Do or Die - Ant Banks

This album is a portal to 1995 Oakland, CA. The vibe over all is just classic Cali/Bay energy. Super fun synthy instrumentals, and a familiar and nostalgic flow come together to make a really solid album from a pretty decorated Bay Area producer.

Now with that all being said, if you aren’t ready for this pace, it could be a bit slow of a project. But also, lowkey, we all need a moment to slow down and appreciate some shit. This tape is something you can play from A-Z and just roll around with the windows down, or just have playing at the next kick back. 

The cover is a classic 90’s style design. Money font and bold contrast makes for an overall interesting cover, that if I had seen this in the wild, I would have to cop. Just because I’d bet there would be some heat on the tape.

Track 1, Do or Die, the title track. Is an introduction and perfect example of what you can expect to be listening to in this album. The chorus has a nice lil bit of vocals, and Ant Banks finds some cool lil pockets to show off some quick bars. I am also partial to the bits where the low low voice comes in too.

The last song on the album is this 5 min long instrumental that just feels like the perfect roll out to bring you back to earth after listening to the tape. It isn’t anything insane, but it is a vibeee. Cool lil synths singing along to some coo lil bass and guitar. No words are said, but an energy is present. Feels like I’m watching the credits to a movie or somethin.

As a whole, I enjoyed this tape. I don’t know if it offers enough to stand out from all the other incredible California Rap tapes that came out around this time, but as a representation of the Bay Area at the time, I think it could easily be a stand out.

This album gets a score of: 6.9/10

Stand Out Tracks: Sound of Lead - feat. 187 Fac & Spice-1, Money Don’t Make a Man (feat. MC Breed)