Introduction
The hip hop duo Madvillain, consisting of MF DOOM and Madlib, released their debut album Madvillainy in 2004. This collaboration between the masked lyrical virtuoso DOOM and the avant-garde beatmaker Madlib resulted in one of the most groundbreaking albums in hip hop history.
Despite both artists being critically acclaimed in their own right, Madvillainy marked the first time DOOM and Madlib had worked together. Coming out on the independent label Stones Throw Records, the album initially flew under the radar. However, over time it developed a cult following and is now considered an underground masterpiece.
Upon release, Madvillainy received universal acclaim from critics who praised its unconventional sound. The production by Madlib drew comparisons to psychedelic rock and jazz, while DOOM’s abstract lyrics were dubbed poetic genius. Although it wasn’t a mainstream commercial success, Madvillainy is now recognized as one of the most forward-thinking hip hop albums ever made. Its influence on future experimental and alternative hip hop is undeniable.
Madvillainy Album Review
Madvillainy is a genre-bending album that showcases the avant-garde production style of Madlib and the abstract lyricism of MF DOOM. Upon its release in 2004, the album received widespread critical acclaim for its experimental nature and left-field approach to hip hop.
At first listen, Madvillainy feels chaotic and disjointed, with Madlib’s lo-fi, psychedelic production colliding with DOOM’s stream-of-consciousness rhyme schemes. But beneath the initial madness lies a method – each track flows seamlessly into the next, creating a cohesive sonic experience.
Songs like "Accordion" exemplify the duo’s chemistry, with its hypnotic bassline and DOOM’s clever internal rhymes. "All Caps" shows their harder edge, with a menacing beat and DOOM’s aggressive delivery. The album highlight "Rhinestone Cowboy" features a brilliant Madlib remix of the classic Glen Campbell song.
Madvillainy pushed the boundaries of underground hip hop by fully embracing an avant-garde aesthetic. The album’s gritty sound, filled with obscure film and music samples, created an unprecedented collage of sounds. DOOM’s abstract lyrics broke from conventional song structure, filled with non-sequiturs and pop culture references. Together, Madlib and DOOM expanded the possibilities for hip hop production and lyricism.
The Genius of Madlib’s Production
Madlib’s production on Madvillainy is nothing short of genius. He utilizes obscure samples from all genres and eras to craft a psychedelic, lo-fi soundscape entirely from vintage equipment and analog mediums.
Rather than relying on popular songs, Madlib digs deep into his famously massive record collection to find one-of-a-kind samples. On the track "America’s Most Blunted" for example, he samples the 1970 Brazilian jazz fusion song "Moon River" by Quattro Azes. This type of crate-digging defined his unique style.
The album’s avant-garde sound is also shaped by Madlib’s unorthodox chopping and sampling methods. He employs techniques like backmasking, speeding up vocals, and extreme tape manipulation to warp the samples into something entirely unrecognizable from the source. Songs like "Rainbows" demonstrate how he can turn a soul sample into a nightmarish funhouse mirror reflection.
Vintage samplers, synthesizers, and mixers were used exclusively to construct Madvillainy’s distinctive lo-fi texture. Rather than crisp digital production, the album exudes the warm crackle of vinyl and haunted analog hum of tape. Madlib’s mastery of these tools produces audio hallucinations like the hazy, psychedelic soundscapes of "Curls" and "Shadows of Tomorrow."
By channeling his endless musical knowledge through unconventional methods and equipment, Madlib crafted Madvillainy’s otherworldly sound that transported hip-hop into new realms. His one-of-a-kind approach to sampling and production was an integral force in making the album a legendary genre-bending masterpiece.
MF DOOM’s Masterful Lyricism
MF DOOM’s rhyme schemes and lyrical style make him one of the most distinctive emcees in hip hop. Throughout Madvillainy, DOOM employs complex internal rhymes, vivid imagery, and references that require multiple listens to fully grasp.
DOOM’s flow is unpredictable and tangential – he frequently changes direction mid-verse with dense, knotty rhyme patterns. For example, on "Accordion" he rhymes:
Living off borrowed time, the clock tick faster
That’d be the hour they knock the slick blaster
Dick Dastardly and Muttley with sick laughter
A gun fight and they come to cut the mixmaster
DOOM also makes excellent use of alliteration, consonance, and assonance to add poetic flair. On "Rhinestone Cowboy" he rhymes:
Got more soul than a sock with a hole
In addition to showcasing superb technical rhyming ability, DOOM’s lyrics are filled with cryptic pop culture references and absurdist imagery. For instance, on "Figaro" he spits:
The rest is empty with no brain but the clever nerd
The best emcee with no chain ya ever heard
DOOM frequently raps from the perspective of different alter egos. On Madvillainy he takes on the role of the titular supervillain Madvillain, as well as Viktor Vaughn and King Geedorah. This adds a layer of mystique and creativity to his lyrics. For example, on "Fancy Clown" he raps from the point of view of Viktor Vaughn in a narrative about being betrayed by a woman.
Overall, DOOM’s trademark flow and dense lyricism complement the instrumental backdrops perfectly. His writing style matches the chaotic, unpredictable nature of Madlib’s production. DOOM’s masterful wordplay and concepts make Madvillainy a truly lyrical hip hop tour de force.
Madvillainy Tracklist & Standout Songs
Madvillainy contains 22 tracks that take listeners on an avant-garde hip hop journey. Here’s a breakdown of each song in order:
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"Accordion" – This hypnotic opener showcases DOOM’s abstract lyricism over Madlib’s gritty loops. The off-kilter bassline and DOOM’s internal rhyme schemes make this an instant standout.
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"Meat Grinder" – Madlib layers distorted horns and vintage soul samples on this menacing track. DOOM spits violent bars to match the chaotic beat.
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"Bistro" – A short interlude with warped vocal samples as DOOM raps from the perspective of metal face masks.
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"Raid" – Militant snares accent DOOM’s commanding flow on this hard-hitting cut. Droning vocals and dissonant samples add to the tense atmosphere.
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"America’s Most Blunted" – Spacey psychedelia underpins DOOM and Madlib’s stoner rhymes. The hazy vibe matches the trippy lyrical imagery.
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"Sickfit" – A 60-second instrumental interlude with ominous tones.
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"Rainbows" – Lush strings and heavenly choirs provide the blissful backdrop for DOOM’s playful verses.
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"Curls" – Warped jazz instrumentation brings an eccentric energy to this short track. DOOM’s lyrics explore feminine beauty.
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"Money Folder" – The gritty beat turns dreamy and celestial while DOOM drops witty bars about cash.
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"Shadows of Tomorrow" – A one-minute outro with a vocal hook over melancholy keys.
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"Operation Lifesaver" – Military drums kick off this high-energy track with DOOM’s commanding flow.
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"Figaro" – One of the biggest standouts. DOOM unleashes hilarious lyrics atop a haunting vocal loop.
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"Hardcore Hustle" – A grinding instrumental interlude.
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"Strange Ways" – Horn stabs accent DOOM’s unorthodox rhyme schemes on this highlight.
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"Fancy Clown" – A bass-driven track with DOOM telling a story of heartbreak and infidelity.
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"Eye" – Somber piano chords complement DOOM’s introspective verses.
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"All Caps" – The album’s most aggressive song. DOOM spits battle rhymes over the menacing, percussive beat.
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"Great Day" – A mellow, one-minute outro with atmospheric samples.
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"Rhinestone Cowboy" – Madlib’s psychedelic remix of the classic track with new DOOM verses.
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"Madvillainy" – The title track has a collage of eclectic samples as DOOM boasts in spectacular fashion.
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"Money Folder" – A remix of track 9 with added vocal samples.
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"Shadows of Tomorrow" – A reprise of track 10 closes out the album.
The Enduring Legacy of Madvillainy
Over the years since its release, Madvillainy has only grown in critical acclaim and popularity. The album is considered a cult classic in underground hip hop circles and has had a major influence on the genre.
Madvillainy was met with universal acclaim upon release, with a Metacritic score of 89. Pitchfork gave the album a 9.5 rating, calling it "an album of epic ambition" while XXL Magazine deemed it an "instant classic." In the years since, Madvillainy has been named to numerous "Best Albums of the 2000s" lists from outlets like Rolling Stone, Complex, Spin and more. Even mainstream music publications have sung its praises, cementing its status as a cross-over critical darling.
Beyond critical praise, Madvillainy has garnered a substantial cult following and become essential listening for any true hip hop head. Its sound was years ahead of its time and the album has only grown in popularity through word of mouth. Madvillain themselves have added to the mystique by rarely performing live together. For many fans, the album has taken on an almost mythic quality.
But Madvillainy’s most important legacy is its influence on future generations of experimental hip hop. Artists like Earl Sweatshirt, J Dilla, Tyler the Creator and Flying Lotus have all cited the album as a major inspiration. Madvillain’s avant-garde jazz-rap fusion on Madvillainy opened the doors for alternative hip hop acts to thrive. The album’s lo-fi aesthetic can be heard in modern hip hop production as well. Even today, 18 years later, the fingerprints of Madvillainy can be felt across the genre.
Where to Stream & Buy Madvillainy
Madvillainy is available to stream on most major music platforms, making it easy to listen to the album digitally.
Streaming
Purchase
- Vinyl – Original and reissued vinyl can be purchased.
- CD – Compact disc version available.
- Digital Download – Download via iTunes.
- Cassette – Limited edition cassette tape.
Special Editions
- Box Set – Limited 4xLP box set with instrumental versions.
- Remixed & Repackaged – Official remix album.
Conclusion
Madvillainy stands as one of the most creative and influential albums in hip hop history. This collaboration between MF DOOM and Madlib broke new ground with its lo-fi, sample-based production and DOOM’s abstract lyricism.
Key highlights that showcase why Madvillainy is such a masterpiece include:
- The hypnotic, avant-garde beats crafted from obscure vinyl by Madlib
- DOOM’s dense rhyme schemes and humorous pop culture references
- Songs like "Accordion" and "All Caps" that exemplify the duo’s chemistry
- How it expanded hip hop’s boundaries and inspired future experimental artists
For any hip hop fan, Madvillainy is an album that needs to be experienced firsthand. The intricacies and nuances reveal themselves more on each listen. Do yourself a favor and stream or purchase it if you haven’t already. Join the legions of fans in marveling at this one-of-a-kind collaboration.
Madvillainy will forever be remembered as a landmark album that helped shape the course of hip hop. Its influence continues to be felt and the duo’s legacy is firmly cemented. We can only hope that rumors of a Madvillainy sequel eventually come true.