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)
Your World Don't Stop
AZ Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My peoples sitting in San Quentin and Clinton
Rikers Island, Rikers Island, Cracker's Island
I wake up to them rapping tunes every afternoon
I be home soon, I see the board some time after June
Met a couple of convicts that's way beyond sick
It seem they dig my style cause I be on some don shit
Those I dug we hugged, besides that, black, I don't say jack
I stay in tune with the sun, stars and moon
Cause behind bars you're doomed if your mind can't consume
Plus spiritual pain can bring forth physical reign
And without knowledge of self how else can a criminal change?
And being locked up just ain't the life for me
Shit is way too trife for me
"You're comin home soon" sounds so nice to me
Plus you can bet I'm bouncin out with mad props
And if I get chopped or not, baby pop
My world don't stop
Your world don't stop
Your world don't stop
Your world don't stop
Your world don't stop, stop, stop
Your world don't stop
Your world don't stop
Your world don't stop, stop
And in here it makes all end up the same from blowin backs out
5 to 15, seein the bean until they max out
Misbehavin, actin uncivilized like cavemen
I witnessed brave men that gave in
Sodomized and turned to gay men
Nobody's playin drama, prisoners be posted preying
On some low shit laying
Sleep, get your whole shit banged in
Hangin, plus who's to warn you
Out of the hell these inmates gone through
From three halves of a four group doubt if anyone is normal
And over all it's hard to call who would try to play you
My kid from my tomb's caught a carved spoon through his navel
Nothin can save you, even C.O.'s'll try to grave you
It's painful to even know those who most faithful'll betray you
I lay low-key, cause I ain't Hercules
Tryin to get out early on work release
Prayin the system work with me
'Cause I ain't tryin to see three hots and a cot till I rot
That ain't my plot, baby pop, my world don't stop
Your world don't stop
Your world don't stop
Your world don't stop
Your world don't stop, stop, stop
Your world don't stop
Your world don't stop
Your world don't stop, stop
So until that day I'm discharged and set free
Fuck who's gonna sex me
My mind's more based on makin my next g
Now let's see, left alone me as a juvenile, no more movin foul
The penile possesed me with a smoother style
Blessin my mental with mathematics to map shit through graphics
Fuck it, I ain't with hustlin backwards
A wiser man with ideas and liver plans
More mature and for sure done saw all my eyes can stand
Sittin tryin to design these words of mine
To define what occurs when you're servin time
Stress just blurs the mind
Behind bars scars are signs of hard times
I'm trappin myself in between these lines
But I ain't tryin to see three hots and a cot till I rot
That ain't my plot, baby pop
My world don't stop
Yeah, representin
For all the fellas on lock-diggedy
From upstate to downstate
Don't stop, paw
Don't stop, paw
And on and on and on
My man Sincere is in here
Yo Free, how it be, baby?
That's how we do it
AZ's song "Your World Don't Stop" is about life in prison and the challenges that come with it. The first verse focuses on the artist's experience in jail and the people he has met. He talks about being locked up and how it isn't the life he wants for himself. He also talks about how spiritual pain can cause physical pain and how knowledge of self is important for change. The second verse focuses on the dark side of prison, with talk of violence and rape. AZ talks about trying to stay out of trouble and work towards getting out of jail. The chorus "Your world don't stop" reminds the listener that life goes on even when they are locked up.
This song speaks to the larger issues of the prison system and how mass incarceration affects individuals and communities. It highlights the struggles that prisoners face and how difficult it is to adjust to life outside of jail after being incarcerated. The lyrics also address the issues of violence, drug use, and corruption that can happen behind bars.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah, for those that's locked in Comstock
This is dedicated to those who are currently incarcerated in tough facilities like Comstock.
My peoples sitting in San Quentin and Clinton
My friends are serving time in notorious prisons like San Quentin and Clinton.
Rikers Island, Rikers Island, Cracker's Island
Being stuck in Rikers Island, also known as 'Cracker's Island', is a brutal reality for inmates.
I wake up to them rapping tunes every afternoon
Every day, I wake up to the sounds of rapping and music.
I be home soon, I see the board some time after June
I have a chance to see the parole board in June and I hope to be home soon.
Met a couple of convicts that's way beyond sick
I've met some inmates who have committed heinous crimes and are truly disturbed.
It seem they dig my style cause I be on some don shit
They seem to like my style because I don't conform to the system and have my own way of doing things.
Laid back, I ran into some brothers from way back
I met some fellow inmates from my past who I knew before we got locked up.
Those I dug we hugged, besides that, black, I don't say jack
I hugged the ones I liked and kept quiet around the others to avoid any drama.
I stay in tune with the sun, stars and moon
I stay connected to nature and keep track of time by observing the sky.
Cause behind bars you're doomed if your mind can't consume
If your mind can't handle being in prison, you'll be in trouble.
Plus spiritual pain can bring forth physical reign
Mental pain can take a physical toll on the body.
And without knowledge of self how else can a criminal change?
To change, a criminal needs to understand themselves better.
And being locked up just ain't the life for me
I don't want to spend the rest of my life incarcerated.
Shit is way too trife for me
The conditions and situations in prison are too tough for me.
"You're comin home soon" sounds so nice to me
The thought of being released soon gives me a lot of hope.
Plus you can bet I'm bouncin out with mad props
When I get out, I'll be leaving with a lot of respect and admiration.
And if I get chopped or not, baby pop
Whether I get hurt or not, I'm staying strong.
My world don't stop
I won't let prison break me, my life doesn't stop.
And in here it makes all end up the same from blowin backs out
In prison, everyone is at risk of getting hurt or killed.
5 to 15, seein the bean until they max out
Inmates can get sentences ranging from 5 to 15 years or even life.
Misbehavin, actin uncivilized like cavemen
Some inmates act aggressively and uncivilized like primitive men.
I witnessed brave men that gave in
I've seen some strong and brave inmates succumb to the harsh realities of prison.
Sodomized and turned to gay men
There have been instances of inmates being sexually assaulted and forced into homosexual acts.
Nobody's playin drama, prisoners be posted preying
Inmates are always on guard, ready to protect themselves from danger.
On some low shit laying, sleep, get your whole shit banged in
If you're not careful or paying attention, you could become a victim of violence.
Hangin, plus who's to warn you
There's always a looming sense of danger and no one to warn you of potential harm.
Out of the hell these inmates gone through
The living conditions and experiences in prison feel like hell.
From three halves of a four group doubt if anyone is normal
Many inmates are mentally unstable, and it's hard to find someone who is 'normal.'
And over all it's hard to call who would try to play you
You can't trust anyone, you never know who will try to harm or trick you.
My kid from my tomb's caught a carved spoon through his navel
My friend, who I consider like a son, has been stabbed with a carved spoon.
Nothin can save you, even C.O.'s'll try to grave you
There's no one to protect you, even the correctional officers could turn on you.
It's painful to even know those who most faithful'll betray you
Even people you trust the most can turn on you and break your trust.
I lay low-key, cause I ain't Hercules
I keep a low profile and try not to attract too much attention.
Tryin to get out early on work release
I'm trying to find ways to get released early from prison, like through a work program.
Prayin the system work with me
I hope the system will cooperate with me to help me get released early.
'Cause I ain't tryin to see three hots and a cot till I rot
I don't want to spend my whole life in prison eating, sleeping, and doing nothing.
That ain't my plot, baby pop
I have bigger plans and a different plot for my life.
So until that day I'm discharged and set free
Until the day I'm released from prison.
Fuck who's gonna sex me
I'm not worried about romantic relationships at this point in my life.
My mind's more based on makin my next g
I'm more focused on making money and moving forward in my life.
Now let's see, left alone me as a juvenile, no more movin foul
If I had been more responsible and mature earlier in my life, maybe I wouldn't be in prison now.
The penile possesed me with a smoother style
Being in prison has given me a chance to improve and refine my skills.
Blessin my mental with mathematics to map shit through graphics
I've been practicing and improving my math skills to help me with graphic design.
A wiser man with ideas and liver plans
I'm becoming a wiser person and creating plans to achieve my goals outside of prison.
More mature and for sure done saw all my eyes can stand
I've witnessed so much in prison that I've become more mature and seen things I never imagined.
Sittin tryin to design these words of mine
I spend my time in prison writing and trying to express myself through words.
To define what occurs when you're servin time
I'm trying to define and explain what it's like to serve time in prison.
Stress just blurs the mind
The stress of prison life can cloud your thoughts and judgement.
Behind bars scars are signs of hard times
The scars and wounds you receive in prison are a constant reminder of the tough times you're going through.
I'm trappin myself in between these lines
I'm caught between the lines of this tough situation in prison.
But I ain't tryin to see three hots and a cot till I rot
Again, I have bigger plans for my life and I don't want to spend my time stuck in prison.
That ain't my plot, baby pop
I'm determined to make a different plot for my life.
My world don't stop
My life won't end just because I'm in prison, I'll keep moving forward.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ANTHONY BLAGMAN, ANTHONY S CRUZ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@faustinopolinar9983
Yeah, for those that's locked in Comstock
My peoples sitting in San Quentin and Clinton
Rikers Island, Rikers Island, Cracker's Island
I wake up to them rapping tunes every afternoon
I be home soon, I see the board some time after June
Met a couple of convicts that's way beyond sick
It seem they dig my style cause I be on some don shit
Laid back, I ran into some brothers from way back
Those I dug we hugged, besides that, black, I don't say jack
I stay in tune with the sun, stars and moon
Cause behind bars you're doomed if your mind can't consume
Plus spiritual pain can bring forth physical reign
And without knowledge of self how else can a criminal change?
And being locked up just ain't the life for me
Shit is way too trife for me
"You're comin home soon" sounds so nice to me
Plus you can bet I'm bouncin out with mad props
And if I get chopped or not, baby pop
My world don't stop
Your world don't stop
Your world don't stop
Your world don't stop
Your world don't stop, stop, stop
Your world don't stop
Your world don't stop
Your world don't stop, stop
And in here it makes all end up the same from blowin backs out
5 to 15, seein the bean until they max out
Misbehavin, actin uncivilized like cavemen
I witnessed brave men that gave in
Sodomized and turned to gay men
Nobody's playin drama, prisoners be posted preying
On some low shit laying
Sleep, get your whole shit banged in
Hangin, plus who's to warn you
Out of the hell these inmates gone through
From three halves of a four group doubt if anyone is normal
And over all it's hard to call who would try to play you
My kid from my tomb's caught a carved spoon through his navel
Nothin can save you, even C.O.'s'll try to grave you
It's painful to even know those who most faithful'll betray you
I lay low-key, cause I ain't Hercules
Tryin to get out early on work release
Prayin the system work with me
'Cause I ain't tryin to see three hots and a cot till I rot
That ain't my plot, baby pop, my world don't stop
Your world don't stop
Your world don't stop
Your world don't stop
Your world don't stop, stop, stop
Your world don't stop
Your world don't stop
Your world don't stop, stop
So until that day I'm discharged and set free
Fuck who's gonna sex me
My mind's more based on makin my next g
Now let's see, left alone me as a juvenile, no more movin foul
The penile possesed me with a smoother style
Blessin my mental with mathematics to map shit through graphics
Fuck it, I ain't with hustlin backwards
A wiser man with ideas and liver plans
More mature and for sure done saw all my eyes can stand
Sittin tryin to design these words of mine
To define what occurs when you're servin time
Stress just blurs the mind
Behind bars scars are signs of hard times
I'm trappin myself in between these lines
But I ain't tryin to see three hots and a cot till I rot
That ain't my plot, baby pop
My world don't stop
Yeah, representin
For all the fellas on lock-diggedy
From upstate to downstate
Don't stop, paw
Don't stop, paw
And on and on and on
My man Sincere is in here
Yo Free, how it be, baby?
That's how we do it
@Xtriminal
[Intro: AZ]
Yeah, for those that's locked in Comstock
My peoples sittin' in San Quentin and Clinton
Rikers Island, Rikers Island, Cracker's Island
[Verse 1: AZ]
I wake up to them rappin' tunes every afternoon
I be home soon, I see the board some time after June
Met a couple of convicts that's way beyond sick
It seem they dig my style 'cause I be on some Don shit
Laid back, I ran into some brothers from way back
Those I dug, we hugged, besides that, black, I don't say jack
I stay in tune with the sun, stars and moon
'Cause behind bars you're doomed if your mind can't consume
Plus, spiritual pain can bring forth physical reign
And without knowledge of self, how else can a criminal change?
And bein' locked up just ain't the life for me
Shit is way too trife for me
"You're comin' home soon" sounds so nice to me
Plus, you can bet I'm bouncin' out with mad props
And if I get chopped or not, baby pah
My world don't stop
[Chorus]
Your world don't stop
Your world don't stop
Your world don't stop
Your world don't stop, stop, stop..
Your world don't stop
Your world don't stop
Your world don't stop, stop..
[Verse 2: AZ]
And in here, it makes all end up the same from blowin' backs out
5-to-15, seein' the bean until they max out
Misbehavin', actin' uncivilized like cavemen
I witnessed brave men that gave in
Sodomized and turned to gay men
Nobody's playin' drama, prisoners be posted, preyin'
On some low shit, layin'
Sleep? Get your whole shit banged and hangin'
Plus, who's to warn you
Out of the hell these inmates gone through?
From three halves of a four group, doubt if anyone is normal
And overall, it's hard to call who would try to play you
My kid from my tomb's caught a carved spoon through his navel
Nothin' can save you, even C.O.'s will try to grave you
It's painful to even know those who most faithful will betray you
I lay low-key, 'cause I ain't Hercules
Tryin' to get out early on work release
Prayin' the system work with me
'Cause I ain't tryin' to see three hots and a cot
'Til I rot, that ain't my plot, baby pah
My world don't stop
[Chorus]
Your world don't stop
Your world don't stop
Your world don't stop
Your world don't stop, stop, stop..
Your world don't stop
Your world don't stop
Your world don't stop, stop..
[Verse 3: AZ]
So until that day I'm discharged and set free
Fuck who's gonna sex me
My mind's more based on makin' my next G
Now let's see, left alone me as a juvenile, no more movin' foul
The penile possessed me with a smoother style
Blessin' my mental with mathematics to map shit through graphics
Fuck it, I ain't with hustlin' backwards
A wiser man with ideas and liver plans
More mature and for sure done saw all my eyes can stand
Sittin', tryin' to design these words of mine
To define what occurs when you're servin' time
Stress just blurs the mind, behind bars, scars are signs of hard times
I'm trappin' myself in between these lines
But I ain't tryin' to see three hots and a cot
'Til I rot, that ain't my plot, baby pah
My world don't stop
[Chorus]
Your world don't stop
Your world don't stop
Your world don't stop
Your world don't stop, stop, stop..
Your world don't stop
Your world don't stop
Your world don't stop, stop..
[Outro]
Yeah, representin'
For all the fellas on lock-diggedy, lock-diggedy
From upstate to downstate
Don't stop, pah
Don't stop, pah
And on and on and on...
My man Sincere is in here
Yo, Free, how it be, baby?
That's how we do it
@jamesvaughan3299
This was my anthem every morning......I needed to know that I was on the path to growth regardless to where I was....Your World Don't Stop!
@noirsaba
Key!1
@lewyy10
This album is a masterpiece.
@HatianHurricane
That is a large slice of truth right there!!!!!
@empathyssymphony7331
AZ is one of the greatest so underrated
@denniswilson1319
Factz
@LyricalMasterMind1
One of the most underrated albums ever! Along wit Life stylez ov da po and dangerous
@oliverhernandez1735
LyricalMasterMind1 lifestyles I didn't like that album cause I wasent too much a fan of big l
@brettbarreras48
Two gems of the golden era right there! Both AZ and big l deserved more props than they got in the mainstream...but true hip hop heads know az and L were some of the realest mc’s around
@oullerslb
2 of my favorite album ever tbh