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)
Games
AZ Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Of course it's me, AZ
The most hated, most underrated
But it is, what it is
[Verse 1:]
Go the years studded frames on my facial
[?] tint, you can sense I'm bi-racial
Heaven sent, I was meant for a late view
Lived the life, unknown the most
Never boast, got that grown approach
I get it in, professor with the dividends
Doe or Die, succesor of my sibblings
You know it
From petty crimes to a street poet
It's all the grind, steady mind, taught to keep forward
The game's crucial, no gangs I remain neutral
It's more fruitful, trueful I'm living beauful (beautiful)
What the Lupe do, love it or leave it
Minor beef to above it to breathe it
Inclining cease, fuck how others perceive it
I'm doing me, hip-hop since Spoonie Gee in ziplocks
So I ask why y'all fooling with me
[Chorus:]
I work hard (you know you know you know you know you know you know)
To get the things I have
I work hard
To get the things I have
And I wanna know why you wanna play on me
Why you wanna, playa hate on me (Why you wanna play)
Why you wanna, playa hate on me (Why you wanna play on me)
Why you wanna, playa hate on me (Why you wanna play, yeah)
Why you wanna, playa hate on me
[Verse 2:]
Imagine this: no money, just arrogance and hungry
Can see a sex freak, fly mystique and spunky
Comfy amongst the streets why y'all creeps is lunchmeat
Frauds, like emotional broads, it's only monthly
Grungy, violence is the only respect
The stress numb me
Death is the last thing left
So get from me if your math ain't matching your words
I know the half so when I laugh I'm just relaxing my nerves
Love furs, diamonds is a mans best friends
His and hers is all captured on the camera lens
I'm what it was, for the buzz and the torch was lit
Never a dud, you all bug, get off my dick
Y'all need hugs, I'm just trying to mind my own
Little patron, few shines, all kind of colognes
Monotone, it's assertiveness that come when you grown
I sense nervouseness, y'all know I'm in that murderous zone
But still courties, shake hands and kiss the kids
Make plans with the Ms. take trips to live
Why bid when the smart got a lot of advantage
It's a art, so know that y'all involved with a mammoth
Single handed, never taken nothing for granted
Never fronting, my face ain't never touching the canvas
Understand this
[Chorus:]
I work hard (you know you know you know you know you know you know)
To get the things I have
I work hard
To get the things I have
And I wanna know why you wanna play on me
Why you wanna, playa hate on me (Why you wanna play)
Why you wanna, playa hate on me (Why you wanna play on me)
Why you wanna, playa hate on me (Why you wanna play, alright)
Why you wanna, playa hate on me (Why you wanna play)
Why you wanna, playa hate on me (Why you wanna play, baby)
Why you wanna, playa hate AZ (Why you wanna play on me)
Why you wanna, playa hate on me (Why you wanna play)
Why you wanna, playa hate AZ
Why you wanna, playa hate on me
In “Games,” AZ delivers a message about his perseverance and success in the face of adversity, particularly from those who hate on him. In the first verse, he describes his unique bi-racial heritage that is reflected in his physical appearance. He expresses his gratitude for his pimp-like benevolence and his destiny as a late bloomer. The second half of the verse emphasizes his humility, growth, and neutrality in the game, which he values for its fruitfulness. In the chorus, he questions why people hate on him despite his hard work and achievements. In verse two, AZ paints an image of his past struggles, including poverty, arrogance, and reliance on the streets for protection. He contrasts himself against those who are a “fraud” and live only on a monthly basis. He prides himself on his ambition, intelligence, and material possessions, which he has obtained through hard work and natural talent. He asserts his dominance over his peers, who need validation and clout, and reveals his self-assuredness in his own skin. AZ concludes the song by emphasizing his gratitude, hard work, and respect for those who support him, and warns his haters that he will not hesitate to take control of any situation that comes his way.
Line by Line Meaning
Of course it's me, AZ
Introduction to the artist AZ
The most hated, most underrated
Acknowledging the negative perception of the artist in the industry
But it is, what it is
Accepting the reality of the situation
Go the years studded frames on my facial
AZ has been through many experiences, evident by the wrinkles on his face
[?] tint, you can sense I'm bi-racial
AZ's mixed heritage can be detected by the subtle shades on his face
Benevolence of a pimp and I'm grateful
AZ appreciates the generous qualities of a pimp
Heaven sent, I was meant for a late view
Believing that he was destined for greatness, just not at a young age
Lived the life, unknown the most
AZ has lived a full life but is still largely unknown
Never boast, got that grown approach
AZ has a mature outlook and doesn't feel the need to brag
I get it in, professor with the dividends
AZ is skilled at making money and could be compared to a professor in the field
Doe or Die, successor of my siblings, you know it
AZ is the most successful member of his family and it's well known
From petty crimes to a street poet
AZ has experienced different sides of the street life, from petty crimes to becoming a poet
It's all the grind, steady mind, taught to keep forward
AZ has had to work hard and maintain a focused mentality to succeed
The game's crucial, no gangs I remain neutral
In the industry, it is important to remain neutral and not align oneself with a particular group or gang
It's more fruitful, trueful I'm living beautiful
It's more beneficial for AZ to live honestly and beautifully
What the Lupe do, love it or leave it
Referencing Lupe Fiasco's song, AZ believes that one should either love or leave the industry
Minor beef to above it to breathe it
AZ doesn't let minor issues bother him and instead rises above them
Inclining cease, fuck how others perceive it
AZ doesn't care about others' perceptions and will continue to do what he wants
I'm doing me, hip-hop since Spoonie Gee in ziplocks
AZ has been a part of the hip-hop scene for a long time, since the days of Spoonie Gee selling his music in ziplock bags
So I ask why y'all fooling with me
AZ questions why people are bothering him if they don't like him or his music
I work hard
AZ puts in a lot of effort
To get the things I have
AZ has worked hard for his success and belongings
And I wanna know why you wanna play on me
AZ is curious why someone would want to hate on him
Why you wanna, playa hate on me
Repeating the question, addressing the person who wants to hate on him
Imagine this: no money, just arrogance and hungry
AZ imagines a scenario where he had nothing but his ego and hunger for success
Can see a sex freak, fly mystique and spunky
AZ portrays an image of himself as someone who is confident, sexually appealing, and trendy
Comfy amongst the streets why y'all creeps is lunchmeat
AZ feels comfortable in the streets while others who he considers inferior are easy targets
Frauds, like emotional broads, it's only monthly
AZ thinks that fake people are similar to women with mood swings, and they only appear to be real once a month
Grungy, violence is the only respect
Violence is often seen as the only way to earn respect in certain areas of the world
The stress numb me, death is the last thing left
AZ is desensitized due to the stressful nature of life in a dangerous environment, and death seems almost inevitable
So get from me if your math ain't matching your words
AZ prefers to deal with people who are honest and follow through with their actions
I know the half so when I laugh I'm just relaxing my nerves
AZ is aware of the dangers of his lifestyle, and he uses laughter as a way to cope with stress
Love furs, diamonds is a mans best friends
AZ enjoys luxury items like furs and diamonds
His and hers is all captured on the camera lens
AZ and his significant other often take pictures together, showcasing their wealth and lifestyle
I'm what it was, for the buzz and the torch was lit
AZ was once very popular and influential in the music industry
Never a dud, you all bug, get off my dick
AZ has never made a bad song, and he thinks that those who criticize him are annoying and should leave him alone
Y'all need hugs, I'm just trying to mind my own
AZ thinks that those who criticize him are unhappy and in need of affection, but he prefers to focus on his own life
Little patron, few shines, all kind of colognes
AZ enjoys drinking patron, wearing jewelry, and using various colognes
Monotone, it's assertiveness that come when you grown
AZ has a monotone voice, but he believes that his assertiveness comes with age and experience
I sense nervousness, y'all know I'm in that murderous zone
AZ detects fear from his enemies, and he warns them that he is capable of violence
But still courties, shake hands and kiss the kids
Despite his reputation, AZ is still polite and friendly in social situations
Make plans with the Ms. take trips to live
AZ and his significant other make plans to travel and enjoy life together
Why bid when the smart got a lot of advantage
AZ doesn't feel the need to compete with others when he already has many advantages
It's a art, so know that y'all involved with a mammoth
AZ sees hip-hop as an art form, and he wants people to know that they are dealing with someone who is very talented and successful in the industry
Single handed, never taken nothing for granted
AZ has reached his level of success on his own, and he doesn't take it for granted
Never fronting, my face ain't never touching the canvas
AZ has never been knocked out or had his face hit in a fight
And I wanna know why you wanna play on me
Repeating the question from the chorus, AZ is curious why someone wants to hate on him
Why you wanna, playa hate on me (Why you wanna play)
Asking again, addressing the person who wants to hate on him
Why you wanna, playa hate on me (Why you wanna play on me)
Continuing to ask the question, questioning the motive behind the hate
Why you wanna, playa hate on me (Why you wanna play, yeah)
Asking the question again, adding in an acknowledgment of the hate
Why you wanna, playa hate on me (Why you wanna play)
Continuing to ask the question, questioning the reasoning behind the hate
Why you wanna, playa hate AZ (Why you wanna play on me)
Addressing the person directly and questioning why they want to hate on AZ
Why you wanna, playa hate on me (Why you wanna play)
Asking the question again, trying to understand the motive behind the hate
Why you wanna, playa hate AZ
Repeating the question one last time, addressing the person who wants to hate on AZ
Writer(s): Anthony S. Cruz Copyright: Life'S A Bitch Publishing
Contributed by Michael N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.