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One of the numerous thoughtful gangsta rappers to emerge from New York during the mid-'90s, AZ enjoyed critical success early in his career, particularly with his debut album, Doe or Die (1995), but commercial success largely eluded him over the years. Born in Brooklyn, he initially garnered attention with his guest feature on "Life's a B**ch," one of the standout tracks on Nas' landmark debut album, Illmatic (1994). In the wake of Doe or Die's critical success, AZ collaborated with Nas in the ill-fated supergroup the Firm and released Pieces of a Man (1998), another critical favorite. But for the most part, that was it from AZ for several years as he fell by the wayside, not surfacing in a big way again until a pair of Motown releases, 9 Lives (2001) and Aziatic (2002), that didn't sell any better than his previous efforts. He subsequently took his music underground, periodically releasing albums such as A.W.O.L. (2005). In 2004 the double-disc retrospective Decade 1994-2004 looked back over his career to date, gathering up various highlights. ~ Jason Birchmeier, Rovi
VERY UNDERRATED MC......ONLY REASON HE NEVER GOT MUCH PUBLICITY IS BECAUSE HE DIDNT GO COMMERCIAL AT ALL..SICK FLOW....SICK LYRICS....ALL HIS MUSIC IS REAL HIP HOP
One of the hidden spices that gives Hip Hop its original flavor. AZ walks the third rail of refined raw talent without dying to the cookie-cut formula. He holds his own in the crowded section of hip hop likened to central booking in BK over a 4th of July weekend, crowded gangsta rap. His voice is loud amongst the killa-screamers and murderous ra-ra yellers without strain.
if only he woulda but more loot into his production he woula made it successfully to the commercial realm (for paper anyway). His lyrics are amazing but after Doe or Die he didnt have beats like Nas, Cormega, BIG, Wu, etc. that would take them mainstream. Even though they each were trying to stay underground their beats took them over to the commercial aspect.
AZ in my opinion is the most underated lyricist in our time. He murders every track he drops. He is far more talented than Jay-z and just as talented if not better than Nas. I cant explain why he hasnt received better success.
AZ in my opinion is the most underated lyricist in our time. He murders every track he drops. He is far more talented than Jay-z and just as talented if not better than Nas. I cant explain why he hasnt received better success.
wu.masterofceremony
The Salieri of rap.
svivrance
Anthony Cruz is so underrated. He should be as big as Jay and Nas for sure. Label problems and his 2nd release being pushed back constantly is the reason he never blew up. He was forgotten about by the public but still kills every track he's on.
harrym71
AZ was one of the best lyricists. His lyrics made me think and laugh at the same time. If a rapper has great lyrics, flow and delivery but if the beat sucks the song sucks. AZ definitely had songs like that.
bhill33
You are killing me with your "Top 5" or whatever. It's all subjective. Most of you just take what others say and regurgitate it, throwing in a rapper that you have just listened to recently. There are plenty of respectable and influential rappers with various styles for various tastes. It all depends on how the music speaks to you and how you perceive it. You don't see museum curators standing around saying "1.Monet...2. Van Gogh."
O.k. Critic I haven't really went at none of yall yet! Dont piss me off. Respect AZ. He's been nice since the 90's. Remember he's made nothing but classics & has always repped the streetz, & schooled the youth. AZ gets much love in any hood!
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Comments
AZ walks the third rail of refined raw talent without dying to the cookie-cut formula. He holds his own in the crowded section of hip hop likened to central booking in BK over a 4th of July weekend, crowded gangsta rap. His voice is loud amongst the killa-scream e r s and murderous ra-ra yellers without strain.
1)biggie
2)rakim
3)tupac
4)big L
5)big pun