• Record Label: Lex
  • Release Date: Aug 21, 2012
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 26
  2. Negative: 0 out of 26
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  1. Aug 29, 2012
    70
    Fans will find that Key to the Kuffs goes from confusing letdown to intriguing mystery after just a couple listens.
  2. Aug 29, 2012
    73
    Aside from the loose DOOM-in-England motif, there's not enough of an overarching theme that Jarel's serviceable-but-indistinct production can pull together.
  3. Sep 6, 2012
    70
    It's certainly a niche album, but one that will find endless replay value for those who have been following both artists.
  4. Uncut
    Sep 14, 2012
    70
    Damon Albarn and Portishead's Beth Gibbons drop by to provide some haunting counterpoint to DOOM's gruff verbal gymnastics. [Oct 2012, p.83]
  5. Mojo
    Aug 29, 2012
    80
    DOOM is in the form of his life here. [Jun 2012, p.85]
  6. Q Magazine
    Sep 6, 2012
    80
    Lateral-thinking producer Jneiro Jarel builds complex but catchy soundscapes from bowel-shaking tuba loops, stuttering Casiotones and grime's muscle, as DOOM pinballs hypnotically through vivid metaphors and free-association rhymes. [Oct 2012, p.103]
  7. 80
    The result is excellence as usual, with DOOM rumbling along between sinister and silly while JJ slings in off-kilter operatics.
  8. Aug 29, 2012
    70
    Whilst it is certainly unlikely that Key To The Kuffs will do much to alter prevailing opinion towards his work, the record will serve as a worthy addition to Dumile's increasingly fascinating discography.
  9. Aug 29, 2012
    70
    Though Key hosts the padding typical of latter day Doom, the highlights bode well for Madvillainy 2.
  10. Aug 29, 2012
    60
    Rap paradise is paved with bad intentions and Key to the Kuffs disappoints by shying away from greatness where we've come to expect nothing less.
  11. Sep 4, 2012
    83
    The production on Key To The Kuffs, DOOM's album with Jneiro Jarel, pushes DOOM out of his comfort zone.
  12. Aug 29, 2012
    60
    While it may not hit the heights of Madvillainy (to be fair, what could?), there are some strong verses and some equally strong production.
  13. Sep 7, 2012
    70
    Decades deep into his career, Dumile hasn't lost a step lyrically. His raspy-voiced rhymes even appear to be gaining depth and complexity without sacrificing anything in flow or entertainment value. His delivery remains as fluid as ever.
  14. Aug 29, 2012
    60
    when he gets it right, he's one of the best.... Let's be honest though, the hit rate isn't great.
  15. Aug 29, 2012
    60
    He's given us a lot to unpick, even if the record isn't as cohesive as it ought to be.
  16. The Wire
    Oct 3, 2012
    40
    Another slapdash cash-in from masked rap's last bastion. [Sep 2012, p.60]
  17. Aug 29, 2012
    80
    In addition to great production and invigorated rhymes, the album also sees four guest spots from the likes of Damon Albarn of Gorillaz/Blur, Beth Gibbons of Portishead, Goodie Mob's Khujo Goodie and Boston Fielder.
  18. Aug 29, 2012
    80
    In a character-defying move he has left his crowbar at home and cockney references serve as little more than a backdrop for his usual lyrical capers. What glorious capers they are too.
  19. Aug 29, 2012
    80
    Ultimately, there are only two stars [Doom and Jneiro Jarel] that matter on this terrific album.
  20. Sep 17, 2012
    76
    Keys to the Kuffs is nothing groundbreaking, but it certainly warrants a few thorough listens.
  21. Sep 11, 2012
    80
    Key to the Kuffs certainly finds one of underground music's true antiheros in irresistibly infectious form.
  22. Jan 8, 2013
    60
    It's a decent but underwhelming album, and one that inspires apathy more than adoration or disgust.
  23. 70
    As a psychological snapshot of DOOM's current inbetween-ness, it's certainly a fascinating listen. But, interesting as it is, it's a mite too spiritless to be considered a classic DOOM record.
  24. Aug 29, 2012
    70
    Although his political ideas may be rough hewn, Doom's latest effort stands out from some of the major releases in his discography.
  25. Sep 7, 2012
    80
    Though Keys to the Kuffs is no magnum opus, occupying a place just a notch under Take Me To Your Leader in terms of execution, it is an important step for the veteran.
  26. Sep 4, 2012
    79
    It's a solid DOOM album to add to the catalog of previous releases.
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 5 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. May 8, 2021
    8
    its not one of his best, and is really different with Jneiro Jarel on the production, but it serves as an experimental album while stillits not one of his best, and is really different with Jneiro Jarel on the production, but it serves as an experimental album while still holding tracks that will hold its own through time. The best songs are guv'nor and winter blues. Guv'nor brings an acidic and powerful beat, with a catchy hook with the echo and well picked samples. Winter blues is a love song with well executed rhymes and an amazing beat and I think the best hooks on the album and he finishes off the song with some smooth jazzy singing and the violin kicks in and he says "thats that" may be a reference to his song on born like this. Overall, decent album, bit ropey but better than the czarface albums (foe sureee). Full Review »
  2. Feb 16, 2016
    10
    mf doom is one of the most lyrically gifted mcs of our time. he always has great new ideas and superb production that match his flow. thismf doom is one of the most lyrically gifted mcs of our time. he always has great new ideas and superb production that match his flow. this album has great guest appearances on here. the track with del the funk homosapien on here is great. another album that adds up to his past work. Full Review »