AZ: The 20 Year Legacy Of "Doe Or Die"

Before the beginning of today’s Pro Era crew and the invasion of the Flatbush Zombies, in the mid-90s there was another legendary MC grinding hard in the streets of Brooklyn, New York. While his laid-back persona somewhat strays away from the beaming spotlight, Anthony “AZ” Cruz’s classic layered lyricism and hard-to-the-core flow continues to ring in the ears of true hip-hop heads all over the world. It’s been 20 years since AZ released his debut album Doe Or Die on EMI Records. The 12-track studio LP dropped on October 10, 1995 a year after we first heard AZ on Nas’ iconic Illmatic album with the hit “Life’s A Bitch.” With Doe or Die’s production from legends such as Pete Rock, L.E.S., and Buckwild, the die-hard Brooklynite made history with his premiere body of work, which went Gold and held the coveted #1 spot on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop chart in 1995. Two decades and eight studio albums later, AZ is still content and humbled by his monumental accomplishment.“People are the ones who really make you who you are,” AZ said. “My title really doesn’t make me. As long as I keep my pen sharp and I do what I do, I’ll always feel like I’m #1 regardless.” He’s definitely kept his words pointed with a most recent guest spot on Ghostface Killah’s winter 2014 album 36 Seasons. AZ filled the role of Raekwon as Ghostface’s partner in rhyme crime, serving verses on 5 of the 14 tracks. Thus, taking us back to his original street scarred rhymes over rugged tracks. Before signing his contract with EMI back in the 90s, AZ already had 10-15 tracks ready to master for Doe or Die. He didn’t waste any time releasing the singles, like the Pete Rock produced “Rather Unique” and the chart topping hit “Sugar Hill.” Two decades later, AZ is focused on continuing the legacy he started with his new online store Quiet Money Direct, which will be the distributor for his merchandise and the long-awaited sequel Doe Or Die 2.