Doom and Madlib decided to work on different projects. Madlib released "Champion Sound" with J Dilla, while Doom released two solo albums: "Take Me to Your Leader", as King Geedorah, and "Vaudeville Villain", as Viktor Vaughn. Nevertheless, after the release of these albums, they decided to return to "Madvillainy". For the final version of the album, Doom altered his voice, described by Peanut Butter Wolf as going from "really hyper, more enthusiastic" to "a more mellow, relaxed, confident, less abrasive", and changed some lyrics to coincide with this change. Madlib was also asked by the label to change some instrumentals, but told them that he forgot the samples he used, in order to allow for them to remain on the album. Additionally, the label also requested the duo make a proper ending for the album, forcing them to rent a studio for the recording of "Rhinestone Cowboy". The beat used, however, was produced in Brazil.