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)
How Ya Livin'
AZ Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Nas: {Verse One}
What?
Back to back Benzes, wit the wild gremlins
Gaudiere style lenses, talents in the 40 cal, this is
Life now, let me find out, you want the life style of mine
no pal of mine
Runnin' wit goons wit knife wounds from jail time
While we parle wit the flyest mommy of 25th street
Watch how honey in the Lex do it
I'm in the 6 V wit the 12 next to it
You want to stick me, then put ya best to it
I die black, we see you in Allah Kingdom you try that
Check the fly cat, 2 point 5 multiply that
Cash rules, on my arm I flash jewels, and tatoos
You can look, but don't touch we bad news
AZ: {Verse Two}
American Me, elgancy, treasury
Wit the hopes to be rich before the bury me
Born a Baptist, but moved on to higher practice
My fire ashes, only macks I interact wit
We all Dons, strong arm, all on calm
But if it's war we on, comin' for niggas who crossed me wrong
Select features, sit back connect the pieces
Inject the thesis, spoke to my pops and left him speechless
He saw me sprout, goin' through worlds that wore me out
Never call me out, bitches and money, that's what we all about
Through all the routes landed here, beach houses wit the chandaliere
Me & my crew, mad cans of beer
It's copin', live vibe, still eyes open, it's clear
Presidential Suites at the Tangiere
CHORUS:
Nas:
How you livin' on your block?
AZ:
Mines is hot, how you livin' on your block?
Nas:
I got it locked, what's goin' down on your side, who got shot?
AZ:
Same shit dun
Nas:
Yeah, alright I'll meet you up top
AZ:
Yo it's hard to shake this feelin' that I might get knocked
Nas:
Dun you know it don't stop, we can't close up shop
AZ: {Verse Three}
VVSin', nuttin' less than how we steppin'
Coupes kidded, cuties wear the sleazy dress &
See me flexin' through the hood, d's be stressin'
Illegal search, tryin' to find weapons for gun possession
Never want for questions, every move made is destined
Black professors, let's take it back to the essence
Another version, of the Goldie, mack, pimp servin'
Convince the urban, project, ghetto prince emergin'
Half Hispanic, hollow tips, massive damage
The path was granted, loaded gats, blast the cannon
chipped up, live by morals don't get it mixed up
Dis what?, millionaire strut, wit the Crist cup
Switched up, slow goin', gold showin'
Doe flowin', eyes don't lie, hoes knowin'
Main attraction, lace love in the latest fashion
Trained in mackin' never, rockin' Gators clashin'
Assorted wear, AZ, Firm extrordinaire
Make it more severe, lockin' shit down all this year
Nas: {Verse Four}
Nowhere to go from here, but the top of this sphere
Nuttin' stoppin' us here, we lockin' this here
Wit the black toaster by my hip bone, fuck a holster
See me at the Copa, platinum choka
The God's wit me, mad blunt smoke, it's hard to miss me
Pick one out of two dimes to twist me
New nines is crispy, mind on chips, rhyme on shit
that's strictly made for cats whose rich
Excuse me, is that your bitch in my 6
turnin' up the volume when she hear my hits
On her wall mad flicks, now you want me blasted
But don't get it confused over this rap shit
Kinda laced, lookin' at diamonds in my onyx face
Oyster perpetual Roly wit the day & date
y'all playa hate this
To fly for female singers who get face lifts
& fake titties
We rule the world & take cities
I dreamed of this son
Happy we made it past the jakes, fakes
and fiends of the slum (Wor)
CHORUS
AZ (Nas):
(Unh...What?) It's a doe thing, niggas know the game don't change
(un, un) from the Coke game (Coke game) to the dope game
from a slow brain (Dope game) Ha, ha (Fuck a no name)
We done did it again son, they can't fuck around (No doubt, un)
AZ (Nas) {Overlapping each other}:
You know the game don't stop, from the Coke game to the Dope game
(Firm Biz, Firm Biz...un...Total Package)
Niggas know that the game don't stop
from the Coke game to the Dope game
fuck a no name (un, un B.K., Q.B., un)
That the game don't stop, from the Coke game
to the Dope game, know the doe... (Escobar, Sosa, ha ha, un)
Niggas know that the game don't stop (Firm Biz)
from the Coke game to the Dope game
AZ:
Niggas know that the game don't stop
Niggas know that the game don't stop
Niggas know that the game don't stop
from the Coke game, to the Dope game, fuck a no name
In "How Ya Livin'," AZ and Nas team up to paint vivid pictures of their lavish and dangerous lifestyles. Nas talks about his back-to-back Benzes, flyest mommies, and squad of goons while AZ speaks about his hopes of being rich before he dies, being born a Baptist but moving on to higher practice, and cruising through the hood receiving unwanted attention from the police. Through their rhymes, they assert their dominance in the game and express their unwavering confidence in their abilities to handle threats, risks, and challenges. The chorus repeats the same question, "how you livin' on your block?" which serves both as a lyrical break and as a way to switch the focus from the individual success of each rapper to a more communal perspective of life in the streets. The song ends with a mixture of boasts, threats, and affirmations, as AZ and Nas remind their listeners that their game, their money, and their power are not subject to change.
One interesting fact about "How Ya Livin'" is that it was produced by DAZ Dillinger, who is also an accomplished rapper and producer known for his work with Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, and Tupac Shakur. Another fact is that the song samples "Golden Lady" by Stevie Wonder, giving the beat a smooth and light-hearted feel that contrasts with the grittiness of the lyrics. "How Ya Livin'" was included on AZ's sophomore album, "Pieces of a Man," which also features collaborations with RZA, Pete Rock, and Buckwild. The song has been praised by critics for its tight rhymes, catchy hooks, and nostalgic feel. In a 2013 article for Complex, it was named one of the 50 greatest songs from the golden era of hip-hop. The music video for the song features AZ and Nas hanging out in a luxurious mansion, surrounded by beautiful women, expensive cars, and a shark tank. Another interesting fact is that the lines "I dreamed of this son, happy we made it past the jakes, fakes, and fiends of the slum" are a reference to Nas's earlier hit song "The World Is Yours," which includes the lyrics "I'm the young city bandit, hold myself down single-handed / For murder raps, I kick my thoughts alone, get remanded / Born alone, die alone, no crew to keep my crown or throne." "How Ya Livin'" was later remixed by Buckwild, who added a new beat and additional verses by Nas and AZ. The remix was included on AZ's third album, "S.O.S.A. (Save Our Streets AZ)," which was released in 2000. The song has been covered and sampled by several other artists, including Nipsey Hussle, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, and 50 Cent. Lastly, the chords for this song are not known as it does not feature any live instrumentation.
Line by Line Meaning
Back to back Benzes, wit the wild gremlins
I have two Benz vehicles on my property, both with wild accessories.
Gaudiere style lenses, talents in the 40 cal, this is
I have some fancy sunglasses and a 40 cal firearm.
Life now, let me find out, you want the life style of mine no pal of mine
If I find out that you want the lifestyle that I have, then we're no longer friends.
Runnin' wit goons wit knife wounds from jail time
I associate myself with some dangerous individuals who have been incarcerated and have knife wounds.
Got the squad lookin' like tycoon, we all shine
My crew and I look very wealthy and successful.
Watch how honey in the Lex do it
Observe how this woman in a Lexus finds success.
I'm in the 6 V wit the 12 next to it
I'm driving a BMW 6 Series with a 12-cylinder engine adjacent to it.
You want to stick me, then put ya best to it
If you want to harm or attack me, make sure you bring your A-game.
I die black, we see you in Allah Kingdom you try that
I will die a gangster, but you will be judged after death in Allah's Kingdom if you try to go against me.
VVSin', nuttin' less than how we steppin'
Our diamonds are nothing less than VVS clarity, and we are stepping up our game.
Illegal search, tryin' to find weapons for gun possession
The police did an illegal search of my home, trying to find weapons so they could charge me with gun possession.
Never want for questions, every move made is destined
I never leave room for doubt, and believe that every decision I make is destined to be correct.
The path was granted, loaded gats, blast the cannon
My path to success was already predetermined, and I'm willing to use weapons to protect it.
Excuse me, is that your bitch in my 6
Sorry, is that your girlfriend in my BMW?
We done did it again son, they can't fuck around
Once again, my crew and I have succeeded and nobody can stop us.
That the game don't stop, from the Coke game to the Dope game, know the doe...
The drug game always continues, whether it's selling cocaine or heroin, and everyone knows that it's about making money.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Royalty Network
Written by: ANTHONY S CRUZ, L. COPE, LASHAN LEWIS, NASIR JONES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind