Operation: Greenbacks

Operation: Greenbacks

MF DOOM (Ft. Megalon)

“Operation: Greenbacks” is a standout track on the 1999 album Operation: Doomsday by MF DOOM. The song is a scathing critique of the music industry and its exploitation of artists and their work.

DOOM uses the metaphor of a spy movie heist to describe his mission to “rob the game” and reclaim his artistic integrity. He describes the industry’s practices as “treacherous”, and emphasizes his desire to “take back what’s rightfully mine” to regain control over his music.

The song’s production is built around a sample from the 1972 song “Ike’s Mood I” by Isaac Hayes, which provides a soulful and atmospheric backdrop for DOOM’s incisive lyrics. DOOM’s flow is characteristically complex and intricate, with rapid-fire rhymes and clever wordplay that underscore his status as one of the most innovative and inventive MCs in hip-hop history.

“Operation: Greenbacks” is widely regarded as a highlight of the Operation: Doomsday album, and a seminal work in the hip-hop genre. Its combination of socially-conscious lyrics and innovative production has influenced countless artists in the years since its release, and it stands as a testament to DOOM’s enduring impact on the world of hip-hop.