In Brief

*** AZ, “Doe or Die,” EMI. Despite occasional lackluster beats, “Doe or Die” is effective because of the power of this rapid-fire rapper’s lyrical gift. “Uncut,” “Rather Unique” and the title track showcase someone who manages to combine the grittier side of New York street life with a dazzling poetic verve and breathtaking visual detail.

New albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two stars (fair), three stars (good) and four stars (excellent).