Stanisland Magazine

MF DOOM-Madlib duo album: Here’s what we know about the long-awaited hip-hop album.

The legendary duo of rapper MF DOOM (Daniel Dumile) and producer Madlib (Otis Lee Jackson, Jr) endures, with fans eagerly awaiting a second album.

Will it ever happen? I certainly hope so. Dumile’s legacy is defined by his lyrically intense yet laid-back style, which resonates with many hip-hop heads. His complex and infectious rhyme scheme, is why many fans still listen to his catalogue.

Equally, Jackson, Jr remains an in-demand music producer with a versatile boom-bap sound. His portfolio attracts a wide range of talent, including names like Freddie Gibbs, Loyle Carner, Kanye West, and Talib Kweli.

Background

In a time when quality seems to be diminishing, rhyming pioneers are seeing a resurgence. DOOM’s death sparked a renaissance of renewed interest in his music, propelling him to the top of many ‘best rapper’ lists.

Veiled by mumbles and auto-tune, the limits of rap aren’t dying, but they are being masked by a commercial strategy that record labels are keen to chase. In other words, the bottom line is what matters most in mass marketing, as evident in his origin story.

Although rap’s limits aren’t being met, they are being masked by a commercial strategy record labels keenly pursue. The ascent of mumble rap and auto-tune has inspired many to roll their eyes; Dumile’s thematic displays are seen as an antidote.

Beginning his career as Zev Love X, he, his brother DJ Subroc, and Rodan (later replaced by Onyx the Birthstone Kid) had their second album canceled following the sudden death of Dumile’s sibling.

He disappeared from the scene, falling into abject poverty, where he gathered himself to re-enter the rap game. Later, inspired by the Marvel character Doctor Doom, the artist re-emerged as ‘MF DOOM’, using his rejection from the music industry as a villain origin story to take on the powers that be.

With the 20th anniversary reissue of MM..Food on vinyl and CD, listeners have pondered the existence of unreleased material. That’s when Madvillainy 2 queries started rolling in, thanks to a prolific debut effort.

Cultural Impact

MF DOOM is cited as a major inspiration for many artists. Rappers Tyler, The Creator and Earl Sweatshirt were visibly shaken and giddy after meeting with Dumile at Reading Music Festival. Madlib has a queue of artists lining up to work with him, and is currently working on albums for Mac Miller and Erykah Badu.

His artistry has influenced a myriad of rappers and artists, not only music but also in theatrics and style. Surrounded by talented lyricists like Nas and Talib Kweli, his skill is hard to deny. Posthumously, his voice has been featured on tracks with Danger Mouse and Black Thought, Czarface, and Your Old Droog.

Latest Updates

Five years after the release of Madvillainy, the duo announced the follow-up to their debut album. Despite its delay, they left some important breadcrumbs and updates for hip-hop aficionados.

Madlib, the producer of the duo, is relatively upbeat about his partnership with Dumile. He even released demo tapes of the first project last November on vinyl titled, Madvillainy 2: The Box. While sold as a second instalment of the duo’s discography, it’s important to note that this is not the official sequel.

“Livin’ off borrowed time, the clock ticks faster” – MF DOOM

In 2011, MF DOOM revealed to the Red Bull Music Academy that he and Madlib had been working on new music. Given that it has been more than a decade since, it’s likely many songs have been recorded.

Following his death in 2021, the hip-hop community paid homage to Metal Face, including the late rapper’s assistant, who recalled his extraordinary talent. She briefly elaborated on the hotly anticipated album, saying: “We moved back to LA to work on Madvillain 2 and that album is the greatest album no one has heard yet. Built off a lot of crazy experiences and real-life situations he turned into songs, he put a lot of work into that record.”

What is Delaying its Release?

That same year, DOOM remarked the long play was due for release “soon,” and Stones Throw Records (Madvillain’s label) also confirmed that the pair were working on a sophomore album.

Madlib confirmed that ten tracks were finished, though felt much of it was in “demo form,” stating Dumile did a “one take.” Jackson said he was “going to finish it,” though he has to create new music, as “some of the beats were used.”

A combination of the rapper’s passing in 2020, perfectionism, and rights issues may play a part. Since his death, Metal Fingers’ intellectual property has changed hands, with his family’s estate now in complete ownership.

Some delays appear to be linked to disagreements between Dumile’s estate, managed by his widow, Jasmine Dumile Thompson, and a former associate of the rapper, Eothen “Egon” Alapatt. Producer Madlib has filed legal action against him for the mismanagement of funds and his refusal to return notebooks belonging to the lyricist.

As of January 14th 2025, Madlib’s home was destroyed in the California wildfires. This has resulted in the loss of “decades of music, and equipment.” His family are safe.

Album Release Date

As we’ve found out, pinpointing an exact release date isn’t possible, and it could even drop tomorrow for all we know. However, based on comments and insights from former colleagues and Madlib himself, it’s clear something is cooking; we just don’t know when it will be served up.

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We reached out to Stones Throw Records and the Dumile estate for comment but have yet to receive a response. We will keep you updated as soon as new information becomes available.