “Mr. Fantastik” is featured on this track.

“Kookies” concludes the album’s story. DOOM fulfills his plan, becoming “Master of the World.”

Throughout “Mm..Food,” MF DOOM demonstrates his unique instrumentals and eccentric musical style. MF DOOM makes heavy use of samples, giving his instrumentals a sound like no other. The experimental jazzy rap challenges many modern industry standards and gives listeners an alternative to mass-produced industry rap. “Mm..Food” still leaves memorable lines and beats that cross my mind daily.

While you may not add it to all of your playlists or listen to it on repeat, I highly recommend giving “Mm..Food” a listen—with open ears and an open mind. Only hungry for a snack? Listen to “Rapp Snitch Knishes” and “One Beer” for a taste of the album.