AZ is a US rapper from Brooklyn, known for intricate lyricism, multi-syllabic rhyme patterns and vivid storytelling. Born Anthony Cruz in 1972, he first gains wider recognition with his verse on Nas’s 1994 track “Life’s a Bitch” from Illmatic. He is associated with boom bap, East Coast hip hop, gangsta rap, hardcore hip hop and mafioso rap.

Career

AZ releases his debut album Doe or Die in 1995. The record reaches No. 15 on the Billboard 200 and receives critical acclaim. Its lead single, “Sugar Hill,” becomes his biggest solo hit, reaching No. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning Gold certification.

He later joins the supergroup The Firm with Nas, Foxy Brown and Nature, with Dr. Dre and The Trackmasters handling production. The group’s album The Album is released in 1997 and debuts at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.

Later work

AZ continues with a series of solo albums, including Pieces of a Man (1998), Aziatic (2002), A.W.O.L. (2005) and The Format (2006). Aziatic includes “The Essence,” a duet with Nas that earns a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. He later releases Doe or Die 2, a sequel to his debut album.

Style and reputation

AZ is widely recognised for smooth delivery, complex wordplay and introspective themes. He is often described as one of hip-hop’s more underrated emcees, while remaining a respected figure in East Coast rap.