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)
I Am The Truth
AZ Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Haha, so consistent, so Denevere
This here is classical
I'm a genius!
Allow me...
Scrilla rap spitter, silverback gorilla, mass killer
Heavy hoodie cow, hide, half chinchilla
Y'all little niggaz, me I lex and grilla, I'm chilla
Pillows of purple had to seal up my circle
It's serious, when your seralbello senses alert you
Pollack church shoes parolee homie's home on curfew
Who's commercial, I verbalize universal
Uniqueness, I'm nonchalant nigga no secrets
What ambiance never show weakness, control leakege
Live niggaz know I speak it
Verbalize outta eye, cuz we cohesive
Flow's freakish
Dough is just honor the pieces to the puzzle
Like the streets always been to the struggle
I am the truth, truth
On a whole nother level
From the stone to the bezel
To the chrome on the metal
I zone for the ghetto's (Huh! Huh!)
I am the truth, truth
Every coast gotta know
I'm the most with the flow
No joke I'm a pro
I'm like the pope on the low
Soul music so intense so live
It's, no excuses y'all been so deprived
This is so exclusive and I'm so obliged
Certified superhero with no disguise
Force the vibe for the niggaz got tossed aside
and the misfortuned that lost they lives
I survive, I weave from side to side
No when to slide, stay hush, use my eyes to guide
I'm straight up
Too tough try hide my pride
Grew up amongst sky high homocide
Who am I besides homie that exposed to phoneys
The one and only still intact without the matrimony
Still on track I cock back and, black like Toby
Y'all bastards know me, no wolfpack attack for doly
I am the truth, truth
On a whole nother level
From the stone to the bezel
To the chrome on the metal
I zone for the ghetto's (Huh! Huh!)
I am the truth, truth
Every coast gotta know
I'm the most with the flow
No joke I'm a pro
I'm like the pope on the low
Certified murder ties
Been in beef, burglarise
Been a beast, purchased pies
Hell heat, perfect size
Felt defeat, felt the rise
Seldom sleep, dealt with lies
Been Tel-Aviv through certain rides
Smelt police, I works with high
Hood legend, household name
Presence is felt, real niggaz vouch for my pain
Ahead of myself, what else is there about this game
The letters is spelt, so know when he drouch the same
Measure my wealth with realness, I know what's good
No mills missed, keep one foot in the hood
I still spit like a lot of niggaz wish they would
Can sell shit till I'm stiffed and shipped in wood
Misunderstood, mama's only son she's stressed to get it done
She knows I'm the last one left
I am the truth, truth
On a whole nother level
From the stone to the bezel
To the chrome on the metal
I zone for the ghetto's (Huh! Huh!)
I am the truth, truth
Every coast gotta know
I'm the most with the flow
No joke I'm a pro
I'm like the pope on the low
AZ's "I Am The Truth" speaks to the rapper's talent, experience and stature as a hip hop artist. The song features lyrics of self-praise and recognition for the power of AZ's lyricism, as well as his ability to craft music that speaks to the streets. The chorus of the song talks about AZ being the "truth" in a way that is "on a whole nother level," emphasizing his ability to connect with his audience beyond just the music he puts out.
The verses in the song continue to assert AZ’s confidence and believability as an artist. Lines like "I'm chilla / Pillows of purple had to seal up my circle" illustrate how comfortable he is in his own artistry, and how he’s surrounded himself with those who will keep him focused and dedicated to his craft. The verse also draws from AZ’s life growing up in urban and low-income areas, giving the song a sense of raw reality that deeply resonates with listeners in similar situations.
Overall, "I Am The Truth" gives a sense of AZ's skill and the pride he takes in his work as a rapper, in addition to presenting a portrait of the life experiences that drive his music.
Line by Line Meaning
It's the most marvelous
This is the greatest thing ever
Haha, so consistent, so Denevere
Consistency is key in Denver, and I've got it down pat
This here is classical
This is the epitome of classic hip-hop
I'm a genius!
I'm extremely talented
Allow me...
Let me show you what I can do
Scrilla rap spitter, silverback gorilla, mass killer
I'm a rapper who spits money (scrilla), a powerful force like a silverback gorilla, and able to kill the competition
Heavy hoodie cow, hide, half chinchilla
I have a luxurious lifestyle, as demonstrated by my coat made of cowhide and chinchilla fur
Watch for scrilla's cuz they hastle the dealers, for reala
People who have money can be trouble for drug dealers, trust me on this
Y'all little niggaz, me I lex and grilla, I'm chilla
Compared to me, you're all small players. I drive a Lexus and I'm cool and collected
Pillows of purple had to seal up my circle
I had to be selective with who I surround myself with, and now my inner circle is tight
It's serious, when your seralbello senses alert you
You have to take things seriously when your intuition tells you something's off
Pollack church shoes parolee homie's home on curfew
I'm wearing expensive shoes made in Poland, while my friend who is on parole has to be home by a certain time
Who's commercial, I verbalize universal
I'm not making music for commercial success, I'm rapping for the masses
Uniqueness, I'm nonchalant nigga no secrets
I'm unique and unbothered by people's opinions, I have no secrets
What ambiance never show weakness, control leakege
I create the right atmosphere and I never show weakness, I keep my emotions in check
Live niggaz know I speak it
People who have been through the same things as me know that I'm speaking their truth
Verbalize outta eye, cuz we cohesive
I speak the truth and we understand each other, we're in this together
Flow's freakish
My rap style is unconventional and incredible
Dough is just honor the pieces to the puzzle
Money is just a small piece in the puzzle of life
Like the streets always been to the struggle
I understand what it's like to struggle, because that's where I come from
I am the truth, truth
I am the embodiment of reality
On a whole nother level
I'm operating at an unparalleled level of talent and success
From the stone to the bezel
My jewelry is top-notch, from the precious stones to the metal
To the chrome on the metal
My cars and other possessions shine with a chrome finish
I zone for the ghetto's (Huh! Huh!)
I represent and make music for the less fortunate communities
Every coast gotta know
My music is known and appreciated everywhere
I'm the most with the flow
I have the best rap skills around
No joke I'm a pro
I take my craft seriously and I'm a professional at what I do
I'm like the pope on the low
I'm a respected figure in the rap community, but I don't need the attention and glory
Soul music so intense so live
My music touches the soul and is full of energy
It's, no excuses y'all been so deprived
I won't use any excuses, and my fans have been deprived of great rap for too long
This is so exclusive and I'm so obliged
My music is special and I'm proud of it
Certified superhero with no disguise
I'm a superhero in the rap game, and I don't need a costume to show it
Force the vibe for the niggaz got tossed aside
I bring a positive energy for those who have been forgotten or overlooked in life
and the misfortuned that lost they lives
I represent those who have died due to unfortunate circumstances
I survive, I weave from side to side
I've overcome obstacles and I'm able to adapt to different situations
No when to slide, stay hush, use my eyes to guide
I know when to lay low and be observant, using my intuition to navigate through tough times
I'm straight up
I'm truthful and honest
Too tough try hide my pride
I'm confident and strong-willed, and I won't hide my pride
Grew up amongst sky high homocide
I come from a neighborhood known for high crime rates and violence
Who am I besides homie that exposed to phoneys
I'm just a guy who has dealt with a lot of fake people in his life
The one and only still intact without the matrimony
I'm one of a kind, and I haven't let marriage or other commitments change who I am
Still on track I cock back and, black like Toby
I'm still on my path to greatness, and I'm black like the famous slave from Roots, Kunta Kinte (aka Toby)
Y'all bastards know me, no wolfpack attack for doly
Everyone knows who I am, and I won't back down from any challenges
Certified murder ties
I have connections with people who were involved in murders
Been in beef, burglarise
I've been involved in fights and robberies
Been a beast, purchased pies
I've been hard-working and successful at making money
Hell heat, perfect size
I've been through hell and back, and I'm the perfect size to command respect
Felt defeat, felt the rise
I've experienced failure and success in equal measure
Seldom sleep, dealt with lies
I rarely sleep, and I've had to deal with people who lie or deceive
Been Tel-Aviv through certain rides
I've been through some rough times and came out stronger
Smelt police, I works with high
I've been in trouble with the law, but I still work hard and aim high
Hood legend, household name
I'm well-known and respected in the rap community, especially in the neighborhoods I grew up in
Presence is felt, real niggaz vouch for my pain
People can sense my presence and my struggles are validated by those who know me
Ahead of myself, what else is there about this game
I'm ahead of the competition, there's nothing else I need to prove
The letters is spelt, so know when he drouch the same
Everything I say and do is authentic, so don't try to copy me
Measure my wealth with realness, I know what's good
I value authenticity over money, and I know what's important in life
No mills missed, keep one foot in the hood
I'm making a lot of money, but I still stay connected to where I came from
I still spit like a lot of niggaz wish they would
I'm still a great rapper and other people wish they had my skills
Can sell shit till I'm stiffed and shipped in wood
I can sell music until the day I die
Misunderstood, mama's only son she's stressed to get it done
My mother is worried about me because I'm her only child, but I'm determined to succeed
She knows I'm the last one left
I'm the only family member my mother has left, and I have to make her proud
Lyrics © Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ANTHONY S. CRUZ, Anthony Cruz, Composer/Author Unknown
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Welyn
Most underrated of all time
Matt B
Most underrated song of all time
osva
Yes sir
JRBrawlersGAMING
One of the most slept on, underrated, ILLEST emcees to ever grace the mic. He's my #2 behind Pac.
John Willis
J.R. Brawlers me to brutha. 2pac 1 AZ 2
dan coolinism
Lance Kelley In my opinion he is better than Nas and Jay Z certainly a better beat picker 😂👍
Liutenant Hedgehog
Nah Krayzie Bone is better than both.
And Krayzie isnt A buffoon that claims "I am the truth" even though Krayzie has told 100x as much truth as AZ.
Kenny Rogers
Az>pac and biggie.
JRBrawlersGAMING
@Kenny Rogers we all have an opinion. When I want yours, I'll give it to u.
Nolai
AZ killed this and the drums over the sample knock! Beat and vocals on Point!