Nas‘ landmark 1994 album Illmatic not only solidified his own legacy, but it introduced the world to another lyrical prodigy from New York’s five boroughs: AZ. Hailing from Brooklyn, Anthony Cruz delivered a classic verse on “Life’s a Bitch,” ruminating on growing up in the hood with dazzling technical proficiency.
His cameo — which many fans argue eclipsed God’s Son on the track — kickstarted AZ’s career, leading to a deal with EMI and the release of his own debut album Doe or Die the following year. AZ later joined forces with Nas, Foxy Brown and Nature (who replaced the ousted Cormega) as part of the short-lived supergroup The Firm.
While AZ’s career never quite reached the heights that Nas’ did, the BK MC remains a revered figure within Hip Hop. Now, his journey is being told in an upcoming documentary called Jewels, Gems & Treasures.
AZ released the first trailer for the documentary on Wednesday (March 9), which chronicles his upbringing in Brooklyn (a.k.a. Crooklyn), his rise to fame alongside Nas, the success of Doe or Die and The Firm, and the release of his long-awaited Doe or Die II last year.
Helping to unpack his legacy as one of the most gifted (if not unsung) rappers of all time are cameos from Nas, 50 Cent, legendary producer Buckwild and former EMI executive Daniel Glass, who signed AZ to his first record deal.
“AZ would say some slippery shit,” 50 says in the trailer, while Nas adds, “He created a lane for himself. He didn’t want to go where anybody else went, where I went, where this guy went.”
Buckwild chips in with, “A lot of cats that I know from around the world look at AZ like, ‘Yo, he’s one of the coldest rappers ever.'”
AZ Re-Envisions His Rap Era On 'Doe Or Die II' Album - Even Without Nas Feature
The Jewels, Gems & Treasures announcement comes almost exactly six months after AZ returned with Doe or Die II, the long-awaited sequel to his debut album.
The 17-track project boasted appearances from the likes of Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, 2 Chainz and Conway The Machine, plus production from The Alchemist, Pete Rock and Rockwilder.
HipHopDX gave the album a 3.8 out of 5 score, praising AZ for his sharp performances and refined mafioso themes.
Watch the trailer for Jewels, Gems & Treasures below. A release date has yet to be announced.
I listened to Doe or Die II last night. Heavily slept on album and rapper – period!
Rhyme for rhyme, one of the nicest ever. He’s like Ichiro. Wasn’t a big home run hitter, wouldn’t shock you or blow you away, but just was consistently nice forever. You can’t find a wack verse in his catalogue. His dopest album to me is “AZiatic”. Peace.
50 Cent randomly dissed AZ a few years back and AZ responded. Weird to see him in this documentary.
Plus 50 Cent is just a dumb ass who nobody wanna hear from when we talking about real emcees anyway ??♂️
Stop it bruh GRODT is one of the best albums to ever drop and a big part of hip history whether you choose to call him a dumbass is irrelevant. That dumbass is doing better than EVERYBODY in your WHOLE FAMILY!
You must work for 50. That album had the promotion machine and clowns like you look up to him because he got shot. Hood booger!
Well deserved.
Dope to see AZ get his own doc. Son definitely one of them unsung heroes that we gotta give they flowers to whilst they still living. Hoping to see some features drop on Scarface, Too Short and E-40 in da near future. Nas n Fif due to get back in the booth. Who you rep a long time ago.
Sosa
AZ! It’s crazy that in life you have good guys who are barely recognized for their excellent contributions to the art form and in the meanwhile bums shine. It’s about time this man gets his just due. Pay homage.