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)
Just Because
AZ Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's on for now, niggas ballin' now (uh huh)
It's The Firm baby, ain't no fallin' down
Thorugh your eyes see your snakeness (Uh huh)
No lie, Doe Or Die, try to take this
Stay swift, you can follow if you tailgate (C'mon)
Reminiscin' when a nigga used to sell weight
Well laced, G.A. in the summertime, Freaknick (C'mon)
Through the years niggas all changed, livin' it up
Takin's steps to the next level, seen the light
What it be like, now, puttin' weed in the pipe
CHORUS: [AZ]
Berakin' day, off this shit here
This year, snatched loot everywhere
Next year, takin' what we left here
A fear, for thugs
Hoes get dug, foes get slugs
Just because
{Repeat Chorus Twice}
AZ:
Cancun at the Jazzfest
First time we ever met you was half dressed
Easy access (Ah)
You and you whole crew, ya alright
When you beep use Code 2, call tonight
Got a villa full of young Dons
Champagne and a grill on my front lawn
What's song?
We can dance to some more jams
Finally meet Nas and the whole fam
Roseland, love is love when it's all good, clutch ya name (yeah.. yeah)
Through my eyes, I'm all hood, fuck the fame
Play a script like Larenz Tate, bench weights (Yeah)
Worked out stay in shape
Benz plates
Cruise around wit the hot sounds
Pumped loud, "I Be" by Fox Brown
It's locked down
Overall tryin' to make moves stay in the mix
Motivated by the ace, deuce, tre and the six
{Repeat Chorus 2 Times}
AZ:
want to bring it to me right way
Face to face, (yeah) when you see me get ya lie straight
It's high stakes, (uh huh) goin' up against a street playa, true type
(uh huh)
Get the paper handle beef later, never too hype
Analyze from the next man, wants war
Still alive, on the next plan, wantin' more
Outta town tryin' to get mine stay in the cut (Uh huh)
Cubans control the prices, keep raisin' 'em up!
Peace and love to my allies (Uh, uh) play on
Stayin' up, high late at nights, stay strong
Sittin' up lettin' all y'all know the deal
This Firm shit is on for real (For real)
{Repeat Chorus 5 Times}
In AZ's song "Just Because," he speaks about the life of a successful African-American man living in luxury, but also reflects on his past and how far he has come. He is a member of the rap group The Firm, made up of Nas, Foxy Brown, and Cormega. The lyrics focus on the perils and struggles that come with living in the world of gangs and drugs while trying to make it to the top. He reminisces about selling drugs and the way he used to live on the streets, but tells listeners that he has moved on from that lifestyle to more positive pursuits such as putting weed in a pipe.
The chorus repeats several times, "breakin' day, off this shit here, this year, snatched loot everywhere. Next year, taking what we left here, a fear, for thugs, hoes get dug, foes get slugs, just because," emphasizing how easily things can change in the world he came from.
AZ's lyrics tell a story of someone who recognizes the hardships he has overcome and encourages listeners not to be limited by their past. He talks about meeting Nas and the whole fam and watching his life change gradually through hard work and persistence.
Line by Line Meaning
It's on for now, niggas ballin' now (uh huh)
We're in the moment, living it up and enjoying our success.
It's The Firm baby, ain't no fallin' down
Our team is strong and We won't be defeated easily.
Thorugh your eyes see your snakeness (Uh huh)
I can see the snakes and disloyalty around me through your eyes.
No lie, Doe Or Die, try to take this
I'm serious about protecting myself and what's mine, even if it means risking my life for it.
Stay swift, you can follow if you tailgate (C'mon)
Move fast and keep up if you can, but don't try to lead or get in the way.
Reminiscin' when a nigga used to sell weight
Thinking back to when times were tough and I had to hustle to make ends meet.
Well laced, G.A. in the summertime, Freaknick (C'mon)
I used to have everything I needed to party and have fun during summertime events like Freaknik in Georgia.
Back and forth to the ball game, Hen in the cup (Ah)
I used to go back and forth to the basketball game, sipping on Hennessey in a cup.
Through the years niggas all changed, livin' it up
Over time, people around me have changed and started living a life of luxury.
Takin's steps to the next level, seen the light
I'm always trying to move forward and better myself, and now I'm starting to see the rewards of my hard work.
What it be like, now, puttin' weed in the pipe
Now that I've made it, I can relax and enjoy the fruits of my labor, like smoking weed.
Berakin' day, off this shit here
We're celebrating, getting high and having fun.
This year, snatched loot everywhere
We've been making lots of money this year.
Next year, takin' what we left here
Next year, we'll be coming back for more, taking what we've earned and leaving our mark.
A fear, for thugs
Our success is a threat to those who wish to do us harm.
Hoes get dug, foes get slugs
Our enemies will suffer the consequences of crossing us.
Just because
We don't need a reason or excuse to do what we do, we just do it.
Cancun at the Jazzfest
We're chilling in Cancun, enjoying the Jazz festival.
First time we ever met you was half dressed
I remember the first time we met, you were barely clothed.
Easy access (Ah)
It was easy to get to know you intimately.
You and you whole crew, ya alright
I like you and your whole crew, you guys are cool.
When you beep use Code 2, call tonight
If you want to get in touch with me, use the code 2 and call me tonight.
Got a villa full of young Dons
I have a luxurious villa filled with up-and-coming leaders.
Champagne and a grill on my front lawn
I'm living the high life, drinking champagne and grilling on my front lawn.
What's song?
What music do you want to listen to?
We can dance to some more jams
Let's keep the party going and dance to more music.
Finally meet Nas and the whole fam
I finally got to meet Nas and his whole family.
Roseland, love is love when it's all good, clutch ya name (yeah.. yeah)
At Roseland, everyone is all love when things are going well, but it's important to remember who you are and where you come from.
Through my eyes, I'm all hood, fuck the fame
I see the world from the perspective of someone who comes from the streets, and I don't care about fame.
Play a script like Larenz Tate, bench weights (Yeah)
I'm living my life like a movie, taking inspiration from Larenz Tate's characters, and staying in shape by working out.
Worked out stay in shape
I work out regularly to stay in good physical shape.
Benz plates
I have a luxurious Benz with custom license plates.
Cruise around wit the hot sounds
I like to drive around while listening to hot music.
Pumped loud, "I Be" by Fox Brown
I'm listening to "I Be" by Fox Brown really loudly.
It's locked down
Everything is under control and there's no need to worry about anything.
Overall tryin' to make moves stay in the mix
I'm always trying to make moves and stay relevant in the game.
Motivated by the ace, deuce, tre and the six
I'm motivated by the dice roll of 2, 3, 4, and 6 in the game of craps.
want to bring it to me right way
If you have a problem with me, address it directly without beating around the bush.
Face to face, (yeah) when you see me get ya lie straight
If we confront each other in person, be honest and don't lie to my face.
It's high stakes, (uh huh) goin' up against a street playa, true type (uh huh)
It's risky to go against someone like me who knows the streets and how to play the game.
Get the paper handle beef later, never too hype
Make money first, and deal with any issues later. Don't get too excited or overconfident.
Analyze from the next man, wants war
I can see from another person's perspective that they want to start a conflict.
Still alive, on the next plan, wantin' more
I'm still alive and pushing forward with new plans and strategies, always wanting more.
Outta town tryin' to get mine stay in the cut (Uh huh)
I'm out of town trying to get what's mine, but I'm staying under the radar to avoid unwanted attention.
Cubans control the prices, keep raisin' 'em up!
Cubans have the power to dictate prices, and they keep raising them.
Peace and love to my allies (Uh, uh) play on
I have love and respect for my friends and allies, and we keep playing the game.
Stayin' up, high late at nights, stay strong
I'm staying up late, possibly getting high, and keeping my mental and physical strength.
Sittin' up lettin' all y'all know the deal
I'm sitting here, letting everyone know what's really going on.
This Firm shit is on for real (For real)
The Firm is serious business and should not be underestimated.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Capitol CMG Publishing, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ANTHONY S CRUZ, WAYNE K GARFIELD, LASHAN LEWIS, MAURO MALAVASI, D. ROMANI, HAROLD L. JENKINS, SAUNDRA LEWIS, J. ALLEN MORTON, KENNETH W. SEYMOUR
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