MF DOOM’s notebooks returned to widow, ending dispute with former A&R Eothen “Egon” Alapatt

MF DOOM’s notebooks have been returned to his widow, Jasmine Dumile Thompson, bringing an end to a bitter dispute between Thompson and DOOM’s former A&R, Eothen “Egon” Alapatt.

In 2023, Thompson filed a lawsuit accusing Alapatt of copyright infringement, fraud, intentional misrepresentation and unjust enrichment. The complaint arose shortly after DOOM’s death in 2020 when Alapatt obtained a number of DOOM’s handwritten notebooks. The dispute has now been resolved and the notebooks returned to Thompson.

“We are relieved to bring this chapter to a close,” Thompson said in a statement on behalf of her family. “Over the years, there have been many public narratives concerning this matter, some of which have been misrepresented or unfairly magnified. 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. As a family, our focus remains steadfast on celebrating DOOM’s extraordinary legacy — his unparalleled artistry and his lasting impact on music and culture. We hope that this resolution serves as a step forward in continuing to honour his memory.”

Alapatt added: “DOOM was a dear friend to me and one of the most important artists I’ve ever known. I bought DOOM’s notebooks and kept them safe for years to ensure his powerful musical legacy could 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. I am proud to have played a role in saving some precious markers of DOOM’s life in music and trust Jasmine to determine the next steps for his notebooks.”

Madlib, the producer with whom DOOM worked on the critically revered ‘Midvillainy’ album, also sued Alapatt, accusing the former Stones Throw general manager of “rank self-dealing, concealing information from and repeatedly breaching his duties to Madlib.”

DOOM passed away on 31st October 2020, aged 49, at St. James’ University Hospital in Leeds due to a rare condition called angioedema as a reaction to blood pressure medication.

In July 2023, Leeds Hospital issued a public apology after a “number of concerns” were raised at an inquest into the rapper’s death.

A biography of DOOM, The Chronicles of DOOM: Unraveling Rap’s Masked Iconoclast, was written by book journalist S. H. Fernando JR, aka SKIZ, and published last year by Faber.

Also last year, Marvel paid tribute to the masked star with a special Doctor Doom comic, the first since 2000.