Metal Fingers Presents: Special Herbs Vol. 7 & 8 - 2025 US Rhymesayers 13-track LP

Anyone with even a passing knowledge of MF DOOM will know that he was more than just a rapper, but an elite lyricist, worldbuilder, producer, and artist all around. Knowing that his lyrics only tell half of the story, the Metal Fingers alias was born, dedicated to the instrumentals that his inimitable pen was written on. Released from 2001 to 2006, his Special Herbs series collects beats and instrumentals used across his many alter egos and collaborations, as well as previously unreleased herbal concoctions.

While these beats have been used on DOOM’s own records, from MM..FOOD to King Geedorah, plenty of other artists have tapped into their lyrical potential. The Special Herbs are a favourite of Ghostface Killah, who uses tracks like the dazzling ‘Fenugreek’ in hypnotic posse cuts with Wu-Tang Clan, while others have pollinated the whole hip hop spectrum from the likes of The Game to Isaiah Rashad and Joey Bada$$. More than just backing tracks lying in wait of a rapper, though, these tracks stand brilliantly as they are: used by Earl Sweatshirt, ‘Vinca Rosea’ pairs crashing, choppy drums, vibrating organs, funky bass licks, and soulful vocal samples to construct an addictive groove all on its own.

A true selector, DOOM retools records in his collection for his own smooth and vibrant rhythms. ‘Licorice’ pairs glitzy jazz funk with chopped up stutters to create a luscious sense of movement, meanwhile ‘Saffron’ lifts the glossy keys and organic percussion of Sade’s ‘Kiss Of Life’, throwing them into motion with extended scratching and punchy, broken boom bap beats. Psychedelic guitars and obscure TV dialogue permeate many of these tracks, disparate sources brought together through DOOM’s mastery of rhythm.

Whether on or off the mic, MF DOOM’s prowess in all facets of hip hop is clear, and Special Herbs forms a vital piece of his output.

Tracklisting.

1. Safed Musli
2. Emblica Officinalis
3. Licorice
4. Sarsaparilla
5. Fo Ti
6. Camphor
7. High John
8. Mandrake
9. Devil’s Shoestring
10.Wormwood
11.Cedar
12.Buckeyes
13.Chrysanthemum Flowers

Release date: September 5th - 2025