Not since 2004 has the man of many names delivered a solo project to the people. And now, to add to his array of pseudonyms, The Super Villain has dropped his previous titles and now just goes by DOOM.

“Born Like This” is DOOM’s first solo project since “MM...Food,” a collaboration with DJ Danger Mouse that came out in 2006. This follow-up album takes a heavy right-hand turn out of the fun-loving, laid back lyrics and sound that smothered “MM...Food” and into a more serious, definitive album that surpasses all previous work.

Unlike most albums, DOOM handed off some tracks for different producers to lay beats on. Jake One, Madlib and the late J Dilla lent their drum pads and synthesizers for a track or two, almost outshining DOOM on his own album.

The track “Gazzillion Ear” sewed together two unreleased J Dilla beats, creating two different DOOM personas, as if he needs any more. In another collaboration, J Dilla’s “Dig It” has a melody that listeners can groove to, ideally with the top down on a convertible, going 90 mph on an empty highway. “Phantom of the Synths” pops up in the middle of the album and gets immediately dark and ominous, making the song much more appropriate for a grimy dance party in someone’s basement.

Jake One and Madlib contribute to the CD with standout tracks “Ballskin” and “Absolutely,” respectively. Jake One takes a minute and a half jab at DOOM, heightening the album’s intensity. Seemingly without a breath, DOOM ravages the track: “He wears a mask so when he dons his face / Each and every race / could absorb the bass / In the place to be / Don’t believe the hyperbole / It’s like a murder spree / get sniped verbally.”

The more toned down “Absolutely” re-establishes the Madvillain connection between DOOM and Madlib. With Madlib slowing down the pace, the track increases the likelihood of listeners’ heads bobbing and hips swaying because of the new tone of the album. Ghostface, aka Tony Starks, featured on “Angelz,” runs with the same mood, making it just as pleasant to listen to as the previous. DOOM’s familiar beat comes back into play by the end of the album, though. With an emphasis on heavy horns and an almost seductive flow, DOOM makes any collaboration refreshing.

“Born Like This” definitely makes up for DOOM’s lack of new material in the past five years. Jam-packed with a cast of hip-hop’s all-stars and an eclectic mix of rhythmic patterns from smooth to vicious, DOOM’s patented play on words and strong production crew stand to be some of his best work yet.