Do or Die (Gospel Gangstaz album)

Do or Die is the debut studio album by the Christian hip hop group Gospel Gangstaz. It was released in 1993 on Holy Terra Records. The album is considered a foundational work within the Christian hip hop subgenre, known for its raw lyrical content addressing gang violence, drug abuse, and the call to faith in urban communities.

The album features a blend of hip hop beats, gospel harmonies, and hardcore rap verses. Its lyrical themes center on repentance, redemption, and the struggle to live a Christian life within a challenging environment. Do or Die is significant for its use of slang and street language, aiming to connect with listeners who might not be reached by more traditional Christian music. It's also notable for being one of the earliest examples of "gangsta" rap being explicitly repurposed for Christian ministry.

The album's success helped to establish Gospel Gangstaz as pioneers in the Christian hip hop scene and paved the way for other artists exploring similar themes and musical styles. Although controversial for its explicit content, Do or Die is credited with reaching a demographic often overlooked by the broader Christian community and introducing a new avenue for evangelism. The album tackles difficult issues head-on and offers a message of hope through faith in Jesus Christ.