One can’t deny that MF Doom was once one of the greatest musicians in hip-hop history, especially in his native UK. When the rapper’s passing was announced back in 2020, his absence left a hole that still hasn’t been filled by any artist out there yet. He was truly one of a kind, and he knew his stuff. MF Doom was even once kind enough to give some sage advice about writer’s block to aspiring musicians back in the day, and that kind of advice from an icon is priceless.
MF Doom’s Great Advice About Writer’s Block: “Get Inspiration From A Lot Of Different Things”
No matter the artist in question, everyone gets writer’s block. Being able to tap into an endless well of creativity isn’t exactly easy, and sometimes it isn’t even possible. Even talented lyricists like MF Doom suffer from writer’s block on the regular. Fortunately, Doom had some words of wisdom on how to get over that wall.
Years ago, MF Doom (also known as Daniel Dumile) said that he got over writer’s block by hunting for inspiration from things other than music.
“I’ll do something like, I’ll read… I get inspiration from a lot of different things, like, nature, silence… playing with my children,” he said.
He went on to say that creativity is often something that comes to you as a “stream of energy”. And when that creativity finally hits, it can’t be stopped; but no musician or songwriter on the planet can force it.
“When it subsides, when it goes back, you can step back for a second and you know, there’s no way to really make it happen,” Doom continued.
Doom also said that he often struggled to put things into words, even as a songwriter and rapper. That really shouldn’t be anything to feel down about; it’s simply part of being human and it happens to the very best of the best.
Listen To Genres Other Than Your Own
In another interview, MF Doom talked about how he didn’t really listen to hip-hop that much at home. Rather, he enjoyed jazz and instrumentals when he wasn’t writing.
“I write rhymes and sh*t to get money,” said Doom. “Other than that, I don’t listen to hip-hop music. I listen to jazz music and instrumentals and sh*t like that.”
This is honestly an excellent way to get out of your own head. In addition to finding inspiration outside of music, you can also find inspiration within music, just through other genres. Sometimes, you’ll get the inspiration you need from places you least expect.
MF Doom was always quite open about his creative processes, so this advice is golden.
Photo by Ross Gilmore/Redferns
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