Born in Brooklyn as Anthony Cruz, AZ first came to the greater rap community’s attention in a big way after his stellar performance on NAS’s "Life’s A Bitch" in 1994.
Given AZ’s simularity to Nas and the overwhelming response to Nas’s Illmatic album, it was just a matter of time before AZ would score a record deal, a feat he accomplished in 1995.
The resulting debut album "Doe or Die", shook the New York hip-hop scene as Nas’s ’Illmatic’ and Mobb Deep’s ’Infamous’ had done shortly before it.
Like those albums, Doe or Die revealed in the street life -hustling for cash, peddling drugs, violent encounters, mandatory boastings, struggling daily just to maintain - but took a literate and thoughtful approach to the often exploitative gangsta motifs.
Furthermore, like Nas, Az had Pete Rock crafting the beats, which won the young rapper instant credibility among the hip-hop community.
Foxy Brown, Eminem, DMX, Jay-Z, Kool G Rap, early Mobb Deep, Nas, BIG, Beanie Siegel, LL Cool J, Rakim, & Run-D.M.C., but most importantly, innovation.
I know i've been off the scene for awhile but im tryna come back, plays been low lately. Help me out by listenin to the New Track "Looney Tunes ft. Just Lyricz" from the mixtape "Speculate", its just a sample might even be a bonus track. But tell me what yall think. Thanks.
Your music inspires me as an artist. Good music is good for mind, body, and soul. Continue to support my music as well. Share with family and friends. Peace, Raylohim
Online Now!
