On December 31, the family of MF DOOM (aka Daniel Dumile) publicly announced that the legendary MC/producer/visual artist had died two months earlier. While information surrounding DOOM’s passing may still be forthcoming, the hurt felt around the Hip-Hop community was immediate and profound. At just 49 years old at the time of his death, Metal Face DOOM left behind a 30-year legacy in music that touched so many pockets within the Hip-Hop landscape. Although he was reclusive and enigmatic, DOOM touched the lives and careers of many, as the tribute interviews, photographic memorials, and testimonials begin to pour in.

On this week’s episode of Ambrosia For Heads’ What’s The Headline podcast (embedded below in video and audio; available wherever you stream your podcasts), we begin season 3 with over an hour of DOOM discussion. This includes a deep dive into the chronology of MF DOOM—his beginnings as an affiliate of 3rd Bass, the formation and development of KMD, and the tragedy that ensued between the 1993 death of DOOM’s brother and band-mate Subroc as well as Elektra Records opting not to release Black Bastards in the following year. Hosts Reggie and Jake examine DOOM’s legendary comeback. We discuss how, during the late 1990s, DOOM used a mask, unlikely samples, and a whimsical style to deal with his pain and suffering. On top of that, not unlike Rakim, DOOM used his passion for Jazz to elevate the craft of MC’ing to the highest of levels.

DOOM Revives KMD With A Jay Electronica Collabo (Audio)

In turn, MF DOOM made a tremendous album in the form of Operation Doomsday. We follow the last 20 years of DOOM’s life and share highlights from poignant interviews DOOM did with The House List Podcast, Red Bull Music Academy, Spin, Brian Coleman’s Check The Technique, Vol. 2, and even his past conversation with one of our hosts. We also discuss Dante Ross, Stretch Armstrong, and Bobbito the Barber’s recent accounts on Jon Caramanica’s New York Times’ Popcast. What’s The Headline also looks at what we have learned surrounding recent DOOM recordings, and what may be in the vaults. While the alleged other Madvillainy sessions are discussed (which DOOM himself had talked about in 2019), Stones Throw Records founder Peanutbutter Wolf provided a detailed update to OkayPlayer days ago. Whether Heads get more music or are left to an impressive catalog already out there, there is plenty to digest and appreciate.

Heads can catch recent AFH What’s The Headline interviews with DOOM affiliates Prince Paul & Don Newkirk, Statik Selektah, Lyric Jones, The LOX, MC Eiht, Mobb Deep’s Havoc, Duckwrth, and Lord Finesse. All episodes of the show are available wherever you stream your pods.

This 2003 Conversation With MF DOOM Is The Interview Of His Career

Here Is What Else Is Happening Of Note:

Benny The Butcher has announced that The Plugs I Met, Volume 2 will arrive March 19, and is produced by Harry Fraud (Action Bronson, Curren$y, French Montana). This would mark a follow-up to his celebrated 2019 LP.

Former Black Eyed Peas member Kim Hill responds to will.i.am’s recent remarks on Wyclef Jean’s podcast surrounding BEP’s being “not considered a Black group.” (Hip-Hop Wired)

Griselda and BSF Records have released the Conflicted soundtrack, featuring appearances by Wale, Lloyd Banks, Smoke DZA, Ransom, Eto, and Flee Lord, in addition to the label’s in-house stars.

Nicki Minaj and Tracy Chapman have reached an agreement surrounding a landmark dispute regarding a sample to an unreleased (but publicly broadcast/available) song. Minaj reportedly paid $450,000 for the unauthorized use of “Baby Can I Hold You” in her track “Sorry,” which circulated the web and was premiered by HOT 97’s Funkmaster Flex some time back. (New York Times)

Kendrick Lamar’s acclaimed good kid, m.A.A.d city returns to the Top 10, presumably after a vinyl release. (AllHipHop)

#BonusBeat: Ambrosia For Heads’ official playlist, featuring new music from Statik Selektah, AZ, Tobe Nwigwe, Royce 5’9, Black Thought, Busta Rhymes, Ill Bill, Nana, Cordae, Lyric Jones, Nas, Oddisee, Boldy James, Benny The Butcher, 2 Chainz, REASON, Jack Harlow, MC Eiht, The LOX, and others.