Anthony Cruz (born March 9, 1972 in Brownsville, Brooklyn, New York), better known as AZ, is an American rapper currently residing in Englewood, New Jersey. Biography AZ was born Anthony Cruz to an African-American mother and a Dominican father. AZ first came to prominence by appearing on Nas' landmark album Illmatic on the song "Life's a Bitch" (1994)?he was the only guest emcee to appear on that album. After a bidding war, AZ signed with EMI, and soon released Doe Or Die (1995) to more critical acclaim than commercial sales. The album's lead single, "Sugar Hill", became AZ's only major commercial success as a solo artist, reaching the top 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and achieving Gold status. AZ's EMI contract was transferred to sister label Noo Trybe Records/Virgin Records when the EMI Label Group was shut down. AZ's fanbase grew considerably after he joined The Firm, a supergroup comprised

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