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)
Intro
AZ Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I hope you like it
Cuz I spent so much time in the studio working on this shit
Beast On D Beat
I think I’m falling in love
I think I’m falling in love
So in love (so in love, so in love)
And I’m not ashamed of you
You remind me of a sweet Sunday morning
With mama’s cooking coming up in the kitchen (yeah)
You are my peace (are my peace)
I am yours too
I swear to you
I’ll be faithful by your side
Be that perfect guy
Cause that’s what you deserve
The song "Intro" by Az is an intimate letter from the artist to his love interest. The song begins with Az introducing the song as a personal letter to his lover, and also gives credit to Beast On D Beat, the producer of the song. The artist then goes on to express his feelings towards his love interest, stating that he believes he is falling in love with her. Az proceeds to express how he is not ashamed of his lover, and how she brings him peace like a sweet Sunday morning, with his mother's cooking coming up in the kitchen. He continues to affirm his love and faithfulness towards her, promising to be the perfect guy for her.
The lyrics of "Intro" are deeply personal and reflect the depth of the artist's emotions. The song expresses the tenderness and affection that can be present in a healthy romantic relationship. The song also portrays the importance of accepting and embracing one's partner, without shame or embarrassment.
Line by Line Meaning
Well this is my personal letter to you
This song is a heartfelt message directed towards someone important to the singer.
I hope you like it
The singer wants the recipient to enjoy the song.
Cuz I spent so much time in the studio working on this shit
The singer put a lot of effort into creating this song.
Beast On D Beat
This line is likely the producer or creator's tag, indicating their contribution to the song.
I think I’m falling in love
The singer is developing feelings for the recipient.
So in love (so in love, so in love)
The singer is deeply and passionately in love.
And I’m not ashamed of you
The recipient has no reason to be ashamed or feel inferior around the singer.
You remind me of a sweet Sunday morning
The recipient evokes positive and comforting memories for the singer.
With mama’s cooking coming up in the kitchen (yeah)
The reference to mama's cooking emphasizes the warm and nostalgic feelings associated with the recipient.
You are my peace (are my peace)
The recipient provides a sense of calm and comfort for the singer.
I am yours too
The singer reciprocates the sense of belonging and attachment felt towards the recipient.
I swear to you
The singer is making a promise to the recipient.
I’ll be faithful by your side
The singer will remain loyal and committed to the recipient.
Be that perfect guy
The singer intends to be the best partner possible for the recipient.
Cause that’s what you deserve
The recipient deserves the singer's utmost love and devotion.
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Aziz Akinsola, Azizz Akinsola, Saheed Falomo
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind