In 1995 Brooklyn's AZ (aka Anthony Cruz) dropped his debut album "Doe or Die". A short twelve track release this is an excellent album full of memorable lyrics, beats and production. After the intro a hungry AZ rips up "Uncut Raw", a grimey track about the streets. The next two cuts are more laidback and both are outstanding, AZ rhymes over an ill beat on "Gimme Your's" then talks about money hungry women on "Ho Happy Jackie". Az excels in lyrically repping himself on "Rather Unique", then rhymes over a crazy beat on "I feel for You". AZ talks about life, death, his plans and ambitions backed by some smooth female vocals and an addictive beat on the sick "Sugar Hill". On "Illmatic" AZ and Nas dropped a classic collabration with "Life's a Bitch", on this album they drop another amazing track with "Mo Money, Mo Murder Homocide", both rhyme and AZ drops a premium chorus. The chemistry these two have is incredible and I am still waiting for that collabration album, hopefully that will happen one day. Az continues to shine on the title track then takes a change going political on the dark "We Can't Win". AZ then talks to and about incarcerated prisoners putting himself in there role on "Your World Don't Stop", to me theres a hopeful message behind it which is basically keep on going. Sugar Hill (Remix) closes off the album, its a good track but theres no way you can make the original better in my opinion. AZ lyrically shines on "Doe Or Die", this to me is his greatest album and one that I would recommend for any Hip Hop collection. People who love "

" should also love this album as its off the hook. AZ continues to be slept on by mainstream audiences but real fans appreciate gems like this release.

great rhymes and awesome production all the way through. Definately on point, throughout the entirety of the album.

AZ was unlucky this did not hit the big time, but regardless sold as much as Illmatic did (250,000) when it first came out. Unfortunately, he's second cd didn't recieve as much praise of success, although it's got easily 10 classic songs on it, and only 2 or three weak ones which come right at the start, which set a bad tone for the listener i guess...

AZ's best cd is this, followed by AZiatic, then pieces of a man, 9 Lives is his worst cd easily...

He's got a new cd coming soon, I can't wait...

peace,

This album is a pure hip-hop classic. As most of you already know, AZ is a long-time Nas collaborator, and first appeared on Nas's Illmatic, on the track "Life's A Bitch." This was one of the most anticipated debuts in 1995, and unfortunately, the sales didn't match AZ's hype. A number of reasons could explain this, but I don't want to get into them.

What I do want to say is that this album is full of hip-hop gems galore. From one of my all-time favorite tracks, "Mo' Money, Mo' Murder 'Homicide'" to the summertime anthem, "Sugar Hill," this album shines in all aspects. The production for each song fits AZ's flow and lyrics perfectly. And, when it comes to lyrics, AZ is one of the most underrated lyricists in the game. When it comes to the best rapper from Queens, he, Nas, and Prodigy are neck to neck.

AZ is still releasing quality releases on a nearly-year basis, but this remains the best album in his large catalogue. I can't stress it enough... everyone should pick up this album, and support real hip-hop.

Can't really add anything new to whats been said album this album. Like most reviewers said, "Doe Or Die" to AZ is what

is to Nas. Both lyrically intellengent and interesting. Only 12 tracks deep, the album is short and right to the point. Tracks that stood out to me when I first heard this album was "Ho Happy Jackie" with excellent word play about a girl trying to play him. "Rather Unique" has a dope beat by Pete Rock using a Big Daddy Kane sample. Nas comes in for the song "Mo Money, Mo Murder" which is excellent for the two emcees to get on a track again. The song is followed by a short hidden track "Born Alone, Die Alone" (the credits are in the linear notes). Towards the end, another standout was "Your World Don't Stop" followed by an excellent beat, also covered by some female vocales for the hook. The final track is a remix of "Sugar Hill", while isn't good as the origonal (which is great), it's still a good addition for a remix song for the end of the album.

Doe Or Die is a great album from '95. If you dug albums such as

,

, or

(all albums roughly comming out the same time), than I'm sure you'll like this one. AZ has had a consistant career since this album, but none will be as great as his debut. Peace!!

Lyrics: A+

Production: A

Guest Appearances: A+

Musical Vibes: A+

Top 5 Tracks:

1. Your World Don't Stop

2. Mo Money, Mo Murder (Homicide)

3. Sugar Hill (origonal)

4. Ho Happy Jackie

5. Rather Unique

Honorable Mention:

1. Do Or Die

2. Born Alone, Die Alone

This album reminds me of why I miss 90s hip hop. Ever since his guest appearance on Illmatic, AZ has been considered by me & some others as one of the best in the game. Tight lyrics, strong production, you just can't go wrong with this album. If your a fan of early Nas, Jay-Z, Biggie, and just 90s rap in general, this is a must have to your collection.