The Understated Architect of East Coast Hip-Hop Returns

Released May 8th 2026

AZ is a legendary and extremely talented MC that doesn’t always get the love he deserves. I thought his last album Truth Be Told from 2023 was dope, and now in 2026 we have Doe Or Die III. An album I like, but it comes with some of the issues I’ve found with past AZ albums as well.

Starting with the good, AZ is undeniably skilled and verse to verse doesn’t let me down. Flows and rhymes are always on point, and lyrically he brings great bars that cover a wide range of topics. Sometimes I do feel like AZ can be a little too all over the place, but not in a way that’s really an issue. What I do tend to find issues with more often is AZ’s hooks and beat selection. There are a few AZ albums I’ve had issues with the hooks across, and over time some grew on me and some didn’t. Here, they were largely left to samples and features, which is fine, but none really impressed me. And a few I actively didn’t enjoy, like “Gimmie The World” with Jadakiss. Nothing that ruins the album, but also no hooks here really hooked me in.

My issues with AZ’s beat selection gets less black and white. I don’t dislike any beats like I do some hooks, but they leave me wanting more. Sometimes it’s wanting more out of the beat, other times more out of AZ or the song as a whole. The album is packed with great producers, but the sound AZ likes mixed with his style and delivery just doesn’t hit on the same level it does for other people. Plenty to enjoy here, but I had to speak about some of the issues I find with not just this album but other AZ albums as well. Some of my favorite songs here are “No Need For Lactose,” “Still Jackie,” “Surprise” with Nas, “Fresh Water,” and “Love My Life.”

Still a very good album, and AZ albums have a history of growing on me. So I could see that happening here, but right now I’m solid with how I feel about Doe Or Die III and love to see AZ still active in the game regardless of anything.

Album Rating: 👑👑👑👑👑👑👑🔸 (7.5/10)

Standout Tracks: “No Need For Lactose,” “Still Jackie,” “Surprise” with Nas, “Fresh Water,” “Love My Life”