“Dead Bent” is a standout track on the 1999 album Operation: Doomsday by MF DOOM. The song is a meditation on mortality and the fragility of life and showcases DOOM’s skill as a lyricist and his ability to tackle weighty themes with grace and subtlety.

The song’s production is built around a sample from the 1975 song “Breakout” by Johnny Hammond, which provides a soulful and mellow backdrop for DOOM’s introspective lyrics. DOOM’s flow is characterized by his use of internal rhymes and assonance, which give the lyrics a musical quality that complements the song’s production.

At its core, “Dead Bent” is a reflection on the human condition and the struggle to find meaning in a world where death is an ever-present reality. DOOM uses vivid imagery to describe the physical decay of the human body, as well as the emotional toll of living in a society marked by poverty, violence, and addiction.

Despite its heavy subject matter, the song is also marked by DOOM’s wit and humour, which surface in his clever wordplay and playful use of language. This balance of darkness and light is a hallmark of DOOM’s style and has helped to make him one of the most celebrated and influential MCs in the history of hip-hop.

“Dead Bent” is widely regarded as a classic in the hip-hop canon, and a testament to DOOM’s enduring impact on the genre. Its combination of introspective lyrics and innovative production has influenced countless artists in the years since its release, and it stands as a powerful example of the transformative power of hip-hop music.