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)
Problems
AZ Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You got, rich niggas right
They do what they wanna do
Ha, and you got
Broke niggas, you heard?
They do what they gotta do
Now ask yourself, which one are you?
Ha, fall back
Soakin' in Remy, sittin' back smokin' a twenty
Shit is scabby, the hustlin' is so in me
Never show envy, got a style I maxed
I'm like po', back in eighty-fo', now smile at that
Unseen when I'm low, but still right in your face
I'm so skinny, but that semi-auto's right in my waist
From Jags to Jeeps, hoopties with the raggedy seats
Just imagine how I'm movin' if we had any beef
Beats relax me, good cheeba keeps me nasty
Lower the smoke when I see the D's creepin' past me
Duckin' the narcs, born bustin' Dutches apart
Love pussy with pretty lips, when you fuck it, it fart
Friend or foe, freak for the rims that glow
Rock Timbs if it's summer or ten below
Love the streets, the science of the drugs that's deep
I'm just another nigga next up, tryna eat
I had some problems (you know)
And no one could seem to solve them (not a soul, baby)
But you found the answer (it's all for y'all now)
And told me to take this chance
But it seems, y'all would rather
See me hit than see my rich
Get bagged over some bullshit and see me snitch
Hopin' some AIDS ho bitch'll leave me sick like
I'm a sucker for love with some easy dick
I did dirt through my days but hid my work
Even then still I made sure no kids got hurt
Sweep the next, been knowin' since my feet got wet
From the best turned vet learned to speak direct
My game's jumpin', we all had our days of barkin'
You could tell niggas styles by they ways of parkin'
Why dispute it? Dough got us so polluted
Paranoid to the point it's like we over-do it
Police press up, peep how the beasts arrest ya
Rough up, handcuff, then treat you lesser
Toast on me, smoke spray our potpourri
Y'all can bet I'ma rep how it's supposed to be
I had some problems (you know)
And no one could seem to solve them (not a soul, baby)
But you found the answer (it's all for y'all now)
And told me to take this chance (I got it locked, feel me)
Infinite game, get chills on the strength of my chain
It's only real, certain niggas mention my name
Some relate, others stay numb in the face
Tryna keep steps ahead like we runnin' a race
Nikes and Timbs, lady friends, like 'em slim
Light makeup, that shit that blend right wit they skin
So what's the issue? All dick sucks is still official
Cold-steel nickels, and Phil I'm still with you
Iceberg-in, on the Turnpike mergin'
Late night, right brake lights black Excursion
Tree smokin', hustle or rap I'ma keep ropin'
Too many niggas got deep emotions
The stress got 'em, who else wanna express they problems?
Get upset, but real vets respect the bottom
To a false, feel a fake love or hate
Right or wrong as long as the thugs relate
I had some problems (you know)
And no one could seem to solve them (not a soul, baby)
But you found the answer (it's all for y'all now)
And told me to take this chance (what y'all want from me?)
Yeah, y'all haters better get a hustle, man, stop fuckin' with me
I'm tryna live, man, nah mean?
I've been at the bottom, I was risin', fell back down
I'm tryna climb up, man
Get off my back, baby
It's all a game, man, don't hate me, hate the game
AZ the Visualiza return, once again
Love life, hate, what the fuck
The song "Problems" by AZ speaks about the struggles and problems faced by people from different walks of life. The lyrics start by drawing a comparison between rich people and poor people, stating that the former do what they want to do, while the latter do what they have to do in order to survive. The song then follows AZ's personal journey of having faced problems that no one could solve until he found an answer, which urged him to take a chance. It talks about how he has hustling in his blood, and even though he is skinny, he always carries a semi-auto in his waist.
AZ also mentions his love for smoking, and how it helps him relax, while the beats that he listens to keep him company. He mentions ducking when cops are around and how his love for women is reflected in his preference for pussy with pretty lips. He also mentions how he did some bad things in his younger days but always made sure no kids got hurt. In the end, AZ speaks about how his haters wait to see him fall and get in trouble, but he has learned to respect the bottom and write his wrongs as long as thugs can relate.
Overall, the song is about the resilience one requires to overcome hardships and challenges, while remaining true to oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
I had some problems
AZ encountered certain problems in life which were difficult to resolve.
And no one could seem to solve them
Despite trying to resolve his problems, no one seemed to have the answer to overcome those issues.
But you found the answer
Someone or something helped AZ to find a solution to his problems.
Told me to take this chance
The suggestion was to take a risk and grab the opportunity that might help him overcome his problems.
Shit is scabby
AZ's current situation is in a bad shape or condition, and it's not desirable.
The hustlin' is so in me
AZ has a natural instinct of hustling or taking actions to improve his situation.
Got a style on max
AZ is confident and comfortable with his unique style and attributes.
From Jags to Jeeps
AZ has progressed from owning luxury cars like Jaguars to more affordable Jeeps.
With them raggedy seats
His current car doesn't have comfortable seating, and it's not in the best condition.
Beats relax me
Listening to music helps AZ to relax and unwind.
Love pussy wit pretty lips, when you fuck it it fart
AZ has explicit sexual preferences with specific preferences for female anatomy, but it's not appropriate to discuss in detail.
Blood in streets, the signs of the drugs that's deep
The prevalence of drugs in the area has led to violence and bloodshed on the streets.
Hopin' some days old bitch will leave me sick
AZ worries that a previous lover might hurt or betray him, and he's vulnerable to such incidents.
I did dirt through my days but hit my worth
AZ has done some illegal or unethical things in life, but he has achieved his financial worth and reputation through hard work.
Learned to speak direct
AZ has developed communication skills that enable him to convey his thoughts clearly and efficiently.
Doe got us so polluted
Money and greed have corrupted the people around him.
Paranoid to the point its like we, over do it
The situation has made people paranoid and over-cautious in their actions.
Toast on me, smoke spray your popouree
AZ raises a toast and smokes while people around him use air fresheners to conceal the smell of weed.
Nikes and Timbs, lady friends lime em slim
AZ likes to wear Nike and Timberland shoes and prefers his female companions to have a slender physique.
All dick sucks is still official
AZ values oral sex from his partners and considers it an essential part of his sex life.
Too many niggas got feeble motions
The people around him lack the drive and motivation to improve their lives.
Who else want to express they problems?
AZ encourages others to speak up and address their issues openly.
Get off my back baby
AZ wants people to stop bothering him with their petty issues and let him live his life.
It's all a game man don't hate me hate the game
AZ acknowledges that life is a game, and he's just a player. Therefore, any negative feelings should be directed towards the game, not him.
Love life, hate, what the fuck
AZ embraces life while acknowledging the hate that comes with it, but he's not bothered by it.
Lyrics © Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Missing Link Music
Written by: Anthony Cruz, Eldra De Barge, Mark Curry
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@TheAfghan72
Him and Nas are the real kings of NY, i feel like AZ should have got more credit for his work.
@JAY-ou7rb
Nas and AZ are better lyricists than Tupac too!
@jarvasedundy1
+Ryan J. Before I even listen to AZ today for the first time ever. To say I'm a huge Pac fan.I would've argue with you. But AZ is the goat!! Dude is a problem!!
@JAY-ou7rb
Jarvase O'Brian dundy Fasho!
@JAY-ou7rb
***** Big L is the shit and he's better than PAC also
@JAY-ou7rb
Aissata Diallo Biggie > Pac
@Henry.P
I remember buying this album. This video used to get alot of airplay on BET back then. I'm 40. I still rock with AZ. His word play is A1.
@yazib5563
Same here bruh real shit 💯💯💯 bet the box all that lol i remember when i bought my first cd burner and my first wip i play this all day 💪🏾
@FCBayernRW
AZ most underrated rapper of all time
@marquisb379
Him, cormega, and Big Noyd