Anthony Cruz (born March 9, 1972, in Brooklyn, New York), better known by his stage name AZ, is a Grammy-nominated rapper celebrated for his intricate lyricism, multi-syllabic rhyme patterns, and refined storytelling. Widely regarded as one of the most underrated emcees in hip-hop, AZ first rose to prominence with his iconic verse on “Life’s a Bitch,” from Nas’s groundbreaking 1994 album Illmatic. His smooth delivery and vivid imagery instantly made him a standout voice in the genre. Read more on Last.fm