In a significant turn of events, Jasmine Thompson, widow of the late rapper MF DOOM, and former Stones Throw Records manager Eothen “Egon” Alapatt have settled their long-standing dispute regarding the rapper’s cherished notebooks. The resolution was announced on March 1, 2025, following a public and legal battle that had garnered considerable attention in the hip-hop community and beyond.
On February 28, the official Instagram account for MF DOOM shared a message confirming that Thompson and Alapatt had come to a “confidential settlement.” This announcement marked a positive resolution to a contentious issue that had implications for the preservation of DOOM’s artistic legacy. The notebooks in question reportedly contain written lyrics and ideas for some of DOOM’s most iconic works, including Operation Doomsday, Madvillainy, and MM…FOOD, as well as unreleased content that fans have long sought to uncover.
In statements issued by both parties, it was clarified that the notebooks would be returned to Thompson, who will now decide on the future of these invaluable writings. Alapatt expressed his deep respect for DOOM, stating, “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.” He further emphasized that the resolution represents a significant triumph in protecting the genesis of a once-in-a-lifetime talent.
Thompson also expressed relief at bringing the matter to a close, noting, “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.” She acknowledged Alapatt’s role in preserving the notebooks and expressed gratitude for their return as part of the settlement.
The dispute over the notebooks had its origins in a lawsuit filed in 2023, wherein Thompson accused Alapatt of acquiring the notebooks without DOOM’s consent while the rapper was out of the country. According to the lawsuit, Alapatt allegedly denied possessing the notebooks until confronted by DOOM. Alapatt claimed that he was entitled to the works because he had paid $12,500 in rent on behalf of the late artist.
The lawsuit also alleged that Alapatt had made unauthorized digital copies of the notebooks, which he did not intend to publish but had shared with others. This raised concerns about the potential infringement of DOOM’s intellectual property rights, as the estate sought to protect the integrity of the rapper’s artistic output.
This resolution serves not only to return the notebooks to their rightful owner but also to reaffirm the importance of preserving an artist’s legacy in a manner that respects their creative contributions. MF DOOM, known for his intricate wordplay and unique persona, left an indelible mark on hip-hop culture, and the preservation of his work is crucial for both fans and historians of the genre.
As the news of the settlement circulates, it highlights the complexities involved in managing an artist’s estate and the challenges that can arise when personal relationships intersect with creative legacies. The return of DOOM’s notebooks is a significant step in honoring his memory and ensuring that his contributions to music continue to inspire future generations.
This development comes amidst a backdrop of other high-profile stories in the music industry, including ongoing legal challenges faced by prominent figures such as Diddy and the recent passing of iconic artists like Angie Stone. The intersection of artistry, legacy, and legal battles remains a poignant theme in today’s entertainment landscape, underscoring the need for transparency and respect in the preservation of artistic work.
