Daniel Dumile (aka
MF Doom) concluded a prolific 2003 with this paranoiac collection of warped city tales, released under the alter ego
Viktor Vaughn. Having relegated production duties to a committee consisting of
RJD2 and relative unknowns
King Honey,
Heat Sensor, and
Max Bill,
Dumile's full attention is left for the mike. With his mush-mouthed delivery as currency, the charismatic MC delivers a phone book of impressionistic rhyme trails, barmy anecdotes, and twisted punchlines that siphon humor into the grayest scenarios.
Vaudeville Villain's story-raps are just as brilliantly spun -- the immaculate "Let Me Watch" features
Apani B Fly guesting as
Vaughn's vestal romantic foil and ends on a note that strikes just the right balance between
Vaughn's comedic and sordid qualities. Grubby and excitable, the album's production is no less superb, with
RJD2's "Saliva,"
Heat Sensor's "Never Dead," and
King Honey's title track standing out as high points. Dense, bright, and packed with ideas,
Vaudeville Villain is
Dumile at his absolute best.