AZ (born Anthony Cruz in Brooklyn, New York City) is an African-American/Dominican East-Coast rapper. His original name was "AZ The Visualiza" and was later changed to just AZ. AZ has achieved a cult following in spite of little mainstream success. He first came to prominence appearing on Nas' landmark Illmatic on the song "Life's A Bitch" (1994, 1994 in music) and soon released Doe Or Die (1995, 1995 in music) to critical acclaim, even from critics who hated hip-hop but liked AZ's moralistic and realistic portrayals of the dangers of thug life.
AZ's fanbase grew considerably after he joined The Firm, a supergroup consisting of AZ, Nas, Foxy Brown and Nature with Dr. Dre and The Trackmasters producing. The Firm's debut, The Firm: The Album, was a critical and commercial failure, as was Pieces of a Man, AZ's second solo release. Without a major label, AZ released S.O.S.A. to little fanfare in 2000 (see 2000 in music). Soon, however, AZ signed to Motown and released 9 Lives, which returned his name to popular consciousness among hip hop critics but did little to bolster his sales.
In 2002, he released Aziatic. From the album, "The Essence" was nominated for the 2003 Grammy Awards for Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group. The video to its first single, "I'm Back," received moderate MTV2 play. AZ was supposed to release an album, Final Call, around late 2004 or early 2005. Due to massive bootlegging, the album was never released. Instead, A.W.O.L. was released on September 6, 2005. The album that featured many tracks that were on the unreleased "Final Call" was critically acclaimed and embraced by die-hard AZ fans.
During 2006 AZ released the solo track "Royal Salute" which was a response to 50 Cent's "What If". He also released two other tracks entitled "Animal" and "Professional Style" . A new album is titled "The Format" is scheduled to come out in July.
26.12 -- Genug von Lametta, Lebkuchen und Lichterketten? Wer meint, im Dezember gäbe es nur kalte Nüsse unter der Rute, für den haben wir die fetteste Weihnachtsgans 2009 und das ist jetzt keine Ente ;-) Wir präsentieren euch die heißesten Nüsse dieser Stadt: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BERLINUTZ + HBL + 4xSAMPLE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! samt showcases von FURIOUS, FLEXXUS und CAFE INGWA..! Also,Stiefel geputzt, Schlitten raus und vorbeigeschneit.... Wir freuen uns auf euch, HBLcrew
Ab sofort gibt es den Teil 3 unserer "ALLE JAHRE WIEDER" Reihe zum FREE DOWNLOAD! Das dritte Jahr in Folge Gehirnfasching vom feinsten und das Ganze diesmal sogar auf Albumlänge! Ein Fest für jeden Psycho und ein Lehrbuch des Extremfalls für jeden Psychologen. 18 besinnliche Titel auf ca. 60 Minuten Spielzeit erwarten euch mit Ego-trip, Tschabo, JaySolo, Snikka, John Player, Jaspa, Inspirella, den Subwoofer Brothers, DJ High5 und J.Kelly. Ein perfektes Geschenk für Freunde & Familie!
Die Beats kommen von Rewind Beats, Stiff Man, Sasori Beats, Arves, Teymo und Cordes Blow.
Viel Spaß beim Trinken und frohe Weihnachten! Macht nix was wir nicht auch tuen würden.
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It seems that Christmas time is here once again, and it is time again to bring in the New Year. We wish the merriest of Christmas to you and your loved ones, and we wish you happiness and prosperity in the year ahead. Yola