AZ has dropped his latest album, Truth Be Told, showcasing his distinctive style and lyrical prowess. The album features notable guest appearances from artists such as Fat Joe, Pharoahe Monch, and Mumu Fresh, adding layers of depth to the project.
“My Art. My Perspective. My Truth. Truth Be Told,” declares AZ, highlighting the personal and authentic nature of the album.
A seasoned collaborator with an impressive track record, AZ enlists the Grammy-nominated producer Buckwild to handle all aspects of the album’s production. Buckwild’s storied career includes iconic productions for The Notorious B.I.G., Black Rob, OC, and Organized Konfusion, among others.
‘Truth Be Told’ marks AZ’s commitment to evolving his craft and delivering a compelling narrative through his music. With a lineup of respected collaborators and the guiding hand of Buckwild, the album promises to be a significant addition to AZ’s catalog and a testament to his enduring influence in the hip-hop scene.
Brooklyn veteran AZ is starting the final month of 2023 by putting out his 10th full-length LP. Most notable for his longtime association with Nas being the only feature on the latter’s iconic debut album illmatic with the song “Life’s a Bitch”, he would later go to signing with EMI Records & drop a full-length of his own Doe or Die a little over a year later becoming one of the greatest mafioso hip hop albums of all time. Other standouts in his discography include Pieces of a Man, Aziatic, A.W.O.L. & The Format & more recently Doe or Die II which was a return to form for him personally. But for his 2nd album of the 2020s, he’s enlisting Buckwild from D.I.T.C. to fully produce Truth Be Told.
After the intro, the first song “Reintroduction” sets the tone of what’s to come hooking up a soul sample with kicks & snares admitting that he’s been going for this going for the game-winning shot with only a few seconds left in the 4th quarter whereas “Don’t Go Astray” goes for a bluesy/boom bap vibe talking about real ones never head off target or into any sort of wrongdoing. “One of the Greatest” works in more kicks & snares accompanied by a mellow loop rightfully calling himself that leading into “Amazing” looking back on moments in his life over a prettier instrumental.
“Still Got It” proves Sosa’s point that he hasn’t lost a step with the pen since returning to making music on top of a soulful beat just before “G.O.A.T.” goes for a sample-heavy sound talking about his greatness. “This is Why” has some rock undertones to the instrumental a bit as he looks to remain fly, but then “Go Time” featuring Pharoahe Monch brings this orchestral flip in the picture so both of them can get on their battle shit.
The penultimate track & final single that just came out last weekend “How We Get It” featuring Fat Joe takes a lavish approach musically as both of them break down the way each of them get it individually & lastly, “Respect Mine” ends Truth Be Told by bringing it raw 1-last time breaking down his legacy for the last minute & 45 seconds left of this half-hour long LP.
Some were calling me crazy because I loved Doe or Die II more than others & I still believe it’s AZ’s best since The Format due to Undeniable & Legendary not being that well received. That said: Truth Be Told matches the caliber of that previous album we got a little over 2 years ago & is his 2nd consecutive classic in this decade. Sosa manages to refine & update his style with the help of his longtime collaborator from The Bronx.
Esteemed rapper AZ is gearing up for the release of his highly anticipated album, Truth Be Told, slated to drop on Dec. 1. To heighten the anticipation, AZ has unveiled his latest single, “How We Get It,” featuring none other than the iconic Fat Joe. This collaboration, long-awaited by fans, brings together two legends of the hip-hop scene.
What makes “Truth Be Told” even more special is the involvement of the legendary and Grammy-nominated producer Buckwild. Having previously contributed to AZ’s “Doe Or Die” and “Doe Or Die II,” Buckwild now takes charge of the entire production for “Truth Be Told.” His extensive resume includes producing classics for The Notorious B.I.G., Black Rob, OC, and Organized Konfusion, solidifying him as a maestro in the hip-hop realm.
AZ’s upcoming album promises to deliver a blend of lyrical prowess and masterful production, with “How We Get It” providing a glimpse into the sonic excellence fans can expect from “Truth Be Told.” Mark your calendars for December 1, 2023, as AZ invites listeners to experience the truth through his latest musical endeavor.
Veteran rapper AZ has been making waves since the release of Doe Or Die II, collaborating with hip-hop heavyweights across the industry. The iconic artist is back with a brand new single, “This Is Why,” set to drop soon, offering a fresh taste of his lyrical prowess.
But that’s not all; AZ has exciting news for his fans. He has officially announced the release date for his upcoming album, “Truth Be Told,” slated for Dec. 1, 2023. This album promises to showcase AZ’s evolution as an artist while staying true to his roots. Notably, “Truth Be Told” will feature collaborations with the likes of Fat Joe and Pharoahe Monch, raising anticipation for what’s to come. AZ’s return to the music scene is sure to be a memorable one.
The first taste is the “This Is Why” single, which you can hear below.
Throughout his distinguished and influential career, AZ has been nominated for Grammy’s, and won one for his contribution “Full Circle,” to The Firm reuniting track from Nas’ Kings Disease, which won the Grammy for Best Rap Album of 2020, sold millions of albums, created hit singles and lent his velvety voice, and street poetry to some of Hip-Hop’s most timeless music.
It had been a decade since AZ graced fans with an album, but his long-teased sequel, Doe Or Die II, became one of 2021’s undeniable success stories. Featuring appearances and production from Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, 2 Chainz, T-Pain, The Alchemist, Conway The Machine, Dave East, Pete Rock, Statik Selektah, Idris Elba, Bink, Buckwild, Kaygee, Heatmakerz, Rockwilder, and Baby Paul, Doe Or Die II was a mainstay at the top of the DSP charts upon its release.
Since the release of Doe Or Die II, AZ has appeared on Westside Gunn’s HWH8 B-Side (“99 Avirex” which also featured Stove God Cooks, Rick Ross’ Richer Than I Ever Been Deluxe album (“Vacheron”), Statik Selektah’s Round Trip Album “(Historic” with Ransom), and most recently on Tony Touch’s The Def Tape Soundtrack (“Rampage 2.0”) for Def Jam’s Mixtape Documentary.
Now, AZ is back with a new single. “This Is Why,” and he has also announced that he will release his new album, Truth Be Told, on 12-1-23. AZ continues to refine and update his style with Truth Be Told, and the forthcoming album will also feature collaborations with Fat Joe and Pharoahe Monch.
“There is no amount of money that can measure up to the feeling of a natural heavenly bliss of euphoria,” AZ adds. “This Is Why I’m Fly!”
On this date in 1995, Antonio Cruz akaAZ from Nas’ “Life’s A Bitch” fame, released his debut album Doe Or Die on EMI Records.
Produced by legendary producers Pete Rock, DITC’s Buckwild, LES, D.R. Period as well as AZ himself, AZ was able to land the deal for this album strictly off of the classic verse he spits on the third track on the iconic Illmatic album.
Tracks sucks as the Pete Rock propelled “Rather Unique”, the dreamy “Sugar Hill”, which features then-unknown songbird Miss Jones and the street fueled “Mo Money, Mo Murder, Mo Homocide” gave this album a verbal variety that was rarely heard, especially from an emcee who was only known at the time for a guest appearance.
A special salute to AZ for holding it down for dolo for an entire quarter of a century, even managing to orchestrate a 15 year anniversary of the album in 2010 on his own Quiet Money imprint, featuring production from the likes of Statik Selektah and Fame of M.O.P.
As Hip-Hop continues to be celebrated with its 50 year anniversary this year, it’s important to pay homage to the real spitters of the rap game. Insert AZ, who’s here to declare his place once and for all.
A true legend in Hip-Hop, real nameAnthony Cruz is best known for being a member of the group The Firm, alongside Nas and Foxy Brown. His multi-syllabic rhyming pattern and storytelling in his lyrics are what separates him from the rest, and he continues to unleash hard-hitting bangers for his dedicated fanbase.
Now, AZ returns to release his newest single and visual called “GOAT,” the lead single off his fortchoming project titled Truth Be Told. “GOAT” not only showcases his rapping ability and talents, but also gives you a preview on how the rest of his masterpiece will be laid out.
AZ states, “The ‘GOAT’ best described my state of mind., Elite lyricism thru the years that aged like fine wine, matching my lifestyle & growth from the birth city of Hip Hop where Respect is earned not giving- AZ.”
In defining GOAT, he states that “greatness is the quality of being great, distinguished, or eminent. Greatest Of All Times. GOD Over All Things. GOD Over All of Them.”
As Hip-Hop continues to be celebrated with its 50 year anniversary this year, it’s important to pay homage to the real spitters of the rap game. Insert AZ, who’s here to declare his place once and for all.
A true legend in Hip-Hop, real nameAnthony Cruz is best known for being a member of the group The Firm, alongside Nas and Foxy Brown. His multi-syllabic rhyming pattern and storytelling in his lyrics are what separates him from the rest, and he continues to unleash hard-hitting bangers for his dedicated fanbase.
Now, AZ returns to release his newest single and visual called “GOAT,” the lead single off his fortchoming project titled Truth Be Told. “GOAT” not only showcases his rapping ability and talents, but also gives you a preview on how the rest of his masterpiece will be laid out.
AZ states, “The ‘GOAT’ best described my state of mind., Elite lyricism thru the years that aged like fine wine, matching my lifestyle & growth from the birth city of Hip Hop where Respect is earned not giving- AZ.”
In defining GOAT, he states that “greatness is the quality of being great, distinguished, or eminent. Greatest Of All Times. GOD Over All Things. GOD Over All of Them.”
On this date in 1972, Anthony “AZ” Cruz was born in Brooklyn, New York. Cruz, who became known as AZ as a shortened way to say Asiatic, his righteous attribute from the 5% Nation.
AZ was first heard on Nas’ iconic Illmatic LP on the L.E.S. produced “Life’s A Bitch”. AZ’s verse was so transformative, it landed him a deal with EMI Records in 1994. His first LP, Doe Or Die, earned the street savvy East New Yorker a gold plaque, lead by the infectious single “Sugar Hill” featuring Miss Jones. AZ was also a major part of the legendary collective The Firm, which included Nas, Nature, Foxy Brown and was produced exclusively by Dr. Dre.
Just a couple of years following the commemoration of Doe Or Die 2, which was issued on the 25th anniversary of the original Doe Or Die, AZ says that there is still a possibility of a joint album with him and Nas.
Kool G Rap continues to prepare for his Domingo-produced 6th album Last of a Dying Breed coming December 9 by putting out the 4th single “Born Hustler” featuring AZ & 38 Spesh.
