Doe or Die

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Doe or Die is the debut album by gangsta rapper AZ. Released in 1995 (see 1995 in music), AZ was introduced to the world in Nas's Illmatic in 1994. Nas himself appears on the track "Mo Money, Mo Murder (Homicide)". Although it is often claimed that the album has a similar sound to Nas's Illmatic (this may be as both albums had tracks produced by Pete Rock), Doe or Die is regarded by many critics and hip hop fans as a classic album of the East Coast hip hop genre.

Overview

Alongside Raekwon's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, Doe or Die is often considered as one of the prototypical albums of the Mafioso rap genre. The album incorporates fictitious tales chronicling the underworld lifestyle of organized crime. These cinematic narratives often depict a mobster's ascent to fame and wealth. For instance, the song, "Sugar Hill", is a highly-detailed fantasy of an lavish lifestyle that includes luxury cars, beautiful women, and beautiful scenery. In the song, AZ imagines himself vacationing in the Caribbean, while living in world-class hotels and riding yachts. Furthermore, in the song entitled, "Mo Money, Mo Murder (Homicide)," AZ and Nas create a cinematic tale recounting the murder of a powerful crime kingpin. This song is followed by a companion epilogue called "Born Alone, Die Alone" (an adaption of the crime thriller, The Godfather Part III). In "Born Alone, Die Alone," AZ, who assumes the role of an old and retired mobster, reminisces about the sins he committed in his earlier life.

Further emphasizing the Mafioso-theme, the cover of Doe or Die portrays AZ as a victim of an elaborate mob funeral. Within the cover, a stylish portrait of AZ is surrounded by flowers, while the body of the rapper is buried in a casket that contains large amounts of dollars. In addition, the liner notes and the back of the album features AZ counting money, drinking expensive wine, and smoking cigars.

Track listing

1. "Intro"
2. "Uncut Raw"
3. "Gimme Your's"
4. "Ho Happy Jackie"
5. "Rather Unique"
6. "I Feel For You"
7. "Sugar Hill"
8. "Mo Money, Mo Murder (Homicide)"
9. "Doe Or Die"
10. "We Can't Win"
11. "Your World Don't Stop"
12. "Sugar Hill - (remix)"