Born Like This
MF DOOM · 2009
40 min · 17 tracks · alternative hip-hop
Ethereal beats and complex wordplay intertwine to create a surreal landscape of underground hip-hop brilliance.
Top tracks — play these first
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Gazzillion Ear — This track features an infectious beat and showcases DOOM’s signature playful yet complex lyricism, making it a standout example of his craft.
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Angelz — With its haunting production and introspective lyrics, this track exemplifies DOOM's ability to blend dark themes with engaging storytelling.
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Still Dope — In a brief but impactful runtime, this track encapsulates the essence of DOOM’s persona and skill, affirming his relevance in the hip-hop landscape.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases intricate lyricism and unique production, making it a standout in alternative hip-hop.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a brief intro track that sets a dark, atmospheric tone before launching into the first full song.
- Many tracks feature layered vocal samples and unconventional beats, creating a disorienting yet engaging soundscape.
- Several songs incorporate abrupt tempo changes and shifts in production style, which keeps the listener on their toes.
- The lyrics are densely packed with internal rhymes and wordplay, often requiring multiple listens to fully appreciate.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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9/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- wave-like pacing with surprises
- intricate lyricism for deep thinkers
- short tracks for quick bursts
- playful irreverence throughout the album
- experimentation that challenges norms
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek long, cohesive narratives
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Born Like This is MF DOOM's sixth studio album, released in 2009 after a series of acclaimed projects that established him as a leading figure in alternative hip-hop. By this time, he had already garnered significant respect for his unique style and intricate lyricism, further solidifying his status in the genre with this release.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Aesop Rock· Madlib· El-P
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Gazzillion Ear
A shift in perspective where DOOM addresses critics directly while weaving intricate wordplay around his artistry.
This moment highlights DOOM’s confidence and wit, reframing criticism into a clever narrative that showcases his lyrical prowess.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Supervillain (intro) 0:55
- 2 Gazzillion Ear 4:11
- 3 Ballskin 1:30
- 4 Yessir! 2:33
- 5 Absolutely 2:43
- 6 Rap Ambush 1:28
- 7 Lightworks 1:52
- 8 Batty Boyz 3:16
- 9 Angelz 3:05
- 10 Cellz 4:21
- 11 Still Dope 2:39
- 12 Microwave Mayo 2:26
- 13 More Rhymin’ 1:38
- 14 That’s That 2:15
- 15 Supervillainz 2:48
- 16 Bumpy’s Message 1:35
- 17 Thank Yah 1:14
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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