AZ-Doe Or Die

One of my favorite emcees, and of the most underrated lyricists to ever clutch a mic, released two albums in '09; G.O.D. and Legendary. For some reason, every single review I read in regards to either album had a reference to Doe Or Die. 14 years later, every reviewer expects Anthony Cruz to match/upscale his legendary mafioso manifesto.
Doe Or Die, upon first listen, is a good album undeserving of the hype given to young AZ after his (un)godly performance on Illmatic. When you drop one of hip hop's most cherished verses, anything short of Illmatic Vol.2 is a dissapointment. However, AZ went his own route for this album, developing a mafioso persona (that would later be adopted by Nas for It Was Written) and achieving an upbeat sound due to the Pete Rock/L.E.S./Buckwild/DR Period.... instrumentals. The rhymes he kicks are far more, how would you say, downbeat, minimal optimism and a full dose of rawness.

Choice Cuts:
Uncut Raw


Gimme Yours feat. Nas


Rather Unique


Doe Or Die


Where To Cop From:
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