Bio
Picture This
Year Released: 1996
Certification: Gold
Label: Rap-A-Lot/Virgin
Guest Stars: Tung Twista
Headz or Tailz
Year Released: 1998
Certification: Gold
Label: Rap-A-Lot/Virgin
Guest Stars: Johnny Boy; Danny Boy; Twista; Val Young; Scarface; Bushwick Bill
Victory
Year Released: 2000
Certification:Uncertified
Label: Rap-A-Lot/Virgin
Guest Stars: Ja Rule; Synpaz; Feloney; Johnny P; Chilla; Fatal
Victory
Year Released: 2002
Certification:Uncertified
Label: Rap-A-Lot/Virgin
Guest Stars: Johnny P., Twista, Yung Buk
Biography
A.K., his brother N.A.R.D., and their life long friend Belo have been players in the rap game for a long time. Professionally known as Do Or Die, the trio from Chicago's west side first gained major recognition in 1996 with their debut album Picture This (certified gold), which spawned the single, "Po Pimp."
In 1998 the group saw more golden success with their sophomore album, Headz or Tailz, that featured the follow-up single, "Still Po Pimpin'." Now up at bat for the third time, the Rap-A-Lot Records artists are set to release Victory, and as the title suggests, they are aiming for another homerun.
"This album is about aiming high and hoping for the positive in everything you do," A.K. offers. "We believe that whatever you can see you can do."
It is this unyielding determination that sustained the group during the eleven years they spent working towards the release of their first album. After deciding to become rappers, the threesome began researching the music industry, learning the ins-and-outs of marketing and promotion. Instead of shopping for a major recording contract, they focused on building a local fan base by performing in shows in their area to gain exposure.
Their tenacity paid off in 1992. While performing a sound check at Chicago's famed George's Music Room, they caught the attention of Rap-A-Lot Records executive Carlton Joshua. Joshua was impressed with the trio, but wasn't ready to sign them. So they went back to work creating music, and in 1996 independently released the single "Po Pimp."
"We basically had to put ourselves out there ? if that meant selling tapes out of our trunks, that's what we did," Belo states.
Their efforts paid off, and with no major distribution and only local airplay, "Po Pimp" soared to gold status. That same year, Do or Die signed with Houston's Rap-A-Lot Records and their debut album, Picture This, went gold. In 1998 the follow-up album Headz or Tailz was released, and also gained gold certification.
Their latest contribution, Victory is a collection of 18 songs written primarily by Do or Die. Under the direction of ChiNy (their new management team), the group was able to land Ja Rule, Felony (of Public Announcement), Irv Goti and Mike Dunn, who all contributed to the album. Also making guest appearances are Tha Outlawz, and E-40.
Do or Die call their particular style and flow "reality music," not only because it talks about their everyday experiences, but also because it is an amalgamation of sounds and beats from the four corners of the country.
"When we were growing up in Chicago we went to parties where the DJs would play all types of music from hip-hop to house. The music inspired us to become rappers and it also influenced our sound," all three recall.
What you hear on Victory is the permeating theme of triumphant conquests presented in melodies that are sometimes hard and fast, and sometimes slow and easy. On the hard and fast side are "VIP," "Bounce For Me," (a club song addressed to the ladies), "Murderers, Pimps, & Thugs" (featuring Ja Rule), "Ride" and "Thuggin' It Out," featuring The Outlawz and label mate Hussein Fatal. On the slow and easy side are tracks like the first single, "Can U Make It Hot," "Keep It Real"(featuring singer Johnny P, who appeared on the group's prior CD's), which is Do or Die's response to the male thrashing hits "No Scrubs" and "Bills" by TLC and Destiny's Child. The pace continues to slow on the reflective "In A Mode," "La, La, La," and the spiritual offering "Stay Focused" (featuring Chilla of the Snypaz).
With the release of Victory, A.K., N.A.R.D., and Belo not only hope to further solidify their own music careers, but are also looking forward to offering a helping hand back to other Chicago artists.
"Chicago has so much talent that tends to hit and then fall off. We want to shine a light on the 'windy city' and create channels for the artists to have continuous success," A.K. explains.
With a proven track record that shows no signs of changing course, Do or Die will no doubt score yet another Victory.