MF DOOM’s notebooks returned to widow following lengthy legal battle

MF DOOM’s handwritten notebooks containing lyrics, unreleased song ideas, and drawings have been returned to his widow, Jasmine Dumile Thompson, following a two-year dispute.

It ends a lengthy legal battle between Thompson, DOOM’s estate, and his former A&R, Eothen “Egon” Alapatt, who was accused of improperly purchasing 32 of the late artist’s personal notebooks in 2023.

The complaint alleged copyright infringement, fraud, intentional misrepresentation, and unjust enrichment. Thompson claimed that she and DOOM’s Gas Drawls brand, now managed by his estate, held the rights to the notebooks.

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According to a statement shared to MF DOOM’s official Instagram on March 1, the “long-standing” dispute has now been “amicably resolved in a confidential settlement”.

“We are relieved to bring this chapter to a close. Over the years, there have been many public narratives concerning this matter, some of which have been misrepresented or unfairly magnified,” said Thompson.

She continued: “While differences did arise along the way, we acknowledge that Egon preserved DOOM’s invaluable notebooks and are grateful to now have them returned as part of this resolution.”

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Thompson added that she and DOOM’s family "remain steadfast on celebrating DOOM’s extraordinary legacy” and his “lasting impact on music and culture”.

Former Stones Throw label manager and A&R Eothen “Egon” Alapatt said in a statement that he purchased DOOM’s notebooks and “kept them safe for years” to ensure his legacy would be preserved.

“My only goal has always been to showcase DOOM’s lasting musical genius, and the resolution Jasmine and I have reached regarding DOOM’s notebooks represents a significant triumph in protecting the genesis of a once-in-a-lifetime talent,” he said.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter