News broke on New Year’s Eve that MF DOOM had “transitioned” on October 31st, 2020. The independent hip hop icon known for wearing a mask, passed away on a day where others wear masks, in a year where everyone should wear masks. His wife Jasmine announced the news to the public on MF Doom’s Instagram account. She wrote, “The greatest husband, father, teacher, student, business partner, lover and friend I could ever ask for. Thank you for all the things you have shown, taught and given to me, our children and our family.” Doom and his brother formed the group KMD in the 90s. The Metal Face Doom persona evolved several years after his brother was killed in 1993. The character was modeled after Marvel’s Doctor Doom.

Local Artists ryanwritesonthings, richiefromthehill, the_backstah, and hoanmcdonutz sprayed out a full wall on the side of Aura in Portland to pay tribute to “The Illest Villian.” A fitting memorial for a genius that was not only an accomplished rapper and producer but also a celebrated graffiti artist. Check out MF DOOM working on a piece in the interview w/ Adidas below.

RIP MF DOOM (remember ALL CAPS when you spell the man name)