Anthony Cruz (born March 9, 1972, in Brooklyn, New York), better known by his stage name AZ, is a Grammy-nominated rapper celebrated for his intricate lyricism, multi-syllabic rhyme patterns, and refined storytelling. Widely regarded as one of the most underrated emcees in hip-hop, AZ first rose to prominence with his iconic verse on “Life’s a Bitch,” from Nas’s groundbreaking 1994 album Illmatic. His smooth delivery and vivid imagery instantly made him a standout voice in the genre. In 1995, AZ released his debut album Doe or Die, which received critical acclaim and achieved commercial success, peaking at No. 15 on the Billboard 200. The album’s lead single, “Sugar Hill,” became AZ’s most successful song, reaching No. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning Gold certification. Known for its themes of luxury and escape from hardship, the track solidified AZ as a respected solo artist. AZ’s career further expanded as a member of the supergroup The Firm, which included Nas, Foxy Brown, and Nature, with Dr. Dre and The Trackmasters handling production. The group’s 1997 album, The Album, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 but received mixed reviews. Despite this, AZ continued to thrive, releasing acclaimed solo projects such as Pieces of a Man (1998) and Aziatic (2002). The latter featured the single “The Essence,” a duet with Nas that earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. Over the years, AZ released a series of well-received albums, including A.W.O.L. (2005) and The Format (2006), while maintaining his reputation as one of the genre’s most skilled lyricists. After years of anticipation, he released Doe or Die 2 in 2021, a sequel to his debut album, which was met with critical acclaim and reaffirmed his legacy in hip-hop. Known for his smooth flow, complex wordplay, and introspective themes, AZ remains a respected figure in the industry, with a discography that continues to inspire both fans and fellow artists.