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)
Format
Az Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm ready
You know the chronicles the shit that if momma knew
The stress the drama dude the techs phenomenal
Rapid fire, pecks through the abdominal
You bastard liars, it's me who's the honorable
Restraint from temptation was drained from both nuts
Ha... now the physical form verbalized
Through the scriptures I was Biblically born
It's I-ya Jeremiah, conceived through the blunt fire
On Kawasaki's could wheelie up on one tire
Well respected, gel connected,
Got the method for the woody females perfected
For sure, very few flaws, heavy chevy 2 doors
Candy painted to give a nigga the blue balls
Course, this the life I chose
The bid, the 360, the cyphers closed come on
The format is real sickening, contagious
Here I come, AZ
Still, I dont have to run no games I've done those thangs
Young and gifted my tongues prolific
In the beached bungalow is how I brung in Christmas
From the streets ima flow from the hungriest districts
Switch kicks, crisp when I come to them picnics
Play it slow, paper chase, stack, and lay low
Range rov, tinted all black the same old
Psychic mind, writes his rhymes
Still turn the new leaf on my life of crime
No concerns with new beef whos as nice as I'm
Its confirmed from feet I'm still a sniper blind
Built my fame, spilt my pain
Politicking daily still tryin' to milk the game
It's obvious that I'm real rap skills remain
I took some change and I'm still the same..
The format is real sickening, contagious
Here I come, AZ
Still, I dont have to run no games I've done those thangs
Learned the system
Burned some ism
Jotted my jewels down like journalism
How I'm a move now it emerged through wisdom
A pilgrim, prophisizing puttin' words to rhythm
Relatin', an Adam Clayton in manifestation
Patient, meditatin' with them animals waitin'
Pacin', like an M-8 that sealed it's fate
Let some years escape but I'm still in shape
I'm Chillin'...
Deeply rooted, a beast with music
From best out to the east im too at peace to lose it
But love it, I still does it
Breathin off a Trump budget
Fresh outa Bloomies with the Louie luggage
The format is real sickening, contagious
Here I come, AZ
How we get down {Repeat: x 2]
In "Format," AZ uses his verses to reflect on his life experiences, including the stress and drama that his mother may not know about. He acknowledges his reputation as a skilled artist as he pecks through abdominal lyrics with rapid fire. AZ reflects on his time on the streets and the bid, 360, and cyphers that brought him to where he is today. His physical form is discussed, mentioning that he was born from scriptures and conceived through the "blunt fire." Despite the challenges he faced in life, including burning ism and system, AZ is still the same and raps with ease.
AZ's format reflects the reality of the rap industry- sickening and contagious. He doesn't have to run any games as he's already experienced, he relates. The song also focuses on AZ's humility as he notes the prowess he has earned over the years without forgetting to acknowledge those who helped him get where he is. The song's style is an example of East Coast rap, and AZ's voice brings life to the lyrics. The beat and his style make the song suitable for setting a pace while working out.
Line by Line Meaning
You know the chronicles the shit that if momma knew
I've been through some serious stuff that I couldn't really tell my mother about
The stress the drama dude the techs phenomenal
It's been overwhelming, with guns and conflict at every turn
Rapid fire, pecks through the abdominal
I've been shot at so many times, I've lost count
You bastard liars, it's me who's the honorable
There are people who've wronged me and lied about it, but I'm the one who maintains integrity
Bathed and clothed up, shaved and close cut
I take care of myself, always looking sharp and feeling fresh
Restraint from temptation was drained from both nuts
I've given in to temptation, especially when it comes to women
Through the scriptures I was Biblically born
My rhymes are so powerful, they're like their own kind of holy scripture
On Kawasaki's could wheelie up on one tire
I'm an expert with motorcycles, and can do tricks like a one-handed wheelie
Well respected, gel connected,
People think highly of me and I have strong connections
Got the method for the woody females perfected
I know what women like and how to be successful with them
For sure, very few flaws, heavy chevy 2 doors
I am confident in myself and my ride, a flashy Chevy with two doors
Candy painted to give a nigga the blue balls
My car is so flashy, it can cause other guys to feel envious and sexually frustrated
Course, this the life I chose
This is the lifestyle I've chosen, with all its risks and rewards
The bid, the 360, the cyphers closed come on
I've done a prison bid, made some bad mistakes, but now it's time to move on
The format is real sickening, contagious
My style is so good that it can infect others and spread rapidly
Here I come, AZ
I'm about to drop some fire rhymes
Still, I dont have to run no games I've done those thangs
I'm not playing games, I've already lived through some serious experiences
Young and gifted my tongues prolific
I'm still young and talented, with a gift for powerful rhymes
In the beached bungalow is how I brung in Christmas
I spent Christmas alone in a bungalow, feeling free and at peace
From the streets ima flow from the hungriest districts
I come from the roughest parts of the city, which has inspired my rap style
Switch kicks, crisp when I come to them picnics
I've got some serious moves and style, especially at outdoor events
Play it slow, paper chase, stack, and lay low
I take my time with my goals, focusing on building wealth while staying out of trouble
Range rov, tinted all black the same old
I still roll in a fancy Range Rover, with darkened windows to maintain privacy
Psychic mind, writes his rhymes
My mind is powerful and intuitive, allowing me to write killer rhymes
Still turn the new leaf on my life of crime
I'm trying to move past my past criminal life
No concerns with new beef whos as nice as I'm
I'm not worried about enemies who might think they're as good as me
Its confirmed from feet I'm still a sniper blind
Even without looking, I'm still a great shooter and lyricist
Built my fame, spilt my pain
I've worked hard to become famous, despite some emotional pain in my life
Politicking daily still tryin' to milk the game
I'm still working hard and playing the game, trying to make the most of my success
It's obvious that I'm real rap skills remain
Everyone knows that my rap skills are top-notch and still going strong
I took some change and I'm still the same..
I've made some money, but it hasn't changed who I am or what I stand for
Learned the system
I understand how to work within the existing system to achieve success
Burned some ism
I've smoked weed in my time
Jotted my jewels down like journalism
I write down my valuable insights and experiences like a journalist
How I'm a move now it emerged through wisdom
I've gained wisdom through my experiences and can now make better decisions about how to move forward
A pilgrim, prophisizing puttin' words to rhythm
I consider myself a journeyman, with a talent for prophesying and writing great rhymes
Relatin', an Adam Clayton in manifestation
I can relate to all sorts of people and situations, just like the legendary musician Adam Clayton
Patient, meditatin' with them animals waitin'
I'm a patient person, able to meditate and reflect on life while waiting for things to happen
Pacin', like an M-8 that sealed it's fate
I move through life like a powerful military machine, destined for greatness
Let some years escape but I'm still in shape
Even though some time has passed, I'm still physically and mentally fit
I'm Chillin'...
I'm feeling good and relaxed
Deeply rooted, a beast with music
I have a strong connection to my culture and am a true master of music
From best out to the east im too at peace to lose it
I'm at home on both coasts and am always calm and collected, so nothing fazes me
But love it, I still does it
I love this music game and I will continue to do it for as long as I can
Breathin off a Trump budget
I've got money to burn, which makes life really comfortable
Fresh outa Bloomies with the Louie luggage
I've just finished some shopping at Bloomies and have expensive Louis Vuitton luggage to show for it
How we get down {Repeat: x 2]
This is how we do it, and we're proud of it!
Lyrics © Royalty Network Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: ANTHONY S. CRUZ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
MM
[Intro]
I'm ready...
[Verse 1]
You know the chronicles, the shit that if mama knew
The stress the drama do, the TEC's phemonenal
Rapid fire, it pecks through the abdominal
You bastard liars, it's me who's the honorable
Bathed and clothed up, shaved and close-cut
Restraint from temptation was drained from both nuts
Heh, now in the physical form
Verbalize through the scriptures, I was Biblically born
It's I'ah, Jeremiah, conceived through the blunt fire
On Kawasaki's, can wheelie up on one tire
Well respected, jail connected
Got the method for them pretty females perfected
For sure, very few flaws, heavy Chevy two-doors
Candy paint, it'll give a nigga the blue balls
Pause, this the life I chose
Done did the 360, the cypher's closed
C'mon!
[Chorus: scratching by DJ Premier]
The format is real sickening, contagious
Here I come, AZ, there you go
Still I don't have to run no game, I done those things
[Verse 2]
Young and gifted, my tongue's prolific
In the beach bungalow is how I brung in Christmas
For the streets I'ma flow from the hungriest districts
Swiss kicks, crisp when I come to them picnics
Play slow, paper chase, stack and lay low
Range Rove tinted, all black, the same old
Psychic mind, righteous rhymes
Done turned a new leaf from my life of crime
No concerns with new beef, who's as nice as I'm?
It's confirmed, from few feet I'm still a sniper blind
Built my fame, spilt my pain
Politicking daily, still trying to milk the game
It's obvious that I'm real, rap skills remain
I took some change and I'm still the same
[Chorus: scratching by DJ Premier]
The format is real sickening, contagious
Here I come, AZ, there you go
Still I don't have to run no game, I done those things
[Verse 3]
Learnt the system, burned some izm
Jotted my jewels down like journalism
How I maneuve now, it'll merge the wisdom
A pilgrim, prophesize, putting words to rhythm
Relating, I Adam Clayton it, manifestation, patient
Meditatin' with them animals waitin', pacin'
Like an inmate that sealed his fate
Let some years escape, but I'm still in shape
I'm chilling, deeply rooted, a beast with music
From Bed-Stuy to the East, I'm too at peace to lose it
But love it, I still does it, breathing off a Trump budget
Fresh out of Bloomies with the Louis luggage
LOL these lyrics shit on al 90% of the rap game lol
YUNG BEAT
Az is arguably the most underappreciated rapper ever.
Eziokilla9595
I wouldn't go that far...
Lee Woo-jin
Mos def, big l, cormega, afu ra and many more also contend for that title
Eziokilla9595
Riedypi Big L's not underrated, he's overrated. Cormega was never anything special, neither was Afu Ra. Even Mos Def isn't underrated; he's highly respected by Hip-Hop heads. Pretty poor list of underrated MCs.
Lee Woo-jin
+Eziokilla9595 you saying that big L is overrated just mind boggles. I mean is his sovereignty in freestyle really being neglected by you, or how about his imaginative and virtuosity in word-play. And lastly he's most competent aspect which is punchlines and delivering like no other mc.
As for Afu ra, he's undoubtedly the most perceptive mc due to his good knowledge in existence. The rest can be reasoned with because their qualities my not be sufficient or maybe already rated fairly.
Eziokilla9595
Riedypi You need to listen to some Hip-Hop that came out after 1999. Big L sounds ridiculously dated, and he was never some technical genius or boundary pusher either. He was a modest punchline rapper with a bit more self-awareness and freestyle capability than the average MC in the 90's.
Chino XL, Vakill, Celph Titled, Apathy, Diabolic, and Crooked I are a few examples of punchline rappers who have completely usurped Big L's "throne." There's nothing imaginative about his wordplay. He's got some decent lines, but nothing mind-blowing.
And, if you think Afu-Ra is "undoubtedly the most perceptive mc due to his good knowledge in existence," then, I'm sorry, but you just don't know good Hip-Hop. Illogic, Slug, Eyedea, Sage Francis, Aesop Rock, Brother Ali, El-P, Shad K, One.Be.Lo, Aceyalone, and Gift of Gab are all vastly superior MCs who meditate on existential issues with greater depth.
kazub
This beat was crazy ahead of its time still one of the illest beats ever made
アンダーソン
Not ahead of it’s time, created by a legend man
Boyle Franks
This and every beat Preemo has blessed us with.
Abz
A uk rapper called ard adz rapped over this. This is my first time hearing the og