AZ

AZ Joins “Drink Champs” To Discuss Collabs, The Industry & How He Stays Grounded

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When you look at many lists of the most underrated rappers of all time, one name that pops up more often than most is AZ. Moreover, you probably know him best as Nas’ good friend who has stellar features on his 1994 classic Illmatic. However, the New York MC has a whole host of amazing solo material, cutting verses, intricate wordplay and technical ability, a lot of charisma, impeccable storytelling, and a true dedication to the art and craft of hip-hop. It’s a quality that made him reflect on how the industry moves, and how the effects of fame and money is something that he either took advantage of or strayed away from. Now, the 51-year-old joined Drink Champs recently to break it all down.

Furthermore, AZ spoke to N.O.R.E., DJ EFN, and company about his most well-known work, that being his Nas collabs. He went over some stories with his comrade, and also brought up how this was what truly introduced him to the world of rap for profit. In addition, the “Respect Mines” lyricist also explained how this early phase led to the formation of the group The Firm with Esco, Foxy Brown, Cormega, and Nature. Overall, he has a lot to look back to when it comes to the genre’s prime, and it’s from a uniquely humble perspective.

Read More: AZ & 2 Chainz Remember The “Motorola Era”

AZ On Drink Champs: Watch

But how did AZ stay firm through it all, whether during his ’90s run or his contributions to the industry today? Well, he explains that competition, the search for money, and one’s ego are things to trust with skepticism. To elaborate, these are all things that drive artists to be better, to act smarter, to work harder, and to help each other reach their peak levels of potential. But it’s also a dangerously slippery slope that can lead to a lot of evil, too, and it’s something that the Doe Or Die II wordsmith is well aware of.

Meanwhile, if you want to listen the Bed-Stuy native these days, check out his latest tape, Truth Be Told. What did you think of his Drink Champs guest spot? Let us know in the comments section below. For more news and the latest updates on AZ and the popular interview show, stay logged into HNHH.

Read More: DMC On “Drink Champs”: Hall Of Fame, Adidas, Addiction, Jam Master Jay & Much More

The post AZ Joins “Drink Champs” To Discuss Collabs, The Industry & How He Stays Grounded appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

AZ Unveils Candid and Evocative Album ‘Truth Be Told’

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AZ Unveils Candid and Evocative Album 'Truth Be Told'

AZ has dropped his latest album, Truth Be Told, showcasing his distinctive style and lyrical prowess. The album features notable guest appearances from artists such as Fat Joe, Pharoahe Monch, and Mumu Fresh, adding layers of depth to the project.

“My Art. My Perspective. My Truth. Truth Be Told,” declares AZ, highlighting the personal and authentic nature of the album.

A seasoned collaborator with an impressive track record, AZ enlists the Grammy-nominated producer Buckwild to handle all aspects of the album’s production. Buckwild’s storied career includes iconic productions for The Notorious B.I.G., Black Rob, OC, and Organized Konfusion, among others.

‘Truth Be Told’ marks AZ’s commitment to evolving his craft and delivering a compelling narrative through his music. With a lineup of respected collaborators and the guiding hand of Buckwild, the album promises to be a significant addition to AZ’s catalog and a testament to his enduring influence in the hip-hop scene.

You can hear the album below.

The post AZ Unveils Candid and Evocative Album ‘Truth Be Told’ first appeared on The Source.

The post AZ Unveils Candid and Evocative Album ‘Truth Be Told’ appeared first on The Source.

AZ Announces New Album ‘Truth Be Told,’ Drops “How We Get It” with Fat Joe

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AZ Announces New Album 'Truth Be Told,' Drops "How We Get It" with Fat Joe

Esteemed rapper AZ is gearing up for the release of his highly anticipated album, Truth Be Told, slated to drop on Dec. 1. To heighten the anticipation, AZ has unveiled his latest single, “How We Get It,” featuring none other than the iconic Fat Joe. This collaboration, long-awaited by fans, brings together two legends of the hip-hop scene.

What makes “Truth Be Told” even more special is the involvement of the legendary and Grammy-nominated producer Buckwild. Having previously contributed to AZ’s “Doe Or Die” and “Doe Or Die II,” Buckwild now takes charge of the entire production for “Truth Be Told.” His extensive resume includes producing classics for The Notorious B.I.G., Black Rob, OC, and Organized Konfusion, solidifying him as a maestro in the hip-hop realm.

AZ’s upcoming album promises to deliver a blend of lyrical prowess and masterful production, with “How We Get It” providing a glimpse into the sonic excellence fans can expect from “Truth Be Told.” Mark your calendars for December 1, 2023, as AZ invites listeners to experience the truth through his latest musical endeavor.

The post AZ Announces New Album ‘Truth Be Told,’ Drops “How We Get It” with Fat Joe first appeared on The Source.

The post AZ Announces New Album ‘Truth Be Told,’ Drops “How We Get It” with Fat Joe appeared first on The Source.

AZ Unveils New Single “This Is Why” and Announces Album Release Date

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AZ Unveils New Single "This Is Why" and Announces Album Release Date

Veteran rapper AZ has been making waves since the release of Doe Or Die II, collaborating with hip-hop heavyweights across the industry. The iconic artist is back with a brand new single, “This Is Why,” set to drop soon, offering a fresh taste of his lyrical prowess.

But that’s not all; AZ has exciting news for his fans. He has officially announced the release date for his upcoming album, “Truth Be Told,” slated for Dec. 1, 2023. This album promises to showcase AZ’s evolution as an artist while staying true to his roots. Notably, “Truth Be Told” will feature collaborations with the likes of Fat Joe and Pharoahe Monch, raising anticipation for what’s to come. AZ’s return to the music scene is sure to be a memorable one.

The first taste is the “This Is Why” single, which you can hear below.

The post AZ Unveils New Single “This Is Why” and Announces Album Release Date first appeared on The Source.

The post AZ Unveils New Single “This Is Why” and Announces Album Release Date appeared first on The Source.

AZ Releases New Single “This Is Why”, Announces New Album ‘Truth Be Told’

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Throughout his distinguished and influential career, AZ has been nominated for Grammy’s, and won one for his contribution “Full Circle,” to The Firm reuniting track from Nas’ Kings Disease, which won the Grammy for Best Rap Album of 2020, sold millions of albums, created hit singles and lent his velvety voice, and street poetry to some of Hip-Hop’s most timeless music. 

It had been a decade since AZ graced fans with an album, but his long-teased sequel, Doe Or Die II, became one of 2021’s undeniable success stories.  Featuring appearances and production from Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, 2 Chainz, T-Pain, The Alchemist, Conway The Machine, Dave East, Pete Rock, Statik Selektah, Idris Elba, Bink, Buckwild, Kaygee, Heatmakerz, Rockwilder, and Baby Paul, Doe Or Die II was a mainstay at the top of the DSP charts upon its release. 

Since the release of Doe Or Die II, AZ has appeared on Westside Gunn’s HWH8 B-Side (“99 Avirex” which also featured Stove God Cooks, Rick Ross’ Richer Than I Ever Been Deluxe album (“Vacheron”), Statik Selektah’s Round Trip Album “(Historic” with Ransom), and most recently on Tony Touch’s The Def Tape Soundtrack (“Rampage 2.0”) for Def Jam’s Mixtape Documentary.

Now, AZ is back with a new single. “This Is Why,” and he has also announced that he will release his new album, Truth Be Told, on 12-1-23.  AZ continues to refine and update his style with Truth Be Told, and the forthcoming album will also feature collaborations with Fat Joe and Pharoahe Monch. 

“There is no amount of money that can measure up to the feeling of a natural heavenly bliss of euphoria,” AZ adds.  “This Is Why I’m Fly!” 

After contributing production on both Doe Or Die and Doe Or Die II, AZ recruited a familiar name to produce all of Truth Be Told, as the legendary, and Grammy-nominated producer Buckwild handles all of the production.  Aside from cooking up classics with AZ, Buckwild has also produced classics for The Notorious B.I.G. “I Gotta Story To Tell”, Black Rob “Whoa,” OC’s “Times Up,” and Organized Konfusion’s “Stress,”  and has produced for artists such as Jay-Z, Nas, 50 Cent, Diddy, Mase, Fat Joe, Big Pun, Big L, Jadakiss, The Game, Method Man & Redman, Terror Squad, Beanie Sigel, Faith Evans, Kool G Rap, Cormega, Capone-N-Noreaga, Raekwon and Little Brother.

AZ’s new single, “This Is Why,”(produced by Buckwild) is now available!

AZ’s forthcoming album, Truth Be Told, will be released on 12-1-23.

The post AZ Releases New Single “This Is Why”, Announces New Album ‘Truth Be Told’ first appeared on The Source.

The post AZ Releases New Single “This Is Why”, Announces New Album ‘Truth Be Told’ appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: AZ Dropped His Debut LP ‘Doe Or Die’ 28 Years Ago

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On this date in 1995, Antonio Cruz aka AZ from Nas’ “Life’s A Bitch” fame, released his debut album Doe Or Die on EMI Records.

Produced by legendary producers Pete Rock, DITC’s Buckwild, LES, D.R. Period as well as AZ himself, AZ was able to land the deal for this album strictly off of the classic verse he spits on the third track on the iconic Illmatic album.

Tracks sucks as the Pete Rock propelled “Rather Unique”, the dreamy “Sugar Hill”, which features then-unknown songbird Miss Jones and the street fueled “Mo Money, Mo Murder, Mo Homocide” gave this album a verbal variety that was rarely heard, especially from an emcee who was only known at the time for a guest appearance.

A special salute to AZ for holding it down for dolo for an entire quarter of a century, even managing to orchestrate a 15 year anniversary of the album in 2010 on his own Quiet Money imprint, featuring production from the likes of Statik Selektah and Fame of M.O.P.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: AZ Dropped His Debut LP ‘Doe Or Die’ 28 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: AZ Dropped His Debut LP ‘Doe Or Die’ 28 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.