D.O.U.G.H. or Die is a bass-heavy, seven-track EP on faith, temptation, giving into the latter and keeping the former, created by Nashville emcee D.O.U.G.H. The acronym stands for Driven Only Under God’s Hands, which is befitting for the prevailing themes of the record, as it makes known his own beliefs on relationships, the predicament of revenge versus forgiveness, and racial plights. A slew of Nashville producers had their hands in the project, including Ducko McFli (Trinidad James, Mach Five, Sean Faylon) and KG #Bandplay (French Montana, Chinx Drugs, Rich Boy).

The “D.O.D. Intro” opens with a vocation, asking for forgiveness and guidance before working the EP’s title in among lyrics questioning his pathway:
If you want that crown then earn it
But the castles don’t come furnished
Most kings get dethroned
I pray my fate hasn’t been determined

He also weighs in with some thoughts on women (Queens don’t give it up on the first night). Consumerism’s the new religion, he raps on “Outchea,” which draws out feelings of invisibility and predetermined failure:
Teachers couldn’t teach us
The preachers couldn’t reach us
If life’s a game, the devil’s cheering from the bleachers
They say you need Jesus
I’m praying that he sees us . . .

Meanwhile, he admonishes, D.O.U.G.H. or die as a warning—a slogan, almost—and a high truth.

Both victim and shooter are depicted in “Live By the Gun,” which errs on the side of vengeance over cheek-turning with:
Lord please forgive me
It’s an eye for an eye
A tooth for a tooth
If you live by the gun
You can die by it, too

The above unfolds amid a disconcerting vocal effect chorusing in the background.

D.O.U.G.H. or Die is easily more lyrically thematic than arresting sonically, but the bass and sound effects of “Right Back” are really good and probably the most memorable. Also, the velveteen voice of Anais Briggs of Jose & Mary on “Love on the Radio” is particularly good paired with piano keys and a heavy beat.

Check out D.O.U.G.H. or Die on hulkshare.com