According to Webster's underrated means to undervalue and under appreciated this typifies the view on the MC known as AZ. He is respected but is rarely mentioned among the greats when the lists of Top mc's are enumerated. He is lyrically precise and adept at covering a variety of subjects. When he drops a project I am always interested and make sure I cop it though it may be from an amazon 2nd hand seller. What impress me most about AZ is that whoever he shares the mic with he seems perfectly comfortable doing his thing. Time and time again he has collaborated with Nas and more than once he has out shined his Queensbridge counterpart. Check the tape. He is often referred to as an underacheiver because many heaped their lofty expectations but in hindsight he like Jadakiss after him and Kool G. Rap before him lack that superstar quality. He doesn't have the charm of a Jay, Kane, Meth, Em, or the push of a powerhouse record label.
2 comments:
Good work. Excellent choice of topic. AZ's Illmatic debut on "Life's a B" = greatest introductory verse to a new MC in the history of the game. PERIOD. The Vizualizer would never fall under a category such as underachiever for me, and I haven't bought EVERY release. Maybe some of his mentor Nas' DNA was left behind on a mic in the booth, and he just takes things as they come. He's an All-Pro back with a rookie at left tackle and a make-shift offensive line... with a pass-first offensive coordinator. A top 3 scoring shooting guard with no PG or C and an unproven coach. MMMM makes its way onto my iPod at the gym at least once a week. Pun was another phenomenal introduction, but I heard him in a full song as opposed to a cameo. AZ's LaB appearance clearly outworked Nas' "Live at the BBQ" appearance with Main Source. I rarely go West, but The D.O.C. may have been introduced in a verse on an a single by a NWA member - maybe. Personally, I just salute AZ because I think he's just accepted his role and keeps working. Be on the look out for speechsynthesis (working title) as I'm gearing up a piece or two to present my own distant intimacy.
Another great analogy Wood, I must agree that the LAB verse is the hottest intro ever. It's funny that you mention Pun and DOC because they are both part of something I have mulling over about classic first albums. Can't wait to check your thoughts on speechsynthesis. Also I got an idea I'll shoot to you that I think would be cool for you, my boy Dre and myself to all post about on our blogs. Hint, if Rap was a game I'd be MVP.
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