Interview w/AZ
By: Justin Rizzio

When I hear the name AZ, the first thing I think of is his verse on Illmatic. That was 1994. Well, it’s 2008 and the man with one of the most memorable verses in hip hop is still hard at work. With one gold, and two platinum albums under his belt, AZ has enjoyed both underground and mainstream success. In an industry that has turned its focus on “the next hot commodity,” AZ refuses to abandon his lyrical talent, which has garnered him critical acclaim worldwide for the past 14 years. While in Philly doing some press for his new album, Undeniable, we managed to get a quick Q & A with the man. While he may be short on words for an interview, trust me, you can never say that about his records.
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215hiphop: You’re someone who has both street credibility and a talent for lyricism. Does it bother you when rappers come out with records about street life, when they were never in the streets?

AZ: At the end of the day, a lot of these cats do it. As long as they do it right and they portray what’s going on in the streets, it’s a good look. The peoples need to hear it. They need to hear the real shit.

215: How do you feel about some of the rappers out today?

AZ: Some of them is cool. Some of them is trash. The game is not based on lyrics no more. It’s more of a hustle right now. That’s what’s going on. There’s only a few lyricists out right now. I love lyrics, so you know which way I’m going.

215: You’ve worked with a lot of producers over the years. Who was the best to work with and why?

AZ: Premier. Premier’s beats are serious. He inspires you to really spit that shit. I just like working with him; he’s legendary.

215: You’ve gone both the mainstream and independent routes. Which works better for you?

AZ: The independent route. Doing that was serious because you stick with your real peoples at the end of the day. With the mainstream, they love you today and hate you tomorrow.

215: Will there ever be a Nas/AZ album?

AZ: I can’t call it. My door is open. If homey with it, then I’m with it. If not, I’m still doin me.

215: A lot of fans consider you to be a legendary mc, but you’ve never really broken through to full mainstream success. Does that ever bother you?

AZ: Nah, that’s just me. That’s my life. It’s cool, it’s good. I’m conditioned now. As long as I keep it coming, I”m alright.

215: You’ve been doing this for over ten years now; any memories that stand out?

AZ: When I first heard my song on the radio, “Touch Me”. It was a good look and it inspired me to keep going.

215: What’s going on with AZ today?

AZ: Right now, I’m working on my album that’s out now, Undeniable. I’m working on a soundtrack for a movie I’m putting out in another three months. I got a few artists I’m bringing to the table. That’s what it is.

215: Since this is a Philly based website, what do you think of the city?

AZ: Philly is always serious. A lot of history in Philly. It’s very serious and it’s not too far from New York, so at the end of the day, Philly’s alright with me.

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