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)
Still Alive
AZ Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I advise you to put your drinks down, and head to the dance floor
Anywhere else will be uncivilized
If you're in a car, pull over
Put the hazards on and let the windows down
This is something the world needs to know
Let's go
I heard tales of niggas sendin' shells to cook my flesh
No jail, never stale homie look how fresh
I'm low key like them old G crooks out west
As far as poetry I'm Nas, Biggie, Jay, Mos Def
Rakim, Kool G Rap, Kane, KRS
Pac, Common and Kanye, could say I'm blessed
Peace to Ghost, Raekwon and Ron Artest
This is suppressed hunger, I'm obsessed with summer
I'm for what runners is gunnin' them younger boys will gun ya
But any nigga icing your own wifey will warn ya
There's no wonder, every fronter wanna be stunner
I spit thunder, I'll miss when I'm six feet under
Legit, I'm just tryin' shift G-Unit numbers
Even rich niggas slip in the slumber
Shit happens but believe I'm back blastin a number
This is not a life that we in, this is hell
This is not a stoop that we on, it's a cell
Life is not a gift in the hood, it's a charge
Because I'm still alive, that makes me a God
This is not a life that we in, this is hell
This is not a stoop that we on, it's a cell
Life is not a gift in the hood, it's a charge
Because I made it out, well that makes me a God
This is not a life that we in, this is hell
This is not a stoop that we on, it's a cell
Life is not a gift in the hood, it's a charge
Because I'm still alive, that makes me a God
This is not a life that we in, this is hell
This is not a stoop that we on, it's a cell
Life is not a gift in the hood, it's a charge
Because I made it out, well that makes me a God
Yes my flows elite, I know the streets
I'm the Cochise of the East Coast I blow on beats
I create in the coma state how I doze to sleep
I keep dozing but never doze six feet deep
I'm out for presidents to represent me
(Say what?)
Say what, I haze up 'fore haters hopin' I gave up
It's either you stay tough or you copin' to ?cage cuff?
From cold player to cold savor the hoes favor
Who's the most underrated, G Rap, AZ, or Jada?
Allah savior, bark but sharp as a razor
With street smarts in a Jedi heart like Darth Vader
Harsh behavior, puffin a Garcia Vega
The god see the haters but the larceny is greater
Pardon the player, I'm crunk with some defeats
But somehow somebody somewhere don't want me to eat
I'm one with the streets, I'm wanted and I'm comin' for keeps
This is not a life that we in, this is hell
This is not a stoop that we on, it's a cell
Life is not a gift in the hood, it's a charge
Because I'm still alive, that makes me a God
This is not a life that we in, this is hell
This is not a stoop that we on, it's a cell
Life is not a gift in the hood, it's a charge
Because I made it out, well that makes me a God
And it's a must I live it, the trucks is kitted
Too many peoples in the penal so duck or visit
Show it off when I freestyle, who fuckin' with it
A final song for song as long as the hustlers get it
As long the jewels on all is custom fitted
Diamond cut for cut the cluster ups the digits
Enough is enough you can trust I hush the critics
Buck for buck, yeah I'm buckwild I must admit it
The dough done did it, I'm Doley the flow is vivid
You know me, low key homie, only expose the snippet
So prolific, so sincere, so gifted
So melodic, y'all got it so twisted
Sent to do this, E-40 the rugers had a few Belugas
Brought it back to the sewers
True this no duets, no collabs, no regrets
You crabs, I'm just here tryin' cash some little checks
This is not a life that we in, this is hell
This is not a stoop that we on, it's a cell
Life is not a gift in the hood, it's a charge
Because I'm still alive, that makes me a God
This is not a life that we in, this is hell
This is not a stoop that we on, it's a cell
Life is not a gift in the hood, it's a charge
Because I made it out, well that makes me a God
This is not a life that we in, this is hell
This is not a stoop that we on, it's a cell
Life is not a gift in the hood, it's a charge
Because I'm still alive, that makes me a God
This is not a life that we in, this is hell
This is not a stoop that we on, it's a cell
Life is not a gift in the hood, it's a charge
Because I made it out, well that makes me a God
The lyrics of AZ's song "Still Alive" are a reflection of the struggles and hardships faced by many people in the inner city ghettos of Brooklyn. AZ describes his life in the ghetto, where he had to keep his guard up at all times, with tales of people sending shells to cook his flesh. He acknowledges that life in the ghetto is not a gift but a charge, a challenge that one has to bear. However, despite all the pain and suffering, he considers himself blessed and privileged to be alive.
AZ also pays homage to some of the greatest rappers of all time, including Nas, Biggie, and Jay-Z, among others. He asserts that he is part of that elite group of rappers and is just as blessed as they are to have the gift of rhyme. He also talks about his love for the streets, his obsession with summer, and his desire to shift G-Unit numbers.
The key message in this song is that life in the ghetto is a constant struggle, and survival is nothing short of miraculous. However, those who overcome the odds and make it out alive are like gods. Despite the harsh realities of ghetto life, AZ remains optimistic and hopeful, acknowledging that he is blessed to be alive and still standing.
Line by Line Meaning
Okay, if you in a club
If you're in a club, listen up and get ready to dance
I advise you to put your drinks down, and head to the dance floor
Stop drinking and start dancing
Anywhere else will be uncivilized
Dancing is the civilized thing to do
If you're in a car, pull over
If you're driving, stop the car
Put the hazards on and let the windows down
Turn on your hazard lights and open the windows
This is something the world needs to know
What's coming next is important for everyone to hear
Yes I'm Brooklyn's best till I'm put to rest
I'm the best rapper from Brooklyn, until I die
I heard tales of niggas sendin' shells to cook my flesh
People have threatened to shoot me
No jail, never stale homie look how fresh
I've never been to jail, and I look good
I'm low key like them old G crooks out west
I'm a low key gangster like those from the West Coast
As far as poetry I'm Nas, Biggie, Jay, Mos Def
When it comes to rapping, I'm as good as Nas, Biggie, Jay-Z, Mos Def
Rakim, Kool G Rap, Kane, KRS
And also as good as Rakim, Kool G Rap, Big Daddy Kane, and KRS-One
Pac, Common and Kanye, could say I'm blessed
Tupac, Common, and Kanye West might say I'm lucky
Peace to Ghost, Raekwon and Ron Artest
Shout outs to Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, and Ron Artest
This is suppressed hunger, I'm obsessed with summer
I'm hungry for success but keeping it under control, and obsessed with summertime
I'm for what runners is gunnin' them younger boys will gun ya
I'm looking out for my own, the young kids will turn on you
But any nigga icing your own wifey will warn ya
But if someone is going after your wife, you better watch out
There's no wonder, every fronter wanna be stunner
It's no surprise that everyone wants to be a flashy show off
I spit thunder, I'll miss when I'm six feet under
I rap with power and passion, and I'll be missed when I'm dead
Legit, I'm just tryin' shift G-Unit numbers
I'm trying to sell as many records as G-Unit
Even rich niggas slip in the slumber
Even successful people can fall asleep at the wheel
Shit happens but believe I'm back blastin a number
But I always recover and come back strong
This is not a life that we in, this is hell
Life in the ghetto is like living in hell
This is not a stoop that we on, it's a cell
Living in the ghetto is like being in prison
Life is not a gift in the hood, it's a charge
Being alive in the hood is a curse, not a blessing
Because I'm still alive, that makes me a God
But surviving in the hood against all odds makes me godlike
Because I made it out, well that makes me a God
And escaping the hood makes me even more godlike
Yes my flows elite, I know the streets
I'm a great rapper and I understand the street life
I'm the Cochise of the East Coast I blow on beats
I'm a leader in the rap game and my music is powerful
I create in the coma state how I doze to sleep
I write music in my sleep
I keep dozing but never doze six feet deep
But even though I'm always tired, I never fully give up
I'm out for presidents to represent me
I'm out to make lots of money
(Say what?)
(What did you say?)
Say what, I haze up 'fore haters hopin' I gave up
I smoke weed before performing to deal with the haters who want me to fail
It's either you stay tough or you copin' to ?cage cuff?
You have to be strong or you'll end up in jail
From cold player to cold savor the hoes favor
From being a player to being respected, the women like me
Who's the most underrated, G Rap, AZ, or Jada?
Who's the most talented but overlooked: Kool G Rap, AZ, or Jadakiss?
Allah savior, bark but sharp as a razor
I'm Muslim, and although I talk a big game, I'm very smart
With street smarts in a Jedi heart like Darth Vader
I'm tough and street smart, but I also have a heart
Harsh behavior, puffin a Garcia Vega
I can be harsh, but I also like to smoke cigars
The god see the haters but the larceny is greater
I see what the haters are doing, but my desire for success is greater
Pardon the player, I'm crunk with some defeats
Forgive me for my mistakes, I'm dealing with a lot of losses
But somehow somebody somewhere don't want me to eat
But for some reason, someone out there wants to see me fail
I'm one with the streets, I'm wanted and I'm comin' for keeps
But I'm still connected to the street life, and I'm here to stay
And it's a must I live it, the trucks is kitted
I have to keep up my image, and I drive an expensive car
Too many peoples in the penal so duck or visit
There are too many people in prison, so be careful or you'll end up there
Show it off when I freestyle, who fuckin' with it
I show off my freestyle skills, and no one can compete
A final song for song as long as the hustlers get it
I'll keep making music as long as the hustlers appreciate it
As long the jewels on all is custom fitted
As long as I have expensive jewelry that fits perfectly
Diamond cut for cut the cluster ups the digits
My diamond jewelry is very valuable
Enough is enough you can trust I hush the critics
I've dealt with enough criticism, and I'm ready to silence my critics
Buck for buck, yeah I'm buckwild I must admit it
I'm willing to fight for what I believe in, and I'll admit that I can be wild
The dough done did it, I'm Doley the flow is vivid
I've made a lot of money from my music, and my flow is very clear
You know me, low key homie, only expose the snippet
I'm a low-key person, only giving a small glimpse of my life
So prolific, so sincere, so gifted
I'm very talented and genuine
So melodic, y'all got it so twisted
My music is very catchy, but people don't understand me
Sent to do this, E-40 the rugers had a few Belugas
I was meant to be a rapper, and I hang out with E-40 and other tough guys
Brought it back to the sewers
But I came from humble beginnings
True this no duets, no collabs, no regrets
I don't collaborate with other rappers, and I have no regrets about that
You crabs, I'm just here tryin' cash some little checks
You haters are just jealous, I'm just here trying to make some money
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network
Written by: Anthony Cruz, Bridgeford Duane, Ousley Randy, RANDY OUSLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Slade Wilson
He has some of the nicest production....I wonder why he isn't on more peoples radar, because production is something that's paid more attention to this day. He's also got a flow that will allow you to kick back and just listen.
Miso93
sooooo underrated! AZ is definitely one of the greatest mc´s
Yerrr1377
AZ will live forever... Legend for real
Michael Howard
Peace to the Gods and Earths. The hook is so real. It is so inspiring , when you do the knowledge to the wisdom and understand , just how actual and factual it is.
Robert Tanner
AZ most underrated rapper of all time
Javonsuniverse
🔥🔥🔥
D-Lithic
one of the best flows, all-in-all best rap song ever made...where's the views?? lol fuckin' ppl
Zack Feeterman
Dope af
brainsick213
Dope...you shuld hear the blue sky black death mix of dis track
Bas Verhoeven
so dope