What did rapper MF Doom look like without a mask?

MF DOOM wore a mask throughout most of his music career.

The legendary rapped died on October 31, according to his wife Jasmine's Instagram post which was also confirmed by his record label.

Why did MF Doom wear a mask?

DOOM released his first solo album Operation: Doomsday in 1999.

A stage persona emerged in that era, where the rapper always performed in a mask that reminded fans of Marvel's Doctor Doom.

MF DOOM told The New Yorker in a 2009 interview that wearing a mask "came out of necessity."

"I wanted to get onstage and orate, without people thinking about the normal things people think about. Like girls being like, 'Oh, he's sexy,' or 'I don't want him, he's ugly,' and then other dudes sizing you up," he explained.

"A visual always brings a first impression. But if there's going to be a first impression I might as well use it to control the story. So why not do something like throw a mask on?"

He is probably best known for 2004's Madvillainy, which was recorded with crate-digging producer Madlib under the moniker Madvillain, and gave the rapper his first entry on the US album chart.

According to Complex, MF Doom "is responsible for some of the most beloved hip-hop albums of all-time, including Mm.. Food and Madvillainy with Madlib."

The rapper hadn't released a solo album since 2009, but "remained active in the decade that followed and released three separate collaborative efforts."

What did MF Doom look like without a mask?

There are hardly any pictures of DOOM without his mask

DOOM said his goal was to use the facade as a character he could bring through many different stories throughout his career.

Did MF Doom always wear a mask?

DOOM adopted the mask once his solo career took off.

Early in his rap career, Dumile went under the stage name Zevlove X and formed the rap group KMD in 1988, with his younger brother DJ Subroc and another artists named Rodan.

KMD, also known as Kausing Much Damage, signed with Elektra Records in the early 1990s.

In 1991, the Dumile and KMD's debut came on 3rd Bass' song The Gas Face.

That same year the group released their first album Mr. Hood, which featured the hit Peachfuzz and Who Me?.

Dumile went solo in the late 90s, after the death of his brother Subroc, and took on a new identity as MF Doom.

His wife took to Instagram to announce his passing last year.

His cause of death was not revealed

"Thank you for all the things you have shown, taught and given to me, our children and our family," Jasmine wrote.

"Thank you for teaching me how to forgive beings and give another chance, not to be so quick to judge and write off. Thank you for showing how not to be afraid to love and be the best person I could ever be."

MF Doom's wife went on to say: "My world will never be the same without you. Words will never express what you and Malachi mean to me, I love both and adore you always."

"May THE ALL continue to bless you, our family and the planet."

Dumile is survived by his wife Jasmine and two kids.

One of their sons, King Malachi Ezekiel Dumile, was born on 22 February 2003, although he tragically passed away in 2017 at age 14.