With hip hop’s ever-changing landscape, it had been a decade since Brooklyn native AZ graced fans with an album. The reserved hip hop legend has maintained status as a result of his pen and classic album cuts. However, his long-teased sequel, Doe Or Die II, became one of 2021’s undeniable success stories and proved AZ’s potent hip hop poetry still had a place in the rap game.
Since the release of Doe Or Die II, AZ has appeared on Westside Gunn’s “99 Avirex” Rick Ross’ “Vacheron,” Statik Selektah’s “Historic” and most recently on Tony Touch’s “Rampage 2.0” for Def Jam’s mixtape Documentary.
Now AZ is back with the release of his single “This Is Why” in anticipation of his latest album, Truth Be Told, set for release on December 1. “This Is Why” interpolates a classic Slick Rick sample throughout, as the hip hop veteran takes on the role of the “been there, done that” MC. In light, he shouts out two Brooklyn legends — The Notorious B.I.G. and Mike Tyson — for serving as inspirations behind his success. With his effortless delivery and poignant rhymes, AZ embodies the grace and knowledge that comes with having survived some of New York City’s roughest eras.
Album Details
After contributing behind the boards on both Doe Or Die and Doe Or Die II, AZ and legendary producer Buckwild team up once again. The GRAMMY-nominated Buckwild handles all of the production on the new album. With his own crate of classic production, Buckwild will look to recreate the mafioso, final-boss themed production that the elder AZ has thrived on in his late career surge. In addition, the album will feature guest appearances from fellow New York rhymers Fat Joe and Pharoahe Munch, adding diversified flavor and point of views.
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