Biography:
AZ was born Anthony Cruz to an African-American mother and a Dominican father. Although he had been rapping since 1992, AZ first came to prominence by appearing on Nas' landmark album Illmatic on the song "Life's a Bitch" (1994)—he was the only guest emcee to appear on that album. After a bidding war, AZ signed with EMI, and soon released Doe Or Die (1995) to more critical acclaim than commercial sales. The album's lead single, "Sugar Hill", became AZ's only major commercial success as a solo artist, reaching the top 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and achieving Gold status. AZ's EMI contract was transferred to sister label Noo Trybe Records/Virgin Records when the EMI Label Group was shut down.
In 1997, he and Nas appeared in an Sprite commercial.
AZ's fanbase grew considerably after he joined The Firm, a supergroup comprised of AZ, Nas, Foxy Brown, and Nature, with Dr. Dre and The Trackmasters producing. The Firm's only album, The Album, was regarded as critically disappointing. Pieces of a Man, AZ's second solo release, didn't sell well. Independently, AZ released S.O.S.A. to little fanfare in 2000. Soon, however, AZ signed with Motown/Universal Records and released 9 Lives.
In 2002, he released Aziatic. A single 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 titled Final Call, around late 2004 or early 2005. Due to massive bootlegging, however, the album was never released. Instead, A.W.O.L. was released on September 6, 2005. This album featured many tracks that were on the unreleased Final Call, as well as some new ones—the first single was the DJ Premier-produced "The Come Up," and it became a moderately popular single.
AZ's sixth solo album The Format , was released on November 7, 2006.
Since The Format, AZ has released a mixtape titled The Memphis Sessions and a J-Love mixtape titled The Return of S.O.S.A. His latest album Undeniable will be released in early 2008.
Style:
AZ is known for his smooth, rhythmic cadence of delivery. He is also known for his use of multi-syllable rhyme schemes, internal rhymes, unconventional rhymes, and a large vocabulary. AZ is "one of the greatest rappers as far as lyrics and longevity", his style and flow are instantly recognizable and comparable to his friend and collaborator Nas.
Albums:
* 1995: Doe Or Die
* 1997: The Firm: The Album
* 1998: Pieces Of A Man
* 2000: S.O.S.A. (Save Our Streets AZ)
* 2001: 9 Lives
* 2002: AZiatic
* 2004: Final Call (unreleased)
* 2005: A.W.O.L.
* 2006: The Format
* 2007: Memphis Sessions (Remixtape)
* 2008: Undeniable
* 2009: Legendary
* 2009: G.O.D. (Gold, Oil & Diamonds)
Affirmative Action Remix
AZ Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This is what it's all about
Time to take Affirmative Action son
They just don't understand, you kna'mean
Niggas coming sideways thinking stuff is sweet man
Niggas don't understand the four devils; lust, envy, hate, jealousy
Wicked niggas, man
And let's all wash this money through this laundry mat
Sneak attack a new cat sit back, worth top dollar
In fact touch mine's and I'll react like a Rottweiler
Who could relate, we play for high stakes at gunpoint
Catch em and break, undress em, tie em with tape no escape
The Corleone, fettuccine Capone
Roam in your own zone or get kidnapped and clapped in your dome
We got it sewn, The Firm art of war is unknown
Lower your tone, face it homicide cases get blown
Aristocrats, politickin daily with diplomats
See me I'm an official mack, Lex Coupe triple black
Criminal thoughts in the blue Porsche, my destiny's to be the new boss
That nigga Paulie gotta die, he too soft
That nigga's dead on, a key of her-oin
They found his head on the couch with his dick in his mouth
I put the hit out
Yo, the smoothest killer since Bugsy, bitches love me
And Queens where my drugs be, I wear Guess jeans and rugbies
Yo, my people from Medina they will see you
When you re-up bring your heater all your cream go between us
Real shit, my Desert Eagle got a ill grip
I chill with niggas that hit Dominican spots and steal bricks
My red beam, made a dread scream and sprayed a Fed team
Corleone be turning niggas to fiends
Yukons and ninja black Lexus, Mega the pretty boy
With mafia connections it's The Firm nigga set it
Yo, my mind is seeing through your design like blind fury
I shine jewelry sipping on crushed grapes, we lust papes
And push cakes inside the casket at Just wake
It's sickening, he just finished bidding upstate
And now the projects is talking that somebody gotta die shit
It's logic as long as it's nobody that's in my clique
My man Smoke know how to expand coke in Mr. Coffee
Feds cost me two mill' to get the system off me
Life's a bitch but God-forbid the bitch divorce me
I'll be flooded with ice so hell fire can't scorch me
Cuban cigars meeting Foxy at the Mosque
Moving cars, your top papi Señor Escobar
In the black Camaro
Firm deep, all my niggas hail the blackest sparrow
Wallabee's be the apparel
Through the darkest tunnel
I got visions of multimillions in the biggest bundle
In the Lex pushed by my nigga Jungle
E Money bags got Moet Chandon
Bundle of sixty-two, they ain't got a clue what we about to do
My whole team, we shitting hard like Czar: Sosa, Foxy Brown, Cormega and Escobar
I keep a fat marquess piece, laced in all the illest snake skin
Armani sweaters Carolina Herrera
Be The Firm baby, from BK to the Bridge
My nigga Wiz, operation Firm Biz, so what the deal is
I keep a phat jew-el, sippin Crist-ies
Sitting on top of fifty grand in the Nautica Van
We stay incogni' like all them thug niggas in Marcy
The Gods they praise Allah with visions of Gandhi
Bet it on my whole crew is Don Juan
On Cayman Island with a case of Cristal and Baba Shallah spoke
Nigga with them Cubans that snort coke, raw though
An ounce mixed with leak that's pure though
Flipping the bigger picture
The bigger nigga with the cheddar
Was mad dripper
He had a fucking villa in Manilla
We got to flee to Panama but wait it's half-and-half
Keys is one and two-fifth, so how we flip
Thirty-two grams raw, chop it in half
Get sixteen, double it times three
We got forty-eight, which mean a whole lot of cream
Divide the profit by four, subtract it by eight
We back to sixteen now add the other two that Mega bringing through
So let's see, if we flip this other key
Then that's more for me, mad coke and mad leak
Plus a five hundred cut in half is two-fifty
Now triple that times three
We got three quarters of another ki
The Firm baby, volume one
The lyrics to AZ's song "Affirmative Action" tells the story of a group of gangsters, part of "The Firm," who are involved in criminal activities such as drug dealing, extortion, and murder. The lyrics describe how the gang operates and their relationships with other criminal organizations. They also address themes such as loyalty, power, and money. The song's title "Affirmative Action" suggests that the gang is taking action to claim what they believe is theirs, even if it means using illegal means.
The chorus "This is what, this what they want huh" implies that the gang is doing what society has forced them into, making them feel as though they have no choice but to be criminals. The mention of the "four devils" that lead people down a path of wickedness (lust, envy, hate, jealousy) highlights the desperation of the characters and how they are driven to commit crimes to gain power and wealth. The song is a commentary on the circumstances that force people into lives of crime and how they justify their actions.
Line by Line Meaning
This is what, this what they want huh
This is what people desire and expect
This is what it's all about
This is the essence of the situation
Time to take Affirmative Action son
It's time to assert ourselves and make a move
They just don't understand, you kna'mean
They lack comprehension, you know what I mean
Niggas coming sideways thinking stuff is sweet man
People approaching with an ignorant mindset, assuming things are easy
Niggas don't understand the four devils; lust, envy, hate, jealousy
People fail to grasp the destructive forces of desire, resentment, hostility, and envy
Wicked niggas, man
These individuals are corrupt and immoral
Yo sit back, relax, catch ya contact, sip your cog-ni-ac
Take a moment to unwind and enjoy the effects of your substance, while savoring your cognac
And let's all wash this money through this laundry mat
Let us cleanse and legitimize our ill-gotten gains through a metaphorical money-laundering operation
Sneak attack a new cat sit back, worth top dollar
Launch an unexpected assault on a newcomer, observing their value from a distance
In fact touch mine's and I'll react like a Rottweiler
If you dare cross my boundaries, I'll defend myself fiercely like an aggressive dog breed
Who could relate, we play for high stakes at gunpoint
Only those who have experienced it truly understand; we engage in high-risk activities involving firearms
Catch em and break, undress em, tie em with tape no escape
Capture and dismantle them, leaving them helpless and restrained, providing no opportunity for escape
The Corleone, fettuccine Capone
We embody the power and influence of the Corleone family and the notorious Al Capone
Roam in your own zone or get kidnapped and clapped in your dome
Stay in your own territory or face the consequences of being abducted and shot in the head
We got it sewn, The Firm art of war is unknown
We have complete control and dominance; the strategic techniques employed by The Firm are unfamiliar to others
Lower your tone, face it homicide cases get blown
Speak less aggressively, acknowledge that murder investigations often fail due to lack of evidence
Aristocrats, politickin daily with diplomats
We are influential elites, engaging in constant political maneuvering alongside ambassadors
See me I'm an official mack, Lex Coupe triple black
Recognize my authority as a skilled seducer; I drive a black Lexus Coupe
Criminal thoughts in the blue Porsche, my destiny's to be the new boss
My mind is filled with illegal ideas while driving a blue Porsche; I am destined for top leadership
That nigga Paulie gotta die, he too soft
We must eliminate Paulie because he lacks the necessary toughness
That nigga's dead on, a key of her-oin
He is absolutely right, referring to a substantial quantity of heroin
They found his head on the couch with his dick in his mouth
His decapitated head was discovered on the couch, with a disgraceful act done to his body
I put the hit out
I ordered the assassination
Yo, the smoothest killer since Bugsy, bitches love me
I am the most charming and skilled murderer since Bugsy Siegel, women are enamored by me
And Queens where my drugs be, I wear Guess jeans and rugbies
Queens is where I distribute drugs, and I prefer to wear Guess jeans and rugby shirts
Yo, my people from Medina they will see you
My associates from Medina, a neighborhood, will find and confront you
When you re-up bring your heater all your cream go between us
When you resupply, bring your gun, and make sure the profits are divided between us
Real shit, my Desert Eagle got a ill grip
I speak honestly, my Desert Eagle pistol has an excellent grip
I chill with niggas that hit Dominican spots and steal bricks
I associate with individuals who target Dominican drug locations and steal large quantities of drugs
My red beam, made a dread scream and sprayed a Fed team
The laser sight on my firearm caused a Rastafarian to cry out in terror, and I shot at a team of federal law enforcement officers
Corleone be turning niggas to fiends
The Corleone family has the power to manipulate people into becoming drug addicts
Yukons and ninja black Lexus, Mega the pretty boy
Driving luxurious Yukon vehicles and a sleek black Lexus, Mega is known for his good looks
With mafia connections it's The Firm nigga set it
Having ties to the mafia, The Firm declares its dominance
Yo, my mind is seeing through your design like blind fury
My intellect can penetrate through your plans effortlessly, just like a blind person's heightened other senses
I shine jewelry sipping on crushed grapes, we lust papes
I flaunt expensive jewelry while enjoying wine made from crushed grapes; we desire wealth
And push cakes inside the casket at Just wake
We smuggle drugs hidden inside coffins at funeral services
It's sickening, he just finished bidding upstate
It's disturbing, he just completed his prison sentence in an upstate correctional facility
And now the projects is talking that somebody gotta die shit
Now there is conversation among residents of the housing projects regarding the need for someone to be killed
It's logic as long as it's nobody that's in my clique
It's reasonable, as long as nobody from my group is involved
My man Smoke know how to expand coke in Mr. Coffee
My associate Smoke is skilled at increasing the supply of cocaine using a coffee machine
Feds cost me two mill' to get the system off me
The federal authorities demanded a payment of two million dollars to remove their surveillance from me
Life's a bitch but God-forbid the bitch divorce me
Life can be challenging, but I hope to never be separated from it
I'll be flooded with ice so hell fire can't scorch me
I will be adorned with so much expensive jewelry that even the fires of hell cannot harm me
Cuban cigars meeting Foxy at the Mosque
Enjoying Cuban cigars while meeting with Foxy Brown at the Mosque
Moving cars, your top papi Señor Escobar
Engaging in drug trafficking, your supreme leader like Pablo Escobar
In the black Camaro
Traveling in a black Camaro
Firm deep, all my niggas hail the blackest sparrow
The Firm is strong and united, all my associates respect the darkest individual among us
Wallabee's be the apparel
We wear Wallabee shoes as our chosen attire
Through the darkest tunnel
Navigating through the most troubling and dangerous situations
I got visions of multimillions in the biggest bundle
I have dreams of accumulating massive amounts of money in the largest package
In the Lex pushed by my nigga Jungle
Riding in the Lexus driven by my friend Jungle
E Money bags got Moet Chandon
E Money bags possesses expensive Moet Chandon champagne
Bundle of sixty-two, they ain't got a clue what we about to do
A package containing sixty-two units, nobody is aware of our upcoming actions
My whole team, we shitting hard like Czar: Sosa, Foxy Brown, Cormega and Escobar
Our entire group is succeeding greatly, just like influential figures Czar, Sosa, Foxy Brown, Cormega, and Escobar
I keep a fat marquess piece, laced in all the illest snake skin
I possess a large and valuable handgun, embellished with the finest snake skin
Armani sweaters Carolina Herrera
Wearing luxurious Armani sweaters and Carolina Herrera clothing
Be The Firm baby, from BK to the Bridge
Identify as a member of The Firm, representing both Brooklyn (BK) and the Queensbridge area
My nigga Wiz, operation Firm Biz, so what the deal is
My friend Wiz is in charge of The Firm's operations, so what's the plan?
I keep a phat jew-el, sippin Crist-ies
I possess a valuable jewel and enjoy sipping on Cristal champagne
Sitting on top of fifty grand in the Nautica Van
Resting on a stack of fifty thousand dollars in the Nautica Van
We stay incogni' like all them thug niggas in Marcy
We remain discreet, just like all the gangsters in the Marcy housing projects
The Gods they praise Allah with visions of Gandhi
High-ranking individuals honor Allah while envisioning the wisdom and principles of Mahatma Gandhi
Bet it on my whole crew is Don Juan
I guarantee that my entire crew is charismatic and seductive
On Cayman Island with a case of Cristal and Baba Shallah spoke
Located on the Cayman Islands with a crate of Cristal champagne, listening to the wise words of Baba Shallah
Nigga with them Cubans that snort coke, raw though
Individual associated with Cubans who consume cocaine, in its purest form
An ounce mixed with leak that's pure though
Blending an ounce of cocaine with the drug known as leak, resulting in an unadulterated product
Flipping the bigger picture
Manipulating the larger plan or scheme
The bigger nigga with the cheddar
The larger individual with great wealth
Was mad dripper
Was extremely successful and fortunate
He had a fucking villa in Manilla
He possessed a luxurious villa in Manilla
We got to flee to Panama but wait it's half-and-half
We need to escape to Panama, but there is a catch or dilemma
Keys is one and two-fifth, so how we flip
The drugs we possess weigh 1.4 kilograms, so how do we turn a profit
Thirty-two grams raw, chop it in half
We have 32 grams of uncut drugs, divide it into equal halves
Get sixteen, double it times three
We now have 16 grams, multiply it by 2 and then by 3
We got forty-eight, which mean a whole lot of cream
We now have 48 grams, indicating a significant quantity of drugs
Divide the profit by four, subtract it by eight
Split the earnings into four portions, then deduct eight from that
We back to sixteen now add the other two that Mega bringing through
We are left with 16 grams again, but add the additional two grams that Mega is bringing
So let's see, if we flip this other key
Now, let's consider the outcome if we sell this additional kilogram of drugs
Then that's more for me, mad coke and mad leak
In that case, there will be a larger share for me, consisting of a significant amount of cocaine and the drug leak
Plus a five hundred cut in half is two-fifty
Additionally, a $500 profit split in half results in $250
Now triple that times three
Now multiply that by three, giving us a threefold increase
We got three quarters of another ki
We now possess three quarters of another kilogram of drugs
The Firm baby, volume one
Representing The Firm, this is just the beginning
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Peermusic Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, SILVER FOX MUSIC GROUP
Written by: NASIR JONES, INGA D. MARCHAND, DAVE A. ATKINSON, SAMUEL J. BARNES, ANTHONY S. CRUZ, CORY MCKAY, JEAN CLAUDE OLIVIER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind