Vaudeville Villain
MF DOOM · 2003
56 min · 17 tracks · alternative hip-hop
Experimental beats and intricate wordplay intertwine, creating an immersive journey through MF DOOM's shadowy lyrical universe.
Top tracks — play these first
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Vaudeville Villain — The title track encapsulates the album's theatrical essence, with a sinister blend of humor and introspection that defines DOOM's persona.
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Open Mic Nite, Pt. 1 — This track showcases DOOM's signature flow and clever wordplay, inviting listeners into his unique world while highlighting his improvisational skills.
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Mr. Clean — With its infectious beat and playful lyrics, this track exemplifies DOOM's ability to merge humor with sharp social commentary, making it a standout moment on the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's unique structure and complex lyrics create a distinctive listening experience.
What we noticed
- Lyrically, MF DOOM employs intricate rhyme schemes and wordplay, often layering multiple meanings within his verses.
- 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
- theatrical samples enhance imagination
- dynamic journey with peaks
- hypnotic beats for deep focus
- engaging wordplay sparks curiosity
- for late-night reflection
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2003, 'Vaudeville Villain' was MF DOOM's third studio album under this moniker, following the critically acclaimed 'Madvillainy' collaboration with Madlib. At this time, DOOM was solidifying his reputation as a groundbreaking figure in underground hip-hop, renowned for his dense lyricism and unique production style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Aesop Rock· Madlib· El-P
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Overture 0:34
- 2 Vaudeville Villain 2:31
- 3 Lickupon 2:44
- 4 The Drop 3:25
- 5 Lactose and Lecithin 2:34
- 6 A Dead Mouse 3:55
- 7 Open Mic Nite, Pt. 1 4:09
- 8 Raedawn 3:00
- 9 Let Me Watch 4:27
- 10 Saliva 2:28
- 11 Modern Day Mugging 2:43
- 12 Open Mic Nite, Pt. 2 3:13
- 13 Never Dead 3:27
- 14 Popsnot 4:39
- 15 Mr. Clean 2:13
- 16 G.M.C. 3:33
- 17 Change the Beat 6:54
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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