Unveiling the Unsung: AZ's Voyage Through Hip-Hop
A deep dive into the life and career of one of Hip-Hop's undervalued veterans. #HipHop50
As daybreak peeks over the Brooklyn skyline, the lively city gradually stirs to kick-start another day filled with commotion and activity. This is Anthony Cruz, better known as AZ, a rapper who would become an influential figure within the hip-hop scene. Before we dive into the creative influences that shaped AZ, let's take a moment to appreciate his humble beginnings and the environment that cultivated his talent.
Beginnings Painted with Humility
AZ came into this world on March 9, 1972. Born and raised amidst the swirling grit and energy of Brooklyn, New York, the milieu of his formative years offered much in the way of life lessons and creative fodder. In its multi-layered vibrancy, Brooklyn served as both a backdrop and a central character in the narrative of AZ's life.
The rhythm of Brooklyn, teeming with life and bustling with a multicultural population, was undeniably impactful. Every corner was a cacophony of different dialects, cultures, and stories, creating a fertile ground for a curious mind. AZ's sonic inclinations didn't appear from a vacuum. They were, in fact, a reflection of this environment—each line of his rhymes was akin to the verses of an urban poet, narrating life as he experienced it.
In this stimulating milieu, the burgeoning hip-hop culture became his refuge. A cultural phenomenon of its time, hip-hop emerged as a powerful force, echoing the collective voices of marginalized communities and reflecting the pulse of the streets. For a young AZ, this was a world where he could channel his observations, thoughts, and emotions. Hip-Hop became a mirror of life around him, and he soon found himself enamored with its rhythm and lyrical intricacy.
Having matured in an atmosphere where the boundaries separating life and art were indistinct, he was able to derive his inspiration from this intricate fusion, ultimately contributing a unique genuineness to his pieces.| The streets of Brooklyn, the unique blend of cultures, and the music that constantly reverberated through them significantly shaped AZ's musical sensibilities. The very essence of Brooklyn lived and breathed in AZ's music, making him a genuine product of his environment.
The Creative Influences Shaping AZ
To AZ, hip-hop wasn't just songs playing on the airwaves; it was something much deeper- it embodied his community's essence. The ability to express urban struggles through rhythm and verse ignited his passion for rap at a young age. Early influences such as Rakim, Kool G Rap, and Big Daddy Kane cemented his artistic perception forevermore. The sharp lyricism and innovative flow of these icons echoed through the streets of Brooklyn, instilling in young AZ a deep appreciation for the power of words in music.
But the inspiration didn't end with music. The cultural milieu of Brooklyn was equally significant. The borough was a melting pot of experiences and lifestyles, with its unique combination of art, street culture, and diverse ethnicities. The literature, visual arts, and street style of Brooklyn in the 80s and early 90s were all absorbed into AZ's creative conscience. These cultural elements eventually found expression in his musical style, making him a unique voice in the hip-hop scene.
The spark of activism in the era also significantly shaped AZ's approach to music. Influenced by the call for justice and social change, he began using his music to give voice to the marginalized, the misunderstood, and those whose stories often go unheard.
All these influences combined shape AZ's unique approach to music. His unique blend of cultural influences, sharp wit, and powerful narratives set him apart in hip-hop. As he grew in his career, he continuously honored these roots, securing his place as a distinct voice in the hip-hop sphere.
The Unexpected Chance: Nas' Illmatic
Despite his immersion in the rap culture, AZ's spotlight moment had yet to arrive. As Nas approached the brink of producing his first album, Illmatic, it became evident that this piece of art would have a momentous influence on the hip-hop scene.
One day, as if orchestrated by fate, Nas and AZ crossed paths. Nas already recognized his potential and saw something equally potent in AZ. This recognition led to a life-changing invitation for both artists - a chance for AZ to feature on Nas' upcoming album.
This collaboration culminated in the track "Life's a Bitch." Notably, this song marked the first official appearance of AZ in the music scene. His performance, laced with his unique style of rhythm and rhymes, left a real impact. It wasn't just the lyrics but the raw emotion he channeled through them, perfectly encapsulating the harsh realities of street life.
This debut shook the hip-hop community, highlighting AZ's potential as a standalone artist. Furthermore, his performance added depth to Illmatic, broadening its emotional range and narrative scope. In essence, "Life's a Bitch" served as the springboard for AZ's career, launching him into the fray and signaling the arrival of a new voice in hip-hop. The impact of this single feature was immense, setting the stage for AZ's journey into a solo career.
Emerging into His Own: Doe or Die
In the wake of his impactful cameo on Nas' iconic album, AZ resolutely decided to tread his path. Preparing for Doe or Die was an exhilarating journey, marked by arduous hours in recording studios and copious notepads filled with his thoughts, emotions, and observations. A meticulous planner, AZ was committed to perfecting every beat, every verse, and every hook that would later materialize into the tracks on his debut.
He found himself entrenched in hip-hop, bringing his unique perspective to the fore. Drawing heavily from his upbringing, struggles, and triumphs, he began to pen lyrics that authentically reflect his lived experiences. He strove to stay true to his roots, neighborhood, and unique outlook, which he achieved by weaving the socio-cultural milieu of Brooklyn into the fabric of his songs.
Upon its release, Doe or Die splashed within the tight-knit hip-hop community. Critics praised the album's intricate lyricism, gritty production, and AZ's distinctive delivery. Some applauded the album's rawness, which felt like fresh air amidst the era's commercially driven music scene.
From fans to critics to fellow artists, the consensus was clear: AZ was a rich voice that needed to be heard. Tracks like "Sugar Hill" and "Rather Unique" quickly became fan favorites, showcasing the depth of AZ's lyrical abilities. While the album didn't skyrocket him to instant fame, it did help cement his place within the industry as a promising, emerging voice.
The impact of Doe or Die was far-reaching. It validated AZ's decision to branch out and set the foundation for his subsequent work. The album remains an influential piece within hip-hop, particularly for those who appreciate an authentic and unfiltered look at life's harsh realities. AZ's debut album attests to his commitment to his own voice in a genre where trends often dictate the direction. This debut work gave fans a sneak peek into the artistic potential of this Brooklyn-bred artist, paving the way for his future releases.
The Rocky Road of the Second Release
With the success of Doe or Die, expectations for AZ's sophomore release were unrealistically high. Fans eagerly anticipated what the Brooklyn-born rapper would serve next, and the industry was abuzz with speculation. They had their eyes on AZ, waiting for him to strike gold again.
But as it often happens, the sophomore slump hit. The pressure to replicate the debut's success led AZ to venture into uncharted territories, a path fraught with both anticipation and apprehension, the same way his partner-in-crime did.
But before that happened, AZ was featured on “Affirmative Action,” along with Cormega (later replaced by Nature) and Foxy Brown, known as the Firm, on Nas’ commercial breakthrough album It Was Written, which was met with mixed reactions criticizing the Queensbridge rapper for selling out. The following year they released an album in the fall of 1997 with the help of Dr. Dre and Trackmasters, which was met with huge disappointment.
As the album Pieces of a Man dropped in the spring of 1998, fans and critics were thrown off guard. Straying from the sound that defined his debut, AZ adopted a style that hinted at a more mainstream sound. The shift left many old-school fans feeling estranged.
Critically, the album garnered mixed reviews. Some praised the unique storytelling and the polished production, acknowledging the efforts to break away from the successful formula of Doe or Die. Others, however, quickly labeled it a departure from his authentic sound.
Commercially, Pieces of a Man faced an uphill battle. Despite corresponding to most of the typical criteria on what constitutes a successful hip-hop album, it needed more than one standout track capable of propelling it into pure commercial superstardom. Thus, despite its quality output, it faced stiff competition from other major recent releases in the hip-hop genre, ultimately overshadowing his release.
AZ, however, never allowed himself to be swayed by the reactions. Undeterred, he focused on creating music that reflected his experiences and thoughts. Despite the turbulence and the mixed reactions to his second release, AZ's commitment to his craft remained unshakeable, setting the stage for the next phase of his career.
The Third Album: A Dip in the Wave
As the waves of success carried AZ into the late 1990s, the industry constantly sought new sounds and faces, and the pressure to deliver consistently began to mount.
The 9 Lives project saw AZ attempting to balance his authentic style with the expectations of a shifting market. His inclination towards lyrical substance was met with the industry's clamor for club anthems, causing a dissonance between the artist and the commercial demand. The lyrics stayed true to his roots, painting pictures of life's grittier aspects, yet the era's more popular sounds influenced the production.
The album's reception was tepid, leading to a challenging period for the rapper. Some critics considered the album a departure from the essence of AZ's initial works, leaving a disquieting silence around his name. During this period, he has brought forth introspection, with AZ evaluating his industry position and artistry.
A Phoenix from the Ashes: Aziatic
The dawn of the new millennium brought an energized AZ back to the studio. With a refreshed spirit and a renewed sense of purpose, he began working on Aziatic, a project to reignite his presence in the hip-hop community.
AZ's conviction remained unwavering despite the lukewarm response to his previous release. The concept for Aziatic materialized from this resolve, focusing on creating a compelling and personal project. Facing industry skepticism, AZ’s motivation stemmed from his desire to reaffirm his identity as a skilled lyricist.
Aziatic proved to be a crucial turning point for AZ. The album received positive reviews for its coherent themes and AZ's reassertion of his lyrical skill. The song "The Essence" even garnered a Grammy nomination, cementing the album's success. Aziatic reminded the hip-hop community of AZ's commitment to his craft and reignited conversations around his underrated influence. The album's success propelled AZ forward, revitalizing his career and reigniting his spirit for his ongoing musical journey.
After the positive reception of 'Aziatic,' AZ's career took an interesting turn. His ensuing works witness an artist confident in his style yet not afraid to experiment within the confines of his domain.
The Subsequent Works: A.W.O.L., The Format, Undeniable, Legendary
A.W.O.L. (2005)
This project, unveiled in 2005, revealed a rapper comfortable in his cadence, leveraging his strengths to full effect. With production credits featuring industry heavyweights, the album boasted a striking collection of beats that perfectly complemented his verbal flourishes. Consistent in its quality, A.W.O.L. painted a portrait of AZ, who had grown comfortable in his skin and was unafraid to showcase his unique style.
The Format (2006)
The Format followed in 2006, an album that exuded a vintage charm harkening back to the roots of Hip-Hop. Harnessing the magic of old-school rhythms and samples, AZ flexed his skills against the backdrop of a bygone era, resulting in an album that balanced nostalgia and novelty. The Format illustrated AZ's adaptability, an artist willing to honor the past while embracing the future.
Undeniable (2008)
Undeniable, the 2008 offering was a mixed bag of styles and influences. Some critics and fans deemed it uneven, yet others celebrated it as an exemplification of AZ's range. Regardless of opinions, Undeniable’s fusion of distinct styles showcased a constant feature of AZ's career: his willingness to test the waters and challenge himself.
Legendary (2009)
In Legendary, released in 2009, AZ stayed true to his style, delivering well-executed verses with the precision we'd expect from him. This album served as a reaffirmation of his abilities, displaying his confident style. Though less ambitious than some of his other works, Legendary was a solid addition to his discography and a reminder of his consistent quality.
These subsequent works revealed an artist who remained dedicated to his craft, constantly refining his style while staying true to his roots. Each album in this period presented a different aspect of AZ's musical personality, contributing to a varied and intriguing body of work that fascinates Hip-Hop aficionados.
Finally: The Long-Delayed Release of Doe or Die II
After announcing this project in 2009, AZ finally released a sequel to Doe or Die in 2021. The original LP in 1995 is considered a technical masterpiece and coming-of-age treatise. Its execution is critically flawless, and it bridges and surpasses the ideas of its closest peers. It explores weighty themes with unique modesty, with AZ's polished style and complex rhyme patterns being major highlights. The album is described as a subtle magnificence extending to its exposition, where life is fragile, and death is nonsensical. It's paced like a brooding HBO drama, with long dialogues interspersed with bursts of brutal violence.
The sequel offers a fresh lens to consider AZ's discography, showing an older man enjoying the spoils of wealth, plotting political maneuvers, and reminiscing over the past. The album's aesthetic is a vivid evocation of mid-'90s New York, yet it does not confine itself to a particular scene or era. It features collaborations with various artists, including Lil Wayne, T-Pain, and Conway the Machine. Despite its businesslike nature, the album proves AZ's talent and skill.
Legacy and Influence
AZ, though often concealed in the shadows of the hip-hop industry, has been quietly sowing seeds of influence. Without the fanfare typically associated with stalwarts of the genre, his lyrical delivery has served as a template for aspiring rappers seeking to weave intricate rhyme schemes without sacrificing relatability.
His contributions remain largely unacknowledged by the mainstream. Nonetheless, a diligent scan of his discography reveals how much he has imbued into the hip-hop ethos. While his name might not reverberate in every conversation about influential rappers, the impact of his lyrical complexities and his insistence on authentic representation have had a discreet but profound effect on the genre.
AZ's relevance has remained undiminished in an industry characterized by ebb and flow. Despite mixed reception, his consistent output of albums speaks volumes about his unwavering dedication to his craft. His commitment to the art form and the authenticity of his work keep him relevant in a landscape that often prioritizes novelty over substance.
As we roam the depths of AZ's career, it becomes apparent that his role in the grand design of hip-hop warrants more recognition. It is not only his impressive discography that calls for acknowledgment but also his skill in maintaining a meaningful dialogue with his fans through his work. The gravity of AZ's influence invites us to reassess the measures we gauge the significance of hip-hop.