Doe or Die
Encyclopedia
Doe or Die is the debut studio album
by rapper AZ
, released October 10, 1995 on EMI Records
. The album features guest appearances by artists such as Nas
and Miss Jones
, and production from Pete Rock
, L.E.S., and Buckwild
, among others.
Upon release, Doe or Die received notable critical and commercial success. The album peaked at #15 on the Billboard 200
, and #1 on the U.S. Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart. Doe or Die produced several singles, including, "Mo Money, Mo Murder, Mo Homicide," "Gimme Your's (remix)," "Doe or Die" and "Sugar Hill" - which was certified Gold by the RIAA in 1995. The album went on to sell over a million copies AZ has planned a sequel for the album entitled Doe or Die 2, scheduled to be released sometime in 2011.
's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…, Doe or Die is often considered as one of the prototypical
albums of the Mafioso rap sub-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. Further emphasizing these themes, 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 images of AZ counting money, drinking expensive wine
, and smoking cigars.
' debut album Illmatic
, stating "The two albums are very much the twin sides of the same double-headed coin. They are so closely connected, in fact, that it's difficult to pinpoint where Doe or Dies points of departure are located." He further stated "Certainly it was one of the strongest, most promising debut efforts of 1995, and probably one of the year's strongest rap albums period." Christian Hoard from Rolling Stone
gave the album 3 out of 5 stars, and called it a "Literate, sensitive look at street life that sits comfortably, as a companion, next to Nas' masterpiece (Illmatic)." Selwyn Seyfu Hinds from Spin
rated the album 7 out of 10, and stated
Although praising the album's lyricism, and rating it 3 out of 4 stars, Los Angeles Times
writer Cheo H. Coker criticized some of the album's production, describing some of it as "lackluster beats." A critic for RapReviews.com gave the album an 8.5 out of 10 rating and labeled it as "AZ's best album to date", with the "most replay value". In regards to the Mafioso content, he stated "This album does deserve to be mentioned right alongside Only Built 4 Cuban Linx..., It Was Written, and Reasonable Doubt for popularizing the Mafioso style. In fact, it dropped before two of those three albums did." He however gave criticism to some of the album's production, and lack of consistency, explaining "Despite the shortcomings, the good tracks on this album are not just good, they are great! There are four that I would refer to as certified classics. The main problem with the album is that it could have been an all time classic itself if executive production had been better and the beat selection had been a little more on point in several cases. But all in all, this album is a slept on gem that should be in every true head's collection.".
Singles
features production from Frank Dukes, Dave Moss, Statik Selektah
, Baby Paul, Lil' Fame from M.O.P.
, and Roctimus Prime. The album also features vocals from R&B singer June Summers. All the songs from the original Doe or Die are emixed with a new beat.
Studio album
A studio album is an album made up of tracks recorded in the controlled environment of a recording studio. A studio album contains newly written and recorded or previously unreleased or remixed material, distinguishing itself from a compilation or reissue album of previously recorded material, or...
by rapper AZ
AZ (rapper)
Anthony Cruz , better known as AZ is a Grammy-nominated American rapper of Dominican & African American descent. He is known for being a long time and frequent rhyme partner of Nas, and also a member of hip-hop group The Firm alongside Nas, Foxy Brown, Cormega and Nature.In a countdown of the 10...
, released October 10, 1995 on EMI Records
EMI Records
EMI Records is the flagship record label founded by the EMI company in 1972 and launched in January 1973 as the successor to its Columbia label. The EMI label was launched worldwide...
. The album features guest appearances by artists such as Nas
Nas
Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, who performs under the name Nas , formerly Nasty Nas, is an American rapper and actor. He is regarded as one of the most important figures in hip hop and one of the most skilled and influential rappers of all-time...
and Miss Jones
Miss Jones
Tarsha Jones, better known as Miss Jones, is a former R&B artist and radio personality. Miss Jones is currently the host of the Power 99 morning show "Jonesy In The Morning" after previously working for Hot 97 until 2008.-Early life:...
, and production from Pete Rock
Pete Rock
Peter Phillips , better known by his stage name Pete Rock, is an American record producer, DJ and rapper. He rose to prominence in the early 1990s as one half of the critically acclaimed group Pete Rock & CL Smooth...
, L.E.S., and Buckwild
Buckwild
Buckwild is a Hip hop producer hailing from The Bronx, New York. Originally a DJ, Buck began producing after meeting MC/Producer Lord Finesse. He later joined Finesse's super-crew D.I.T.C., along with Showbiz and A.G., Diamond D, Fat Joe, and the late Big L and brought O.C. with him...
, among others.
Upon release, Doe or Die received notable critical and commercial success. The album peaked at #15 on the Billboard 200
Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
, and #1 on the U.S. Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart. Doe or Die produced several singles, including, "Mo Money, Mo Murder, Mo Homicide," "Gimme Your's (remix)," "Doe or Die" and "Sugar Hill" - which was certified Gold by the RIAA in 1995. The album went on to sell over a million copies AZ has planned a sequel for the album entitled Doe or Die 2, scheduled to be released sometime in 2011.
Content
Alongside RaekwonRaekwon
Corey Woods , better known by the stage name Raekwon, is an American rapper and a member of the Wu-Tang Clan. He released his solo debut, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... in 1995, and has since recorded four solo albums, as well as work with Wu-Tang and an extensive amount of guest contributions with...
's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…, Doe or Die is often considered as one of the prototypical
Prototype
A prototype is an early sample or model built to test a concept or process or to act as a thing to be replicated or learned from.The word prototype derives from the Greek πρωτότυπον , "primitive form", neutral of πρωτότυπος , "original, primitive", from πρῶτος , "first" and τύπος ,...
albums of the Mafioso rap sub-genre. The album incorporates fictitious tales chronicling the underworld lifestyle of organized crime
Organized crime
Organized crime or criminal organizations are transnational, national, or local groupings of highly centralized enterprises run by criminals for the purpose of engaging in illegal activity, most commonly for monetary profit. Some criminal organizations, such as terrorist organizations, are...
. These cinematic narratives often depict a mobster's ascent to fame and wealth. Further emphasizing these themes, 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 images of AZ counting money, drinking expensive wine
Wine
Wine is an alcoholic beverage, made of fermented fruit juice, usually from grapes. The natural chemical balance of grapes lets them ferment without the addition of sugars, acids, enzymes, or other nutrients. Grape wine is produced by fermenting crushed grapes using various types of yeast. Yeast...
, and smoking cigars.
Reception
Upon its release, Doe or Die received generally positive reviews from most music critics. Stanton Swihart from Allmusic gave the album 4½ out of 5 stars and compared certain aspects of it to rapper NasNas
Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, who performs under the name Nas , formerly Nasty Nas, is an American rapper and actor. He is regarded as one of the most important figures in hip hop and one of the most skilled and influential rappers of all-time...
' debut album Illmatic
Illmatic
Illmatic is the debut album of American rapper Nas, released April 19, 1994, on Columbia Records. Following his signing to Columbia with the help of MC Serch, recording sessions for the album took place during 1992 to 1993 at Chung King Studios, D&D Recording, Battery Studios, and Unique Recording...
, stating "The two albums are very much the twin sides of the same double-headed coin. They are so closely connected, in fact, that it's difficult to pinpoint where Doe or Dies points of departure are located." He further stated "Certainly it was one of the strongest, most promising debut efforts of 1995, and probably one of the year's strongest rap albums period." Christian Hoard from Rolling Stone
Rolling Stone
Rolling Stone is a US-based magazine devoted to music, liberal politics, and popular culture that is published every two weeks. Rolling Stone was founded in San Francisco in 1967 by Jann Wenner and music critic Ralph J...
gave the album 3 out of 5 stars, and called it a "Literate, sensitive look at street life that sits comfortably, as a companion, next to Nas' masterpiece (Illmatic)." Selwyn Seyfu Hinds from Spin
Spin (magazine)
Spin is a music magazine founded in 1985 by publisher Bob Guccione Jr.-History:In its early years, the magazine was noted for its broad music coverage with an emphasis on college-oriented rock music and on the ongoing emergence of hip-hop. The magazine was eclectic and bold, if sometimes haphazard...
rated the album 7 out of 10, and stated
Although praising the album's lyricism, and rating it 3 out of 4 stars, Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
The Los Angeles Times is a daily newspaper published in Los Angeles, California, since 1881. It was the second-largest metropolitan newspaper in circulation in the United States in 2008 and the fourth most widely distributed newspaper in the country....
writer Cheo H. Coker criticized some of the album's production, describing some of it as "lackluster beats." A critic for RapReviews.com gave the album an 8.5 out of 10 rating and labeled it as "AZ's best album to date", with the "most replay value". In regards to the Mafioso content, he stated "This album does deserve to be mentioned right alongside Only Built 4 Cuban Linx..., It Was Written, and Reasonable Doubt for popularizing the Mafioso style. In fact, it dropped before two of those three albums did." He however gave criticism to some of the album's production, and lack of consistency, explaining "Despite the shortcomings, the good tracks on this album are not just good, they are great! There are four that I would refer to as certified classics. The main problem with the album is that it could have been an all time classic itself if executive production had been better and the beat selection had been a little more on point in several cases. But all in all, this album is a slept on gem that should be in every true head's collection.".
Track listing
| # | Title | Performer(s) | Producer(s) | Samples | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Intro" |
|
AZ, Lunatic Mind |
1:18 | |
| 2 | "Uncut Raw" |
|
Loose |
|
2:59 |
| 3 | "Gimme Yours" |
|
Pete Rock Pete Rock Peter Phillips , better known by his stage name Pete Rock, is an American record producer, DJ and rapper. He rose to prominence in the early 1990s as one half of the critically acclaimed group Pete Rock & CL Smooth... |
Minnie Riperton Minnie Julia Riperton was an American singer-songwriter best known for her 1975 single "Lovin' You". She was married to songwriter and music producer Richard Rudolph from 1972 until her death in the summer of 1979. They had two children - music engineer Marc Rudolph and actress/comedienne Maya... |
3:07 |
| 4 | "Ho-Happy Jackie" |
|
Buckwild Buckwild Buckwild is a Hip hop producer hailing from The Bronx, New York. Originally a DJ, Buck began producing after meeting MC/Producer Lord Finesse. He later joined Finesse's super-crew D.I.T.C., along with Showbiz and A.G., Diamond D, Fat Joe, and the late Big L and brought O.C. with him... |
Kool & the Gang Kool & the Gang are an American jazz, R&B, soul, and funk group, originally formed as the Jazziacs in Jersey City, New Jersey in 1964.They went through several musical phases during the course of their recording career, starting out with a purist jazz sound, then becoming practitioners of R&B and... Bobby Caldwell Bobby Caldwell is an American singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who, despite a prolific musical output over his 30-year career, is still best known for his 1978 hit single "What You Won't Do for Love". While he has always maintained a devoted fan base in the United States, a legendary... |
3:34 |
| 5 | "Rather Unique" |
|
Pete Rock |
Les McCann Les McCann is an American soul jazz piano player and vocalist whose biggest successes came as a crossover artist into R&B and soul.-Biography:... Big Daddy Kane Antonio Hardy better known by his stage name Big Daddy Kane, is an American rapper who started his career in 1986 as a member of the rap group the Juice Crew. He is widely considered to be one of the most influential and skilled MC's in Hip Hop... Funky drummer "Funky Drummer" is a funk song recorded by James Brown and his band. The recording's drum break, performed by drummer Clyde Stubblefield, is one of the most frequently sampled rhythmic breaks in hip hop and popular music; indeed, it lays a strong claim to being the most sampled recording ever,... " by James Brown James Brown James Joseph Brown was an American singer, songwriter, musician, and recording artist. He is the originator of Funk and is recognized as a major figure in the 20th century popular music for both his vocals and dancing. He has been referred to as "The Godfather of Soul," "Mr... |
4:49 |
| 6 | "I Feel for You" |
|
Amar Pep | 3:03 | |
| 7 | "Sugar Hill" |
Miss Jones Tarsha Jones, better known as Miss Jones, is a former R&B artist and radio personality. Miss Jones is currently the host of the Power 99 morning show "Jonesy In The Morning" after previously working for Hot 97 until 2008.-Early life:... |
L.E.S. |
Juicy (band) Juicy was an American musical duo consisting of siblings Jerry Barnes and Katreese Barnes. The group is best known for the songs "Sugar Free" and Beat Street feature song "Beat Street Strut". The name comes from Mtume' number-one R&B hit "Juicy Fruit".... |
4:09 |
| 8 | "Mo Money, Mo Murder" |
|
DR Period |
The O'Jays The O'Jays are an American R&B group from Canton, Ohio, formed in 1963 and originally consisting of Eddie Levert , Walter Williams , William Powell , Bobby Massey and Bill Isles. The O'Jays were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004, and The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005... |
6:32 |
| 9 | "Doe or Die" |
|
N.O. Joe N.O. Joe Joseph Johnson , known by his stage name N.O. Joe, is a musician, producer, songwriter, and artist. He operates a production company named Gumbo Funk, which is also a name given to his melange of musical styles.-History:... |
4:40 | |
| 10 | "We Can't Win" |
|
Amar Pep | 3:23 | |
| 11 | "Your World Don't Stop" |
|
Spunk Biggs, Ski Ski (producer) David Willis, otherwise known as DJ Ski and Ski Beatz, is an American record producer mainly working in hip hop.-Biography:Discovered by DJ Clark Kent, Ski was originally known as "MC Will-Ski". In the 1990s, he was a member of the group Original Flavor, the first group managed by future recording... |
Lou Donaldson Lou Donaldson is a jazz alto saxophonist. He was born in Badin, North Carolina. He is best known for his soulful, bluesy approach to playing the alto saxophone, although in his formative years he was, as many were of the bebop era, heavily influenced by Charlie Parker.His first recordings were... |
3:33 |
| 12 | "Sugar Hill (Remix)" |
|
L.E.S. |
The Stylistics The Stylistics are a soul music vocal group, and were one of the best-known Philadelphia soul groups of the 1970s. They formed in 1968, and were composed of lead Russell Thompkins, Jr., Herbie Murrell, Airrion Love, James Smith, and James Dunn. All of their US hits were ballads, graced by the... EPMD EPMD is an American hip hop group from Brentwood, New York. The group's name is a concatenation of the members' name "E" and "PMD" or an acronym for "Erick and Parrish Making Dollars", referencing its members, emcees Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith... |
4:18 |
- "Mo Money, Mo Murder, Mo Homicide" features an outro track titled "Born Alone, Die Alone."
Personnel
- AZ - performer
- Nas - performer
- Amar Pep - producer, performer
- Buck Wild - producer
- Void Caprio - engineer
- D/R Period - producer
- John Gamble - engineer
- Jack Hersca - engineer
- John Kogan - engineer
- L.E.S. - producer
- Lunatic Mind - producer
- Henry Marquez - art direction
- N.O. Joe - arranger, producer
- Joe Pirrera - engineer
- Pete Rock - producer
- Starr Strukk Producer
- Erica Scott - vocals
- Ski - remixing
- Jamey Staub - engineer
- Jason Vogel - engineer
- Lindsey Williams - executive producer
- Miss Jones - vocals
- Barsham - performer
- Spunk Biggs - producer
- Lunatic mind - producer
- Loose - producer
Album singles
- "Sugar Hill"
- Released: June 27, 1995
- B-side: "Rather Unique"
- "Gimme Yours (Remix)" featuring NasNasNasir bin Olu Dara Jones, who performs under the name Nas , formerly Nasty Nas, is an American rapper and actor. He is regarded as one of the most important figures in hip hop and one of the most skilled and influential rappers of all-time...
[Non-album single]- Released: December 5, 1995
- B-side: "Uncut Raw"
- "Doe Or Die"
- Released: April 2, 1996
- B-side: "Mo Money, Mo Murder (Homicide)"
Chart history
Album| Year | Album | Chart positions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Billboard 200 Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... |
Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums | ||
| 1995 | Doe or Die | 15 | 1 |
Singles
| Year | Song | Chart positions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billboard Hot 100 Billboard Hot 100 The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday... |
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks | Hot Rap Singles Hot Rap Tracks Rap Songs is a chart released weekly by Billboard in the United States. It lists the 25 most popular hip-hop/rap songs, calculated weekly by airplay on rhythmic and urban radio stations and sales in hip hop-focused or exclusive markets. From 1989 through 2001, it was based on how much the single... |
Rhythmic Top 40 | Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales | ||
| 1995 | "Gimme Yours" | 115 | 51 | 30 | — | 21 |
| "Sugar Hill" | 25 | 12 | 3 | 28 | 4 | |
| "Doe or Die" | — | 69 | 24 | — | 28 |
Doe or Die: 15th Anniversary
A 15th anniversary edition of Doe or Die was released on November 30, 2010 by AZ's own Quiet Money Records. Doe or Die: 15th AnniversaryDoe or Die: 15th Anniversary
Doe or Die: 15th Anniversary is the 15th anniversary edition of rapper AZ's debut album, Doe or Die, which was released in 1995 and received critical acclaim from music outlets...
features production from Frank Dukes, Dave Moss, Statik Selektah
Statik Selektah
Patrick Baril better known as Statik Selektah, is an East Coast-based DJ, Producer and CEO of Showoff Records.-Biography:...
, Baby Paul, Lil' Fame from M.O.P.
M.O.P.
M.O.P., short for Mash Out Posse, is an American hip hop duo. The duo, composed of Billy Danze and Lil' Fame, is known for the aggressive delivery typically employed by both emcees. Although they maintain a strong underground following, they are mainly known for the song "Ante Up," released on...
, and Roctimus Prime. The album also features vocals from R&B singer June Summers. All the songs from the original Doe or Die are emixed with a new beat.
External links
- Doe or Die at DiscogsDiscogsDiscogs, short for discographies, is a website and database of information about audio recordings, including commercial releases, promotional releases, and bootleg or off-label releases. The Discogs servers, currently hosted under the domain name discogs.com, are owned by Zink Media, Inc., and are...