Jump to content

AZ (rapper): Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
No edit summary
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit
 
(29 intermediate revisions by 16 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|American rapper from New York}}
{{Short description|American rapper}}
{{Other uses|AZ (disambiguation)}}
{{Other uses|AZ (disambiguation)}}
{{Not to be confused with|Jay-Z}}
{{Not to be confused with|Jay-Z}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2022}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2022}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = AZ
| name = AZ
| image = Az-03.jpg
| image = Az-03.jpg
| caption = AZ in 1998
| caption = AZ in 1998
| birth_name = Anthony Cruz
| birth_name = Anthony Cruz
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1972|03|09}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1972|03|09}}
| alias = {{hlist|AZ the Visualiza|Sosa|The Rap James Bond}}
| alias = {{hlist|AZ the Visualiza|Sosa|The Rap James Bond}}
| birth_place = New York City, U.S.
| birth_place = Brooklyn, New York City, U.S.
| origin =
| origin =
| discography = [[AZ discography]]
| genre = [[East Coast hip hop]], [[Gangsta rap|mafioso rap]]
| occupation = {{hlist|Rapper|songwriter}}
| genre = {{hlist|[[East Coast hip hop]]|[[Gangsta rap|mafioso rap]]}}
| occupation = {{hlist|Rapper|songwriter}}
| years_active = 1993–present
| years_active = 1992–present
| label = {{hlist|Quiet Money|[[Real Talk Entertainment|Real Talk]]|[[Entertainment One|Koch]]|[[Noo Trybe Records|Noo Trybe]]|[[Virgin Records|Virgin]]|[[EMI]]}}
| label = {{hlist|Quiet Money|[[Real Talk Entertainment|Real Talk]]|[[Entertainment One|Koch]]|[[Noo Trybe Records|Noo Trybe]]|[[Virgin Records|Virgin]]|[[EMI]]}}
| current_member_of = [[The Firm (hip hop group)|The Firm]]
| past_member_of = [[The Firm (hip hop group)|The Firm]]
}}
}}


'''Anthony Cruz''' (born March 9, 1972), better known by his stage name '''AZ''', is an American [[rapping|rapper]] known for being a longtime and frequent music partner of East Coast rapper [[Nas]] and also a member of hip hop group [[The Firm (hip hop group)|The Firm]] alongside Nas, [[Foxy Brown (rapper)|Foxy Brown]], [[Cormega]] and [[Nature (rapper)|Nature]]. Online magazine [[Dotdash|About.com]] listed AZ as the "Most Underrated [Rapper] of All Time".<ref>{{cite web|last=Adaso |first=Henry |url=http://rap.about.com/od/artist1/ss/UnderratedMCs_10.htm |title=10 Most Underrated Rappers |publisher=About.com:Rap/Hip-Hop |date=June 3, 2010 |access-date=October 13, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413090949/http://rap.about.com/od/artist1/ss/UnderratedMCs_10.htm |archive-date=April 13, 2014 }}</ref> AZ also made it onto the sites' "Top 50 MCs of Our Time (1987–2007)", where he was reiterated as "arguably the most underrated lyricist ever".
'''Anthony Cruz''' (born March 9, 1972), better known by his stage name '''AZ''', is an American rapper. Best known for his affiliation with hometown native and fellow East Coast rapper [[Nas]], they formed the New York City-based hip hop group [[The Firm (hip hop group)|the Firm]] along with [[Foxy Brown (rapper)|Foxy Brown]], [[Cormega]] and [[Nature (rapper)|Nature]] in 1996. Cruz first saw recognition for his guest appearance on Nas' 1994 single "[[Life's a Bitch (song)|Life's a Bitch]]", from his album ''[[Illmatic]]'' (1994). Cruz was then signed by [[EMI]] to release his debut studio album, ''[[Doe or Die]]'' (1995), which was met with critical acclaim. Its lead single, "[[Sugar Hill (song)|Sugar Hill]]" (featuring [[Miss Jones (radio personality)|Miss Jones]]) peaked at number 25 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] and received [[RIAA certification|gold]] certification by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] (RIAA). Moreover, [[The Album (The Firm album)|The Firm's sole album]] (1997) peaked atop the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] chart despite unfavorable critical response; the group disbanded two years later.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ew.com/article/1999/10/07/foxy-brown-majorly-dissed-major-release/|title=Foxy Brown is majorly dissed on a major release|website=EW.com}}</ref>


⚫
Upon EMI's dissolution, he was transferred to its sister labels, [[Noo Trybe Records]] and [[Virgin Records]], through which he released his second album, ''[[Pieces of a Man (AZ album)|Pieces of a Man]]'' (1998) to continued acclaim. Afterward, Cruz signed with [[Motown]] and [[Universal Music Group|Universal Records]] to release his third and fourth albums, ''[[9 Lives (AZ album)|9 Lives]]'' (2001) and ''[[Aziatic]]'' (2002).<ref name="ALLMUSIC">[{{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p14943/biography|pure_url=yes}} allmusic Biography]</ref> The latter contained the song "The Essence" (featuring Nas), which earned a nomination for [[Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group]] at the [[45th Annual Grammy Awards]].<ref name="ALLMUSIC" />
AZ first became known by appearing on Nas's landmark 1994 album ''[[Illmatic]]'' on the song "[[Life's a Bitch (song)|Life's a Bitch]]", as well as featuring vocals on the opening track "The Genesis". 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 AZ's major commercial success as a solo artist, reaching #25 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] chart and achieving [[RIAA certification|Gold]] status. AZ's [[EMI]] contract was transferred to sister label [[Noo Trybe Records]] and [[Virgin Records]] when the EMI Label Group was shut down.


Online magazine [[Dotdash|About.com]] listed AZ as the "Most Underrated [Rapper] of All Time".<ref>{{cite web|last=Adaso |first=Henry |url=http://rap.about.com/od/artist1/ss/UnderratedMCs_10.htm |title=10 Most Underrated Rappers |publisher=About.com:Rap/Hip-Hop |date=June 3, 2010 |access-date=October 13, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413090949/http://rap.about.com/od/artist1/ss/UnderratedMCs_10.htm |archive-date=April 13, 2014 }}</ref> AZ also made it onto the site's "Top 50 MCs of Our Time (1987–2007)", where he was reiterated as "arguably the most underrated lyricist ever".
In 1997, AZ joined the group The Firm with Nas, Nature and Foxy Brown and released their only album as a group, ''[[The Album (The Firm album)|The Album]]''. In 1998, AZ released his second solo album, ''[[Pieces of a Man (AZ album)|Pieces of a Man]]''. The album fared well but did not chart quite as well as his debut and did not feature a crossover single like "Sugar Hill".

⚫
After this album's release, AZ signed with [[Motown]] and [[Universal Music Group|Universal Records]] and released ''[[9 Lives (AZ album)|9 Lives]]''.<ref name="ALLMUSIC">[{{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p14943/biography|pure_url=yes}} allmusic Biography]</ref> In 2002, he released ''[[Aziatic]]''. A single from the album, "The Essence" (featuring Nas), was nominated at the [[45th Grammy Awards|2003 Grammy Awards]] for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.<ref name="ALLMUSIC" />


== Early life ==
== Early life ==
AZ was born in [[Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn]]<ref name=":1" /> to an African-American mother and a [[Afro-Dominicans|Afro-Dominican]] father. He grew up in [[East New York, Brooklyn]], with his mother and sister.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0">''#20YrsLtr: Doe or Die'' (2016)</ref>
AZ was born in [[Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn]]<ref name="Anthony Cruz" /> to an African-American mother and an [[Afro-Dominicans|Afro-Dominican]] father. He grew up in [[East New York, Brooklyn]], with his mother and sister.<ref name="Anthony Cruz" /><ref name="20YrsLtr">''#20YrsLtr: Doe or Die'' (2016)</ref>


AZ started writing rap lyrics when he was 12 years old.<ref name=":0" /> He attended Eli Whitney High School, with fellow Brooklyn rapper [[Jay-Z]], until the vocational school closed down in the late 1980s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://kollegekidd.com/news/rapper-az-says-he-battled-jay-z-in-high-school/|title=Rapper AZ Says He Battled Jay-Z In High School|date=June 14, 2013}}</ref>
AZ started writing rap lyrics when he was 12 years old.<ref name="20YrsLtr" /> He attended Eli Whitney High School, with fellow Brooklyn rapper [[Jay-Z]], until the vocational school closed down in the late 1980s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://kollegekidd.com/news/rapper-az-says-he-battled-jay-z-in-high-school/|title=Rapper AZ Says He Battled Jay-Z In High School|date=June 14, 2013}}</ref>
In the early 1990s, he became friends with Nas, a young rapper from [[Queens]].<ref name=":1">Anthony Cruz: ''Jewels, Gems & Treasures''. Quiet Money Publishing, 2015.</ref> Nas started working on his debut album ''[[Illmatic]]'' and invited AZ to work with him in the studio. AZ appeared on the album intro and had a verse on "[[Life's a Bitch (song)|Life's a Bitch]]". After ''Illmatic'' was released in 1994, [[EMI Records]] offered AZ a record deal.<ref name=":1" />
In the early 1990s, he became friends with Nas, a young rapper from [[Queens]].<ref name="Anthony Cruz">Anthony Cruz: ''Jewels, Gems & Treasures''. Quiet Money Publishing, 2015.</ref> Nas started working on his debut album ''[[Illmatic]]'' and invited AZ to work with him in the studio. AZ appeared on the album intro and had a verse on "[[Life's a Bitch (song)|Life's a Bitch]]". After ''Illmatic'' was released in 1994, [[EMI Records]] offered AZ a record deal.<ref name="Anthony Cruz" />


== Career ==
== Career ==
Line 37: Line 36:
=== 1995–2001: ''Doe or Die, Pieces of a Man'' and ''9 Lives'' ===
=== 1995–2001: ''Doe or Die, Pieces of a Man'' and ''9 Lives'' ===
[[File:Az-06.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|AZ performing in 1997]]
[[File:Az-06.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|AZ performing in 1997]]
AZ's debut album ''[[Doe or Die]]'' was released by EMI Records on October 10, 1995. It features guest appearances by Nas and production from [[N.O. Joe]], [[Pete Rock]], [[L.E.S. (record producer)|L.E.S.]], and [[Buckwild (music producer)|Buckwild]], among others. Upon its release, ''Doe or Die'' received notable commercial success, peaking at #15 on the Billboard 200, and #1 on the U.S. Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart.{{citation needed|date=September 2019}} ''Doe or Die'' was known for popularizing the theme of mafioso rap, alongside several albums, namely [[Jay-Z]]'s ''[[Reasonable Doubt (album)|Reasonable Doubt]]'' and [[Nas]]'s ''[[It Was Written]]''. Doe or Die produced several singles, including "Mo Money, Mo Murder, Mo Homicide", "Gimme Your's (remix)", "Doe or Die" and "[[Doe or Die|Sugar Hill]]" – which was certified Gold by the RIAA in 1995.<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=AZ's 'Doe or Die' Turns 20: Brooklyn Rapper Looks Back on Its History & Impact|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6722887/az-doe-or-die-anniversary-classic-album-interview|date=October 10, 2015|magazine=Billboard|access-date=May 11, 2020}}</ref>
AZ's debut album ''[[Doe or Die]]'' was released by EMI Records on October 10, 1995. It features guest appearances by Nas and production from [[N.O. Joe]], [[Pete Rock]], [[L.E.S. (record producer)|L.E.S.]], and [[Buckwild (music producer)|Buckwild]], among others. Upon its release, ''Doe or Die'' received notable commercial success, peaking at #15 on the Billboard 200, and #1 on the U.S. Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart.{{citation needed|date=September 2019}} ''Doe or Die'' was known for popularizing the theme of [[gangsta rap|mafioso rap]], alongside several albums, namely [[Jay-Z]]'s ''[[Reasonable Doubt (album)|Reasonable Doubt]]'' and Nas's ''[[It Was Written]]''. Doe or Die produced several singles, including "Mo Money, Mo Murder", "Gimme Yours", "Doe or Die" and "[[Sugar Hill (song)|Sugar Hill]]", the last of which became his highest-charting single domestically and his sole Top 40 hit on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]], being certified Gold by the RIAA in September 1995.<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=AZ's 'Doe or Die' Turns 20: Brooklyn Rapper Looks Back on Its History & Impact|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6722887/az-doe-or-die-anniversary-classic-album-interview|date=October 10, 2015|magazine=Billboard|access-date=May 11, 2020}}</ref>


In 1998, ''[[Pieces of a Man (AZ album)|Pieces of a Man]]'', AZ's second album, was released on EMI.{{citation needed|date=September 2019}} ''[[9 Lives (AZ album)|9 Lives]]'', his third album, peaked at #23 on the Billboard 200 and #4 on the Top Hip Hop / R&B Albums.{{citation needed|date=September 2019}} The leading single, "Problems", with its accompanying music video, reached #34 on the Hot Rap Singles.{{citation needed|date=September 2019}} After the release of the album, AZ left the label.
In 1998, ''[[Pieces of a Man (AZ album)|Pieces of a Man]]'', AZ's second album, was released via [[Noo Trybe Records]].{{citation needed|date=September 2019}} His third album, 2001's ''[[9 Lives (AZ album)|9 Lives]]'', was released via [[Motown]], peaking at #23 on the Billboard 200 and #4 on the Top Hip Hop / R&B Albums.{{citation needed|date=September 2019}} The leading single, "Problems", with its accompanying music video, reached #34 on the Hot Rap Singles.{{citation needed|date=September 2019}}


=== 2002–2007: ''Aziatic,'' ''A.W.O.L.'' and ''The Format'' ===
=== 2002–2007: ''Aziatic,'' ''A.W.O.L.'' and ''The Format'' ===
Line 47: Line 46:
On September 6, 2005, ''[[A.W.O.L. (album)|A.W.O.L.]]'', his fifth album, was released, becoming the first AZ album to be released on his own imprint, Quiet Money Records.{{citation needed|date=January 2011}}
On September 6, 2005, ''[[A.W.O.L. (album)|A.W.O.L.]]'', his fifth album, was released, becoming the first AZ album to be released on his own imprint, Quiet Money Records.{{citation needed|date=January 2011}}


AZ's sixth studio album ''[[The Format (album)|The Format]]'' features production from [[Lil' Fame]] of [[M.O.P.]], Face Defeat, Emile, J. Cardim, Phonte, Statik Selektah and DJ Premier.{{citation needed|date=September 2019}} The album's lead single is its title track "The Format", which was produced by DJ Premier, with "Vendetta" as its B-Side. ''The Format'' also features the bonus track "Royal Salute", a retaliation to 50 Cent's song "What If" which included a line aimed at AZ.{{citation needed|date=September 2019}} On October 7, 2007, Quiet Money released ''The Format (Special Edition)'', adding six bonus tracks including "Royal Salute".{{citation needed|date=September 2019}}
AZ's sixth studio album ''[[The Format (album)|The Format]]'' features production from [[Lil' Fame]] of [[M.O.P.]], Face Defeat, [[Emile Haynie|Emile]], J. Cardim, [[Phonte]], [[Statik Selektah]] and [[DJ Premier]].{{citation needed|date=September 2019}} The album's lead single is its title track "The Format", which was produced by DJ Premier, with "Vendetta" as its B-Side. ''The Format'' also features the bonus track "Royal Salute", a retaliation to 50 Cent's song "What If" which included a line aimed at AZ.{{citation needed|date=September 2019}} On October 7, 2007, Quiet Money released ''The Format (Special Edition)'', adding six bonus tracks including "Royal Salute".{{citation needed|date=September 2019}}


=== 2008–present: ''Undeniable, Legendary'' and ''Doe or Die II'' ===
=== 2008–present: ''Undeniable, Legendary'' and ''Doe or Die II'' ===
''[[Undeniable (AZ album)|Undeniable]]'', his seventh studio album, was released on April 1, 2008, through Quiet Money and Koch Records. The album debuted at number 141 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart, selling over 25,000 copies in its first week. In October 2009, AZ confirmed he was working on a sequel to his debut studio album, titled ''Doe or Die 2''. He hoped to enlist the original production team from ''[[Doe or Die]]'' such as [[L.E.S. (producer)|L.E.S.]], [[Pete Rock]], DR Period, and [[Buckwild (music producer)|Buckwild]]. AZ also had ambitions on trying to acquire beats from [[DJ Toomp]], [[Dr. Dre]] and [[Kanye West]] for the album, as well as reaching out to his old rhyme partner [[Nas]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10323/title.az-wants-dr-dre-kanye-west-and-nas-for-doe-or-die-2|title=AZ Wants Dr. Dre, Kanye West And Nas For Doe Or Die 2|last=Arnold|first=Paul W|date=December 22, 2009|publisher=HipHopDX|access-date=December 26, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091225103419/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10323/title.az-wants-dr-dre-kanye-west-and-nas-for-doe-or-die-2|archive-date=December 25, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> The first single from the album "Feel My Pain" was produced by [[Frank Dukes]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://limelinx.com/files/b96ba295f9a05e205cea2df3008e1392 |title=Preview – AZ-Feel_My_Pain_(Prod_Frank_Dukes)-.mp3 |publisher=LimeLinx |access-date=September 15, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301084222/http://limelinx.com/files/b96ba295f9a05e205cea2df3008e1392|archive-date=March 1, 2012}}</ref>
''[[Undeniable (AZ album)|Undeniable]]'', his seventh studio album, was released on April 1, 2008, through Quiet Money and Koch Records. The album debuted at number 141 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart, selling over 25,000 copies in its first week. In October 2009, AZ confirmed he was working on a sequel to his debut studio album, titled ''Doe or Die 2''. He hoped to enlist the original production team from ''[[Doe or Die]]'' such as [[L.E.S. (producer)|L.E.S.]], [[Pete Rock]], DR Period, and [[Buckwild (music producer)|Buckwild]]. AZ also had ambitions on trying to acquire beats from [[DJ Toomp]], [[Dr. Dre]] and [[Kanye West]] for the album, as well as reaching out to his old rhyme partner Nas.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10323/title.az-wants-dr-dre-kanye-west-and-nas-for-doe-or-die-2|title=AZ Wants Dr. Dre, Kanye West And Nas For Doe Or Die 2|last=Arnold|first=Paul W|date=December 22, 2009|publisher=HipHopDX|access-date=December 26, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091225103419/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10323/title.az-wants-dr-dre-kanye-west-and-nas-for-doe-or-die-2|archive-date=December 25, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> The first single from the album "Feel My Pain" was produced by [[Frank Dukes]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://limelinx.com/files/b96ba295f9a05e205cea2df3008e1392 |title=Preview – AZ-Feel_My_Pain_(Prod_Frank_Dukes)-.mp3 |publisher=LimeLinx |access-date=September 15, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301084222/http://limelinx.com/files/b96ba295f9a05e205cea2df3008e1392|archive-date=March 1, 2012}}</ref>


In 2010, former member of [[Da Beatminerz]] [[Baby Paul]] confirmed he would be producing for the album and serving as executive producer.<ref>{{cite web |last=Paine |first=Jake |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.11386/title.producer-baby-paul-talks-azs-doe-or-die-2-new-projects |title=Producer Baby Paul Talks AZ's "Doe or Die 2", New Projects &#124; Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales |publisher=HipHopDX |date=June 3, 2010 |access-date=September 15, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100826163859/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.11386/title.producer-baby-paul-talks-azs-doe-or-die-2-new-projects |archive-date=August 26, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On November 30, 2010, he released a 15th anniversary edition of ''Doe or Die'' titled ''[[Doe or Die: 15th Anniversary]]''. In 2010, Dr. Dre and Kanye West were said to be too busy to produce for the album, but AZ said he was patiently waiting for them to complete their next solo records so they could join the production team. He was also seeking production from [[DJ Premier]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Arnold |first=Paul W |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.12037/title.az-reveals-details-of-doe-or-die-15th-anniversary-edition |title=AZ Reveals Details Of "Doe Or Die: 15th Anniversary Edition" &#124; Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales |publisher=HipHop DX |date=October 4, 2010 |access-date=March 30, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120929235544/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.12037/title.az-reveals-details-of-doe-or-die-15th-anniversary-edition |archive-date=September 29, 2012 }}</ref> During a 2011 interview with XXLMag, AZ confirmed that Nas would be featured on the album.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2011/08/nas-will-appear-on-doe-or-die-ii-az-%E2%80%9Cguarantees%E2%80%9D |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130210030517/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2011/08/nas-will-appear-on-doe-or-die-ii-az-%E2%80%9Cguarantees%E2%80%9D |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 10, 2013 |title=Nas Will Appear on Doe or Die II, AZ "Guarantees" |publisher=Xxlmag.Com |date=August 31, 2011 |access-date=March 30, 2012 }}</ref>
In 2010, former member of [[Da Beatminerz]], Baby Paul confirmed he would be producing for the album and serving as executive producer.<ref>{{cite web |last=Paine |first=Jake |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.11386/title.producer-baby-paul-talks-azs-doe-or-die-2-new-projects |title=Producer Baby Paul Talks AZ's "Doe or Die 2", New Projects &#124; Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales |publisher=HipHopDX |date=June 3, 2010 |access-date=September 15, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100826163859/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.11386/title.producer-baby-paul-talks-azs-doe-or-die-2-new-projects |archive-date=August 26, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On November 30, 2010, he released a 15th anniversary edition of ''Doe or Die'' titled ''[[Doe or Die: 15th Anniversary]]''. In 2010, Dr. Dre and Kanye West were said to be too busy to produce for the album, but AZ said he was patiently waiting for them to complete their next solo records so they could join the production team. He was also seeking production from DJ Premier.<ref>{{cite web|last=Arnold |first=Paul W |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.12037/title.az-reveals-details-of-doe-or-die-15th-anniversary-edition |title=AZ Reveals Details Of "Doe Or Die: 15th Anniversary Edition" &#124; Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales |publisher=HipHop DX |date=October 4, 2010 |access-date=March 30, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120929235544/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.12037/title.az-reveals-details-of-doe-or-die-15th-anniversary-edition |archive-date=September 29, 2012 }}</ref> During a 2011 interview with XXLMag, AZ confirmed that Nas would be featured on the album.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2011/08/nas-will-appear-on-doe-or-die-ii-az-%E2%80%9Cguarantees%E2%80%9D |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130210030517/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2011/08/nas-will-appear-on-doe-or-die-ii-az-%E2%80%9Cguarantees%E2%80%9D |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 10, 2013 |title=Nas Will Appear on Doe or Die II, AZ "Guarantees" |publisher=Xxlmag.Com |date=August 31, 2011 |access-date=March 30, 2012 }}</ref>


On March 27, 2012, AZ released the first street single from ''Doe or Die 2'', "My Niggas", which features production from longtime collaborator [[Buckwild (music producer)|Buckwild]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://soundcloud.com/clockworkmusic-2/az-my-niggas-prod-by-buckwild |title=AZ "My Niggas" (prod. by Buckwild) by clockworkmusic on SoundCloud – Create, record and share your sounds for free |publisher=Soundcloud.com |date=March 26, 2012 |access-date=March 30, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219103329/https://soundcloud.com/clockworkmusic-2/az-my-niggas-prod-by-buckwild |archive-date=February 19, 2014 }}</ref> The album's production includes tracks from [[Statik Selektah]], Baby Paul and the original ''Doe or Die'' team of beatsmiths L.E.S., DR Period, Pete Rock, and Buckwild.<ref>{{cite web|last=Arnold |first=Paul W |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.19193/title.az-discusses-eminems-infinite-his-unfinished-tracks-with-nas-and-cristal-competition-with-the-notorious-big |title=AZ Discusses Eminem's "Infinite," His Unfinished Tracks With Nas And "Cristal Competition" With The Notorious B.I.G. &#124; Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales |publisher=HipHop DX |date=March 29, 2012 |access-date=May 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140122162824/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.19193/title.az-discusses-eminems-infinite-his-unfinished-tracks-with-nas-and-cristal-competition-with-the-notorious-big |archive-date=January 22, 2014 }}</ref>
On March 27, 2012, AZ released the first street single from ''Doe or Die 2'', "My Niggas", which features production from longtime collaborator [[Buckwild (music producer)|Buckwild]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://soundcloud.com/clockworkmusic-2/az-my-niggas-prod-by-buckwild |title=AZ "My Niggas" (prod. by Buckwild) by clockworkmusic on SoundCloud – Create, record and share your sounds for free |publisher=Soundcloud.com |date=March 26, 2012 |access-date=March 30, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219103329/https://soundcloud.com/clockworkmusic-2/az-my-niggas-prod-by-buckwild |archive-date=February 19, 2014 }}</ref> The album's production includes tracks from Statik Selektah, Baby Paul and the original ''Doe or Die'' team of beatsmiths L.E.S., DR Period, Pete Rock, and Buckwild.<ref>{{cite web|last=Arnold |first=Paul W |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.19193/title.az-discusses-eminems-infinite-his-unfinished-tracks-with-nas-and-cristal-competition-with-the-notorious-big |title=AZ Discusses Eminem's "Infinite," His Unfinished Tracks With Nas And "Cristal Competition" With The Notorious B.I.G. &#124; Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales |publisher=HipHop DX |date=March 29, 2012 |access-date=May 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140122162824/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.19193/title.az-discusses-eminems-infinite-his-unfinished-tracks-with-nas-and-cristal-competition-with-the-notorious-big |archive-date=January 22, 2014 }}</ref>


In 2014, AZ was heavily featured on [[Ghostface Killah]]'s album ''[[36 Seasons]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.31373/title.ghostface-killah-36-seasons-release-date-tracklist-production-credits-album-snippets|title=Ghostface Killah "36 Seasons" Release Date, Tracklist, Production Credits & Album Stream|work=HipHopDX|access-date=March 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150503203207/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.31373/title.ghostface-killah-36-seasons-release-date-tracklist-production-credits-album-snippets|archive-date=May 3, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
In 2014, AZ was heavily featured on [[Ghostface Killah]]'s album ''[[36 Seasons]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.31373/title.ghostface-killah-36-seasons-release-date-tracklist-production-credits-album-snippets|title=Ghostface Killah "36 Seasons" Release Date, Tracklist, Production Credits & Album Stream|work=HipHopDX|access-date=March 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150503203207/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.31373/title.ghostface-killah-36-seasons-release-date-tracklist-production-credits-album-snippets|archive-date=May 3, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Latest revision as of 06:56, 20 October 2024

For other uses, see AZ (disambiguation).
Not to be confused with Jay-Z.

AZ
AZ in 1998
AZ in 1998
Background information
Birth nameAnthony Cruz
Also known as
  • AZ the Visualiza
  • Sosa
  • The Rap James Bond
Born (1972-03-09) March 9, 1972 (age 52)
Brooklyn, New York City, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • songwriter
DiscographyAZ discography
Years active1992–present
Labels
Formerly ofThe Firm

Anthony Cruz (born March 9, 1972), better known by his stage name AZ, is an American rapper. Best known for his affiliation with hometown native and fellow East Coast rapper Nas, they formed the New York City-based hip hop group the Firm along with Foxy Brown, Cormega and Nature in 1996. Cruz first saw recognition for his guest appearance on Nas' 1994 single "Life's a Bitch", from his album Illmatic (1994). Cruz was then signed by EMI to release his debut studio album, Doe or Die (1995), which was met with critical acclaim. Its lead single, "Sugar Hill" (featuring Miss Jones) peaked at number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 and received gold certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Moreover, The Firm's sole album (1997) peaked atop the Billboard 200 chart despite unfavorable critical response; the group disbanded two years later.[1]

Upon EMI's dissolution, he was transferred to its sister labels, Noo Trybe Records and Virgin Records, through which he released his second album, Pieces of a Man (1998) to continued acclaim. Afterward, Cruz signed with Motown and Universal Records to release his third and fourth albums, 9 Lives (2001) and Aziatic (2002).[2] The latter contained the song "The Essence" (featuring Nas), which earned a nomination for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group at the 45th Annual Grammy Awards.[2]

Online magazine About.com listed AZ as the "Most Underrated [Rapper] of All Time".[3] AZ also made it onto the site's "Top 50 MCs of Our Time (1987–2007)", where he was reiterated as "arguably the most underrated lyricist ever".

Early life

[edit]

AZ was born in Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn[4] to an African-American mother and an Afro-Dominican father. He grew up in East New York, Brooklyn, with his mother and sister.[4][5]

AZ started writing rap lyrics when he was 12 years old.[5] He attended Eli Whitney High School, with fellow Brooklyn rapper Jay-Z, until the vocational school closed down in the late 1980s.[6] In the early 1990s, he became friends with Nas, a young rapper from Queens.[4] Nas started working on his debut album Illmatic and invited AZ to work with him in the studio. AZ appeared on the album intro and had a verse on "Life's a Bitch". After Illmatic was released in 1994, EMI Records offered AZ a record deal.[4]

Career

[edit]

1995–2001: Doe or Die, Pieces of a Man and 9 Lives

[edit]
AZ performing in 1997

AZ's debut album Doe or Die was released by EMI Records on October 10, 1995. It features guest appearances by Nas and production from N.O. Joe, Pete Rock, L.E.S., and Buckwild, among others. Upon its release, Doe or Die received notable commercial success, peaking at #15 on the Billboard 200, and #1 on the U.S. Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart.[citation needed] Doe or Die was known for popularizing the theme of mafioso rap, alongside several albums, namely Jay-Z's Reasonable Doubt and Nas's It Was Written. Doe or Die produced several singles, including "Mo Money, Mo Murder", "Gimme Yours", "Doe or Die" and "Sugar Hill", the last of which became his highest-charting single domestically and his sole Top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, being certified Gold by the RIAA in September 1995.[7]

In 1998, Pieces of a Man, AZ's second album, was released via Noo Trybe Records.[citation needed] His third album, 2001's 9 Lives, was released via Motown, peaking at #23 on the Billboard 200 and #4 on the Top Hip Hop / R&B Albums.[citation needed] The leading single, "Problems", with its accompanying music video, reached #34 on the Hot Rap Singles.[citation needed]

2002–2007: Aziatic, A.W.O.L. and The Format

[edit]

AZ's fourth album Aziatic features a duet between AZ and long-time friend and collaborator, Nas, "The Essence", which was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.[8] The album was mostly well received by critics, one such positive review from Brad Mills at Allmusic, states: "AZ has been looked upon to do amazing things with his music. Has he lived up to those high expectations on this album he has from start to finish. The beats on this album are complex, inventive, and almost perfectly suited for AZ's style of rhyming. He's carefully crafted this album rather than slapped it together overnight to meet his quota, and it shows. It helps immensely that he's brought along people like DR Period, Az Izz, Nas, and Buckwild, but they don't outshine the younger AZ as he holds his own well. AZ has come up with his best work in a long time on this album."[citation needed]

On September 6, 2005, A.W.O.L., his fifth album, was released, becoming the first AZ album to be released on his own imprint, Quiet Money Records.[citation needed]

AZ's sixth studio album The Format features production from Lil' Fame of M.O.P., Face Defeat, Emile, J. Cardim, Phonte, Statik Selektah and DJ Premier.[citation needed] The album's lead single is its title track "The Format", which was produced by DJ Premier, with "Vendetta" as its B-Side. The Format also features the bonus track "Royal Salute", a retaliation to 50 Cent's song "What If" which included a line aimed at AZ.[citation needed] On October 7, 2007, Quiet Money released The Format (Special Edition), adding six bonus tracks including "Royal Salute".[citation needed]

2008–present: Undeniable, Legendary and Doe or Die II

[edit]

Undeniable, his seventh studio album, was released on April 1, 2008, through Quiet Money and Koch Records. The album debuted at number 141 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart, selling over 25,000 copies in its first week. In October 2009, AZ confirmed he was working on a sequel to his debut studio album, titled Doe or Die 2. He hoped to enlist the original production team from Doe or Die such as L.E.S., Pete Rock, DR Period, and Buckwild. AZ also had ambitions on trying to acquire beats from DJ Toomp, Dr. Dre and Kanye West for the album, as well as reaching out to his old rhyme partner Nas.[9] The first single from the album "Feel My Pain" was produced by Frank Dukes.[10]

In 2010, former member of Da Beatminerz, Baby Paul confirmed he would be producing for the album and serving as executive producer.[11] On November 30, 2010, he released a 15th anniversary edition of Doe or Die titled Doe or Die: 15th Anniversary. In 2010, Dr. Dre and Kanye West were said to be too busy to produce for the album, but AZ said he was patiently waiting for them to complete their next solo records so they could join the production team. He was also seeking production from DJ Premier.[12] During a 2011 interview with XXLMag, AZ confirmed that Nas would be featured on the album.[13]

On March 27, 2012, AZ released the first street single from Doe or Die 2, "My Niggas", which features production from longtime collaborator Buckwild.[14] The album's production includes tracks from Statik Selektah, Baby Paul and the original Doe or Die team of beatsmiths L.E.S., DR Period, Pete Rock, and Buckwild.[15]

In 2014, AZ was heavily featured on Ghostface Killah's album 36 Seasons.[16]

After several delays, Doe or Die II was released on September 10, 2021.[17]

Discography

[edit]
Main article: AZ discography
Studio Albums
Collaboration Albums

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Grammy Awards
Year Award Nomination Result
2003 Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group "The Essence" (with Nas) Nominated

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Foxy Brown is majorly dissed on a major release". EW.com.
  2. ^ a b allmusic Biography
  3. ^ Adaso, Henry (June 3, 2010). "10 Most Underrated Rappers". About.com:Rap/Hip-Hop. Archived from the original on April 13, 2014. Retrieved October 13, 2010.
  4. ^ a b c d Anthony Cruz: Jewels, Gems & Treasures. Quiet Money Publishing, 2015.
  5. ^ a b #20YrsLtr: Doe or Die (2016)
  6. ^ "Rapper AZ Says He Battled Jay-Z In High School". June 14, 2013.
  7. ^ "AZ's 'Doe or Die' Turns 20: Brooklyn Rapper Looks Back on Its History & Impact". Billboard. October 10, 2015. Retrieved May 11, 2020.
  8. ^ "2003 Grammy Award Nominees Announced". Archived from the original on October 20, 2012.
  9. ^ Arnold, Paul W (December 22, 2009). "AZ Wants Dr. Dre, Kanye West And Nas For Doe Or Die 2". HipHopDX. Archived from the original on December 25, 2009. Retrieved December 26, 2009.
  10. ^ "Preview – AZ-Feel_My_Pain_(Prod_Frank_Dukes)-.mp3". LimeLinx. Archived from the original on March 1, 2012. Retrieved September 15, 2010.
  11. ^ Paine, Jake (June 3, 2010). "Producer Baby Paul Talks AZ's "Doe or Die 2", New Projects | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHopDX. Archived from the original on August 26, 2010. Retrieved September 15, 2010.
  12. ^ Arnold, Paul W (October 4, 2010). "AZ Reveals Details Of "Doe Or Die: 15th Anniversary Edition" | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHop DX. Archived from the original on September 29, 2012. Retrieved March 30, 2012.
  13. ^ "Nas Will Appear on Doe or Die II, AZ "Guarantees"". Xxlmag.Com. August 31, 2011. Archived from the original on February 10, 2013. Retrieved March 30, 2012.
  14. ^ "AZ "My Niggas" (prod. by Buckwild) by clockworkmusic on SoundCloud – Create, record and share your sounds for free". Soundcloud.com. March 26, 2012. Archived from the original on February 19, 2014. Retrieved March 30, 2012.
  15. ^ Arnold, Paul W (March 29, 2012). "AZ Discusses Eminem's "Infinite," His Unfinished Tracks With Nas And "Cristal Competition" With The Notorious B.I.G. | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHop DX. Archived from the original on January 22, 2014. Retrieved May 2, 2012.
  16. ^ "Ghostface Killah "36 Seasons" Release Date, Tracklist, Production Credits & Album Stream". HipHopDX. Archived from the original on May 3, 2015. Retrieved March 30, 2017.
  17. ^ "Doe or Die II by AZ". September 10, 2021.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=AZ_(rapper)&oldid=1252190106"