Matthew Gasteier posted a nice series of out of print hip-hop last week, but we wanted to highlight one album that's been brought back from the netherworld of shady label practices.
You gotta love a rapper with a creation myth. In brief, after unparalleled record label drama with KMD's sophomore album and family tragedy, mild-mannered Zevlove X donned a metal mask and became known as Doom - MF Doom. Armed only with a dark sense of humor and a satchel of Scooby Doo samples, he released Operation Doomsday and the rest, with help from a Danger Mouse and Madlib, was history.
Folks wanting to see our hero's alter ego get his start have been out of luck, relegated to replaying his verse on Third Bass' "Gas Face". Fortunately KMD's initial effort, Mr. Hood, has been reissued to an unsuspecting public. Coming from straight out of the halcyon Yo! MTV days and strapped with appropriated Muppets samples, the album doesn't quite flirt with the dark side like their second effort, Black Bastards, but there's still cuts for days. "Peachfuzz" could be an honorary Native Tongues joint, "Nitty Gritty" showcases a cameo from Brand Nubian in their prime, and "Who Me?" shows a nice slice of their conscious mixed with comic sensibility, as KMD enlists Bert (of Ernie & fame) to X out the sambo sentiment.