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)âhe 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 onesâthe 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)
PayBack
AZ Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Shit been crazy in the hood since that happen, hu
But I found out the cat that did that, word to minds
I'mma see him in a minute son, hu, it's on
I know the clubs where you rock at, the spots you cop at
Keep frontin' nigga, showin' ya Roley, getcha watch snatched
Watch that, know where your moms shop at
Fuck if you stay straped, got the drop it's hard to spray back
That's what you get when you borrow shit, and never pay back
So nigga say that, frontin' like you can't lay flat
You a rat, plus you started this beef from way back
Cats you sip wit, even feel you on some flipped shit
Thought I was twisted, beat that, been home since Christmas
Got the word where your bird live, out in L.I
From this next bitched named Trista sell lye in Bed Stuy
So nigga what now? Got the whole game fucked now
Who you trust now? See you tinted up your truck now
No need to back track, next time know who you blast at
For gettin' black clapped, got your cousin killed and nap napped
Now the streets know, nuttin' left for us to keep low
Never sleep though, on point don't make a nigga reach low
Up in Brookdale, heard my little man took 12
Jagged hook shells, doctors claim it don't look well
Left his mom stressed, now it's time to bomb the projects
Teflon vest, four pounds could make your palm sweat
Put the word out, so vexed I even curse your bird out
She don't deserve clout, flippin' wit the cotton herb mouth
On Pottemscott, me and Wop, nickel gats cocked
The way we popped up, so shocked, niggas made our backs rock
Broad daylight, y'all hustle fake, and don't play right
Holdin' shit wit broken clips that spit, but don't spray right
Clothes, cars & ice, hard to remember starvin' nights
Niggas startin' fights, narcs in the dark, coke cloggin' pipes
Starvin wifes, used to buy weight at bargain price
Now we scarred for life, clog is desolvin', slowly outta sight
All illin', navigatin' four wheelin'
Alcohol spillin', marinatin' on your killin'
Like a contest losers fall, winner takes all
Judges make calls, kings stand behind the 8 ball (8 ball)
I know the clubs where you rock at, the spots where you cop at (yeah)
Keep frontin' nigga, showin' ya Roley, getcha watch snatched
(Get it snatched)
Watch that, know where your moms shop at
Gotcha block mapped and ain't afraid to push ya to back (uh huh)
I know the clubs where you rock at, the spots where you cop at
Keep frontin' nigga, showin' ya Roley, getcha watch snatched
(keep frontin')
Watch that, know where your moms shop at (Wor)
Gotcha block mapped and ain't afraid to push ya top back
I know the clubs where you rock at, the spots where you cop at
Keep frontin' nigga, showin' ya Roley, getcha watch snatched
Watch that, know where your moms shop at
Gotcha block mapped and ain't afraid to push ya top back
I know the clubs where you rock at, the spots where you cop at
{Tim Roth piece}
Keep frontin' nigga, showin' ya Roley, getcha watch snatched
Watch that, know where your moms shop at
Gotcha block mapped, and ain't afraid to push ya top back
I know the clubs where you rock at, the spots where you cop at
Keep frontin' nigga, showin' ya Roley, getcha watch snatched
Watch that, know where your moms shop at
Gotcha block mapped, and ain't afraid to push ya top back
(top back, top back, top back, top back)
The lyrics of AZâs song Payback paint a picture of the rapper seeking revenge against someone who has wronged him. Throughout the song, AZ reveals that this person has caused harm to people close to him, including his cousin who was killed, and his "little man" who was shot. AZ is determined to find the perpetrator, and he knows where his enemy hangs out and where he buys his drugs. AZ demands that this person pay for his actions and warns him that he has no qualms with making him suffer.
Additionally, AZ drops several clues throughout the song that suggest that the person he is after is not just a random stranger, but someone he has had previous dealings with. He references the fact that this person borrowed something and never returned it, causing the beef between the two parties to escalate. Furthermore, AZ notes that his enemy is "frontin' like he can't lay flat," implying that he has exaggerated his toughness in the past. AZ does not seem to be after a more significant gain, such as money or power, but instead seeks payback for what has happened to his loved ones.
Overall, Payback shows AZ as a man on a mission who is willing to take drastic measures to set the score straight. This song is a window into his world and the rules of the streets that he follows.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah son, I know you can hear me man
I am addressing someone and letting them know that I am aware they are listening.
Shit been crazy in the hood since that happen, hu
The situation in the neighborhood has been chaotic since a particular event.
But I found out the cat that did that, word to minds
I have obtained information about the person responsible for a certain action.
I'mma see him in a minute son, hu, it's on
I am planning to confront this person soon.
I know the clubs where you rock at, the spots you cop at
I am aware of the places where you perform and buy drugs.
Keep frontin' nigga, showin' ya Roley, getcha watch snatched
Stop pretending by showing off your Rolex watch, or else it will get stolen.
Watch that, know where your moms shop at
Be careful because I know where your mother goes shopping.
Gotcha block mapped and ain't afraid to push ya top back
I have mapped out your area and I am not afraid to resort to violence.
Fuck if you stay straped, got the drop it's hard to spray back
Even if you are armed, I have the element of surprise and it will be difficult for you to retaliate.
That's what you get when you borrow shit, and never pay back
This is the consequence of borrowing something and not paying it back.
So nigga say that, frontin' like you can't lay flat
Don't act tough when you could easily be taken down.
You a rat, plus you started this beef from way back
You are a snitch and you initiated this conflict a long time ago.
Cats you sip wit, even feel you on some flipped shit
Even the people you hang out with are aware that you have double-crossed me.
Thought I was twisted, beat that, been home since Christmas
You may think I am crazy, but I have already beaten a similar situation and have been home since last Christmas.
Got the word where your bird live, out in L.I
I know where your girlfriend lives, in Long Island.
So nigga what now? Got the whole game fucked now
What are you going to do now? I have disrupted your entire operation.
Who you trust now? See you tinted up your truck now
Who can you trust now that I have exposed you? I see that you have tinted your truck windows.
No need to back track, next time know who you blast at
There is no point in going back now, just be more careful about who you target in the future.
For gettin' black clapped, got your cousin killed and nap napped
You should have known better than to get involved, now your cousin has been killed and taken hostage.
Now the streets know, nuttin' left for us to keep low
The streets are aware of what has happened and there is no way for us to hide it.
Never sleep though, on point don't make a nigga reach low
Stay alert at all times and don't give someone the opportunity to attack you.
Up in Brookdale, heard my little man took 12
I heard that my friend was arrested and is facing a 12-year sentence.
Jagged hook shells, doctors claim it don't look well
The type of bullet that was used caused significant damage and the victim's health does not appear to be improving.
Left his mom stressed, now it's time to bomb the projects
The victim's mother is under a lot of stress and it is now time to attack the housing projects where our enemies reside.
Teflon vest, four pounds could make your palm sweat
I am wearing a bulletproof vest and carrying a heavy gun that could make even the most experienced criminal nervous.
Put the word out, so vexed I even curse your bird out
Spread the word about what has happened and I am so angry that I even insulted your girlfriend.
She don't deserve clout, flippin' wit the cotton herb mouth
Your girlfriend does not deserve any attention, especially since she is a drug addict.
On Pottemscott, me and Wop, nickel gats cocked
We are at Pottemscott with guns in our hands.
The way we popped up, so shocked, niggas made our backs rock
We appeared suddenly and surprised our enemies so much that it made them recoil.
Broad daylight, y'all hustle fake, and don't play right
Even during the day, your illegal activity is fake and you don't follow the rules.
Holdin' shit wit broken clips that spit, but don't spray right
You are holding weapons with broken magazines that don't shoot properly.
Clothes, cars & ice, hard to remember starvin' nights
You are too focused on material possessions and have forgotten what it's like to struggle.
Niggas startin' fights, narcs in the dark, coke cloggin' pipes
People are instigating fights, the police are monitoring our activities, and drugs are affecting our health.
Starvin wifes, used to buy weight at bargain price
Our loved ones are struggling to make ends meet and we used to be able to buy drugs at a lower cost.
Now we scarred for life, clog is desolvin', slowly outta sight
We will be traumatized for the rest of our lives and our drug addiction is taking a toll on us, causing us to fade away slowly.
All illin', navigatin' four wheelin'
We are all sick and trying to navigate through life.
Alcohol spillin', marinatin' on your killin'
We are drinking and reflecting on the violence we have inflicted.
Like a contest losers fall, winner takes all
This conflict is like a competition where the loser suffers and the winner takes everything.
Judges make calls, kings stand behind the 8 ball (8 ball)
The people in power make the decisions, while we are at a disadvantage.
Lyrics © Royalty Network Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: STUART MATTHEWMAN, HELEN ADU, ANDREW HALE, ANTHONY CRUZ, CALVIN JONES, PUDOUR PINOT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind