AZ

this is my favorite album of all time. every song is flawless, and if you dont like this, then your probably a young weak minded kid who listens to soulja boy all day and dances around like a clown. AZ is the most underated rapper ever, FIRE ALBUM

AZ is cool rapper, I think he's the perfect example of what a good MC should be. Although he's not the most unique he's good with the wordplay and he's top notch with the rhymes, very impressive. People should definitely not sleep on this album, if you know the true art of hip-hop then you will like this album no doubt.

BEST TRACKS:

Doe or Die
Rather Unique
Sugar Hill
Mo Money, Mo Murder
Your World Don't Stop

AZ is one of the best MC's hip hop has ever seen...lets get that out in the open first...With that said, this is definitly AZ's best record...thats really as much info, u need about this CD...Extremly dope album with classics from beginning to the end.AZ runs circles around 99.9% of rappers in the game then and now...this is a must have if you like real hip hop.5 outta 5

Can't really add anything new to whats been said album this album. Like most reviewers said, "Doe Or Die" to AZ is what Illmatic is to Nas. Both lyrically intellengent and interesting. Only 12 tracks deep, the album is short and right to the point. Tracks that stood out to me when I first heard this album was "Ho Happy Jackie" with excellent word play about a girl trying to play him. "Rather Unique" has a dope beat by Pete Rock using a Big Daddy Kane sample. Nas comes in for the song "Mo Money, Mo Murder" which is excellent for the two emcees to get on a track again. The song is followed by a short hidden track "Born Alone, Die Alone" (the credits are in the linear notes). Towards the end, another standout was "Your World Don't Stop" followed by an excellent beat, also covered by some female vocales for the hook. The final track is a remix of "Sugar Hill", while isn't good as the origonal (which is great), it's still a good addition for a remix song for the end of the album.

Doe Or Die is a great album from '95. If you dug albums such as Illmatic, The Infamous, or Only Built 4 Cuban Linx (all albums roughly comming out the same time), than I'm sure you'll like this one. AZ has had a consistant career since this album, but none will be as great as his debut. Peace!!

Lyrics: A+
Production: A
Guest Appearances: A+
Musical Vibes: A+

Top 5 Tracks:
1. Your World Don't Stop
2. Mo Money, Mo Murder (Homicide)
3. Sugar Hill (origonal)
4. Ho Happy Jackie
5. Rather Unique

Honorable Mention:
1. Do Or Die
2. Born Alone, Die Alone

If you want an album that could embody the early 90's hip hop scene on the east coast "Doe Or Die" would be one of them. It is amazing how underrated AZ is, he is as under rated as Kool G Rap. It seems like AZ was built to tell street tails and that is what he does on "Uncut Raw" this song is like his version of "N.Y. State of Mind." this whole album is unbelievable, from relaxing tunes like "Rather Unique" and "Sugar Hill" to songs that are politically charged such as "We Can't Win" you will not skip a track and i bet that you will rewind a whole song 10 times just to hear his voice that was made for rap because i did it on "I Feel For You" so if you don't have this album you need to get it.

This was supposed to be AZ's 5th album coming out in late 04/early 05, and never saw the light of day (AZ did put a few songs on his "AWOL" album and a few popped up on mixtapes). Finally about 4 years later it got released as his 8th album (10th if you count his "N4L' mixtape and "SOSA" EP that also never got released). Of his albums, it is definitely on the lower end, which still gets 4 stars, he just has a good amount of 4.5 and 5 star albums to his name. With 14 songs, 1 he isn't on, you get 9 good ones and 5 ok ones, but no classic material like he usually has. Guests are't oo heavy, on 3 songs and doing hooks on a few others. No production credits are given and it isn't as good as he usually has, but still decent. A nice album for fans of one of the more consitent and talented rappers over the last 13 years or so.

#2 - 8 (f/ Tony Sunshine)
#3 - 7 (f/ K9 & dirt)
#4 - 9 (nice relaxing beat)
#5 - 7
#6 - 6.5 (Lemon acapella freestyle -- no AZ)
#7 - 8 (also on "AWOL" and "Code of the Streets Compilation")
#8 - 9 (f/ CL Smooth -- tight beat -- also on "AWOL")
#9 - 7
#10 - 9 (f/ Rell -- another nice relaxing beat)
#11 - 8.5 (good beat)
#12 - 8.5 (also on "AWOL" and "Code of the Streets Compilation")
#13 - 7.5
#14 - 8.5 (nice beat)
#15 - 8.5

Anthony Cruz -- b. 3/9/73 -- Brownsville, Brooklyn, NY
CHeck all my reviews

After nearly 3 years since he last album, "Aziatic" was released, AZ was going to drop "Final Call" in 2005. A lot of people thought this would be his last album because of the title but that wasn't the case. It got pushed back multiple times and heavily bootlegged until it was scrapped. Luckily the track list was released and I got a copy of the actual album.

1. Freedom (Intro) (Featuring Lemon) - No Rating

2. Omega - 4.5/5

3. The Truth - 4/5

4. Seems That Way - 4.5/5

5. Talkin Gangsta (Featuring Tony Sunshine) - 3/5

6. Side 2 Side (Featuring Ron G) - 4/5

7. You Know (Featuring Rell) - 3.5/5

8. No Strings - 3.5/5

9. Gangsta MCs (Interlude) (Featuring Lemon) - No Rating

10. Live Wire - 4/5

11. Magic Hour (Featuring CL Smooth) - 4/5

12. I Am AZ - Very Short - 4/5

13. Girls R Free - 4/5

14. Poor Poor People (Interlude) (Featuring Lemon) - No Rating

15. Let Me Know (Featuring Aaliyah) - 4.5/5

16. Quiet Money Anthem (Featuring Nu & Young) - 4.5/5

Overall:

52/65

4 Stars

Another AZ album that's good but could have been a lot better. It seems like he's losing his ear for good production and the hooks don't make it any better. Still a good album, try to download it if you can.

I LIKE THIS ALBUM AND WOULD RECOMMEND IT. A COUPLE TRACKS I SKIP OVER BUT OVERALL ITS A GOOD LISTEN

I don't know what people were expecting who have given this album a 1 and 2 star rating. For me this was a pleasure to listen to, and my only disappointment is that AZ didn't come back with this sooner.

If you're looking for a hardcore offering from AZ, admittedly this is not it, but this album is consistent with it's old school samples and his smooth rapping style. My favourite track is the hypnotic feel of Go Getta featuring R Jay.

Give this album a chance and it will grow on you - if not you'll miss out on something special, that is undeniably what hip hop needs at the moment.

Seriously... you guys think this is REAL hip hop? AZ is not even as lyrically agile as a 5 year old. Get away from this fake stuff and go check out Demigodz, Pete Rock and CL Smooth, Lord Finesse and Big L if you want to hear some real Hip Hop

It's a shame that more people don't know about AZ and his talent. I'm a lover of music and try my best to keep abreast of what's going on in the music world and I hardly ever hear anything about him. Ironically, though, I hear more than I want to about rappers with half as much talent as him, but such is life. I saw that he had an album out and I had just finished listening to Nas's "Lost Tapes" album and was totally astounded by it, it's his best work to date. But then I realized that AZ and Nas have collaborated several times, most notably their work together with a group they created called The Firm.

I gave this album four and a half stars because he is a wonderful lyricist and I'm a sucker for good lyrics. He delivers each and every line with much vigor and energy. Further, he has some great beats, many of them laced with bass. The album's title track is one of the best found here. On this song, he lets us know that he "gets higher than Mariah's sound." The hook is pretty good as well. "Fire" is another highlight. In fact, I just had to add it to my iPod to listen to it repeatedly. Although I granted this album four and a half stars, this is the only song I gave a five to. It's pure and unadulterated hip-hop. "Superstar" and "Parking Lot Pimpin'" are up-tempo tracks that are sure to catch your attention.

This album is fifty minutes long with twelve tracks so it's not especially long but for that fifty minutes, trust me, you will be enthralled, so why wait? Pick up this release right now! It's one of the best albums of 2008!

Mikeisha's Top 5

1. "Fire"
2. "The Hardest"
3. "The Game Don't Stop"
4. "Life on the Line"
5. "Undeniable"

Man, this dude is off the hook. AZ is soooo underated its ridiculous. I love every song on this CD. I don't skip not one song, and that's rare for me. My man took it back to the 90's with this one and kept it straight street, but classy as he always is. Dude has swaggard like a motha*****. I love all of his lyric content, and definately without a doubt can say he is up there with Jay-Z. That's how dope this dude is. He has lyrics for days. You must cop this one, you will not regret it. Favorite favorite songs are numbers 3 and 5, but love them ALL!

AZ
PIECES OF A MAN

It has been a while since I reviewed anything from the east coast so I decided to go back a little and check out my man AZ's "PIECES OF A MAN".

1.NEW LIFE [ALBUM INTRO]-this more like a short song and not an intro, and it is a great album opener. Goldfinger delivered a great instrumental for AZ to introduce the album. Great opening track.5/5

2.I'M KNOWN-the first full length song of the album is pure east coast underground greatness. AZ kills a nice somewhat eerie instrumental from Goldfinger, this seems like a continuation of the first track. This is certainly another good track.4.5/5

3.HOW YA LIVIN-we follow that last track with a NAS assisted classic, the hits keep coming. Over a nice sampled ["SHOW ME"] instrumental by LES these two great mc's trade verses and create yet another classic collaboration between them. This could have been a good single if it had a video, could have been real cool.5/5

4.TRADING PLACES-Tone & Poke drop a cool Caribbean influenced instrumental for AZ to rip to. This is another good song but I think AZ outshines this production instead of matching it. Don't get me wrong it is good but something about it doesn't mesh well with me, still a good song.4/5

MANASTA INTERLUDE

5.WHAT'S THE DEAL-Tone & Poke return and do a much better job this time and come with a cool smooth beat for AZ. AZ of course kills it and lets his girl know what it is. There is also a good hook to this song, which adds to the potential of the song.4.5/5

HALF A MILL INTERLUDE

6.LOVE IS LOVE-Goldfinger just keeps getting better on this album and drops one of the best beats on the entire with the help of AZ. There is something truly beautiful about the production on this track, it fits AZ's flow perfectly. What makes this track even better is that not only does AZ drop some gems but so does guest and fellow QB representer NATURE. This is one of the better tracks on the album, FIRM.5/5

7.THE PAY BACK-this Gucci Jones produced track is a nice tell of vengeance against someone who wronged AZ. This is a great story type track with a nice Spanish guitar sounding track. This is another highlight of the album, good song.4/5

8.JUST BECAUSE-over a very familiar sample provided by LES AZ drops a nice part style track about girls and balling. This while good and has a very up tempo happy sound to it is not the best song by far on the album. It grows on you and sounds like it could have been a single, a female singer on the hook would have sounded nice on this track. Still a good track and worth a listen.4.5/5

9.SOSA-this has got to be one of his best songs ever, I dare any one to listen to this and not agree. Tone & Poke stepped their game up on this one and created a production that sounds picture perfect for AZ and his flow. This has a nice guitar on it and AZ kills it.5/5

10.IT'S A BOY THING-Tone & Poke are definitely an experimental two, the beat for this song sounds nothing like what you would hear AZ on. And unfortunately it is one of the weaker songs on the album, the beat and hook sort of kill this one for me. AZ does his thing but wastes great lyrics on this track. Also I hate the title to this song.3/5

11.PIECES OF A [BLACK] MAN-this is definitely a step up from the last track. T & P come with a much better production. In fact the beat on here is more of AZ's style that smooth dark kinda sounding instrumental that he is known to destroy. This is no different, AZ does his thing on this song.5/5

12.LAST DAYZ-MONIFA is in the house on this track here, which I believe is the single from the album. And why not over a slow smooth beat from Kenny Smoove and Darryl Young, AZ lets all know what the deal is in these times. And you know Monifa sounds great over this smooth production, her hook is great.5/5

13.WHATEVER HAPPENED [THE BIRTH]-we move from that smooth song into this RZA produced and featured grimy NY track. The beat to this is that WU-TANG style track that RZA is known for. AZ sounds right at home over this very New York sounding track. And of course RZA is right at home over his own production.4.5/5

14.TRIAL OF THE CENTURY-once again AZ goes into story mode and tales a great street tale, and goes into detail like no other. Nashie Myrick dropped a great beat that fits the flow and concept of this song. Foxy Brown drops by for a guest appearance and Panama PI is on the hook. Another good song.4.5/5

15.BETCHA DON'T KNOW-we end things on a more up beat type of song with a cool jazzy instrumental provided by Tony Dofat. AZ does a nice job as expected on this track, but I don't think this was a wise choice for an album closer. Maybe if this would have been in the middle of the album it would have made more sense.4/5

This is a great album and I recommend it to every hip hop fan out there.

I PLAYED THIS ALBUM FROM FRONT TO BACK. TO BACK TO FRONT. SIDEWAYS, UPSIDE DOWN... ANYWAY I COULD, I LOVE THIS ALBUM & CANT STRESS THAT ENOUGH. AZ IS SO UNDERRATED, ITS UPSETTING BUT IM A FAN 4 LIFE. GET IT I GIVE IT 10 STARS

This is the second endeavor AZ makes to keep his name in the rap game. There are a lot of great songs on this album, but not enough to give it that "classical" stamp of approval. This album maintains the New York vibe like his previous one "Doe or Die" by keeping the rugged beats and street mentality in his flows. The difference with this album amongst the others is that it reveals his thoughts of leaving the street life and pursuing rap and other ventures. In song 9 "SOSA" he says: I rolled dice/Trying to defrost from this cold life/Used to sell coke in the strip, but now I hold mikes/. This album is a must have if you are an AZ fan, if not, after listening to these records you will be.

After taking over 2 1/2 years off, AZ finally returns with his follow-up to his near classic debut, "Doe or Die." Titled "Pieces of a Man," AZ is once again out to prove just how much talent he possess. But will it live up to the hype that surrounded him once his last album dropped?

1. New Life (Album Intro) - No Rating

2. I'm Known - 4.5/5

3. How Ya Livin' (Featuring Nas) - 4.5/5

4. Trading Places/Manasia (Interlude) - 4/5

5. What's the Deal/Half-A-Mil (Interlude) - 4.5/5

6. Love Is Love (Featuring Nature & Half-A-Mil) - Minute+ Intro - 4/5

7. The Pay Back - 4.5/5

8. Just Because - 5/5

9. Sosa - 4.5/5

10. It's a Boy Thing - 4/5

11. Pieces of a (Black) Man - 4.5/5

12. Last Dayz (Featuring Monifah) - 4.5/5

13. Whatever Happened (The Birth) (Featuring The RZA) - 4/5

14. Trial of the Century (Featuring Foxy Brown) - 3.5/5

15. Betcha Don't Know - 4/5

Overall:

60/70

4.5 Stars

AZ delivers another near classic album. Production is crazy for the most part, there are a couple tracks that do lack it though. AZ rips every verse he has and his flow is still sicker than ever. Another great album to add to his catalog. Definitely check it out.

My Favorite Az album has good beats and lyrics????? AZ????? no question one of the Best Go Get This One!!

I am a huge fan of Az and I think he is one the most creative and unique individuals to bless the rap game.Now with that being said Aziatic was a big disappointment. Before I purchased this cd I read what the critics had to say and they all agreed that this was Az at his finest and trust me they were all wrong. This albulm was just too commercial and thats why the critics liked it. Az has always marched to the beat of his own drummer but on this one he just went along with the flow and it dosen't work for him at all. You can't fit in with the crowd when your better than the crowd. This cd just didn't move me at all Az could have and should have done much better than this the man has got too much talent to make something like this. It's not worth going into full detail about this albulm but if you want to hear Az shinning check out A.W.O.L. it's way better than this.

I see people who give AZ bad reviews, and those are the same people who think Mike Jones and Soulja Boy is nice when true hip hop fans know that this new wave of music is wack and commercial, AZ is not meant for illitarate people to hear. He is a lyrical genius and as real as they come, HIP HOP IS DEAD BECAUSE PEOPLE BUY HURRICANE CHRIS WHO IS A ONE HIT WONDER. TRUE RAP IS AZ. AZ ALL DAY EVERY DAY. BEST RAPPER ALIVE

AZ has by now been one of the east coast's premier lyricists for years, yet he is still so terribly slept-on. Since his classic debut "Doe or Die" in 1995, AZ has consistently brought excellent albums to not enough attention year in and year out. "Aziatic," his fourth album released in 2002, is certainly no exception. Once again, the Brooklyn legend comes hard lyrically, delivering real depictions of life, rapping hard to represent the east coast, and delivering truth on the microphone. Like on his other albums, there are plenty of hard, lyrical tracks that really showcase his talent. "Aziatic" also has a few tracks aimed for the clubs and the radio, and although they are okay they really don't fit his style at all, AZ is definitely more suited to the hard, underground hip hop that he does so well. While there are no Pete Rocks or Large Professors behind the mixing boards, this being his last major label release the production is consistently solid, always very fitting of his lyrics, often using classic soul samples. I definitely recommend "Aziatic" to any fans of AZ or lyrical east coast hip hop, it's one of his strongest efforts and a great listen overall.

"A-1 Performance" starts the album in grand fashion, AZ announcing his return over a horn-laden beat with a good chorus. "Wanna Be There" is a slow track, where AZ talks passionately of the women in his life, the production is strong and it's a solid track. "Take It Off" is a misstep, a forgettable club song with a weak chorus. "The Essence" is a classic though. Every time Nas and AZ collaborate on a track, the result is really special, and this is no exception, absolutely outstanding. The two legends and friends toast to each other and a lavish lifestyle after living a tough life, the song sounds absolutely majestic. "Hands in the Air" is also a club track, this one works much better but isn't especially memorable. "Fan Mail" might be my favorite song on the album, it has a great concept. Each verse is a letter written to AZ from a fan, they each chronicle a sad life and the production is good too. "Paradise (Life)" is sort of a slower, toned down sequel to his classic "Sugar Hill," but it's just okay. "Take Care of Me" has a very pop sound to it, it's not really suitable for the Visualiza in my opinion. "I'm Back" is awesome though, the horn fanfare is great and AZ's verses are all excellent. "Hustler" and "Rebirth" are both strong musically and lyrically.

It seems like AZ will continue to be underrated and overlooked no matter the quality of albums he makes, like this one. This album is just another of a catalog of great albums from a legendary rapper. Listeners new to AZ should first check out his debut "Doe or Die," and after that I recommend this album and his most recent, "The Format." This album is really strong and I suggest it for any collection.

After releasing three very solid solo albums, AZ doesn't waste no time creating his forth record. "Aziatic" was released only a year after his previous album, "9 Lives" in 2002. Can AZ deliver a forth banger?

1. Once Again - 1 Minute Intro - Very Short - 4.5/5

2. A-1 Performance - 4.5/5

3. Wanne Be There - 3.5/5

4. Take It Off - 4/5

5. The Essence (Featuring Nas) - 4.5/5

6. Hands in the Air (Featuring D.J. Rogers Jr.) - 3/5

7. Fan Mail - 4.5/5

8. Paradise (Life) - 4/5

9. Take Care of Me - 3.5/5

10. I'm Back (Featuring Sam Shaber) - 4/5

11. Hustler (Featuring Trav & Animal) - 4.5/5

12. Re-Birth - Very Short - 4.5/5

13. Aziatic (Outro) - No Rating

14. Doing Me [Bonus Track] - 4/5

Overall:

53/65

4 Stars

This album is a step down from AZ's previous three albums, but it is still solid. His delivery, flow and lyrics are still great, but production lacked on some tracks. Some hooks could have been more creative as well. It's still a great album nonetheless. Check it out if your a fan of AZ, Nas or New York Hip Hop.

First Off this AZ album is really good, it might not have the emotion and feeling as Doe or Die but its just as good then any of the recent s**t that been going on, Rappers who cannot rap are getting platinum albums, now AZ's worse song in this album is "Take It Off" and its better than any 50 cent song i heard.
This guy is just under-rated if it was upto me i would rank him above the likes of Nas, no disrespect to Nas but AZ did kill him on "Life is a B***h" on illmatic

Overall Album Score By Me 9/10(just because of that one song..But still great songs like "Fan Mail" Make up for it)

Must Have for a True Rap Fan(if you like rhymes by 50cent dont buy this, you wont understand one line)

Peace Out..

although, i am not quite sure why az chose to drop this "mixtape" at the same time as nas' album of similar theme. was it because he wants always to be associated with nas? was it because he really came up with the idea first and didnt want nas to one-up him? was it because nas' n***** album was so incredibly wack and soft that az saw this as an opportunity to come out with an album of similar theme to nas that would allow people to judge the two side-by-side and realize once and for all that az is the better rapper, by far, who has had the better career and is coming correct with dope rhymes and hard beats in 2008. whatever the reason, this album is a treat - a concept album with high quality songs and a consistent vision throughout.

the rhymes are top notch, the beats r pure fire, AZ is the man, best rapper alive, most underated

I remember this album when I was in the 4th grade. This album was a hit based on the single, Last Night. That is my favorite song of all time. Babyface is correct. The influences of R&B, jazz, blues, hip hop, and gospel that flavour their music is why the group was originally known as "As Yet Untitled." The style is described as ever-growing and all-encompassing. They would have been the next Boyz II Men but they broke up. This album has been certified Platinum. Remember, this was 1996.

I love this CD and all the songs are romantic to me and speak the truth. Its like my life story. I would definately recommend this to a friend.

Great songwriting and wonderful vocals were what Az Yet were all about. I don't know why more songs besides Last Night and Hard To Say I'm Sorry weren't released as singles. Secrets and End Of The Story are 2 other top notch songs on this CD which has stood the test of time thanks in part to Babyface's input. Every Little Bit Of My Heart has corny lyrics and is probably the weakest song but it is still decent.

Note to all: The version of Hard To Say I'm Sorry on this CD is the acapella version which is good but DOES NOT have the Peter Cetera vocal on it. That version, I believe is a CD single.

Unfortunately, the group split up and now there are 2 Az Yets: one with Daryl and 3 new members and another with the remaining original vocalists. The lineup with Daryl has a decent EP out, but it pales in comparasion with this debut CD.

This group came out on the scene ten years ago, around this time. When the single "Last Night" was played on the airwaves, everyone thought they were Boys II Men, at least I did. I think that's why the group did not last long. Don't get me wrong, these guys can sing, but for the life of me, I could not understand why Babyface would want to produce a group that, he knew darn well, they were going to be compare to other boy groups(one he had already established) with the same type of singing style and look.

AZ Yet, was no different from all these other R&B singing boy groups that came in a dime of dozen in the early/mid 90s and pretty much came and went. Neither of these groups, had any originality none what so ever, they all copied from each other using the same styles. Just look at the videos back then (even now), you couldn't tell which group was which.
AZ Yet, just like all the others, were only good for one album (CD),
a one hit wonder, which is the kiss of death for any group or artist sounding like some one else. But, I have to admit "Last Night" was a good love making song.

Az Yet was, and still is, one of the smoothest sounding group in R&B. Yes, they created a hit with "Hard to Say I'm Sorry", and even made an impressive duet with the original, Peter Cetera. Although I liked that song, and "Last Night" from the Nutty Professor soundtrack, many of the other tracks also enticed me. Babyface was a key player for much of the production of the songs, however Az Yet also wrote, produced and handled the arrangement for most songs as well. Shawn, Dion, Kenneth, Darryl and Marc soon disbanded after their first album, and I'm not really sure why. I wasn't too impressed with Marc Nelson's solo CD after the break up, and Shawn's was ok, but what about the others? It's very unfortunate that they parted at such an exciting time in their career. My favourites included: Last Night, Care For Me, Every Little Bit of My Heart, Hard to Say I'm Sorry, Secrets, Through my Heart, I Don't Want To Be Lonely, and Inseperable Lovers. Most songs are mid-tempo, so get this CD and pop it into your player on a nice, rainy evening. Light the candles, then treat your women to a spectacular evening. :)

I know almost all of these songs by heart. the illest underrated mofo ever, and that's for real.

Put this album on at any time, in any place, and just let it play...

....This album is a classic in itself has every AZ hit from top to bottom if you are a real hip hop head you need to have this in you collection..because it's RATHER UNIQUE!!!

If you are a fan of AZ, then this is a great compilation of all his best songs. I really like the collabos with Nas. I hope they do that Nas/AZ album really soon.

To keep things short, Az's greatest hits album is a must have for any true hip-hop fan. His lyrics just embarrasses 95% of todays artists fake gangsta stuff. The most underrated mc EVER.

AZ... By the Far The Best to have every done it in the Rap Game.. So Under Rated... Az deserves recognition.... All of He's albums are classics... and all of the albums Should of all gone Platinum Plus...

Please support and Buy Good Old Fashion Music... Buy Az.. And I promise u love it.....

Also One Day... AZ's Day will come and he will be the biggest thing since B.I.G.... I'm still waiting on the Nas/Az Cd and Another Firm Part #2 Cd to come out... The Streets are watching... Jay-Z.. Should Sign Az.......

After releasing two nearly classic albums and three long years of waiting, AZ finally released his 3rd solo album, "9 Lives" in 2001. After being in the game over 7+ years, can AZ deliver another near flawless effort?

1. Intro - No Rating

2. What Cha Day About - 4/5

3. I Don't Give a F*** - 4.5/5

4. At Night - 4.5/5

5. AZ's Back - 3/5

6. Problems - 5/5

7. Everything's Everything (Featuring Joe) - 4.5/5

8. That's Real (Featuring Beanie Sigel) - 4.5/5

9. What Ya'll N***** Want (Featuring Foxy Brown) - 3.5/5

10. Let's Toast - 4/5

11. How Many Wanna (Featuring Amil) - 4.5/5

12. Love Me - 5/5

13. Quiet Money (Featuring The Black Sopranos) - 4/5

14. Outro - No Rating

Overall:

51/60

4.5 Stars

AZ delivers another very solid effort. His lyrics and flow is still sick as ever. Production was handled great for the most part but did lack on some tracks. Another definite banger for New York Hip Hop.

The first time I heard the song "problems" I was hooked. I remember watchin this video on Rap City and thinkin it was cool and stuff. Anyway, honestly I can say this is his weakest effort even though he is one of my favorite artists. I don't want to take anything away from this record because it is very good. If you are a fan go cop it. Peace

your co did'nt have item in stock and i was given a refund

Az 3rd album I believe was this one in June of 2001 I will give some more on each individual song."Whatcha day about" he comes hard and good on this one."I dont give a F***" hits you hard also and then comes "At Night" wich has an up beat tempo to it."AZ is back" however is terrible but lucky "Problems" tuns the tides around and is a banger."Everythings Everything" features Joe and is not to bad."Thats the Real"is a harder song that is pretty good."What ya'll N*S Want" aint bad neither."Lets Toat" has dope lyrics by AZ as he displays his dope rhymes."How manny wanna" is another good song with nice lyrics."Love me" is note worthy."Quiet Money TBS" is a street track and is not bad.This album is not terrible but it sounds like he wants a little attention from the mainstream.
Lyrics 8 Production 8 X Factor 6 Classic 7 Replay 6
Total=7 out of 10 Fingers this is worth a 3.5 Mics rating

1.Problems
2.At Night
3.Lets Toast
4.Whatcha day about
5.Everythings Everything f Joe

I believe I gave Aziatic a 96 out of 100.

AZ's back after taking just over 3 years off since his last major label release. About 5 songs on here are off his underground EP "S.O.S.A. (Save Our Soul's AZ)" that he released in early 2000. It has 4 classics and 1 near classic, but 3 songs I skip and 2 that are ok, the others are good. Production is good & bad, Chop Diesel does 5 songs, Ty Fyfee, DR Period and 6 other people I never heard of all do 1 song. He still has that tight flow and one of the best deliveries in the rap game and remains one of the most, if not the most underrated mc but the production is a little different than his last 2 albums and much weaker on some of the tracks. A good album nevertheless but not his best work but still a good CD to have in your collection. Features his Black Soprano group and a few others but no Nas, but still has a few big names on it.

#1 - 10 (classic intro like he always has - 32 bars)
#2 - 9.5 (f/ Ali Vegas)
#3 - 8.5
#4 - 6
#5 - 6.5
#6 - 10 (classic deep song about his struggles)
#7 - 8 (f/ Joe) - check the remix f/ Nas
#8 - 10 (great song w/ Beanie Sigel)
#9 - 7.5
#10 - 10 (classic w/ same beat as M.O.P.'s title track from their 2000 CD "Warriorz")
#11 - 6.5 (f/ Amil)
#12 - 8
#13 - 7 (f/ The Black Sopranos) - check out the "Quiet Money" song by AZ & Ali Vegas - it's great

b. Anthony Cruz - around 1973 - Brownsville, Brooklyn, NY
check all my reviews

I remember this album when I was in the 4th grade. This album was a hit based on the single, Last Night. That is my favorite song of all time. Babyface is correct. The influences of R&B, jazz, blues, hip hop, and gospel that flavour their music is why the group was originally known as "As Yet Untitled." The style is described as ever-growing and all-encompassing. They would have been the next Boyz II Men but they broke up. This album has been certified Platinum. Remember, this was 1996.

I love this CD and all the songs are romantic to me and speak the truth. Its like my life story. I would definately recommend this to a friend.

Great songwriting and wonderful vocals were what Az Yet were all about. I don't know why more songs besides Last Night and Hard To Say I'm Sorry weren't released as singles. Secrets and End Of The Story are 2 other top notch songs on this CD which has stood the test of time thanks in part to Babyface's input. Every Little Bit Of My Heart has corny lyrics and is probably the weakest song but it is still decent.

Note to all: The version of Hard To Say I'm Sorry on this CD is the acapella version which is good but DOES NOT have the Peter Cetera vocal on it. That version, I believe is a CD single.

Unfortunately, the group split up and now there are 2 Az Yets: one with Daryl and 3 new members and another with the remaining original vocalists. The lineup with Daryl has a decent EP out, but it pales in comparasion with this debut CD.

This group came out on the scene ten years ago, around this time. When the single "Last Night" was played on the airwaves, everyone thought they were Boys II Men, at least I did. I think that's why the group did not last long. Don't get me wrong, these guys can sing, but for the life of me, I could not understand why Babyface would want to produce a group that, he knew darn well, they were going to be compare to other boy groups(one he had already established) with the same type of singing style and look.

AZ Yet, was no different from all these other R&B singing boy groups that came in a dime of dozen in the early/mid 90s and pretty much came and went. Neither of these groups, had any originality none what so ever, they all copied from each other using the same styles. Just look at the videos back then (even now), you couldn't tell which group was which.
AZ Yet, just like all the others, were only good for one album (CD),
a one hit wonder, which is the kiss of death for any group or artist sounding like some one else. But, I have to admit "Last Night" was a good love making song.

Az Yet was, and still is, one of the smoothest sounding group in R&B. Yes, they created a hit with "Hard to Say I'm Sorry", and even made an impressive duet with the original, Peter Cetera. Although I liked that song, and "Last Night" from the Nutty Professor soundtrack, many of the other tracks also enticed me. Babyface was a key player for much of the production of the songs, however Az Yet also wrote, produced and handled the arrangement for most songs as well. Shawn, Dion, Kenneth, Darryl and Marc soon disbanded after their first album, and I'm not really sure why. I wasn't too impressed with Marc Nelson's solo CD after the break up, and Shawn's was ok, but what about the others? It's very unfortunate that they parted at such an exciting time in their career. My favourites included: Last Night, Care For Me, Every Little Bit of My Heart, Hard to Say I'm Sorry, Secrets, Through my Heart, I Don't Want To Be Lonely, and Inseperable Lovers. Most songs are mid-tempo, so get this CD and pop it into your player on a nice, rainy evening. Light the candles, then treat your women to a spectacular evening. :)