In the early 1990s, he became friends with Nas a young rapper from Queens. ĪZ started writing rap lyrics when he was 12 years old. He grew up in East New York, Brooklyn with his mother and sister. Early life ĪZ was born in Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn to an African-American mother and Dominican father. A single from the album, 'The Essence,' (featuring Nas) was nominated for the 2003 Grammy Awards for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.
The album fared well but did not chart quite as well as his debut and did not feature a crossover single like 'Sugar Hill'.Īfter this album's release, AZ signed with Motown and Universal Records and released 9 Lives. In 1998 AZ released his second solo album, Pieces of a Man. In 1997 AZ joined the group The Firm with Nas, Nature and Foxy Brown and released their only album as a group, The Album. AZ's EMI contract was transferred to sister label Noo Trybe Records and Virgin Records when the EMI Label Group was shut down. The album's lead single, 'Sugar Hill', became AZ's major commercial success as a solo artist, reaching #25 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and achieving Gold status. AZ signed with EMI, and soon released his debut album Doe or Die in 1995 to critical acclaim. He was also included on 's list of the Top 50 MCs of Our Time (1987–2007), where he was described as 'arguably the most underrated lyricist ever.'ĪZ first became known by appearing on Nas's landmark 1994 album Illmatic on the song 'Life's A Bitch', as well as featuring vocals on the opening track 'The Genesis'. In a countdown of the 10 Most Underappreciated Rappers-Most Underrated Rappers of All Time, the editors of listed AZ as #1 on the list. He is known for being a longtime and frequent music partner of East Coast rapper Nas and also a member of hip hop group The Firm alongside Nas, Foxy Brown, Cormega and Nature. Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, New York, USAĪnthony Cruz (born March 9, 1972), better known by his stage name AZ, is an Americanrapper from East New York, Brooklyn, New York.
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