Hip-hop legend AZ is in form for the third instalment of the Doe or Die trilogy
AZ returns with one of the most anticipated albums of the year, a semi-surprise release with reverberations surrounding it through the Mass Appeal imprint. His new album, Doe or Die III, closes the third instalment of a 30-year series with expectations at fever levels. The album has inspired many hip-hop heads to fantasise about what might come of potential features. Let’s just say, Anthony Cruz does not disappoint. Filling the void himself with selective additions, he tips the balance of sonic anticipation to a place of purism.
Review: A Rich, Lyrically Dense Rap Album
By now, the genre is well acquainted with the heralding of his latest project through promotional singles like “So High” and “Uniqueness”. The initial drop served as a tactical choice, attracting a wide bandwidth of listeners, while the latter appeased die-hard wordplay fans through a delectable assortment of phonetic descriptors.
This continues through a plethora of comparable productions, where the rapper bridges the gap between trending sounds and timeless music as heard on “Gimme the World,” produced by Large Professor. Inviting lyricists like Jadakiss into the fray without a full verse from the legendary LOX soloist was definitely a choice — and a good one, where AZ showcases the power of collaborative acting.
“When rap money was slow compared to what the blow did
When hustlers had more cars than stars
It’s hard to picture that now, we rocking Richard’s right now
Back then the most expensive wristwatch was like thirty thou’” – Nas
Mass Appeal drops, of course, come with the expectation that Nas will make an appearance, and that indeed happens once again on “Surprise“, where the two combine to deliver a damaging array of spicy verbiage. The pair come up with the goods on one of the best tracks on the album and are stocked with precise darts of technical writing.
On “Still Jackie“, the Brooklyn-born lyricist reminisces on the familiarity of changing people and the games that luxury items bring. The protagonist spits to the tune of Statik Selektah, shifting the needle to break up any perception of monotony.
Doe or Die III can be framed as a release that is both contemplative and pensive, as the rapper looks back on his career with tacit and explicit references to his past, as heard on “I Was Once There Too“, where he says: “Doe or Die I was high, had to coast on it”.
RELATED STORY: AZ Reveals New Music Video for “Uniqueness”
Overall, AZ understands what it takes to preserve integrity without going over the top with gimmicky features, as heard on several releases, where autotune zaps momentum from any potential rhythm. It’s albums like Doe or Die III that stand the test of time, without resorting to the spillage of clichéd music.
The Verdict
Cruz understands how to build from start to finish, and his ability to form pliable sounds from rigid textures is a curatorial tool that few understand. Despite his longstanding friendship with Nas, albums of such quality belong within the Mass Appeal culture, where its administration understands how to market music with an edge of sophistication. This time around, AZ has let the music do the talking with minimal statements, and why not? When your penmanship and music are this good, less is more.
Doe or Die III offers students of the genre and the art of rhyme a canvas of exceptional lyricism, one where its value cannot be denied. The only problem here is that at 33 minutes, it’s short — maybe too short for an artist of AZ’s credentials. However, when removing its three skits, we’re then down to 10 tracks and 30 minutes. But does that matter when the music is this good? That depends on who you are. The project lands as a polished addition to the DoD trilogy, a shining example of rap throughout, though it ends earlier than expected despite its replay value, set against a backdrop of boom bap production and monarch-like verses.
Full Tracklist (with Features)
- “The Origin (Intro)” 1:23
- “No Need For Lactose” 2:14
- “Gimme The World” (feat. Jadakiss) 3:04
- “Uniqueness” 3:42
- “So High” (feat. Mumu Fresh) 3:28
- “Ho Happy (Skit)” 1:54
- “Still Jackie” 2:43
- “Surprise” (feat. Nas) 2:48
- “Fresh Water” 3:22
- “Winners Win” (feat. Amar Noir) 3:14
- “I Was Once There Too” 2:13
- “Love My Life” 2:15
- “We Made It (Outro)” 2:00
Buy Vinyl, CD, and Casette
Doe or Die III is available to buy on vinyl, CD, and cassette from selected retailers and from Mass Appeal’s online store.
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