Do or Die: Victory (edited) : Music Reviews : Rolling Stone

Album Reviews

Chicago's Do or Die try different thug themes on their third album, Victory, like they're trying to score at a singles bar. Rappers Belo, A.K. and N.A.R.D. are making G's one minute (detailing a bank robbery on "Tha Heist") and embodying the hardcore G the next (on "Thuggin It Out"), but their verses sound like hackneyed pickup lines: "Diamonds 'round my wrist going bling bling bling/Money at the bank going ching ching ching" is as trite as "What's your sign?" Producer Mr. Lee provides agitated Cash Money-like beats that speed up the low-rider pace of the group's '96 signature hit, "Po Pimp," but nothing makes this album stand out. Despite assistance from E-40 ("Already Know") and Ja Rule ("Murderers, Pimps and Thugs"), Victory is hollow. (RS 852)

MILES MARSHALL LEWIS