MF Doom, Madlib, Madvillain – Madvillainy (2xLP)

Madvillainy, released in 2004, is the lone full-length collaboration between MF DOOM and producer Madlib under the name Madvillain, and it’s widely regarded as one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time. The record rejects mainstream formulas, instead delivering a dense and intricate tapestry of short tracks packed with wordplay, samples, and off-kilter beats. DOOM’s rhymes are cryptic, witty, and endlessly quotable, while Madlib’s production pulls from jazz, soul, cartoon snippets, and global records to create a sound world that is both raw and surreal. Songs like Accordion, All Caps, and Figaro have become touchstones, embodying the duo’s uncompromising artistry.

Part of what makes Madvillainy so enduring is its cohesiveness—29 tracks flow seamlessly in under 50 minutes, creating an immersive experience that feels like stepping into another universe. Its lo-fi aesthetic and left-field sensibility were groundbreaking at the time and remain influential, inspiring generations of underground and mainstream artists alike. Madvillainy isn’t just an album; it’s a benchmark in hip hop innovation, a cult classic that continues to resonate with listeners around the world.

Reviews:

“Madvillainy is one of the most exciting hip-hop albums of the last decade, a dense, complex, and endlessly rewarding listen.” – Pitchfork

“DOOM’s playful villain persona meets Madlib’s crate-digging genius, resulting in an album that feels like pure alchemy.” – Rolling Stone

“A masterpiece of underground hip hop, full of imagination, humor, and dazzling creativity.” – The Guardian

“Madvillainy is as close to flawless as underground rap gets, a record that still sounds fresh and inventive.” – AllMusic