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)
Once Again
AZ Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
How can my name scraped off the pyramid walls
when I sat with Pharoahs and Kings?
You think you know, but you have no idea
This track's here it's like a breath of fresh air
That shaved through sunrays families suffer on Sundays
Had to run astray, pack up and run away
Make sure my son okay, shit, that's the da mission
College tuition, hope he get accepted to Princeton
If not got his bail for prison
I know the pressures of the oppressor It's hell living
Feel like I'm Mel Gibson, killing 'em kindly finally
Niggas untied me mami, love the punani, but I
Can't make you my Boni never, made for the cold weather
Hatas y'all know better, how can I fold? I was told to hold it together
Listen, no intermissions, I am, so in position, like, Ali and Liston
Who could? box me to distance, try me
Now the police call to give orders to creep on ya
I master the street corners relax in the feet sauna and
Fuck if y'all don't like I'm here and I'm shown niceness
Appear in my own likeness, I zone as my own phychic
Flow if a niggas holding my clothing'll get you open
I'm toasting in bitches posting approaching wit mixed emotions
And ready like military I'm varied like Ben and Jerry's
Comparing me to him is scary I'm leery as cemeteries
And losing is not inside me stay moving from paparazzi
I'm proving the angels got me, I'm cool but my game is cocky
And money can never make me, my guns they don't come wit safeties
I hung wit the ones that's crazy I come from the front of Macy's
Shopping and dropping eighties show stopping wit proper ladies
I'm hearing a lot of maybe's but nigga it's hot as AZ
Ha ha ha
Eyo it's a wrap baby, we got 'em right now, going platinum man, 202k
Brooklyn Stand up!
The first verse of the Az Izz's Once Again is a reflection of the alienation and erasure of Black people from historical memory. The lyrics convey a sense of frustration and confusion about how such an important history can be erased from the pyramid walls. By referencing sitting with Pharaohs and Kings, the artist establishes their presence and contribution to history, and the question of how they can be removed is a challenge to the erasure of Black people from history. The cynicism in the lines "You think you know, but you have no idea" highlights the idea that history is often told by those in power and often excludes the voices of the oppressed.
The second verse of the song moves into a more personal narrative, portraying the struggle for Black men in America. The lyrics discuss the need to provide for a son and the challenges that come with it. The mention of college tuition and prison bail highlights the systemic oppression that Black people face in America. The line "I know the pressures of the oppressor It's hell living" further cements the idea that Black people in America are constantly under pressure to provide and are often fighting against a system that is designed to keep them down. By referencing Mel Gibson, the artist suggests a desire to fight back against this system, and the line "killing 'em kindly finally" suggests an anger and frustration that has been simmering for a long time.
Overall, Once Again carries a strong message of Black empowerment and resistance against systemic oppression. The lyrics are a reflection of the experiences of Black men in America and speak to the struggles they face as well as their ongoing resilience and perseverance.
Line by Line Meaning
How can I be torn from the pages of history? huh?
I have an illustrious past that cannot be erased from history, and I am incredulous that anyone would try to do so.
How can my name scraped off the pyramid walls
My name is so grand that it would be impossible to obliterate it, even from ancient monuments like the pyramids.
when I sat with Pharoahs and Kings?
I have a regal, almost divine presence that enabled me to hold my own with noble figures throughout history.
You think you know, but you have no idea
Despite outward appearances, anyone who relies on superficial judgments to assess my character or accomplishments is drastically underestimating me.
This track's here it's like a breath of fresh air
My music is a cleansing, invigorating force that revitalizes anyone who listens to it.
Had to run astray, pack up and run away
I've had my share of struggles and obstacles in life, including having to flee under difficult circumstances.
Fountain of youth, found it, feel like da younger A
I've discovered the secret to staying young and energetic, and I feel as spry as I did in my prime.
Make sure my son okay, shit, that's the da mission
My most important goal in life is ensuring the safety and prosperity of my son.
College tuition, hope he get accepted to Princeton
I hope my son can attend a prestigious college like Princeton and receive a top-notch education.
If not got his bail for prison
If my son gets into trouble and needs to be bailed out of jail, I will be there to support him.
I know the pressures of the oppressor It's hell living
I'm intimately familiar with the stress and trauma that comes with being persecuted and oppressed.
Feel like I'm Mel Gibson, killing 'em kindly finally
I feel like I'm triumphing over my enemies with quiet resolve, like how Mel Gibson's character in Braveheart conquered the British armies.
Can't make you my Boni never, made for the cold weather
I'm not interested in pursuing a relationship with you like Boni and Clyde, because I'm built to withstand hardship and adversity.
Hatas y'all know better, how can I fold? I was told to hold it together
My enemies should know better than to try and break me, because I was raised to stay strong and resolute no matter what happens.
Listen, no intermissions, I am, so in position, like, Ali and Liston
I'm always poised and battle-ready, like heavyweight boxing legends Muhammad Ali and Sonny Liston, and I won't rest until I come out victorious.
Who could? box me to distance, try me
No one could endure a prolonged battle against me, because I have so much endurance and stamina.
Now the police call to give orders to creep on ya
Even the authorities are intimidated by my power and influence, and will resort to underhanded tactics to undermine me.
I master the street corners relax in the feet sauna and
I'm equally adept at navigating the seedy underbelly of the streets and indulging in luxurious escapes, like a relaxing foot sauna.
I'm toasting in bitches posting approaching wit mixed emotions
I'm popular and well-liked by many women, who approach me with a variety of feelings ranging from admiration to envy.
And ready like military I'm varied like Ben and Jerry's
I'm always prepared for battle, and my skill set is as diverse as the flavors of Ben & Jerry's ice cream.
Comparing me to him is scary I'm leery as cemeteries
Suggesting that I am similar to other people, even those who are revered, is unsettling because I am one of a kind and cannot be replicated.
And losing is not inside me stay moving from paparazzi
I refuse to internalize the possibility of failure, and must constantly stay on the move to evade the intrusive eyes of the paparazzi.
I'm proving the angels got me, I'm cool but my game is cocky
I am confident in my abilities and know that I have divine protection from above, which makes me even more brazen and self-assured.
And money can never make me, my guns they don't come wit safeties
I am impervious to the allure of money and material possessions, and my guns are not equipped with safety features because I am always on high alert.
I hung wit the ones that's crazy I come from the front of Macy's
I have always associated with wild, daring people, and grew up in the hustle and bustle of downtown retail centers like Macy's.
Shopping and dropping eighties show stopping wit proper ladies
I have a penchant for luxurious shopping sprees and going out with sophisticated, beautiful women.
I'm hearing a lot of maybe's but nigga it's hot as AZ
People may be uncertain about my prospects or abilities, but the fact remains that my skills and presence are as hot and intense as the Arizona sun.
Eyo it's a wrap baby, we got 'em right now, going platinum man, 202k
It's time to celebrate, because my music is taking off in a big way and selling millions of copies.
Brooklyn Stand up!
I'm calling on all my fellow Brooklynites to rise up and show pride in our shared heritage and community.
Lyrics © Royalty Network, Spirit Music Group
Written by: RONALD STABLINI, THOMAS BOMBACI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@frankwhite7056
NEVER spit a wack verse. Flow and delivery flawless. Vocab is unmatched. FIRE
@righteousmasculine
Come on man 💯💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾
@VJ-zw7xz
Ever
@350block
Never ever, ever. 💯💯💯🎯🎯🎯
@bebas4055
AZ is the true definition of underrated rapper from A to the Z
@magnifiquetechnique7609
Nobody did this beat like AZ
One of my calibration tracks for years
@frankwhite7056
My personal opinion. AZ is the best to ever do this man.
@morejuice954
He in my top 5/6
@anthonypacheco7418
Never got the airplay or promotion. Underrated Lyricist
@righteousmasculine
@moreju1ce he top 5 to me and he my fav