New AZ Thread

[Employee]

https://soundcloud.com/clockworkmusic-2/az-genesis

The Year is officially starting off with a bang as Grammy-Nominated Recording Artist, Anthony “AZ” Cruz, marks his highly anticipated return to the Hip Hop scene with the release of a brand new freestyle, Genesis. With this new freestyle, AZ is preparing his fans for the release of his new album Doe or Die II, which will be released later this year. Since the release of the Doe or Die anniversary album in 2011, AZ has been working to perfect each song for the new album. Fans will definitely be pleased with the follow up.

AZ first became known by appearing on Nas' landmark 1994 album Illmatic on the song "Life's a Bitch", as well as featuring vocals on the opening track “The Genesis”. He was the only guest feature to appear on that album. AZ signed with EMI, and soon released his debut album Doe Or Die in 1995 to critical acclaim. The album's lead single, "Sugar Hill", became one of AZ's major commercially successful records as a solo artist, reaching #25 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and achieving Gold status. In 2002, he released Aziatic from which his single "The Essence“ (featuring Nas), was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.

Today, AZ is back and better than ever. Check out the new Genesis freestyle and stay tuned for Doe or Die II coming soon. AZ is also currently touring and available for bookings.

[step one]

this is dope. bodes well for whats to come.

[drizzle]

yea shit's great

the song he dropped a few months ago that sounded vaguely dre-ish was pretty dope too

he's def one of those who never really explicitly fell of but instead plateaued and made some come questionable career choices and just faded from public eye

[step one]

Easily one of my favourite rappers. Manages to do that classic NY style without sounding dated.

[drizzle]

how is lexus not building a sturdy log cabin and starting a family in this thread yet

[blastmaster]

There are days, more frequently as of late, that I prefer AZ's career to that of Nas and Jay-Z. Pieces of Man is steadily approaching favorite album of all-time status for me. It speaks to me. It speaks to me in ways that most other NYC albums don't quite reach. Sure, War Report, Reasonable Doubt and 36 Chambers still warm my heart in a spiritual manner, but Pieces of Man is on some Supreme Clientele shit in my soul right now. On a Capital Punishment level with me right now. Perfect albums that help me be me.

[step one]

There are days, more frequently as of late, that I prefer AZ's career to that of Nas and Jay-Z.

Same. I think part of it has to do with the fact that he's never really suffered from over-exposure or having his shit played relentlessly. I only hear his music when I want to listen to it so it syays fresh and interesting. Nas and Jay obviously have great songs in their catalogue but i've heard them a few hundred times already.

[hessbz12]

I agree with what has been said. Easily one of my favorite rappers of all-time. Glad to see he looks to be coming out with some good stuff.

[drizzle]

In some ways he actually benefited from being underrated, from not having to live up to the same expectations the other two have been carrying on their back since mid 90s. He never needed to make another perfect album or be a voice of a rap region or a rap generation in general, never had to lock down a top 10 summer hit. All he ever had to do was play his lane.

[blastmaster]

I just hope he doesn't rap over boring ass, plodding bullshit from "throwback" producers like Marco Polo and Statik Selektah and other white shit. Get that man some greasy, jiggy electro soul shit.

[drizzle]

he needs harry fraud

[blastmaster]

he needs harry fraud

Well there ya go. So obvious. So perfect.

[Larry2times]

AZ is so built for Harry Fraud and cosign everything said in here so far. Hes a craftsman

[stype_ones]

One of the very best rappers, period. Subject matter is limited, but as stated he stays in his lane well.

Pieces Of A Man is def an epic release, and very slept on by most. Terrible promotion for an album that should have done well given the time period of it's release.

He has made some pretty boring albums in the the last few years, though.

[Career Over Like Mike(NJJ)]

how is lexus not building a sturdy log cabin and starting a family in this thread yet

Wasn't really feelin' this at first (there's other beats on the Wild Style OST I'd much rather hear him over) and the rapping itself only lasts about 40 seconds. Grown on me, though.

Would like to hear him over Dame Grease as well as Harry Fraud.

[drizzle]

https://twitter.com/quietAZmoney/status ... 1465856000

a study in nice things and why we can't have them

[citizen]

https://twitter.com/quietAZmoney/status ... 1465856000

a study in nice things and why we can't have them

not necessarily a bad thing, lots of producers out there with good stuff waiting to be discovered

[odium-LSC]

https://twitter.com/quietAZmoney/status ... 1465856000

a study in nice things and why we can't have them

not necessarily a bad thing, lots of producers out there with good stuff waiting to be discovered

[citizen]

https://twitter.com/quietAZmoney/status ... 1465856000

a study in nice things and why we can't have them

not necessarily a bad thing, lots of producers out there with good stuff waiting to be discovered

[drizzle]

citizen it's a solid theory but how often does it actually work in practice? how often does a veteran dip into the well of random submissions and actually comes up with something worthwhile instead of cheap imitations of his earlier sound?

i hate to say it too, but innovative young producers probably aren't sending beats to guys like AZ. he's getting rehashed boombap from borklandia, and probably not even of the P Brothers caliber.

it's kinda frustrating to see Alchemist doing albums with Domo Genesis while this is going on. can't blame him either though

[citizen]

citizen it's a solid theory but how often does it actually work in practice? how often does a veteran dip into the well of random submissions and actually comes up with something worthwhile instead of cheap imitations of his earlier sound?

its not a good sign, but doesnt necessarily mean that any of them will make the album or any certain percentage will be submitted beats, or even if someone like dr. dre or premier submit beats, sometimes their beats are a$$

[GUCCI CONDOMS]

AZ is great, but his recent lackluster albums have knocked him down a few pegs on my personal rankings

#PROVERBIALWICKEDHIPHOPLIST

[blastmaster]

Undeniable is really good. I didn't give it much if a shot when it came out but it is quite solid.

[Mindbender Futurama]

the only thing i like more than the Cam'ron song out of NYC in the past few months

awesome

[step one]

Undeniable is really good. I didn't give it much if a shot when it came out but it is quite solid.

Yup. I liked it since it dropped. Seemed it was fashionable to dislike it at the time. Doesnt break any new ground but its a reasonably solid album. I only ever skip a couple of tracks. Maybe people got their hopes up a bit too much after AWOL and The Format though.

[Career Over Like Mike(NJJ)]

Personal fav' AZ songs from the post-Memphis Sessions years :

Dead End



Life On The Line



The Hardest (video mix)



Live Your Life



Hustle In My Blood



Feel My Pain



The Calm

[step one]

'I'm Ill' and 'Murder On The Daily' with Cormega were good aswell.

[lobster.vs.crab]

Man this thread has got me bumping some old AZ albums I haven't listened to in years... Which is a good thing... I really hope DOD2 isn't a let down.

[killmyhead]

Az should ghostwrite all Nas

That would be a perfect rapper

[step one]

Az should ghostwrite all Nas

That would be a perfect rapper