During the recent Thundercat episode of The Questlove Show, the creation of MF DOOM's iconic mask was misattributed. After QLS past guests (shout out to Dante Ross), friends of the show, and our legions of dedicated listeners called out the mistake, The Questlove Show is proud to set the record straight by welcoming the mask's original and sole creator, KEO—a longtime friend, collaborator, and creative partner of DOOM.
In this QLS mini, KEO tells the story in his own words, sharing the true origin story behind the evolution of DOOM's multiple masks. He reflects on their decades-long friendship and the creative bond they forged through Hip-Hop, visual art, and a bygone era of New York City. KEO also recounts his remarkable journey through the culture—from high school lunchroom battles with Slick Rick and the Kangol Crew, to facing off with Big Daddy Kane, to his connection to 3rd Bass.
The conversation also explores KEO's ongoing efforts to celebrate the legacy of another fallen friend and cultural innovator whose work helped bridge artistic disciplines and shape the underground Hip-Hop movement.
Infinite respect to KEO.