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 Feel For You
AZ Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Witness the relentless, the manhunt is tensing
The Tek left behind was printless
Narcs and Homicide, Feds and armoured rides
Hell se-la-cia, I'm vest up, armed to die
Forever will, Glock shots, shoots to kill
So what the deal; violate, feel the steel
I'm roaming and holding, terrorists born with this, getting on with this
Making moves while you fake moves, you and your fronting crews
Dressed pawning jewels, living in 6-2's
But now it's on, the end justifies the means
Lye smoke and cream, is all I fiend
It's in my genes, I float through the streets and seen
In a tinted European and 50 coupe, it's green
Nothing in between, me and my team, we ill too
Respects due, oh I feel for you
We got this locked now, pure official, white crystal
The hype'll get you before the snipe from the pistol
It's potent, just one whiff'll have you floating
Hot and soaking, while I'm sellin y'alls is smoking
Forever shining, but strictly thru diamond's prominent
And dining with wealthy, old dime bitches rich as from cosignin
And Gold and American, Visa Charge-card, hold while I'm rolling
Affiliated with hoes that is just boning
So knowledge me, and analyse all of my qualities
You've crossed all apologies, my lifetime policy
Plus playing for keeps in these New York streets
It get deep, so hold heat, and try and control your sleep
Cause umm, the life I live is deeper than the Mississippi Rivers
Me and my niggas only drivin what a ride give us
Puffing lye, getting high til we die
So fuck it, whatever nigga try, violate and fry
In "I Feel For You," AZ describes a life of crime and violence in the streets of New York City. The lyrics paint a picture of a man who is constantly on the run, hunted by police and rival gang members. He's always armed and ready to shoot, and he enjoys the power and respect that comes with his dangerous lifestyle.
The opening lines describe the manhunt that has been launched against him, and the fact that he has left no trace behind. He knows that the police and other enemies are closing in, but he's not afraid to die. The chorus, "Oh I feel for you," is a sarcastic expression of sympathy for his adversaries, who he sees as weak and powerless.
The second verse continues with a description of the riches and luxury that come with his criminal life. He's involved with wealthy women and has access to all kinds of material wealth. But he knows that this lifestyle is fleeting, and that he's always one mistake away from getting caught or killed.
Overall, "I Feel For You" is a raw and honest portrayal of the violent and dangerous world of street gangs and criminal organizations. It's a reminder that while these lifestyles may seem glamorous from the outside, they ultimately lead to destruction and despair.
Line by Line Meaning
Witness the relentless, the manhunt is tensing
The search for someone is getting more intense and aggressive.
The Tek left behind was printless
The evidence left behind doesn't provide any clear leads.
Narcs and Homicide, Feds and armoured rides
The investigation is being led by undercover police and federal agents with military-grade equipment.
Hell se-la-cia, I'm vest up, armed to die
The situation is dangerous and the artist is fully prepared for a fatal confrontation.
Forever will, Glock shots, shoots to kill
The artist is prepared to use deadly force to defend themselves.
So what the deal; violate, feel the steel
Anyone who crosses the singer will face the consequences, which may include being shot.
The cleverest, so whoever slips
The singer is very intelligent and is always watching for any mistakes their enemies may make.
I'm roaming and holding, terrorists born with this, getting on with this
The artist is constantly on the move and always armed and dangerous.
Making moves while you fake moves, you and your fronting crews
The artist is always one step ahead of their enemies, who are pretending to be more lethal than they actually are.
Dressed pawning jewels, living in 6-2's
The artist and their associates are wealthy and live in luxury.
But now it's on, the end justifies the means
The singer is fully committed to their mission, even if it involves doing morally questionable things.
Lye smoke and cream, is all I fiend
The artist is addicted to drugs and will do whatever it takes to obtain them.
It's in my genes, I float through the streets and seen
The singer was born to live this lifestyle and is very experienced in navigating dangerous streets.
In a tinted European and 50 coupe, it's green
The singer and their associates drive expensive European cars and have a lot of money.
Nothing in between, me and my team, we ill too
The singer and their associates are very skilled and dangerous.
Respects due, oh I feel for you
The artist acknowledges the skill of their enemies and the danger they present.
We got this locked now, pure official, white crystal
The artist and their associates have control of the situation and are manufacturing high-quality drugs.
The hype'll get you before the snipe from the pistol
People are becoming addicted to their drugs before they even realize how dangerous the situation is.
It's potent, just one whiff'll have you floating
The singer's drugs are very strong and addictive.
Hot and soaking, while I'm sellin y'alls is smoking
The artist is making a lot of money selling drugs while their enemies become increasingly addicted.
Forever shining, but strictly thru diamond's prominent
The artist and their associates are wealthy, but they only wear the most expensive diamonds.
And dining with wealthy, old dime bitches rich as from cosignin
The artist is socializing with rich and influential people, including older women who have helped them financially.
And Gold and American, Visa Charge-card, hold while I'm rolling
The singer and their associates have a lot of money and use credit cards to maintain their lifestyle.
Affiliated with hoes that is just boning
The artist and their associates have women around them who are only interested in them because of their money and power.
So knowledge me, and analyse all of my qualities
The singer wants their enemies to recognize their intelligence and skill.
You've crossed all apologies, my lifetime policy
If anyone crosses the singer, they will be dealt with, with no apologies.
Plus playing for keeps in these New York streets
The singer is playing a dangerous game on the streets of New York.
It get deep, so hold heat, and try and control your sleep
The situation is very serious and requires constant vigilance, even while sleeping.
Cause umm, the life I live is deeper than the Mississippi Rivers
The artist's life is very complex and dangerous.
Me and my niggas only drivin what a ride give us
The singer and their associates are not picky about their cars, as long as they are functional.
Puffing lye, getting high til we die
The singer and their associates are addicted to drugs and are willing to use until they die.
So fuck it, whatever nigga try, violate and fry
The artist is willing to use deadly force to protect themselves and their associates.
Lyrics © Royalty Network
Written by: AMAR WILKINS, ANTHONY S CRUZ, Anthony Cruz, Wayne Wilkins
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind