Born Like This
by DOOM
  • Record Label: Lex
  • Release Date: Mar 24, 2009
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. AllMusic
    60
    Doom hasn't changed a whit, but by the same token, he sounds like he's repeating himself. Deft diction is one thing he's got in spades, but there aren't many lines here that will get burned into your neurons.
  2. PopMatters
    60
    Born Like This is still a damn fine record, but it’s too inconsistent to do more than simply satisfy your DOOM craving.
  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    60
    While it’s a step down from both "VV" and his Danger Mouse work, it at least might be his definitively stoned record.
  5. Tiny Mix Tapes
    60
    Born Like This is simply not as forward-thinking as his best works.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 28 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. Wallnuut
    Aug 17, 2018
    7
    While I wont really say that this is MF DOOM's best work, it was still an enjoyable project to listen to. As to be expected from DOOM, theWhile I wont really say that this is MF DOOM's best work, it was still an enjoyable project to listen to. As to be expected from DOOM, the lyrics are mostly thought provoking and deep. A couple of songs may be forgettable or uninteresting, though they are countered by those that lie on the opposite side of the spectrum such as the song "That's That".… Full Review »
  2. EricC
    Apr 8, 2009
    9
    Madlib got all the credit for the production on Madvillainy (deserved or not) but DOOM gets the spotlight back here. He uses plenty of Madlib got all the credit for the production on Madvillainy (deserved or not) but DOOM gets the spotlight back here. He uses plenty of cartoonish samples, but keeps the album grounded with harrowing real-world audio clips. The combination creates an emotional experience that is difficult to find in most hiphop acts today. And yeah, he's still a sharp and engaging rapper. I don't see what there is to be dissapointed in (though building up your legacy through rumors, controversy, nonexistent projects can make your comeback seem anticlimactic). This is one of the best albums I've heard this year, easily the best rap album.… Full Review »
  3. EdP
    Apr 7, 2009
    9
    I agreed the most with the above Pitchfork review where the album takes a few listens to sink in. It is darker in terms of the material he is I agreed the most with the above Pitchfork review where the album takes a few listens to sink in. It is darker in terms of the material he is talking about; cynical I would say. Gazzillion Ear covers all three main pseudonyms: MF, Viktor Vaughn and King Gheedorah, incredible. Regardless, the wait was worth it. All caps when you spell the man's name.… Full Review »
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