Anthony Cruz

AZ (born Anthony Cruz in Brooklyn, New York City) is an African-American/Dominican East-Coast rapper who has achieved a cult following in spite of little mainstream success. He first came to prominence appearing on

AZ (born Anthony Cruz in Brooklyn, New York City) is an African-American/Dominican East-Coast rapper who has achieved a cult following in spite of little mainstream success. He first came to prominence appearing on Nas' landmark Illmatic on the song "Life's A Bitch" (his verse on that song got him signed)(1994, 1994 in music) and soon released Doe or Die (1995, 1995 in music) to critical acclaim, even from critics who hated hip-hop but liked AZ's moralistic and realistic portrayals of the dangers of thug life.

AZ's fanbase grew considerably after he joined The Firm, a supergroup consisting of AZ, Nas, Foxy Brown and Nature with Dr. Dre and The Trackmasters producing. The Firm's debut, The Firm: The Album, was a critical and commercial failure, as was Pieces of a Man, AZ's second solo release. Without a major label, AZ released S.O.S.A. to little fanfare in 2000 (see 2000 in music). Soon, however, AZ signed to Motown and released 9 Lives, which returned his name to popular consciousness among hip hop critics but did little to bolster his sales.