AZ first became known by appearing on Nas’ landmark 1994 album, Illmatic, as his hook on “Life’s A Bitch” still resounds today and he was also featured on Illmatic’s opening opus “The Genesis”. AZ was the only guest feature on Illmatic and soon thereafter he signed with EMI and released his own debut LP Doe Or Die in 1995 to widespread critical acclaim. The album’s lead single, “Sugar Hill”, became one of AZ’s major commercially successful records as a solo artist, reaching #25 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and achieving Gold status. In 2002, he released Aziatic from which his single “The Essence“ f/ Nas was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. AZ has since released four solo-LP’s (his solo release Undeniable also made a high debut on the Billboard charts) and worked with artists such as Nas, RZA, DJ Premier, Ghostface, Raekwon, Pete Rock, Buckwild, Trackmasters, Emile, Lil Fame, Phonte, Sheek Louch, Styles P, Foxy Brown, Beanie Sigel, Nottz, Large Professor, Bink, Baby Paul, MoSS, & Statik Selektah and remained a constant staple with fans and critics alike.
Today, AZ is back and better than ever and is readying his forthcoming Doe Or Die II release.
