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| studio =
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| genre = [[hip hop music|Hip hop]], [[jazz rap]], [[psychedelic hip hop]]
| genre =
*[[Hip hop music|Hip hop]]
*[[underground rap]]
*[[Lo-fi music|lo-fi]]
*[[Electro (music)|electro]]
| length = 58:21
| length = 58:21
| label = [[Fondle 'Em Records|Fondle 'Em]]
| label = [[Fondle 'Em Records|Fondle 'Em]]
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| alt =
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| caption = 2011 remastered edition
| caption = 2015 remastered edition
}}
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}}
}}
'''''Operation: Doomsday''''' is the debut studio album by rapper [[MF DOOM]], marking his return to the hip hop scene after the demise of his group [[KMD]]. The album was released through [[Fondle 'Em Records]] on April 20, 1999, and reissued by [[Sub Verse Records]] in 2001 with a slightly altered track listing.<ref>[http://stonesthrow.com/madvillain/mfdoom-discography.html MF DOOM - Complete Discography<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061215012448/http://www.stonesthrow.com/madvillain/mfdoom-discography.html |date=15 December 2006 }}</ref> ''Operation: Doomsday'' has been ranked as one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time. A remastered edition of the original version was released in 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amoeba.com/operation-doomsday-deluxe-edition-cd-mf-doom/albums/833270/ |title=Operation: Doomsday [Deluxe Edition] (CD) |author=<!--Not stated--> |date= |website=[[Amoeba Music]] |publisher= |access-date=22 February 2021 |quote=}}</ref>
'''''Operation: Doomsday''''' is the debut studio album by rapper [[MF DOOM]], marking his return to the hip hop scene after the demise of his group [[KMD]]. The album was released through [[Fondle 'Em Records]] on April 20, 1999, and reissued by [[Sub Verse Records]] in 2001 with a slightly altered track listing.<ref>[http://stonesthrow.com/madvillain/mfdoom-discography.html MF DOOM - Complete Discography<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061215012448/http://www.stonesthrow.com/madvillain/mfdoom-discography.html |date=15 December 2006 }}</ref> ''Operation: Doomsday'' has been ranked as one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time. A remastered edition of the original version was released in 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Operation-Doomsday-Original-Version-Remastered/dp/B018YJTW5C |title=Operation Doomsday: Original Version Remastered |date=18 December 2015 |access-date=30 May 2017 |archive-date=12 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712125600/https://www.amazon.co.uk/Operation-Doomsday-Original-Version-Remastered/dp/B018YJTW5C |url-status=live }}</ref>


==Background==
The album heavily samples the [[Hanna-Barbera]] cartoon series [[Fantastic Four (1967 TV series)|''Fantastic Four'']], based on the [[Marvel Comics]] superheroes, which ran from 1967 to 1968.
In the early 1990s, MF Doom, then known as Zevlove X, suffered the devasting loss of his brother and fellow [[KMD|K.M.D.]] member, [[DJ Subroc|DJ Sub-Roc]]. Their record label [[Elektra]] dropped the group and halted the release of their second studio album, ''[[Black Bastards]]'', due to its political message and cover art.<ref name="Cordor"/> Doom's experiences left him emotionally scarred with a lingering pain that manifested in the late-1990s as a masked hip-hop supervillain in ''Operation: Doomsday'', released on on [[Fondle 'Em Records]].<ref name="Cordor"/>


Following the disbanding of KMD and the death of his brother, Zev Love X developed a new [[stage name]] beginning with an abbreviation for '''Metal Face'''. Conceptually, his persona is based on [[Marvel Comics]] villain [[Dr. Doom]] and desires to rule the world for its own good.<ref name="Christgau"/><ref name="Cordor"/>
⚫
==Release==
⚫
It was announced on December 16, 2010 that ''Operation: Doomsday'' was being reissued in 2011. The reissue cover was designed by Jason Jagel, who did the art for ''[[Mm..Food]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.juxtapoz.com/Current/jason-jagel-for-mf-doom-operationdoomsday-reissue |title=Jason Jagel for MF DOOM operation:doomsday Reissue |access-date=20 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100120112423/http://www.juxtapoz.com/Current/jason-jagel-for-mf-doom-operationdoomsday-reissue |archive-date=20 January 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> It was reported that there were licensing issues with the original artwork, which was designed by<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.discogs.com/MF-Doom-Operation-Doomsday/master/8470}}</ref> the famed graffiti writer Keo X-Men,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.discogs.com/artist/979437}}</ref> that caused problems with reissuing. [[Stones Throw Records]] stated that DOOM was working on a track-listing for the reissue.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://stonesthrow.com/news/2009/12/a-peek-at-mf-doom-operation-doomsday-reissue-2010 |title=A peek at MF DOOM's Operation Doomsday reissue in 2010 |access-date=20 January 2010 |archive-date=10 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910215656/http://www.stonesthrow.com/news/2009/12/a-peek-at-mf-doom-operation-doomsday-reissue-2010 |url-status=live }}</ref>


==Critical reception and legacy==
==Recording and production==
MF DOOM produced ''Operation: Doomsday'' through the use of low-fidelity [[bedroom production]] and low-budget [[Audio mixing (recorded music)|audio mixing]] techniques.<ref name="Draper"/><ref name="Cordor"/> The recording exhibits a [[Lo-fi music|lo-fi]] quality, retaining some minor flaw and imperfections.<ref name="Cohen"/> His record production maintains a left-field finish, featuring an at times abstract mixture of 1980s [[Soul music|soul]] and [[smooth jazz]] [[Loop (music)|loops]] with vintage [[drum break]]s.<ref name="Cordor"/><ref name="Draper"/> DOOM's usage of smooth jazz [[Loop (music)|loops]] serve to alleviate muffled recording sounds while incorporating [[cartoon]] samples.<ref name="Draper"/>
In its review of the 2011 reissue, [[The A.V. Club]] argued that since its initial release ''Operation: Doomsday'' has "attained mythic status; its legend has grown in proportion to its relative unavailability, and to DOOM’s ascent to cult godhood."<ref>{{Cite web|title=MF Doom: Operation Doomsday: Lunchbox|url=https://music.avclub.com/mf-doom-operation-doomsday-lunchbox-1798168019|access-date=2021-01-03|website=Music|language=en-us}}</ref>


==Music and lyrics==
''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]'' described the album as DOOM's "warmest and most benevolent work, almost entirely bled of the angrier material that would mark future releases." Their review of the 2011 reissue also called the album "a must-hear in just about any format."<ref>{{Cite web|title=MF DOOM: Operation: Doomsday|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/15359-operation-doomsday/|access-date=2021-01-03|website=Pitchfork|language=en}}</ref>
''Operation: Doomsday'' is a [[Lo-fi music|lo-fi]] recording, with MF DOOM presenting [[Bedroom music|bedroom]] [[Electro (music)|electro]].<ref name="Draper"/> Despite being an earthly work born from tragedy, his debut album revisits the cartoon pleasure of late-1980s [[Hip hop music|hip-hop]].<ref name="Draper"/> It contains an array of [[Sampling (music)|samples]] ranging from ''[[Hanna-Barbera]]'' cartoon series ''[[Scooby-Doo]]'' to English band [[Sade (band)|Sade]] while expressing [[smooth jazz]] [[Loop (music)|loops]] which bring balance to muffled soundscapes.<ref name="Draper"/> In addition, the album features thematic [[Hip hop skit|skits]] as well as the [[Guest_appearance#Contemporary_music|guest appearance]]s from MF Doom's [[Monsta Island Czars]] collective.<ref name="Cohen"/>


The pretense for the concept behind ''Operation: Doomsday'' was reminiscent to that of [[Marvel Comics]] supervillain [[Dr. Doom]], with terrible setbacks and tragedy leading to the birth of his villainous persona.<ref name="Cordor"/><ref name="Christgau"/> After suffering the devasting death of his brother and having their group was dropped from their record label, MF Doom, formerly known as Zevlove X, was left emotionally scarred with a lingering pain that manifested in the form of a masked hip-hop supervillain.<ref name="Cordor"/> Drawing from the weight of his past, ''Operation: Doomsday'' is compact with frank, sincere lyrics and hard, piercing rhymes. MF Doom uses a raw and lyrically dexterous [[Rapping|delivery]] to recite palatable, off-kilter rhymes that contain obscure references.<ref name="Cordor"/>
On the album's 20th anniversary, ''[[Stereogum]]'' described it as "an immediately engaging display of [DOOM's] raw talent as both a rapper and producer, as well as an engrossing origin story for the most popular of his many alter-egos."<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-04-19|title='Operation: Doomsday' Turns 20|url=https://www.stereogum.com/2040515/mf-doom-operation-doomsday-turns-20/reviews/the-anniversary/|access-date=2021-01-03|website=Stereogum|language=en}}</ref>

⚫
==Release and promotion==
⚫
Writing for streaming service [[Tidal (service)|Tidal]], Dylan Green and Donna-Claire Chesman called the album "a blueprint for all of independent rap", citing its "dusty cartoon samples", lo-fi production, and DOOM's "stream-of-consciousness flows" in particular.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tidal.com/magazine/article/mf-dooms-operation-20/1-54901|title=MF DOOM’s ‘Operation: Doomsday’ is the Blueprint for Independent Hip-Hop|last1=Green|first1=Dylan|last2=Chesman|first2=Donna-Claire|date=20 April 2019|access-date=3 January 2021|website=[[Tidal (service)|Tidal]] Magazine|language=en}}</ref>
⚫
It was announced on December 16, 2010 that ''Operation: Doomsday'' was being reissued in 2011. The reissue cover was designed by Jason Jagel, who did the art for ''[[Mm..Food]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.juxtapoz.com/Current/jason-jagel-for-mf-doom-operationdoomsday-reissue |title=Jason Jagel for MF DOOM operation:doomsday Reissue |access-date=20 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100120112423/http://www.juxtapoz.com/Current/jason-jagel-for-mf-doom-operationdoomsday-reissue |archive-date=20 January 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> It was reported that there were licensing issues with the original artwork, which was designed by<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.discogs.com/MF-Doom-Operation-Doomsday/master/8470}}</ref> the famed graffiti writer Keo X-Men,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.discogs.com/artist/979437}}</ref> that caused problems with reissuing. [[Stones Throw Records]] stated that DOOM was working on a track-listing for the reissue.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://stonesthrow.com/news/2009/12/a-peek-at-mf-doom-operation-doomsday-reissue-2010 |title=A peek at MF DOOM's Operation Doomsday reissue in 2010 |access-date=20 January 2010 |archive-date=10 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910215656/http://www.stonesthrow.com/news/2009/12/a-peek-at-mf-doom-operation-doomsday-reissue-2010 |url-status=live }}</ref>


==Critical reception==
{{Album ratings
{{Album ratings
| AOTY = 86/100<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.albumoftheyear.org/album/7933-mf-doom-operation-doomsday.php|title=MF DOOM - Operation: Doomsday - Reviews|publisher=[[Album of the Year (website)|Album of the Year]]|access-date=October 27, 2020|archive-date=1 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101190735/https://www.albumoftheyear.org/album/7933-mf-doom-operation-doomsday.php|url-status=live}}</ref>
| AOTY = 86/100<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.albumoftheyear.org/album/7933-mf-doom-operation-doomsday.php|title=MF DOOM - Operation: Doomsday - Reviews|publisher=[[Album of the Year (website)|Album of the Year]]|access-date=October 27, 2020|archive-date=1 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101190735/https://www.albumoftheyear.org/album/7933-mf-doom-operation-doomsday.php|url-status=live}}</ref>
| rev1 = [[AllMusic]]
| rev1 = [[AllMusic]]
| rev1Score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/operation-doomsday-mw0000068448 |title=Operation: Doomsday – MF DOOM |publisher=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=12 May 2016 |last=Cordor |first=Cyril |archive-date=18 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120718054458/http://www.allmusic.com/album/operation-doomsday-mw0000068448 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| rev1Score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name="Cordor">{{cite web |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/operation-doomsday-mw0000068448 |title=Operation: Doomsday – MF DOOM |publisher=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=12 May 2016 |last=Cordor |first=Cyril |archive-date=18 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120718054458/http://www.allmusic.com/album/operation-doomsday-mw0000068448 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| rev2 = ''[[The A.V. Club]]''
| rev2 = ''[[The A.V. Club]]''
| rev2Score = A<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.avclub.com/review/mf-doom-ioperation-doomsday-lunchboxi-55081 |title=MF Doom: Operation Doomsday: Lunchbox |work=[[The A.V. Club]] |date=26 April 2011 |access-date=12 May 2016 |last=Rabin |first=Nathan |author-link=Nathan Rabin |archive-date=5 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305185547/http://www.avclub.com/review/mf-doom-ioperation-doomsday-lunchboxi-55081 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| rev2Score = A<ref name="Rabin">{{cite web |url=http://www.avclub.com/review/mf-doom-ioperation-doomsday-lunchboxi-55081 |title=MF Doom: Operation Doomsday: Lunchbox |work=[[The A.V. Club]] |date=26 April 2011 |access-date=12 May 2016 |last=Rabin |first=Nathan |author-link=Nathan Rabin |archive-date=5 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305185547/http://www.avclub.com/review/mf-doom-ioperation-doomsday-lunchboxi-55081 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| rev3 = ''[[Muzik]]''
| rev3 = ''[[Muzik]]''
| rev3Score = 5/5<ref>{{cite journal |title=MF DOOM: Operation Doomsday (Subverse, USA) |journal=[[Muzik]] |issue=74 |date=July 2001 |last=Ashon |first=Will |page=145}}</ref>
| rev3Score = 5/5<ref>{{cite journal |title=MF DOOM: Operation Doomsday (Subverse, USA) |journal=[[Muzik]] |issue=74 |date=July 2001 |last=Ashon |first=Will |page=145}}</ref>
Line 73: Line 80:
| rev4Score = 6/10<ref>{{cite journal |title=MF DOOM: Operation Doomsday |journal=[[NME]] |date=30 June 2001 |page=41}}</ref>
| rev4Score = 6/10<ref>{{cite journal |title=MF DOOM: Operation Doomsday |journal=[[NME]] |date=30 June 2001 |page=41}}</ref>
| rev5 = ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]''
| rev5 = ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]''
| rev5Score = 8.9/10<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/15359-operation-doomsday/ |title=MF DOOM: Operation Doomsday |work=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]] |date=25 April 2011 |access-date=12 May 2016 |last=Cohen |first=Ian |archive-date=29 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429164824/http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/15359-operation-doomsday/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| rev5Score = 8.9/10<ref name="Cohen">{{cite web |url=http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/15359-operation-doomsday/ |title=MF DOOM: Operation Doomsday |work=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]] |date=25 April 2011 |access-date=12 May 2016 |last=Cohen |first=Ian |archive-date=29 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429164824/http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/15359-operation-doomsday/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| rev6 = ''[[Record Collector]]''
| rev6 = ''[[Record Collector]]''
| rev6Score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://recordcollectormag.com/reviews/operation-doomsday |title=MF DOOM – Operation Doomsday |journal=[[Record Collector]] |issue=388 |date=May 2011 |access-date=12 May 2016 |last=Draper |first=Jason |archive-date=10 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510125059/http://recordcollectormag.com/reviews/operation-doomsday |url-status=live }}</ref>
| rev6Score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="Draper">{{cite journal |url=http://recordcollectormag.com/reviews/operation-doomsday |title=MF DOOM – Operation Doomsday |journal=[[Record Collector]] |issue=388 |date=May 2011 |access-date=12 May 2016 |last=Draper |first=Jason |archive-date=10 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510125059/http://recordcollectormag.com/reviews/operation-doomsday |url-status=live }}</ref>
| rev7 = ''[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]''
| rev7 = ''[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]''
| rev7Score = 8/10<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=50Phz-C_VzIC&pg=PA152 |title=KMD: Black Bastards / M.F. Doom: Operation Doomsday |journal=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]] |volume=16 |issue=8 |date=August 2000 |access-date=12 May 2016 |last=Caramanica |first=Jon |author-link=Jon Caramanica |pages=152–54 |archive-date=1 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101190659/https://books.google.com/books?id=50Phz-C_VzIC&pg=PA152 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| rev7Score = 8/10<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=50Phz-C_VzIC&pg=PA152 |title=KMD: Black Bastards / M.F. Doom: Operation Doomsday |journal=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]] |volume=16 |issue=8 |date=August 2000 |access-date=12 May 2016 |last=Caramanica |first=Jon |author-link=Jon Caramanica |pages=152–54 |archive-date=1 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101190659/https://books.google.com/books?id=50Phz-C_VzIC&pg=PA152 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| rev8 = ''[[The Village Voice]]''
| rev8 = ''[[The Village Voice]]''
| rev8Score = B+<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.robertchristgau.com/xg/cg/cgv701-01.php |title=Consumer Guide |work=[[The Village Voice]] |date=7 August 2001 |access-date=12 May 2016 |last=Christgau |first=Robert |author-link=Robert Christgau |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304043123/http://www.robertchristgau.com/xg/cg/cgv701-01.php |url-status=live }}</ref>
| rev8Score = B+<ref name="Christgau">{{cite news |url=http://www.robertchristgau.com/xg/cg/cgv701-01.php |title=Consumer Guide |work=[[The Village Voice]] |date=7 August 2001 |access-date=12 May 2016 |last=Christgau |first=Robert |author-link=Robert Christgau |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304043123/http://www.robertchristgau.com/xg/cg/cgv701-01.php |url-status=live }}</ref>
}}
}}
Upon its release, the album garnered praise from contemporary [[music journalism|music journalist]]s, and has since achieved status as a [[Cult classic|cult classic]].<ref name="Cohen"/> Writing for ''[[The Village Voice]]'', rock critic [[Robert Christgau]] remarked, "As concept, this could get tedious fast, but as a few [[Hip hop skit|skits]] it's one more scenic sonic on an album that reaches its high point when it samples not just the [[Scooby-Doo]] theme but [[Scooby-Doo (character)|Scoob]] himself, thus acknowledging that, as Scoob knows so well, some villains are just plain evil."<ref name="Christgau"/> He concluded, "Right, the album never comes into full focus. But it does flow, as music and as signifying. Message: this smart guy had some horrible setbacks and came out on the other side. A [[role model]], you might say."<ref name="Christgau"/> [[AllMusic]]{{'}}s Cyril Cordor stated, "For the hardcore Doom fans, the recorded-in-the-basement quality is appealing and representative of his persona as the underdog who "came to destroy rap." ... Even though this album is certainly not for everyone, you can easily respect from where the man is coming."<ref name="Cordor"/> Jason Draper of ''[[Record Collector]]'' opined, "Doom may have become more accomplished – not least recording with [[Madlib]] and [[Danger Mouse]] – but this outside attack launched the bomb, and made MF Doom the [[Leftfield hip hop|leftfield]] hero that he remains today."<ref name="Draper"/> ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]''{{'}}s Ian Cohen described the album as DOOM's "warmest and most benevolent work, almost entirely bled of the angrier material that would mark future releases." Their review of the 2011 reissue also called the album "a must-hear in just about any format."<ref name="Cohen"/> In his review of the 2011 reissue, [[Nathan Rabin]] from ''[[The A.V. Club]]'' argued that since its initial release ''Operation: Doomsday'' has "attained mythic status; its legend has grown in proportion to its relative unavailability, and to DOOM’s ascent to cult godhood."<ref name="Rabin"/> On the album's 20th anniversary, ''[[Stereogum]]'' described it as "an immediately engaging display of [DOOM's] raw talent as both a rapper and producer, as well as an engrossing origin story for the most popular of his many alter-egos."<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-04-19|title='Operation: Doomsday' Turns 20|url=https://www.stereogum.com/2040515/mf-doom-operation-doomsday-turns-20/reviews/the-anniversary/|access-date=2021-01-03|website=Stereogum|language=en}}</ref>

===Legacy===
⚫
''Operation: Doomsday'' was heralded as an underground classic in spite of being discarded as poorly produced backpack rap, establishing the rank of MF Doom in [[underground rap]] during the early to mid-2000s.<ref name="Cordor"/> Writing for streaming service [[Tidal (service)|Tidal]], Dylan Green and Donna-Claire Chesman called the album "a blueprint for all of independent rap", citing its "dusty cartoon samples", lo-fi production, and DOOM's "stream-of-consciousness flows" in particular.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tidal.com/magazine/article/mf-dooms-operation-20/1-54901|title=MF DOOM’s ‘Operation: Doomsday’ is the Blueprint for Independent Hip-Hop|last1=Green|first1=Dylan|last2=Chesman|first2=Donna-Claire|date=20 April 2019|access-date=3 January 2021|website=TIDAL Magazine|language=en}}</ref>


===Accolades===
===Accolades===

Revision as of 16:23, 22 February 2021

Operation: Doomsday
Studio album by
MF DOOM
ReleasedApril 20, 1999
Genre
Length58:21
LabelFondle 'Em
ProducerMF DOOM
MF DOOM chronology
Mr. Hood (with KMD)
(1991) 		Operation: Doomsday
(1999) 		MF EP
(2000)
Singles from Operation: Doomsday
  1. "Dead Bent" / "Gas Drawls" / "Hey!"
    Released: 1997
  2. "Greenbacks" / "Go with the Flow"
    Released: 1997
  3. "The M.I.C." / "Red & Gold"
    Released: 1998
  4. "I Hear Voices Pt. 1"
    Released: 2001
    (2001 re-release)
Alternative covers
File:Operation Doomsday Complete.jpg
2011 re-release edition
Alternative cover
File:Operation Doomsday Remastered (2015).jpg
2015 remastered edition

Operation: Doomsday is the debut studio album by rapper MF DOOM, marking his return to the hip hop scene after the demise of his group KMD. The album was released through Fondle 'Em Records on April 20, 1999, and reissued by Sub Verse Records in 2001 with a slightly altered track listing.[1] Operation: Doomsday has been ranked as one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time. A remastered edition of the original version was released in 2015.[2]

Background

In the early 1990s, MF Doom, then known as Zevlove X, suffered the devasting loss of his brother and fellow K.M.D. member, DJ Sub-Roc. Their record label Elektra dropped the group and halted the release of their second studio album, Black Bastards, due to its political message and cover art.[3] Doom's experiences left him emotionally scarred with a lingering pain that manifested in the late-1990s as a masked hip-hop supervillain in Operation: Doomsday, released on on Fondle 'Em Records.[3]

Following the disbanding of KMD and the death of his brother, Zev Love X developed a new stage name beginning with an abbreviation for Metal Face. Conceptually, his persona is based on Marvel Comics villain Dr. Doom and desires to rule the world for its own good.[4][3]

Recording and production

MF DOOM produced Operation: Doomsday through the use of low-fidelity bedroom production and low-budget audio mixing techniques.[5][3] The recording exhibits a lo-fi quality, retaining some minor flaw and imperfections.[6] His record production maintains a left-field finish, featuring an at times abstract mixture of 1980s soul and smooth jazz loops with vintage drum breaks.[3][5] DOOM's usage of smooth jazz loops serve to alleviate muffled recording sounds while incorporating cartoon samples.[5]

Music and lyrics

Operation: Doomsday is a lo-fi recording, with MF DOOM presenting bedroom electro.[5] Despite being an earthly work born from tragedy, his debut album revisits the cartoon pleasure of late-1980s hip-hop.[5] It contains an array of samples ranging from Hanna-Barbera cartoon series Scooby-Doo to English band Sade while expressing smooth jazz loops which bring balance to muffled soundscapes.[5] In addition, the album features thematic skits as well as the guest appearances from MF Doom's Monsta Island Czars collective.[6]

The pretense for the concept behind Operation: Doomsday was reminiscent to that of Marvel Comics supervillain Dr. Doom, with terrible setbacks and tragedy leading to the birth of his villainous persona.[3][4] After suffering the devasting death of his brother and having their group was dropped from their record label, MF Doom, formerly known as Zevlove X, was left emotionally scarred with a lingering pain that manifested in the form of a masked hip-hop supervillain.[3] Drawing from the weight of his past, Operation: Doomsday is compact with frank, sincere lyrics and hard, piercing rhymes. MF Doom uses a raw and lyrically dexterous delivery to recite palatable, off-kilter rhymes that contain obscure references.[3]

Release and promotion

It was announced on December 16, 2010 that Operation: Doomsday was being reissued in 2011. The reissue cover was designed by Jason Jagel, who did the art for Mm..Food.[7] It was reported that there were licensing issues with the original artwork, which was designed by[8] the famed graffiti writer Keo X-Men,[9] that caused problems with reissuing. Stones Throw Records stated that DOOM was working on a track-listing for the reissue.[10]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[3]
The A.V. ClubA[12]
Muzik5/5[13]
NME6/10[14]
Pitchfork8.9/10[6]
Record Collector[5]
Spin8/10[15]
The Village VoiceB+[4]

Upon its release, the album garnered praise from contemporary music journalists, and has since achieved status as a cult classic.[6] Writing for The Village Voice, rock critic Robert Christgau remarked, "As concept, this could get tedious fast, but as a few skits it's one more scenic sonic on an album that reaches its high point when it samples not just the Scooby-Doo theme but Scoob himself, thus acknowledging that, as Scoob knows so well, some villains are just plain evil."[4] He concluded, "Right, the album never comes into full focus. But it does flow, as music and as signifying. Message: this smart guy had some horrible setbacks and came out on the other side. A role model, you might say."[4] AllMusic's Cyril Cordor stated, "For the hardcore Doom fans, the recorded-in-the-basement quality is appealing and representative of his persona as the underdog who "came to destroy rap." ... Even though this album is certainly not for everyone, you can easily respect from where the man is coming."[3] Jason Draper of Record Collector opined, "Doom may have become more accomplished – not least recording with Madlib and Danger Mouse – but this outside attack launched the bomb, and made MF Doom the leftfield hero that he remains today."[5] Pitchfork's Ian Cohen described the album as DOOM's "warmest and most benevolent work, almost entirely bled of the angrier material that would mark future releases." Their review of the 2011 reissue also called the album "a must-hear in just about any format."[6] In his review of the 2011 reissue, Nathan Rabin from The A.V. Club argued that since its initial release Operation: Doomsday has "attained mythic status; its legend has grown in proportion to its relative unavailability, and to DOOM’s ascent to cult godhood."[12] On the album's 20th anniversary, Stereogum described it as "an immediately engaging display of [DOOM's] raw talent as both a rapper and producer, as well as an engrossing origin story for the most popular of his many alter-egos."[16]

Legacy

Operation: Doomsday was heralded as an underground classic in spite of being discarded as poorly produced backpack rap, establishing the rank of MF Doom in underground rap during the early to mid-2000s.[3] Writing for streaming service Tidal, Dylan Green and Donna-Claire Chesman called the album "a blueprint for all of independent rap", citing its "dusty cartoon samples", lo-fi production, and DOOM's "stream-of-consciousness flows" in particular.[17]

Accolades

Publication Country Accolade Year Rank
Complex US 25 Best Long Island Rap Albums[18] 2012 5
Consequence of Sound US Top 20 Hip-Hop Solo Albums[19] 2013 9
Fact UK The 100 Best Albums of the 1990s[20] 2012 37
100 Best Indie Hip-Hop Records of All Time[21] 2015 6
About.com US 100 Best Hip-Hop Albums[22] 2015 97
Hip-Hop Connection US The 100 Greatest Rap Albums 1995-2005[23] 2006 3

Track listing

All tracks produced by MF DOOM.

Side Zero[24]
No.TitleLength
1."The Time We Faced Doom" (Skit)2:04
2."Doomsday"4:58
3."Rhymes Like Dimes" (featuring Cucumber Slice)4:19
4."The Finest" (featuring Tommy Gunn)4:01
5."Back in the Days" (Skit)0:46
Side One
No.TitleLength
1."Go with the Flow"3:36
2."Tick, Tick…" (featuring MF Grimm)4:05
3."Red and Gold" (featuring King Ghidra)4:43
4."The Hands of Doom" (Skit)1:52
5."Who You Think I Am?" (featuring X-Ray, Rodan, Megalon, K.D., King Ghidra, and Kong)3:24
Side Two
No.TitleLength
1."Doom, Are You Awake?" (Skit)1:13
2."Hey!"3:47
3."Operation: Greenbacks" (featuring Megalon)3:49
4."The Mic"3:04
5."The Mystery of Doom" (Skit)0:24
Side Three
No.TitleLength
1."Dead Bent"2:22
2."Gas Drawls"3:46
3."?" (featuring Kurious)3:09
4."Hero vs. Villain (Epilogue)" (featuring E. Mason)2:59
Total length:58:21
Side Three (2001 re-release)[25]
No.TitleLength
4."I Hear Voices" (Part One) (Bonus Track)3:03

MF DOOM is credited as a feature on the tracks "Red and Gold" and "Who You Think I Am?" under the alias "King Ghidra".

Personnel

Credits are adapted from the album's liner notes.[24]

Personnel

Additional personnel

Artwork

  • Doom – illustration
  • Scotch 79 – art direction

References

  1. ^ MF DOOM - Complete Discography Archived 15 December 2006 at the Wayback Machine
  2. ^ "Operation Doomsday: Original Version Remastered". 18 December 2015. Archived from the original on 12 July 2020. Retrieved 30 May 2017.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Cordor, Cyril. "Operation: Doomsday – MF DOOM". AllMusic. Archived from the original on 18 July 2012. Retrieved 12 May 2016.
  4. ^ a b c d e Christgau, Robert (7 August 2001). "Consumer Guide". The Village Voice. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 12 May 2016.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h Draper, Jason (May 2011). "MF DOOM – Operation Doomsday". Record Collector (388). Archived from the original on 10 May 2017. Retrieved 12 May 2016.
  6. ^ a b c d e Cohen, Ian (25 April 2011). "MF DOOM: Operation Doomsday". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on 29 April 2011. Retrieved 12 May 2016.
  7. ^ "Jason Jagel for MF DOOM operation:doomsday Reissue". Archived from the original on 20 January 2010. Retrieved 20 January 2010.
  8. ^ https://www.discogs.com/MF-Doom-Operation-Doomsday/master/8470. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  9. ^ https://www.discogs.com/artist/979437. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  10. ^ "A peek at MF DOOM's Operation Doomsday reissue in 2010". Archived from the original on 10 September 2017. Retrieved 20 January 2010.
  11. ^ "MF DOOM - Operation: Doomsday - Reviews". Album of the Year. Archived from the original on 1 January 2021. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  12. ^ a b Rabin, Nathan (26 April 2011). "MF Doom: Operation Doomsday: Lunchbox". The A.V. Club. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 12 May 2016.
  13. ^ Ashon, Will (July 2001). "MF DOOM: Operation Doomsday (Subverse, USA)". Muzik (74): 145.
  14. ^ "MF DOOM: Operation Doomsday". NME: 41. 30 June 2001.
  15. ^ Caramanica, Jon (August 2000). "KMD: Black Bastards / M.F. Doom: Operation Doomsday". Spin. 16 (8): 152–54. Archived from the original on 1 January 2021. Retrieved 12 May 2016.
  16. ^ "'Operation: Doomsday' Turns 20". Stereogum. 19 April 2019. Retrieved 3 January 2021.
  17. ^ Green, Dylan; Chesman, Donna-Claire (20 April 2019). "MF DOOM's 'Operation: Doomsday' is the Blueprint for Independent Hip-Hop". TIDAL Magazine. Retrieved 3 January 2021.
  18. ^ "The 25 Best Long Island Rap Albums – 5. MF DOOM, Operation: Doomsday (1998)". Complex. 8 July 2012. Archived from the original on 25 June 2013. Retrieved 25 January 2017.
  19. ^ "Top 20 Hip-Hop Solo Albums". Consequence of Sound. 23 October 2013. Archived from the original on 27 September 2019. Retrieved 25 January 2017.
  20. ^ "The 100 Best Albums of the 1990s". FACT Magazine: Music News, New Music. Archived from the original on 5 September 2012. Retrieved 26 February 2017.
  21. ^ "The 100 best indie hip-hop records of all time – 06. MF DOOM – Operation: Doomsday(Fondle 'Em, 1999)". Fact. 25 February 2015. Archived from the original on 28 February 2015. Retrieved 25 January 2017.
  22. ^ "100 Best Hip-Hop Albums (1/10)". About.com. Archived from the original on 3 July 2015. Retrieved 25 January 2017.
  23. ^ "HIP-HOP CONNECTION's 100 BEST ALBUMS 1995-2005". RateYourMusic. Retrieved 26 February 2017.
  24. ^ a b Operation: Doomsday (liner notes). MF DOOM. New York, New York: Fondle 'Em Records. 1999. FE-86.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  25. ^ Operation: Doomsday (liner notes). MF DOOM. New York, New York: Sub Verse Music. 2001. SVM13.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
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