Doe or Die
Studio album by AZ
Released	October 10, 1995
Recorded	1995
Genre	East Coast hip hop Mafioso rap
Length	45:30
Label	EMI 7243 8 32631 2 7 E2-32631
Producer	Pete Rock Loose Buckwild L.E.S. DR Period Amar N.O. Joe Ski Lunatic Mind
Professional reviews
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AZ chronology
- Doe or Die (1995) Pieces Of A Man (1998)

Doe or Die is the debut album by New York emcee AZ. Released in 1995 (see 1995 in music), AZ was introduced to the world on Nas's Illmatic.

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 a 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, while commenting on money's grasp of society. 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

• "Mo Money, Mo Murder, Mo Homicide" features a hidden track called "Born Alone, Die Alone."

Samples

Uncut Raw

• "Back from the Dead" by King Errisson

Gimme Yours

• "Here We Go" by Minnie Riperton

Ho Happy Jackie

• "Little Children" by Kool & The Gang

Rather Unique

• "Anticipation" by Les McCann
• "Just Rhymin with Biz" by Big Daddy Kane

Sugar Hill

• "People Make the World Go Round" by The Stylistics
• "Sugar Free" by Juicy

Mo Money Mo Murder (Homicide)

• "Cry Together" by The O'Jays

Your World Don't Stop

• "You're Welcome, Stop on By" by Lou Donaldson

Sugar Hill (Remix)

• "It Wasn't Me, It Was the Fame" by EPMD

Album singles

• "Sugar Hill"
  • Released: June 27, 1995
  • B-side: "Rather Unique"

• "Gimme Yours (Remix)" featuring Nas [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 positions

Certification

Gold

Album chart positions

Singles chart positions