What MF DOOM can teach you about your FRIENDS

Summary

In this analysis of MF Doom's 'Deep Fried Friends,' the reviewer explores the song's intricate storytelling and metaphors. Doom’s lyrics are broken down into three 'laws' that serve as life lessons about friendship, manipulation, and boundaries. These laws reflect Doom’s perspective on toxic relationships, drawing from both personal experiences and a broader social commentary. The review emphasizes the complexity of Doom's rhyme schemes and how they require deeper listening to fully understand the profound messages about trust, self-preservation, and the hidden dangers in relationships. The video ultimately celebrates Doom's ability to turn a seemingly light-hearted track into a cautionary tale.

Takeaways

• 😀 MF Doom is recognized as a generational talent, redefined rap with his intricate rhyme schemes and unique storytelling abilities.
• 😀 Doom’s storytelling often feels like a lesson from an experienced, almost 'drunk uncle' figure, delivering wisdom with a humorous, relatable tone.
• 😀 The track 'Deep Fried Friends' exemplifies Doom’s ability to take a simple concept and dive deep into darker themes like friendship, betrayal, and personal boundaries.
• 😀 In 'Deep Fried Friends,' Doom introduces three laws about friendship, offering listeners advice on recognizing and dealing with toxic relationships.
• 😀 Law #1: 'They call you when they need something' highlights the transactional nature of some friendships, where people only reach out when they want something from you.
• 😀 Law #2: 'No feeding the baboon' uses the metaphor of feeding seagulls at the beach to suggest that indulging exploitative people will only make them more demanding and draining.
• 😀 Law #3: 'There’s no strings' speaks to the dangers of becoming too emotionally entangled in relationships, particularly romantic ones, where one risks losing their sense of self.
• 😀 Doom’s lyrics are rich with complex metaphors and references, making his music challenging to understand at first but rewarding once listeners get past the learning curve.
• 😀 The song 'Deep Fried Friends' also explores the idea of personal growth through discernment—how identifying and cutting off toxic people can lead to a better life.
• 😀 Despite his villainous persona, MF Doom's music often reflects personal struggles with trust and the fear of being taken advantage of, using his art to process these feelings.

Q & A

What makes MF Doom's storytelling style unique?

MF Doom's storytelling style is unique because it blends complex rhymes with life lessons. His delivery is often compared to a 'drunk uncle at a cookout,' using humor and hard truths to teach the listener valuable lessons about relationships and life in general.

How does the song 'Deep Fried Frenz' explore the concept of friendship?

In 'Deep Fried Frenz,' MF Doom uses the concept of friendship to highlight its darker aspects. He presents three 'laws' that explain how friendships can sometimes be exploitative and manipulative, urging listeners to be cautious about who they let into their circle.

What is the first law of friendship that MF Doom presents in the song?

The first law of friendship, according to MF Doom, is that many people only reach out when they need something, such as material gains or favors. He suggests that these friendships are often one-sided and exploitative.

How does MF Doom use the metaphor of a 'baboom' in 'Deep Fried Frenz'?

The 'baboom' represents toxic friends who drain your resources, time, and energy. Doom advises against 'feeding' these individuals, as it only leads to exploitation, similar to how seagulls steal food from people at the beach.

What does the second law in 'Deep Fried Frenz' suggest about toxic relationships?

The second law advises not to 'feed the baboom,' meaning not to provide resources (money, time, etc.) to toxic individuals. Doom warns that doing so can lead to betrayal and exploitation, emphasizing the need to be selective about whom you trust.

What does MF Doom mean by 'no strings' in the third law of friendship?

The third law highlights the importance of avoiding emotional entanglements in relationships, particularly with women. Doom stresses that without clear boundaries and commitment, these relationships can lead to manipulation and emotional distress.

What role does the 'ghetto Cinderella' metaphor play in the song?

The 'ghetto Cinderella' metaphor represents individuals who get caught up in relationships without clear commitments, leading to emotional and personal confusion. Doom warns that falling into this trap can result in being controlled or taken advantage of.

How does MF Doom's approach to privacy in his own life relate to the themes in 'Deep Fried Frenz'?

MF Doom was known for keeping his personal life, including his relationships and friends, very private. This aligns with the themes of 'Deep Fried Frenz,' where Doom emphasizes the importance of maintaining boundaries and being cautious about who you allow into your inner circle.

What is the significance of Mr. Fantastic's appearance on 'Rap Snitch Knishes' in relation to Doom's message?

Mr. Fantastic’s feature on 'Rap Snitch Knishes' is an example of MF Doom's own practice of keeping his circle and collaborations low-key. Despite the commercial success of his music, Doom's deliberate effort to keep certain aspects of his life private reflects his broader caution about trust and transparency in relationships.

Why does MF Doom believe it's important to identify and cut off toxic people?

MF Doom emphasizes that toxic individuals can lead to betrayal, emotional harm, and personal downfall. Identifying and cutting off such people is vital to protect one's well-being and maintain healthy, beneficial relationships.