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

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  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, 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".
  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 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 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.… Expand
  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 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.
  4. TheLastBoffin
    Apr 4, 2009
    8
    "...elixir for the dry throat/ try to hit the high note/ villain since an itsy-bitsy zygote.." This is just one of a sheer calvalcade of extraordinary couplets from DOOM. And make no mistake, this album is an absolute treat for all fans of real hip hop. So what's so good about it? In short, virtually everything. There's quality production throughout. There's sizzling "...elixir for the dry throat/ try to hit the high note/ villain since an itsy-bitsy zygote.." This is just one of a sheer calvalcade of extraordinary couplets from DOOM. And make no mistake, this album is an absolute treat for all fans of real hip hop. So what's so good about it? In short, virtually everything. There's quality production throughout. There's sizzling performances from the guest artists. There's incredibly intricate and expressive rhymes, delivered by a man who's mastered his craft. And there's not a chorus in sight! Listening to DOOM is a gift that keeps on giving - you'll hear something new each time.… Collapse
  5. MFDOOM
    Mar 31, 2009
    7
    Ive got all of DOOM's albums, this one isnt his best, but if your a fan, its pretty good, about f***ing time he came out with an album though....Makes me wonder what the hell he's doing, what happened to Madvillain 2? (and dont give me anything about madlibs remix either) and what happened to Swift and Changeable collab with Ghostface??? What a villain, its worth the money if Ive got all of DOOM's albums, this one isnt his best, but if your a fan, its pretty good, about f***ing time he came out with an album though....Makes me wonder what the hell he's doing, what happened to Madvillain 2? (and dont give me anything about madlibs remix either) and what happened to Swift and Changeable collab with Ghostface??? What a villain, its worth the money if you can afford it, but I couldnt.… Expand
  6. GuruVoodoo
    Mar 28, 2009
    9
    DOOM is just too deep for the critics. Blah, blah, blah, disassociation, blahblahblah, homophobic, blah, mccain supporter, blahblah, wacky couplets. He once said something like - "rhymes so fine his own peeps couldn't follow".
  7. Schmidty15
    Mar 27, 2009
    8
    This album feels like "Operation Doomsday" reinvented. When I first listened to some of the leaked tracks I wasn't sure this album would be any good. But after coppin' it and slappin' some headphones on, I realized that this is one of DOOM's finest albums, just below Vaudville Villain & Madvillainy. With Jake One, Dilla, Madlib and Metal Fingaz himself on the boards This album feels like "Operation Doomsday" reinvented. When I first listened to some of the leaked tracks I wasn't sure this album would be any good. But after coppin' it and slappin' some headphones on, I realized that this is one of DOOM's finest albums, just below Vaudville Villain & Madvillainy. With Jake One, Dilla, Madlib and Metal Fingaz himself on the boards you can't go wrong. COP THIS ALBUM! Just don't pay to see him perform live. He probably won't show up. But that's DOOM for ya...A STRAIGHT SUPA VILLAIN!… Expand

Awards & Rankings

27
#27 Most Shared Album of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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.
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  2. Dusted Magazine
    80
    DOOM’s sounds as bold and battered as ever. You can almost hear the accumulation of Dutch Masters on his larynx.
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  3. Observer Music Monthly
    80
    Born Like This finds DOOM back to his scalpel-tongued, scatter-mouthed best.
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