I've always thought AZ being compared so much to NAS made fans choose between them, and most chose NAS. Was there another reason he didn't rise to that level?
He's not a house hold name but he has his place cemented in hip hop. He's hip hop royalty and anybody in the know knows he is one of the greatest to ever do it.
@@designatedpiledriver8216 Yes AZ is one of many cats in hip hop that some believe should have got more love in the mainstream. To an extent, Sugar Hill was a huge record in the mid 90s and got a lot of burn on the radio at the time. The Hey AZ w/SWV joint would have been out of here too if Mariah Carey didn't use the same sample IMO for her smash hit "Honey" because those records both came out at around the same time and I remember when BET just stopped playing his joint. (Puff really has a way with cleaning up records to make them HIT DIFFERENT LOL, WORD to BIG L!!).
In 1997 I used to be a weed runner and delivered to AZ at the Hit Factory. Talked to me for about 5-10 minutes and I split. Definitely in my top 15 ever of mc's. "The Format" and "The Come Up" are just some of his classics
@@DJWarmCookies1 That what I was saying and they didn't even listen to how Nas came back on the track and got a full meal on that track when I was young at this I used to do my thing hard robbing people for jewel and ripped their green cards dipping to project.
I remember reading an interview of AZ in a hip-hop Magazine. And he asked if he was happy with the way his career turned and he answered he doesn't want for anything and mentioned how he was in Hawaii with his family doing the interview , so I think he is doing his thing his way...
The definition of underrated is something that has not received the merit, recognition or praise it deserves....with that said...I hate when people say AZ is underrated trust and believe those that knows, know and he's rated right where he's supposed to be. One of the Goats. We ALL knows he's a monster. He gets the merit, recognition and praise from TRUE Hip Hop heads 👏
@@itsX2024 not really a major commercial hit, like nas did featuring puffy, hate me now, or r Kelly street dreamers, which at the time r Kelly was at the pinnacle of his career. Nas also collaborated with artist like genuine, and etc, his career has more exposure from a commercial perspective gaining not only a street audience, but yet a commercial and pop audience as well.
@@doyle8721 BS!!!!!!!! If you call going commercial as having a crossover hit, then AZ had that. He did remixes for D Angelo, Monifah, etc. He was out there. He didnt get big because of his marketing and promotion of his bs record label (EMI Records). Name one rap artist on EMI that sold over 1 million besides Vanila Ice and Digable Planets. Whereas Nas was on the big major label, Columbia/Sony. Also, AZ got the same production team (Trackmasters) for his 2nd album (Pieces of A Man), just like Nas did for his 2nd album (It Was Written). EMI f&&% up AZ's growth. They didnt even put out AZ's 2nd album when Hey AZ (Featuring SWV) was released. I think they waited almost a year and didnt even put that song on the album.
Man salute SGM you guys be on point the picture of Nas in the background explains everything 💯 AZ couldn’t never get out of Nas’s shadow in the public eye but behind the scenes every mixtape or freestyle with both on the same track he often out shined Nas
I always felt AZ was more thorough than Nas. I always felt he knew who he was which is why I believe he didn't succumb to industry compromise. Regardless, none of this discredits his lyrical prowess. He's in his own class without becoming a commercial puppet. Gotta luv it💯✊🏿
"Puffing trees to get me high as trapeze, looking Japanese At ease when I'm stacking G's, so let's discuss, plus degrees"😂😂😂the GOAT that never was... I swear AZ my favorite underrated rapper
Not sure how involved his dad was in his life but his demeanor is a lot like his father. His father was my principle at the school I went to and I remember always seeing AZ around real cool dude
8:18 It's funny how you say Nas had a more youthful voice because AZ always sounded young as fuck. Often times I have a hard time believing his voice matches his appearance. Even in present day, he still has that distinct voice that lets you know it's AZ.
AZ is definitely up there as one of the greatest MC’s to ever touch a microphone.. Dude is a legend! this brother is one of a few that can hold his own on a track constantly with Nas.. now that’s saying something! AZ got my respect.. give this man his flowers!💯
Well said. Only thing I'll add is he doesn't just hold his own w/Nas but also damn near outshines Nas on a few songs such as Mo Murda, Mo Money, Mo Homicide & How Ya Livin'
Every time I get a new car I play one song that whole day and that is “ Wanna be there “ off Aziatic shìt just put me somewhere else the production and his flow and cadence is masterful 1st time I heard it was in my LS 400 banging out that Nakamichi factory system shìt was so crisp Sheeesh dat was in 04 it’s been tradition every since
The thing that hurt him more than anything else was his beat selection. Dude's flow is on another level and honestly when he and Nas worked together most times he would out shine Nas. The problem was he never got good promotion like you said. If AZ had been on interscope, def jam, or loud back in the day he would've blew up bigger. Doe or die is good but to me Aziatic is his best album. That rebirth song and I'm back still gives me chills to this day.
@@kevthegoat8774 Go back and listen to AZiatic the concepts and polish was all there. The beats were better. If people say Doe or die is his illmatic then AZiatic is his Stillmatic.
This was one of the best stunted growth thus far. I think AZ didn't blow up because he simply didn't want to. He was more of a reserved rapper, real quiet and not out there like the average rapper of his time. He also didn't have a big producer, features with a lot of major artists, or beef with another rapper. All those things would have pushed him into the spotlight even more, but he wasn't that type of rapper. He wanted to be the best emcee, make his money, and stay on the low. That's what stunted his growth into becoming a major household name.
@@ramrodbldm9876tell me you know Nothing about hip hop without saying it! AZ is one of the greatest lyricists of all time💯💯 He's had some of the most flawless verses in hip hop history! Starting from his first verse on Life's a B*tch but clearly you know nothing about that
You're prob right bit AZ is 1000x better than Bleek. I'm not gonna say better than Nas, but I would put him on the same level. All time most underrated imo
@@32clove I said it in the Memphis Bleek video, if Bleek woulda catered to the south instead of going "yea yea you heard what Jay said" on every album, his career coulda been more fruitful. I'm sure he ain't hurting either way tho
@@clarkjonathan702 AZ prolly got Nas on Life's A Bitch I can't front. I can see why people would say AZ is better but AZ didn't make Rewind so it's tied for me lol
Facts plus they didn't sell their soul unlike Bad(although I like Nas as an MC). It is what it is. Nas copped to it on "you da man" unreleased version.
Cormega takes the belt in my opinion. He was an innovator. The original independent artist. He was on social media talking to fans before anyone for 15+ years now. Because he chose to do it his way, he was shunned by the industry
@@dapimpgmoney That's all true but from a strictly technical point of view, AZ is a tier above Cormega lyrically. Corey is more of a poet who speaks a little mushmouthed. Thar being said, The Realness is one of my top 25 albums of all time.
@@darkmatter7668 I cant hate if one thinks AZ is lyrically more skilled than Mega although I see them as equals. I don't think it can be argued that Cormega has a better catalog that features more quality/good songs. I think the True Meaning is a classic too and The Testament isn't far behind. One love
AZ is the most underrated rapper ever. He in my top 5. I take him over a lot of rappers. My favorite from NYC (Over Hov & Big) And He Still NICE Tracks for reference : “We Movin” “Rather unique” “I’m known” “Back to myself” Even tho the Firm album didn’t do as well he lyrically was on his shit
AZ did not have big features like lauryn hill and puffy and he did not have any high profile beefs. If he had club singles, beef, and or controversy he would have been bigger
AZ had more hit singles than Nas at the time. He had the remix of Lady with D Angelo. He had the remix with Monifah. Nas had the bigger major label clout (Columbia/Sony) to market and promote. AZ was on that European major label (EMI) whose only big rap artist hits were Vanilla Ice and Digable Planets. So they didnt know how tf to market and promote an artist like AZ. If AZ were on the same label, AZ wouldve surpassed bs Nas
Lol rap fans crack me up trying to sim-a-career. "If he had club singles"....do you listen to music or do you skim through it? That's the thing...he tried to make club singles or more than one occasion. Not everything is for everyone.
This is a great one! AZ was nothing less than great then and now as a artist he was a complete package, handsome, thuggish, smooth, intellengent, sheer lyricism. Thank you for this! Tradegy Khadfi is great also that is who Nas sounds like. P.E.A.C.E.
Since the moment I heard AZ on the Illmatic and It Was Written albums I was playing his first couple albums right up there with Nas. Just hearing him talk on the intro for Life's a Bitc*h and I was hooked on his voice. I used to give my wife all my 1's from my tip money cause AZ said "Washington's go to Wifey" now I give her that and then some.
AZ is No Doubt Hip Hop's Most Underrated lyricist! He's the definition of an Unknown Legend! Doe Or Die is an un open and undiscovered Hip Hop Treasure! 👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾
Do or Die 2 is a dope album, blessed that AZ is still as polished as can be after all these years, and yes, Rather Unique is STILL getting that occasional rotation in my radio playlists for the past couple decades into infinity.
He def top 5, but him as the best I think is reaching. MF DOOM, Aesop Rock, and Lupe are all better, and then him and in my opinion Big L fight for the 4 and 5th spot. AZ prob got the best flow of them all tho
@@jay-rock6627 I say that because DOOM has a pretty underrated flow and big l can absolutely pop off at times. On average AZ will come out on top but those two can sneak up and take that 1 spot l
@TheGipper I respect you’re opinion but song far song on any topic none of them will give you my gems 💎 than A.Z. He is too lyrically sharp with his manifestation but I respect you’re opinion I’m more of lyricist with the art.
Blessup SGM, dope view on my cuz Az, Our Grandmother had 11 children and all lived very close to each other, some on the same block in ENY was 3 Aunts, Too many 1st cousins to count, lol! He had no car and had to walk to Sethlow "Afraid of elevators" lol! where me and our grandmother lived, but soon as he signed to EMI he bought that LS 400 black coup,Ive had the privilege to be over Shoulder during his career, all the cousins was inspired by his moment from illmatic, I was young in some videos or was on set recording footage for our grandmother, until the Rap bug bite me and I became TAMPPA, he laughed at first but then got serious when I got a meeting with Columbia records with my own song....my manager won an Emmy and weve done somethings that shocked Az, He actually recorded songs on my Protools in my bedroom at times...But things like will always hold him up...Respect
Literally just bumping him two days ago. Dude’s one of the illest of all time. I feel like we getting close to CANIBUS!! Gotta be tough for AZ. His birthday is BIG’s death day.
When in comes to succeeding in the world of rap or in life in general it all depends on your ability to change or make adjustments. You either make the right changes or adjustments when the world your in goes through changes, or you just simply make adjustments or changes to elevate your life in the world you're living in. But those who fail to make these changes either fall because of it, or they stay stagnant.
if you heard pieces of a man album it was just as good as his 1st. i think its cuz he never wanted to “sell out” and keep his image clean and get rich not make the label rich
Not true motherf76^%%. Its not about selling out. If that were the case, he would not have allowed Trackmasters to produce that 2nd album. AZ's label didnt promote his 2nd album.
AZ went to Motown and that killed his career. Blame az not Nas. His singles weren't hitting after do or die either. AZ and method man are one of the same. They'll give you a great feature not a great album.
The Visualizer!!! The first Rap Artist I was drawn too as a kid and his word was ahead of his time. Do or Die Album was a classic, Mo Money went hard and still holds up till this day! We must have been brothers in the past life, cause even with basketball, most of the players that influenced you were the same for players for me. When this video dropped, It was like confirmation we not be brothers but we sure grew up in the Golden age of Hip Hop. You know Ball and music, the reason why this is the best content out!
AZ never strayed from that digital flow that Nas innovated on Illmatic and which they both excelled in from mid to late-nineties. To AZ's credit his rhyme style has always been consistent and he has a classic debut album and many hidden gems on subsequent releases like "Never Change", "The Come-up", "Wanna be there", "Bedtime stories", "The Format", etc. He also has a bunch of classic features with Nas where I'd say he probably outdid his counterpart on e.g. "The Flyest", "Serious", "Full Circle" to name a few. However, Nas is (in my opinion) the more talented rapper as pound for pound over their respective careers Nas has resided in that higher echelon of wordplay, lyricism and song making to a greater degree than any rapper in the history of the game. Nas high moments in lyricism and innovation are recorded in tracks like "I gave you power", "It ain't hard to tell", "The life we chose", "What goes around", "Every Ghetto" "2nd Childhood", "Get down" and numerous others. Nonetheless, AZ is a great rapper who has the potential to outshine any other rapper on the same track. A lesser known jewel from AZ that can be found on UA-cam is a track called "Royal Salute" which was a savage but smooth response to a diss aimed at him from 50 cent. If you know then you know!! Respect from London!!
Az and Nas are the rap equivalent of T-mac and Kobe. Very comparable skill and talent early on, but circumstances and internal factors pushed one into greatness and left other as a "what if".
I'll always love AZ. I remember being so hyped for the Sugar Hill single to come out. I got 2 12" and wore them out. I think I even still have Doe Or Die on LP. The thing about him is that he's a classical example of the MC that is really good, but doesn't have any standout element to his game. Like a five-tool player that doesn't necessarily excel in any particular statistic. My feeling is that he needed a producer (not a beat from a producer, but an album showrunner like Large was for Illmatic or Stout/Trackmasters was for It Was Written) who had a more cohesive vision for his albums and would push him harder. Like "that's good, let me hear better". That's what being in the studio with Preem is supposedly like. He's underrated, for sure. But for me, the MOST underrated is O.C. It used to be Black Thought, but now everyone knows. lol
Sugar hill is my ultimate number 1 all time forever favorite song I can put it on repeat and listen to it all day over and over and over again without ever getting tired of it. The song is a classic and it sounds just as good today as it did it back in 95' when it 1st came out
AZ just had bad luck with record labels. Aziatic was slept on like crazy, def A CLASSIC! How can you mention Hov's Blueprint as classic, yet Aziatic gets overlooked? foh!
My Favorite Rapper of All Time. And his music matured as he did. Now as a grown man I can still listen to his new music and vibe to it like I did when I was in High School
Jayz az and Nas all went gold 1st album. Jayz went plat az sold gold and Nas 3x plat 2nd album. Jayz 5x plat az gold nas 2x plat on 3rd albums. Jayz 2x plat az double wood Nas plat on 4th album. Jayz 2x plat az gold nas 2x on 5 the album. Fans got to realize that talent alone isn't enough. Talent and status is everything. History and the industry remembers those with talent and status only. This is why miles Davis, Muhammad Ali, mj, prince, James brown and others are remembered and revered over equally talented peers. Y'all need to stop making excuses for people not playing they position right.
In 95, AZ's Sugar Hill was bigger than any song from Illmatic. It was a platinum single. Illmatic was struggling to go gold. Illmatic sales picked up after It was Written came out in 96. If I ruled the world was Nas crossover single that made him a platinum rapper. Once Steve Stoute got behind Nas, he blocked AZ from doing more songs with Nas even potentially doing an album collab.
@@enzigenes not true. Stout told Nas not to do a video for how ya living. The original firm album was supposed to be Nas and az only. AZ brought foxy in and Nas brought mega in. AZ said this out of his mouth in several interviews he changed the project to add foxy. AZ made bad choices in his career like signing to Motown. AZ made bad singles on his 2nd and 3rd albums. No one was bumping hey az. AZ fans blame Nas all the time even when az doesn't do that. On illmatic 25th anniversary az said Nas is the goat.
AZ was that guy I remember going to the record store to get these albums just a kid from down south but a lover of different genres of music hip hop from up north down south into lyrics and beats 🎧 I JUST LOVE MUSIC 🎶 ❤!!!
Man I've been doing a deep dive on your videos and I'm so psyched to find your channel. This one made me have to comment. AZ was the truth, his flows were so great and he definitely was unique and special. I truly love how you have researched and have broken down the real reasons why so many have not gotten the love and respect that they deserve. Have to agree with you also about '94, set the bar so high that comparison is almost a waste. Anyway, much respect. Hope you have continued success. Punching the subscribe NOW!!!!!
1995-1997 Nas >>> AZ 1998-2021 AZ >>> Nas *Overall AZ as a lyricist imo is better especially now I mean, compare Nas recent track with dj khaled to any of AZ's recent track. AZ still flows smoothly and doesn't say no cringe lines like nas' "I'm coin-based, basically cryptocurrency Scarface"*
AZ is in my top 5 mc's of all time. Lyrically he's incredible but he just never blew up they way he should've. Listen to his verses on Phone Tap and it proves he's up there with all of the top lyricist of all time.
Jayz az and Nas all went gold 1st album. Jayz went plat az sold gold and Nas 3x plat 2nd album. Jayz 5x plat az gold nas 2x plat on 3rd albums. Jayz 2x plat az double wood Nas plat on 4th album. Jayz 2x plat az gold nas 2x on 5 the album. Fans got to realize that talent alone isn't enough. Talent and status is everything. History and the industry remembers those with talent and status only. This is why miles Davis, Muhammad Ali, mj, prince, James brown and others are remembered and revered over equally talented peers. Y'all need to stop making excuses for people not playing they position right.
@@heybuddy7789 I still think AZ is lyrically incredible I don't care how many records he sold! I base talent on lyrics + flow.....Thanks for responding be safe 🙏🏽
The Firm went gold (platinum now, I believe). It was well accepted. It just should have been better and a multi platinum album, but I never met a person that bought it and hated it. Not 1.
I think it was a matter of content nas always has great content In His album that people can relate Az is beast as a spitter but you need more than that to thrive in the rap game
AZ had so many dope street hits, and to me 3 classic albums. But run this playlist: Sugar Hill Uncut Raw Gimme Yours Rather Unique Mo Money Mo Murder Hey AZ What’s the Deal How Ya Livin Problems Platinum Bars Everything is Everything AZ’s Back That’s Real I’m Back Take it Off A-1 The Essence The Come Up New York Animal The Format
I've always thought AZ being compared so much to NAS made fans choose between them, and most chose NAS. Was there another reason he didn't rise to that level?
They like ryu and ken to me lol
@@yoshikitakaya7871 lol Great comparison
@@stuntedgrowthmusic thanks God. Thats how i see em 😄. I appreciate your series, really unique 👍💯
@@stuntedgrowthmusic a video on the so soild crew
I don't think "Doe Or Die" was a classic.
He's not a house hold name but he has his place cemented in hip hop. He's hip hop royalty and anybody in the know knows he is one of the greatest to ever do it.
Plus he made his debut on one of the most lyrically acclaimed albums ever created in Hip-Hop. Illmatic is still and forever will be fire 🔥
AZ has always been consistent with his bars. His verse on nas kings disease album was crazy. If you know real hip hop you know AZ a serious lyricist.
Which is why Nas dont like doing collaborations with AZ. because AZ outshines tf out of him by 1000
In my top 5 all day!!
AZ had the best verse on that whole album
Consistent yes... But also in the same breath he was one dimensional
@@musaka2022 AZ is not one dimensional.
Why does he NEED to be a household name. AZ is chillin...... he has success AND respect.
He’s a household name in the hip hop community
@@dominicfaison5889 agreed. I’m sure what he meant was in a mainstream sense
Facts! I think this one should have been about the whole team
@@designatedpiledriver8216 Yes AZ is one of many cats in hip hop that some believe should have got more love in the mainstream. To an extent, Sugar Hill was a huge record in the mid 90s and got a lot of burn on the radio at the time. The Hey AZ w/SWV joint would have been out of here too if Mariah Carey didn't use the same sample IMO for her smash hit "Honey" because those records both came out at around the same time and I remember when BET just stopped playing his joint. (Puff really has a way with cleaning up records to make them HIT DIFFERENT LOL, WORD to BIG L!!).
Cause he deserves it.
In 1997 I used to be a weed runner and delivered to AZ at the Hit Factory. Talked to me for about 5-10 minutes and I split. Definitely in my top 15 ever of mc's. "The Format" and "The Come Up" are just some of his classics
"Life's a Bitch & then you die" AZ owned that track!!
Yup!
Not really Nas come back got a full plate of food on that track.
🎯The Best Delivery Ever!
@@traviscarter1023 Aight! I woke up early on my born day……
@@DJWarmCookies1 That what I was saying and they didn't even listen to how Nas came back on the track and got a full meal on that track when I was young at this I used to do my thing hard robbing people for jewel and ripped their green cards dipping to project.
Rather Unique was and still is my favorite joint on that album . Doe Or Die is a classic album.
Facts
Can't forget Ho Happy Jackie!
I feel for you, was definitely a banger as well!!
Uncut Raw ninjas forget about that track all the time!
Gimme Yours is my fave.
That sugar hill is a classic just on the chorus alone 😌
💯💯
Facts
Rather Unique still plays till this day!
That and The remix with Monifah. “Come home” Hours of listening time to this songs.
AZ verse on the Nas “Life’s A B*tch” a classic
Facts.
Instant classic 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Time is illmatic keep static like wool fabric pack a four matic to crack your whole cabbage. Jeez smh👍
He redrummed Nas, easily
yup and he came off better than Nas.
I remember reading an interview of AZ in a hip-hop Magazine. And he asked if he was happy with the way his career turned and he answered he doesn't want for anything and mentioned how he was in Hawaii with his family doing the interview , so I think he is doing his thing his way...
An AZ album is a guaranteed lyrical gem. Some have better production, but you never have to worry about his skills falling off. True MC.
The definition of underrated is something that has not received the merit, recognition or praise it deserves....with that said...I hate when people say AZ is underrated trust and believe those that knows, know and he's rated right where he's supposed to be. One of the Goats. We ALL knows he's a monster. He gets the merit, recognition and praise from TRUE Hip Hop heads 👏
Styles P said it best, “Niggas think I’m underrated, no, I’m just under the radar.”
AZ never went commercial that’s why!, he kept his whole career street!.
lol Sugar Hill didn't exist?
@@itsX2024 not really a major commercial hit, like nas did featuring puffy, hate me now, or r Kelly street dreamers, which at the time r Kelly was at the pinnacle of his career. Nas also collaborated with artist like genuine, and etc, his career has more exposure from a commercial perspective gaining not only a street audience, but yet a commercial and pop audience as well.
@@doyle8721 BS!!!!!!!! If you call going commercial as having a crossover hit, then AZ had that. He did remixes for D Angelo, Monifah, etc. He was out there. He didnt get big because of his marketing and promotion of his bs record label (EMI Records). Name one rap artist on EMI that sold over 1 million besides Vanila Ice and Digable Planets. Whereas Nas was on the big major label, Columbia/Sony. Also, AZ got the same production team (Trackmasters) for his 2nd album (Pieces of A Man), just like Nas did for his 2nd album (It Was Written). EMI f&&% up AZ's growth. They didnt even put out AZ's 2nd album when Hey AZ (Featuring SWV) was released. I think they waited almost a year and didnt even put that song on the album.
@@dianevrules forgive most rap fans talk out of bias than history. Reality is AZ made attempts at crossover that sucked.
I'm not tryna clown him...But do you seriously think a rapper with a heavy lisp could "go commerical"?
Man salute SGM you guys be on point the picture of Nas in the background explains everything 💯 AZ couldn’t never get out of Nas’s shadow in the public eye but behind the scenes every mixtape or freestyle with both on the same track he often out shined Nas
I always felt AZ was more thorough than Nas. I always felt he knew who he was which is why I believe he didn't succumb to industry compromise. Regardless, none of this discredits his lyrical prowess. He's in his own class without becoming a commercial puppet. Gotta luv it💯✊🏿
Perfect way to describe AZ. And I totally agree with you.
Aziatiac is still one of my favorite albums of all time.
"Puffing trees to get me high as trapeze, looking Japanese
At ease when I'm stacking G's, so let's discuss, plus degrees"😂😂😂the GOAT that never was... I swear AZ my favorite underrated rapper
Him and Devin the dude!!
Not sure how involved his dad was in his life but his demeanor is a lot like his father. His father was my principle at the school I went to and I remember always seeing AZ around real cool dude
Oh wow… Never knew this… He never talks about his pops…
Bless fa sharing, always good to hear stuff like dat, Peace frm 🇬🇧🇯🇲🇬🇭🙏🏾😎🔥🆙
@@wc6081 that’s cuz he “spoke to his Pops & left him speechless”
@@roclang9118 I see what you did there… Nice
Az talk about his pops on the legendary album.
AZ never joined the artists fraternity.
8:18 It's funny how you say Nas had a more youthful voice because AZ always sounded young as fuck. Often times I have a hard time believing his voice matches his appearance. Even in present day, he still has that distinct voice that lets you know it's AZ.
This right here!!! Exactly what I was thinking homie. Voice doesn’t match the body but great lyricist non the less ❤️
AZ is the most underrated of all time, and definitely in my Top 5 D.O.A.
All day every day
Same bro
In my Top 25 easily… He’s made too many good albums… I don’t think his growth was stunted…
@@wc6081 right dont think his growth was stunted
Flawless tribute! 🔥🙏🏾
AZ is definitely up there as one of the greatest MC’s to ever touch a microphone.. Dude is a legend! this brother is one of a few that can hold his own on a track constantly with Nas.. now that’s saying something! AZ got my respect.. give this man his flowers!💯
Facts
Word
Well said. Only thing I'll add is he doesn't just hold his own w/Nas but also damn near outshines Nas on a few songs such as Mo Murda, Mo Money, Mo Homicide & How Ya Livin'
Every time I get a new car I play one song that whole day and that is “ Wanna be there “ off Aziatic shìt just put me somewhere else the production and his flow and cadence is masterful 1st time I heard it was in my LS 400 banging out that Nakamichi factory system shìt was so crisp Sheeesh dat was in 04 it’s been tradition every since
Rather Unique still play in my deck till this day
That shit is so soulful 🔥
Definitely in my top 5 from AZ.
Wanna be there and rather unique both gems:
east new york 82 ...first puma baby blue
My verbals rip shit, brains give birth to thoughts in triplets
@@anelson603 first pumas navy blue....
Keith Murray stunted growth would be perfect next!
Sticky Fingerz too
Oh yeah, for sure!
Pure lyrical. 90s was Gangsta rap and early 2k was bling bling rap.
It was Jive's fault he didn't blow up as he should have.
yeah fr, I was a big keith murray fan but he couldn't stay out of trouble and had substance issues
The joint with AZ and Styles P is tough! they both go hard
which one?
U talkin bout the joint where Large Professor did the beat?
The thing that hurt him more than anything else was his beat selection. Dude's flow is on another level and honestly when he and Nas worked together most times he would out shine Nas. The problem was he never got good promotion like you said. If AZ had been on interscope, def jam, or loud back in the day he would've blew up bigger. Doe or die is good but to me Aziatic is his best album. That rebirth song and I'm back still gives me chills to this day.
I think he was at his peak on Doe or Die, some of the best rapping you will ever hear on that
@@kevthegoat8774 Go back and listen to AZiatic the concepts and polish was all there. The beats were better. If people say Doe or die is his illmatic then AZiatic is his Stillmatic.
Him and Nas got incredible chemistry. Only difference between him and Jay-Z is the business savvy. Certainly one of NYC all-time greats!
Real talk. I think a track w/Jay-Z, Nas & AZ would be epic
@@TheFinancialFrank Yea👍. AZ was in the 'Dead Presidents' video, so he was cool with Jay. Wish they would have linked up for a track, or 2
Don’t know if he’s better but AZ did outshine everyone on that firm album.
I would agree other than that one canibus feature on (can't recall the name of the song) but you know the one.🔥🔥🔥🔥
@@antfrancis9941 yea I believe that song was called desperados. Yea canibus usually outshined whoever he rapped with during that time.
@@antfrancis9941 at 1000 degrees Celsius, I make emcees melt
Fuck my record label I appear courtesy of myself
I find that Nature is the standout on that album.
Don't forget Half A Mill.
This was one of the best stunted growth thus far. I think AZ didn't blow up because he simply didn't want to. He was more of a reserved rapper, real quiet and not out there like the average rapper of his time. He also didn't have a big producer, features with a lot of major artists, or beef with another rapper. All those things would have pushed him into the spotlight even more, but he wasn't that type of rapper. He wanted to be the best emcee, make his money, and stay on the low. That's what stunted his growth into becoming a major household name.
He had production from the big producers and features with hot r&b artist his shit just didn't hit
Although he kinda blew up with nine lives …i remember he guest starred on 106th and park to present his single everythings everything feat joe
AZ never had a wack verse 💯💯💯💯💯
He obviously never had a good one either I do t think 80% ppl heard of him dudes never been relevant
I agree
@@ramrodbldm9876 realest shit always underrated son
@@ramrodbldm9876tell me you know Nothing about hip hop without saying it! AZ is one of the greatest lyricists of all time💯💯 He's had some of the most flawless verses in hip hop history! Starting from his first verse on Life's a B*tch but clearly you know nothing about that
The Nas comparisons hurt him the same way Memphis Bleek was under Hov. I don't think his growth was stunted but he definitely deserves his flowers
Dam I thought I was the only one saying that about Bleep. Shout out to you Bro! You know music
You're prob right bit AZ is 1000x better than Bleek. I'm not gonna say better than Nas, but I would put him on the same level. All time most underrated imo
Bad comparison cause lyrically some people got AZ matching nas if not better
@@32clove I said it in the Memphis Bleek video, if Bleek woulda catered to the south instead of going "yea yea you heard what Jay said" on every album, his career coulda been more fruitful. I'm sure he ain't hurting either way tho
@@clarkjonathan702 AZ prolly got Nas on Life's A Bitch I can't front. I can see why people would say AZ is better but AZ didn't make Rewind so it's tied for me lol
He was the 1st real independent artist out of ny and still is.
This man wrote one of the GREATEST VERSES in music....i repeat MUSIC history!!!
Which verse?
@@straightlead8 what?!!!! "Which verse" ????
ARE YOU SERIOUS?!!!
@@SimusSays..... yeah I am
@@straightlead8 "Lifes A Bitch" (Nas/AZ)
Hip hop? Yes, music? That's arguable
I say him and cormega the most underrated and slept on ever
Facts plus they didn't sell their soul unlike Bad(although I like Nas as an MC). It is what it is. Nas copped to it on "you da man" unreleased version.
Cormega takes the belt in my opinion. He was an innovator. The original independent artist. He was on social media talking to fans before anyone for 15+ years now. Because he chose to do it his way, he was shunned by the industry
@@dapimpgmoney That's all true but from a strictly technical point of view, AZ is a tier above Cormega lyrically. Corey is more of a poet who speaks a little mushmouthed. Thar being said, The Realness is one of my top 25 albums of all time.
@@darkmatter7668 I cant hate if one thinks AZ is lyrically more skilled than Mega although I see them as equals. I don't think it can be argued that Cormega has a better catalog that features more quality/good songs. I think the True Meaning is a classic too and The Testament isn't far behind. One love
@@dapimpgmoney Facts 💯 Cormega is a real one,
AZ my guy. Never felt i had to pick him or nas. But just appreciated them both to the ultimate.
“Waves is spinning, pushing sumpthin crazy 🚙 “ lol 😆
Still one of my fave tunes from AZ, "love is love" from the pieces of a man album.
Dude's a quiet legend.👍
Love Is Love is a glorious track. Also a huge fan of Whatever Happened? with RZA
Make sure yall go listen to Elzhi's Elmatic. He remade Illmatic with live instrumentation and its a certified CLASSIC.
How tf is that a classic when he's all on the d&&^% of Nas's flow? GTFOHB
@@dianevrules damn lady, chill 😂😂 an imitation can't be classic though
@@dianevrules its classic cus he took a classic and made it even better
@@bikefreak1212 Big respect to Elzhi but hell nahh 😅
@@bikefreak1212 he made it better HELL NO
AZ is the most underrated rapper ever. He in my top 5. I take him over a lot of rappers. My favorite from NYC (Over Hov & Big) And He Still NICE
Tracks for reference : “We Movin” “Rather unique” “I’m known” “Back to myself”
Even tho the Firm album didn’t do as well he lyrically was on his shit
Facts
We Movin and I'm Back.
azs hood gave him that love though
We Movin 🔥 🔥
200 falling angels we balling from every angle
1 of the best to ever do it. I religiously listen to AZ. Its like listening to a professor giving lessons n gems
AZ is one of my all time favorite lyricists...in the 90s he was arguably the best rapper for pure lyrical ability
I share every word my brother! my and my Twin been saying this in the 90's
Mine too
Big L
Kool G Rap
AZ
Nas
Big Pun
Untouchable
I loved me some AZ. Hell with it all.
YOOOO! AZ WAS MY FAVORITE RAPPER BACK IN THE 90s!!!! He could’ve been bigger, he’s truly underrated and very talented. Doe or Die was a classic.
One of my favorites EVER. Doe or Die changed my life. SOSA... Save Our Streets AZ!!!
AZ did not have big features like lauryn hill and puffy and he did not have any high profile beefs. If he had club singles, beef, and or controversy he would have been bigger
AZ had more hit singles than Nas at the time. He had the remix of Lady with D Angelo. He had the remix with Monifah. Nas had the bigger major label clout (Columbia/Sony) to market and promote. AZ was on that European major label (EMI) whose only big rap artist hits were Vanilla Ice and Digable Planets. So they didnt know how tf to market and promote an artist like AZ. If AZ were on the same label, AZ wouldve surpassed bs Nas
Tbh just the Features & Club Singles
Lol rap fans crack me up trying to sim-a-career. "If he had club singles"....do you listen to music or do you skim through it? That's the thing...he tried to make club singles or more than one occasion. Not everything is for everyone.
@@dianevrules man shut up lol.
@@dsg3053 exactly. Wtf is wrong with these people. ?? Az is not as versatile as Nas. Thats why Nas is the bigger artist.
This is a great one! AZ was nothing less than great then and now as a artist he was a complete package, handsome, thuggish, smooth, intellengent, sheer lyricism. Thank you for this! Tradegy Khadfi is great also that is who Nas sounds like. P.E.A.C.E.
You gotta do NATURE next, he had a huge stunted growth
He grew up with Ether lol
That 9 lives album had some heat
THAT "AZIATIC" ALBUM WAS A CLASSIC TOO. IT GETS SLEPT ON A LOT.
Definitely a classic.
Not me
Facts. A 5 mic classic. Doe or Die is too...but Aziatic is really his magnum opus and best work
ALWAYS loved AZ...Always will
Since the moment I heard AZ on the Illmatic and It Was Written albums I was playing his first couple albums right up there with Nas. Just hearing him talk on the intro for Life's a Bitc*h and I was hooked on his voice. I used to give my wife all my 1's from my tip money cause AZ said "Washington's go to Wifey" now I give her that and then some.
AZ is No Doubt Hip Hop's Most Underrated lyricist! He's the definition of an Unknown Legend! Doe Or Die is an un open and undiscovered Hip Hop Treasure! 👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾
Do or Die 2 is a dope album, blessed that AZ is still as polished as can be after all these years, and yes, Rather Unique is STILL getting that occasional rotation in my radio playlists for the past couple decades into infinity.
This is a heavily slept on channel
AZ is the dude!! Never doubted him & I'm from California!! Needed that music to help form my swag growing up!!
Don’t ever let anybody change you’re opinion or get caught up in a body of work talk smh. A.Z. is the best ever lyrical wise. Just my opinion.
I completely agree..you can never take away what a man has earned and worked for. AZ is one of the dopest emcees to ever grace the mic.✌🏾💯
He def top 5, but him as the best I think is reaching. MF DOOM, Aesop Rock, and Lupe are all better, and then him and in my opinion Big L fight for the 4 and 5th spot. AZ prob got the best flow of them all tho
@TheGipper smh smh You’re opinion but you probably think 💭 A.Z. Got the best flow smh them same guys will tell the wish the can flow like A.Z.
@@jay-rock6627 I say that because DOOM has a pretty underrated flow and big l can absolutely pop off at times. On average AZ will come out on top but those two can sneak up and take that 1 spot l
@TheGipper I respect you’re opinion but song far song on any topic none of them will give you my gems 💎 than A.Z. He is too lyrically sharp with his manifestation but I respect you’re opinion I’m more of lyricist with the art.
He was one of my favorites! THE FIRM WAS EPIC TOO🔥🔥🔥
He's definitely one of the best from the 90's. In my top 3 🔥sosa ❤❤
Blessup SGM, dope view on my cuz Az, Our Grandmother had 11 children and all lived very close to each other, some on the same block in ENY was 3 Aunts,
Too many 1st cousins to count, lol! He had no car and had to walk to Sethlow "Afraid of elevators" lol! where me and our grandmother lived, but soon as he signed to EMI he bought that LS 400 black coup,Ive had the privilege to be over Shoulder during his career, all the cousins was inspired by his moment from illmatic, I was young in some videos or was on set recording footage for our grandmother, until the Rap bug bite me and I became TAMPPA, he laughed at first but then got serious when I got a meeting with Columbia records with my own song....my manager won an Emmy and weve done somethings that shocked Az, He actually recorded songs on my Protools in my bedroom at times...But things like will always hold him up...Respect
Literally just bumping him two days ago. Dude’s one of the illest of all time.
I feel like we getting close to CANIBUS!!
Gotta be tough for AZ. His birthday is BIG’s death day.
When in comes to succeeding in the world of rap or in life in general it all depends on your ability to change or make adjustments. You either make the right changes or adjustments when the world your in goes through changes, or you just simply make adjustments or changes to elevate your life in the world you're living in. But those who fail to make these changes either fall because of it, or they stay stagnant.
AZ and Comega were something serious.
They should have teamed up after the firm
Cormega not on AZ level.
@@Mookaron lyrically you buggin
@@clarkjonathan702 You really believe Cormega can out rhyme AZ? Life is becoming pitiful with no hope!
@@Mookaron why AZ still spar with him then I’ll wait
Thank you for this AZ is my favorite of all time
if you heard pieces of a man album it was just as good as his 1st. i think its cuz he never wanted to “sell out” and keep his image clean and get rich not make the label rich
Not true motherf76^%%. Its not about selling out. If that were the case, he would not have allowed Trackmasters to produce that 2nd album. AZ's label didnt promote his 2nd album.
Thank you! I thought I was the only one who saw that!!!!!!!!!!!
AZ went to Motown and that killed his career. Blame az not Nas. His singles weren't hitting after do or die either. AZ and method man are one of the same. They'll give you a great feature not a great album.
Thank you!!! - Been waiting for this one!
This video is ALL FACTS! AZ is too underrated! One of the purest MCs ever! He's still so ILL on the mic!🔥🔥🔥
The Visualizer!!! The first Rap Artist I was drawn too as a kid and his word was ahead of his time. Do or Die Album was a classic, Mo Money went hard and still holds up till this day! We must have been brothers in the past life, cause even with basketball, most of the players that influenced you were the same for players for me. When this video dropped, It was like confirmation we not be brothers but we sure grew up in the Golden age of Hip Hop. You know Ball and music, the reason why this is the best content out!
AZ never strayed from that digital flow that Nas innovated on Illmatic and which they both excelled in from mid to late-nineties. To AZ's credit his rhyme style has always been consistent and he has a classic debut album and many hidden gems on subsequent releases like "Never Change", "The Come-up", "Wanna be there", "Bedtime stories", "The Format", etc. He also has a bunch of classic features with Nas where I'd say he probably outdid his counterpart on e.g. "The Flyest", "Serious", "Full Circle" to name a few. However, Nas is (in my opinion) the more talented rapper as pound for pound over their respective careers Nas has resided in that higher echelon of wordplay, lyricism and song making to a greater degree than any rapper in the history of the game. Nas high moments in lyricism and innovation are recorded in tracks like "I gave you power", "It ain't hard to tell", "The life we chose", "What goes around", "Every Ghetto" "2nd Childhood", "Get down" and numerous others. Nonetheless, AZ is a great rapper who has the potential to outshine any other rapper on the same track. A lesser known jewel from AZ that can be found on UA-cam is a track called "Royal Salute" which was a savage but smooth response to a diss aimed at him from 50 cent. If you know then you know!!
Respect from London!!
Pieces of A Man and Aziatic were Amazing albums i still revisit from Time to time..
Az and Nas are the rap equivalent of T-mac and Kobe. Very comparable skill and talent early on, but circumstances and internal factors pushed one into greatness and left other as a "what if".
Great comparison
But both are Hall Of Famers.
Much respect 2 ur platform, AZ deserves his flowers while he is alive @ kicking! PEACE 7
I'll always love AZ. I remember being so hyped for the Sugar Hill single to come out. I got 2 12" and wore them out. I think I even still have Doe Or Die on LP. The thing about him is that he's a classical example of the MC that is really good, but doesn't have any standout element to his game. Like a five-tool player that doesn't necessarily excel in any particular statistic. My feeling is that he needed a producer (not a beat from a producer, but an album showrunner like Large was for Illmatic or Stout/Trackmasters was for It Was Written) who had a more cohesive vision for his albums and would push him harder. Like "that's good, let me hear better". That's what being in the studio with Preem is supposedly like. He's underrated, for sure. But for me, the MOST underrated is O.C. It used to be Black Thought, but now everyone knows. lol
Great insight from one fan to another. Thank u
Sugar hill is my ultimate number 1 all time forever favorite song I can put it on repeat and listen to it all day over and over and over again without ever getting tired of it. The song is a classic and it sounds just as good today as it did it back in 95' when it 1st came out
AZ just had bad luck with record labels. Aziatic was slept on like crazy, def A CLASSIC! How can you mention Hov's Blueprint as classic, yet Aziatic gets overlooked? foh!
Aziatic was the soundtrack to 2002 for me. Classic album
That’s probably my favorite AZ joint over Doe or Die. Fan Mail, Essence just so smooth
My Favorite Rapper of All Time. And his music matured as he did. Now as a grown man I can still listen to his new music and vibe to it like I did when I was in High School
Az in my top favorite 5 rappers ever do or die ,pieces of a man and aziatic were classics most underrated rapper of all time!
I was about to message you about AZ. Great content once again! Keep it up!
AZ didnt appeal to the mainstream, he doesn't beef with anybody and didn't even bother to be marketable
E-40 gave hime that work... If he was as good as Nas he could have wrote his Ether???
Jayz az and Nas all went gold 1st album. Jayz went plat az sold gold and Nas 3x plat 2nd album. Jayz 5x plat az gold nas 2x plat on 3rd albums. Jayz 2x plat az double wood Nas plat on 4th album. Jayz 2x plat az gold nas 2x on 5 the album. Fans got to realize that talent alone isn't enough. Talent and status is everything. History and the industry remembers those with talent and status only. This is why miles Davis, Muhammad Ali, mj, prince, James brown and others are remembered and revered over equally talented peers. Y'all need to stop making excuses for people not playing they position right.
In 95, AZ's Sugar Hill was bigger than any song from Illmatic. It was a platinum single. Illmatic was struggling to go gold. Illmatic sales picked up after It was Written came out in 96. If I ruled the world was Nas crossover single that made him a platinum rapper. Once Steve Stoute got behind Nas, he blocked AZ from doing more songs with Nas even potentially doing an album collab.
@@enzigenes not true. Stout told Nas not to do a video for how ya living. The original firm album was supposed to be Nas and az only. AZ brought foxy in and Nas brought mega in. AZ said this out of his mouth in several interviews he changed the project to add foxy. AZ made bad choices in his career like signing to Motown. AZ made bad singles on his 2nd and 3rd albums. No one was bumping hey az. AZ fans blame Nas all the time even when az doesn't do that. On illmatic 25th anniversary az said Nas is the goat.
@@musaka2022 tank you everyone should listen to hall of game
AZ was that guy I remember going to the record store to get these albums just a kid from down south but a lover of different genres of music hip hop from up north down south into lyrics and beats 🎧 I JUST LOVE MUSIC 🎶 ❤!!!
AZ's opening verse on Life's A Bitch remains at the top of all features. His flow, cadence and swag are unmatched.
Man I've been doing a deep dive on your videos and I'm so psyched to find your channel. This one made me have to comment. AZ was the truth, his flows were so great and he definitely was unique and special. I truly love how you have researched and have broken down the real reasons why so many have not gotten the love and respect that they deserve. Have to agree with you also about '94, set the bar so high that comparison is almost a waste. Anyway, much respect. Hope you have continued success. Punching the subscribe NOW!!!!!
AZ stays in my rotation. Nas, not so much. No diss. Sugar Hill is theme music.
Right! F^%^% Nas!!!!!!!!!!!
Same Here Bro! Always been a fan, master lyricist! Do or Die Album is a Classic!
1995-1997 Nas >>> AZ
1998-2021 AZ >>> Nas
*Overall AZ as a lyricist imo is better especially now I mean, compare Nas recent track with dj khaled to any of AZ's recent track. AZ still flows smoothly and doesn't say no cringe lines like nas' "I'm coin-based, basically cryptocurrency Scarface"*
I have the ability to listen to both MC's it's kinda cool.
@@Mookaron Right. They are both dope
I was waiting on this one
AZ'S SECOND ALBUM "PIECES OF MAN" IS PROBABLY THE MOST SLEPT ON CLASSIC ALBUM IN HIPHOP HISTORY.
I subbed to this channel waiting for AZ stunnted growth..many thanks
AZ is in my top 5 mc's of all time. Lyrically he's incredible but he just never blew up they way he should've. Listen to his verses on Phone Tap and it proves he's up there with all of the top lyricist of all time.
I believe you. AZ is top shelf when it comes to lyrics.
Jayz az and Nas all went gold 1st album. Jayz went plat az sold gold and Nas 3x plat 2nd album. Jayz 5x plat az gold nas 2x plat on 3rd albums. Jayz 2x plat az double wood Nas plat on 4th album. Jayz 2x plat az gold nas 2x on 5 the album. Fans got to realize that talent alone isn't enough. Talent and status is everything. History and the industry remembers those with talent and status only. This is why miles Davis, Muhammad Ali, mj, prince, James brown and others are remembered and revered over equally talented peers. Y'all need to stop making excuses for people not playing they position right.
@@heybuddy7789 I still think AZ is lyrically incredible I don't care how many records he sold! I base talent on lyrics + flow.....Thanks for responding be safe 🙏🏽
Az is a living legend! He was ahead and still is. Just classic genius
AZ is top 10.
great 👍 video and break down always been an az fan...the wisdom and knowledge he kick is crazy
He was a amazing lyricist still to this day he just never stood out like the others around his time did
AZ has been a Goat since day 1
AZ was super dope I don't know what exactly Stop his growth but I think the Nas comparison is a part of it
Az like that hands down
The Firm went gold (platinum now, I believe). It was well accepted. It just should have been better and a multi platinum album, but I never met a person that bought it and hated it. Not 1.
IVE NEEN HEARING ABOUT DO OR DIE 2 FOR YEARS NOW. SO MANY YEARS THAT I CANT EVEN ESTIMATE HOW LONG
I think it was a matter of content nas always has great content In His album that people can relate Az is beast as a spitter but you need more than that to thrive in the rap game
That “Take It Off” is definitely one of my favs songs from AZ 🔥🔥🔥🔥
That joint used to be on bet uncut 🔥🔥
We were beginners in the hood as 5 percenters B.U.T something must of got in us cause all of us turns to sinners.
Man that bar touched all of us Gods
Dude one of the best verses ever
One of the all time greatest to ever touch the mic. Always thought he was vicious on the mic. Glad he is getting coverage.
AZ had so many dope street hits, and to me 3 classic albums. But run this playlist:
Sugar Hill
Uncut Raw
Gimme Yours
Rather Unique
Mo Money Mo Murder
Hey AZ
What’s the Deal
How Ya Livin
Problems
Platinum Bars
Everything is Everything
AZ’s Back
That’s Real
I’m Back
Take it Off
A-1
The Essence
The Come Up
New York
Animal
The Format
So happy I seen this he’s one of my favorites