Search - AZ :: A.W.O.L.

AZ - A.W.O.L.

Constant | Vancouver, BC Canada | 09/08/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"AZ (Anthony Cruz) continues to deliver the heat with his latest album "A.W.O.L." (2005). The first real standout for me is "Never Change" a cut where AZ reflects about a friend who died, delivering some memorable lyrics and a premium chorus. Wu-Tang's Raekwon and Ghostface then drop in for a solid collaboration repping their city "New York". Backed by a crazy beat, AZ rhymes with hunger on "Still Alive". My current favorite is "City Of Gods", AZ shines rhyming well and laces this one with another impressive chorus. One of the things I have always liked about AZ is he remains genuine. Half-A-Mil was murdered a few years ago, AZ brings him back for the sad and heartfelt "Street Life" feat. Begetz. AZ then tells a short "Bedtime Story" remembering past years. It's nice to see AZ getting the production he deserves, Premo hooked AZ up for "The Come Up" and AZ shines again. Not a Bounty Killer fan, so not feeling "Envious", while the title track is solid. The bonus material is decent, good to that CL Smooth is still around feeling "Magic Hour". I recently heard another new excellent AZ track called "Game of Life", wish that one had been included on this release. For years people have slept on AZ's music, I don't know if that will continue, I do highly recommend checking out "A.W.O.L."."

Best work since his debut!

Eddie Montgomery | Santiago, Dominican Republic | 09/29/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"AZ has always been one of the more prolific emcees in the game. Why then is he also the one of the games most underrratted emcees? Part of this is due to the fact that he has been in the shadow of Nas for his entire career (that is until now), record politricks, be it poor promotion or record companies and radio stations incapability of recognizing real talent and skill while constantly overhypying all that garbage that gets constant spin daily, or the fact that the under 24 crowd (teenie boppers) have no real appreciation for what hip hop is supposed to be about and so they fail to support real talent. There's also the fact that those of us who really love hiphop, that is lyrics, wordplay and bangin' tracks have become so disillusioned with the hiphop genre that we have stopped buying hiphop records, thus failing to support such a talented emcee. There are several wonderful things about this lp. First off, AZ is as prolific as ever with the lyrics and wordplay (much like his mentors Rakim, G Rap and Nas) and his flow is as fresh, incredible and flawless as it was when he spit his first verse on the classic Nas joint (life's a ...). Second, much like Pete Rock's return to the boards was very much welcomed, so is Premo's return (check out "The Come Up") which has to be hands down the best joint on the lp. Third, this has that throwback feel of classic hiphop without sounding dated. In addition to "The Come Up" other stand out joints include "City of Gods" which happens to be my favorite in which AZ rides this track beautifully, even incorporating some classic lines from verses Rakim spit back in 1988. Just lovely! Rae and Ghost come through in a big way on "New York" an ode to the streets of NY. Rae and Ghost haven't sounded this good for quite some time, though AZ outshines them both. "Streetlife" featuring his fallen comrade Half-A-Mill is a phenominal joint as is the Buckwild produced "Live Wire." "Magic Hour" which features CL Smooth is a gem and is also included in the bonus material on the disc. "AZ's Chillin'" is hot, produced by MOP's Fizzy Womack-though it would have been nice to hear MOP spit on this track.



This is a complete lp, with the only forgettable joints being "Bedtime Story" and "Envious." AZ may never have a platinum record. He may never go gold, but what he has accomplished is an incredible body of work which has garnered him critical acclaim and mad respect in the underground and among hiphop purist the world over. His gifted lyrical ability, his incredible wordplay and articulation are captured here in this lp and for anyone who wants to hear what hiphop is supposed to soud like-COP THIS!!!"

AZ the Visualizer, Quiet Money...a real EMCEE

Michael A. Shinn | San Diego, CA USA | 02/22/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"AWOL - I am very pleased with this album because majority of the tracks are very nice. I mean...its that classic head bobbin hip hop that gives you chills up your spine because its so bangin. Now when I'm driving I bump this album so everyone in my neighborhood can hear what real hip hop is all about not this fake G-Unit and Dirty South garbage. AZ stays true to his style and never as Jay-Z would say, "Dumbs down his songs to double his dollars". And this is why I love AZ. He keeps it R-E-A-L.



I just don't understand why quality, skilled, lyrically gifted emcees like AZ get slept on. Meanwhile you listen to this sh*t on MTV and BET and its always that same crunk dirty south crap. And now you got all these ridiculous songs like "Laffy Taffy" and "In love with a stripper" that are on the top ten while hot tracks like "City of Gods" and "The Come Up" aren't even given recognition...PATHETIC!!!



Thank You AZ. Keep blessin the mic..."