AZ - Doe or Die [The Samples]

...Well, we released Illmatic's samples, so doing Doe or Die was a no-brainer. AZ's debut album was released one year after Illmatic and during the same year as Raekwon's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx (we covered those samples too). Like these two classic albums in their own right(s), AZ also put together an excellent mafioso rap record (which would inevitably propose the idea of The Firm later on). Featuring descriptive and thematic tracks like 'Gimme Yours', 'Sugar Hill' and 'Mo Money Mo Murder (Homicide)', AZ became one of the East coast's focal points during the mid-90's (though to a much lesser extent than his peers: primarily The Notorious B.I.G.). Doe or Die's smooth backdrops are attributed to the bevy of skilled producers who helped contribute to the album, from Pete Rock and Buckwild, to L.E.S. and Ski. No surprise, the samples choices were top-notch as well. This set right here has got to be one of the smoothest we've ever put out. My personal favorites are the originals used for 'Rather Unique' and 'Sugar Hill' (which happen to be my two favorite songs from the album). Enjoy!