#20YrsLtr

AZ; alongside Nas, Foxy Brown, Pete Rock, DJ Premiere, Raekwon and more, recount the golden era of hip-hop with AZ's classic album "Doe or Die" as the focal point, 20 years after its release. Plus, a look into the making of "Doe or Die II". Narrated by Rakim. (released via BET Digital in May 2016).
Still haven’t subscribed to BET on KZbin? ►► bit.ly/1U0v9xG
Download the BET NOW app for full episodes of your favorite BET shows and exclusive content!
Connect with BET
Web: www.BET.com
Facebook: / bet
Twitter: / bet
Instagram: / bet
Google+: www.bet.us/gplusBET

[@TheRealLeonardWashington]

AZ’s verse on life’s a b*tch is one of the greatest verses in hip hop history. Top 5 worthy for sure

[@anthonywallace319]

I'm glad they put spotlight on that verse. I remember the first time I heard it and how crazy I went every time. I replayed that verse a thousand times dissecting his lines. Brilliant verse on an insane beat.

[@trentyates418]

That verse was the only reason AZ became one of my favorite lyricists

[@BigSi-xw6wv]

Absolutely. May be the best

[@user-rk4ey7wh9q]

I was just about to say the exact same thing‼️..💯

[@khalmaxroboticsgh3176]

It was not one of the best. It was the best verse of all time!

[@tanksledder1292]

Rakim narrating your documentary = OG status. Real recognize real. AZ a low key legend.

[@Muddas05]

HIGHKEY!!!!!!

[@trentyates418]

OG’s connect with older OG’s

[@SereniTee99]

Word💪🏽

[@jojosaylor8996]

His definitely special type of talent

[@charmainewillaims8239]

So true

[@euphoriaggaminghd]

AZ'S voice is so iconic

[@revolutionary.loveee]

I love that they chose Rakim to narrate this documentary. 🙌🏾🌻

[@musiclover-cn7tb]

Me too I always loved Rakim's voice.

[@hiiipoweriii2211]

That was the rapper that he looked up to

[@Peakfreud]

The Goat Narrating your Bio Now that's Dope

[@anthonybowers3807]

@@hiiipoweriii2211 qqqqqqq+!aaa!!!aà@I

[@Ken-iu2zp]

Ur mad pretty

[@reallife828]

AZ dress style was one of the best too. It fit his layed back style. Life was great before skinny jeans!! Everyone agree???

[@flow2tech]

Damn straight.. I still rock some of this shit..!

[@dillardhill71]

FACTS my brother.. Thank God we was able to enjoy growing up in it!!

[@slurone1923]

Hang them from the ceiling using skinny jeans!!

[@MyCelticsBlewIt]

🤙🤙🤙

[@MA-yv8dw]

Facts

[@shakurgonzalez952]

AZ the most underrated and underappreciated emcee of all time. Point, blank, period!!!

[@chizzythadonchizzy]

Real talk!!

[@andrewhernandez9857]

He's up there, but not the most underrated. I think that goes to big L.

[@Nitagnelifs]

What? LOL. L gets more recognition than AZ, stop tripping

[@Nitagnelifs]

AZ is the most underrated

[@andrewhernandez9857]

Spectrum L is given more recognition because hes passed on. But his flows are better. And I am a fan of both, but I have to go with the honest truth

[@shaystylesme]

One of the most humble, hottest , lyrical genius he definitely played a major role in hip hop he deserves all his flowers and just do’s ♥️

[@cameronmiller69]

Foxy Brown high key has some deep feelings for AZ

[@realitycheck1092]

He smashed back in ‘97

[@hotdiva38]

@@realitycheck1092 how you know lol

[@RichieDavid83]

@@hotdiva38 😂 i know right?! How he know lol

[@adamgordon2572]

@@hotdiva38 : It quite obvious, look how emotional she gets when she talks about him. Plus Foxy has got about in the industry, that’s no secret 💯

[@KD_SWAGGER]

AZ never got the credit he deserves... One of my all-time favorite artists!

[@operationexposure6878]

THE BEST ARTIST EHO EVER TOUCHED A MIC WROTE A LYRIC EVER !!!! AZ IS THE GREATEST

[@KD_SWAGGER]

@@operationexposure6878 🤘🏻

[@trentyates418]

This man is better than nas IMO. AZ rocks!

[@AfroPick82]

@@trentyates418 AZ is Nas polar opposite they compliment each other. And fill in each other's blind spots. Like Jadakiss & Styles P

[@raworthyel3786]

He's spitting lyrics to help us grow and not fall victim. The record label will push crack songs, gun battles, gold and platinum, and don't forget Cars %99 of population could ever afford. "We where beginners in the hood as 5% percenters but something must of got in us... I was a Fan immediately. KOS

[@MrFox-qb1jx]

This is one the best thing BET has done in over A decade

[@sonofakebulan747]

Facts 👍

[@mayhem7183]

FACTS 💯

[@MA-yv8dw]

You know that's right!😎

[@octm1]

ray fox AZ doc>BET in the Last 10 years

[@ryanmartin73]

deadass

[@Beautybizz28]

He's one of the Artists that made me fall in love with Hip Hop❤

[@Princeofvenlo]

Are you single?

[@bacrispy]

Facts 🔥🔥💯

[@croplaya]

I know he's almost as good as fiend from no limit! 😏

[@jojosaylor8996]

Yes I definitely loved the Firm from beginning to end

[@Beautybizz28]

@@jojosaylor8996 same!!

[@thinkfactorytechnologyuk4432]

this guy should be giving a grammy, a platium globe, and all the awards you can think of in the Music industry. You are the Greatest AZ .

[@sebastienfrancois1928]

AZ is one of the greatest rappers of all time. Hands down.

[@phantom-xb6wv]

Sebastien Francois There are many greats, and indeed AZ is one of them.

[@samrothstein6278]

Sebastien Francois You got that right. He never sold out . what hurt him was production . He should of stool to 1 producer or 2 entire carreer maybe premo or large pro or original producers from first album.

[@am234523]

Definitely top 5 flow. He didn't blow up completely like he was supposed to though. Most likely because he didn't open his booty to the gatekeepers. #realtalk

[@ArMiNiSfUCkinRedicK]

@@am234523 because he never sold out...he always wanted to be substantive and not lame...his like one pop joint still a banger...sugar hill... Az is in my tops just because of hes flow...his like a smoother kool g rap...and you can tell he comes from that tree of people influenced by kool g...just like nas

[@hollywoodddagent7111]

Definitely top 5

[@mrstecstash]

I want to see AZ on DRINK CHAMPS. LETS CELEBRATE OUR LEGENDS WHILE THEYRE STILL HERE! #DOPEMCAZ #BK💙

[@memyladyandthedogs5529]

Bee Bee223 #Facts

[@geiccidan]

Fact's

[@sinethembamabozwana6168]

Bee Bee223 suppose to have happen by now...bayasokolisa kodwa suka shi...

[@354allday]

Drink Champs fell off badly..got too commercial

[@idilmoussa591]

@@354allday exactly!

[@billyKOTF]

Rakim looks like he's spitting bars even when just talking

[@blaqpharaoh7732]

😂😂😂😂😂 True Rakim aka the God MC is my favorite all time MC

[@alisterelite9518]

Big facts

[@anantpali2503]

He is a Prophet

[@jamesthomes303]

Krs literally

[@tyjusto9351]

Dude is one of the best multi syllable lyricists I've ever heard. His flow on Doe or Die is impeccable, and Ho Happy Jaccie is still relatable to this day. Classic

[@marcushoke817]

If they blessed us with an AZ & Nas joint album. I would never complain about the rap game again.

[@donttrip4228]

Forrealtho

[@irespectmuzik]

Marcus Hoke bro dead ass

[@danieldorsey4883]

The firm

[@clarkbar]

its too late, it wouldnt be nearly as good as it wouldve been in the 90s. that vibe is gone

[@akhgrier8798]

Absolutely

[@Anhviet19]

I'm a westcoast cat. I was all about Cube, Snoop, Dre, Warren G etc, but when they played Sugar hill on The Box , the T.V. station where you could order videos to watch. His hypnotic flow with that East coast slang opened doors for me to peep out other artists from the east coast . In 1995 I owned about 10 CDs and Doe or Die was one of them .

[@vainglorious101]

Trung Le so

[@shobanhenryhand1204]

@@vainglorious101 i remember the box back in the day yessss

[@raworthyel3786]

Trung Le that's what up

[@kenkenny6196]

The fact Rakim co signed this tells YOU AZ is a heavyweight in the game.

[@derekhairston684]

It seemed like him and Naz never aged.

[@ebonypinney2557]

I just wrote this in my comment!! They can get it word 😂😩

[@krisvanderlaan2573]

Gods don’t age

[@storiking650]

NEVER, they are so timelessly beautiful, their GOLDEN BROWN SKIN STILL YOUTHFUL & HEALTHY, SHINNING & GLISTENING just like the Golden Mask of Pharaoh Tutankhamun in the 👑VALLEY OF THE KINGS👑!!!

[@jamesthomes303]

They didn't you take of your body mind and soul it will return the favor FACTZ

[@rjones99]

AZ is one of the most underrated rappers. Everyone is still looking good, especially Foxy.

[@StonerzMtn]

What better way to honor a legendary MC than to have a legendary MC (Rakim) narrate

[@chizzythadonchizzy]

StonerzMtn uv said it all

[@alishamoss6801]

StonerzMtn Word

[@bigpesa6166]

No doubt!

[@t.c.o.g.773]

StonerzMtn worddddd

[@Tribeofjudah89]

StonerzMtn you could have said it no better brother Big Daddy Kane would have been dope too

[@mannycarbajal4016]

To have Rakim in this...speaks for itself about this clever..talented...underrated MC...

[@dennislueck1555]

AZ is criminally underrated. Always one of my faves. Got to revisit after watching this.

[@shawnsteed4140]

I'm still waiting to hear a Nas & AZ album before I die💯

[@thefirefactory4969]

Shawn Steed word. They left us hangin.... smh. They owe the world that.

[@kamilelewis1943]

Shawn Steed NEVER HAPPEN DONT WISH THAT ON YASELF..

[@reyspyder357]

Shawn Steed word

[@flow2tech]

@@kamilelewis1943 Don't say that.. Anything is possible still.. Rakim may even bring another

[@mynameisbigha4184]

The firm fucked that up

[@jesuspiecemaster7683]

Rakim voice is so New York

[@t.c.o.g.773]

jesus piece master he's a great reader

[@duronbryant9463]

jesus piece master word da God is da Real deal

[@ES-wv2ui]

Well Strong Island sound just the five boroughs

[@BETNetworks]

Facts!

[@justsean9966]

BETNetworks *Fax

[@glorious1-up875]

Aziatic one of my favorite albums of all time. Shout out from Cali!!!

[@Kcesar365]

Az is supposed to as big as Jay Z and Nas no if and and buts! His a legend!!💯💯💯

[@elmerellis5450]

Facts

[@edwardjohnson1592]

Facts facts facts AZ is that cat no question period end of story

[@eib2444]

AZ wasn't willing to take the oath and lose his integrity

[@rozenrogers9897]

But he not a sell out and quick to be a devil worshipper

[@rozenrogers9897]

He needs to be paid in royalties....all the rappers from ny and the general east coast....used az's style...wow...

[@georgebrobbey6882]

AZ' voice always perked my ears up because there was NO ONE in hip hop that sounded like him at all in the mid/late 90s. Then his word play and laid back style was just always a win for me when I was a youth.

[@anwjuice]

Not to nit pick but Nas and Him sound alike and have same flow.fwiw

[@purple4785]

Exactly!!!!!!

[@musiclover-cn7tb]

@@anwjuice I always thought that they had similarities but I could tell they had their own lanes as well .

[@aldali724]

First time I heard AZ I thought it was Shyheim but the rhymes were too intricate to be him

[@ginokappadonna]

AZ and Black Thought held me down in the 90s

[@jayb6170]

AZ and black thought are hip hops most underrated mcs of all time

[@jonathanclarkston5444]

Jay B MY BROTHER U HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD!!!! BOTH OF THOSE BOYS WAS VICIOUS WITH THE MIC 🎤

[@793rd]

Pharaoh Monch

[@bonniereeves4346]

I had the pleasure of meeting him in Philly many years ago very respectful and talented man love his music real rapper..

[@beemmeupscotty5993]

2:35 that’s a real hip hop head, spotting AZ on sidewalk, having Sugar Hill blasting.

[@Toni-id2pv]

That's ny flow

[@abdifatahabdi9028]

Az is most underrated mc in rap history

[@luidjylherisson14]

The breakfast club need to interview AZ

[@octm1]

I'm Mikey at all

[@DorretteGYoung]

Keep putting it out there.

[@KayMattersOfficial]

@Ricardo Cadet no they haven't

[@johnmoyarbmg5845]

A drink champs would be better.

[@ironloins]

Hed fuk round n smack CTG

[@mlmajortodaleague147]

Respect to AZ the FIRM album was a true classic! Also damn Foxy Brown still fine af!

[@Toni-id2pv]

She really is no plastic Surgery. Just plain pretty

[@sfz2247]

AZ is one of the reasons we stayed Fly growing up in Newark NJ. We didn't have nothing growing up but we had family 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@BZMANAGEMENT1980]

AZ always had his own lane salute OG

[@chizzythadonchizzy]

Surely, he created his lane and perfected his craft. Well said!!

[@aiyanjames6744]

Agree 💯

[@musiclover-cn7tb]

@@aiyanjames6744 I always loved the way he dressed.

[@donmegace]

AZ is a legend!! He was also big internationally back in the day. I grew up in Switzerland and, when Doe or Die dropped in 1995, local hip hop heads went crazy!! A true lyricist. His music is timeless. Blessings to everyone!

[@DJLordShango]

This guy demeanour always impress me and also inspired me allot A cool street dude that presents himself in a nice way Not on no demon hatful stuff Real layback and relaxed its like he don’t age , he like timeless . A true artist in the soul ✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾

[@JordanTheIcon]

"Yo sit back, relax, catch ya contact, sip your cog-ni-ac And let's all wash this money through this laundry mat Sneak attack a new cat sit back, worth top dollar In fact touch mine's and I'll react like a Rottweiler" LEGEND !!!!!!!!

[@chillywilliedfw9093]

👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@michaelheard3153]

Affirmative action love that song

[@ispeakmucho]

See him he's an aristocrat.... lex coup? Triple black!!!

[@haroldbishop3920]

AZ is one of the best no doubt!!!

[@duronbryant9463]

harold bishop he might be the greatest

[@bastianszustykiewicz8478]

harold bishop s z

[@TheOneAndOnlyWisCali]

harold bishop #FACTS!!!!

[@davidparkes1391]

harold bishop facts!!

[@eddiemontgomery4921]

AZ is one if my faves. Definitely in my top 10 or 12. Fitting Rakim narrates this. Real lyricists recognize real lyricists!

[@munneypte4511]

Yo that record executive was mad excited about AZ that's rare to see. Respect💯

[@renz1583]

One of the greatest and my personal favorites It not just the ill skills, it's his cool personality emanating through the music. I bet he never thought Rakim would be narrating his story. Dope

[@iprofessionalamateur]

Never had any A.Z albums but this documentary showed me that there is still one more I need to go back and listen to. That verse on illmatic was sick, did not realize it was this brotha. Peace and Respect to HipHop and all it's people.

[@yarchism]

Do Or Die is arguably on the same level as illmatic

[@TheArmedassailant]

@@yarchism you know what you're talking about 👏

[@thinkbetter49ers]

Are you serious

[@j2tharomeone5]

That "Ho Happy Jackie" sample was masterfully flipped!

[@slowburnraloh2763]

The shit is beautiful

[@columbusohio72]

🎵🎵jackie, jackie🎵🎵

[@toriano433]

Facts

[@mrtruthhurts2307]

Buck wild

[@TTSantiago821]

Blessed to have been born in the 80s and raised in the 90s. I was able to witness these greats and what this sound did as young as I was. This was a great documentary, from the story, the people who spoke in this as well as the narrator, RAKIM, I mean c'mon. GReatness! And Foxxy still look damn good!!!!!! Yes!

[@janayaedwards6211]

You and me both lol

[@WilMars-rr1ny]

And now you into mumble rap.😅😅😅😅😅😅😅!!!!!

[@BTrapr40]

I see you every where 🙌🏾

[@spaarbeleg]

Just wonder When youre old How lit the partys are going be

[@butterflylovenj7300]

💯🎯

[@theexuberantmortalbeast6213]

A child riding a train to school in east New York at 9 years old. This will pour wisdom into a young mind, out there experiencing it all so young.

[@littles3715]

FINALLY MY BOY GETTN DA SHINE HE DESERVE!!! MY G A LEGEND!!!

[@tagone05]

AZ is a legend and I’m happy this came out.

[@chizzythadonchizzy]

Africa loves AZ. A legend!

[@MusicalMoonMan2]

I just saw AZ perform tonight (3/25/23) in New Jersey with Vinny and Kay-Gee from Naughty/Sluggaz at the Welmont Theater. AZ was great. Just as good if not better than 1996. I'm a little sad "Rather Unique" was left off of the set as it is one of my favorite songs of all time. There were a bunch of artists at the show and I feel like AZ required the whole evening. No disrespect to the other performers but AZ is in a class of his own...period.

[@camm8642]

glad to see AZ getting that love so underappreciated but a phenomenal talent.

[@SolidRocEntertainmentSRE]

AZ is the truth, when he spits his rhyme I always see myself in a recliner chair sitting above the Brooklyn bridge in the sky sipping on duce and just maxin while the clouds brush over my dome piece. Word

[@Monique__91]

Foxy’s still beautiful

[@BreuckelensFinest]

And so are you monique__91

[@leroymagagenova5903]

that's just cause her face is plastered in make up,still respect foxy though, wish she would've been able to make atlease 2 more albums

[@Icountdeadpeople]

You're flyer

[@dumisanitsotetsi2272]

What happened to black don't crack... unless it do crack.

[@Msboochie2]

Leroy Genova Nah she had naturally flawless skin. She’s even prettier in person.

[@sosaruhinda2615]

That verse from life's a bitch was probably one of the best ever in hip hop history

[@anthemklothing]

Growing up a punk rocker I still listen to hip hop and besides wu, Az was my all time favorite. I remember catching the city bus with a portable CD player listening to this album. The format and fanmail we're my favorite songs

[@nevilleeasley5738]

AZ was a pioneer in this era RATHER UNIQUE..

[@gioarmanimunoz4584]

Nas, Pac And Az the Greatest of all time in my eyes they paved the way for me

[@Tribeofjudah89]

Them some great rapper to start you off and rap game

[@Icountdeadpeople]

Word!!!

[@AfricNetwork_]

AZ one of the best to ever do it! Grew up on AZ. Painted the New York city picture so clear, felt like I lived there. AZ and Nas mash up like you wid the flyest cats to ever do it.

[@chizzythadonchizzy]

one of the greatest ever . Legendary Az

[@jasmineburrell8859]

He has one of the most amazing voices in hip hop

[@jay-rock6627]

Rakim & AZ are my favorite rappers.

[@jay-rock6627]

Rico Risken I got to hear Brownsvilleka I never even heard of him.

[@howardellis3168]

Jay-Rock To and that's a meaaaaannnnn! Two piece! No question about it 😉

[@jay-rock6627]

Howard Ellis Facts 💯✊🏿

[@Tribeofjudah89]

To me they go hand-in-hand and I don't like comparing rappers and saying who's better but to me az out rhyme Nas on every track you could and he had two potential to be better than Nas too they styles are just similar for both rappers of dope

[@jay-rock6627]

@trackstar 2528 I definitely agree with you on that 👌🏿💯

[@marcusdy1974]

Do your homework kidz, timeless album and artist here kidz

[@benjaminlovett7974]

AZ is a Living Legend. Put AZ in Any cypher anyday & watch AZ Shine like the Sun. The industry needs to pay a tribute to AZ & give him everything he deserves & more as a Artist.

[@meppssr768]

Bruh.... I just stumbled across this and I went to get my popcorn... My Favorite Brooklyn rapper's story, narrated by my favorite rapper ever... Let's go...

[@ladyvirgo3319]

It's been 20 years?!? Man time flies

[@badnewzscubasteve]

Lady Virgo 22 years now.. This documentary old

[@iamthatiameternal7006]

Lady Virgo time slips by fast

[@jesussosa4315]

AZ swag on a 1000🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@Bigne-ne2ks]

24/7

[@touch182]

'He wanted Pete Rock and Premier, let's make him happy' is hilarious.

[@thatoneultimate2320]

AZ Poetic, lyrics, always dropped knowledge, wisdom and understanding one of the real G.O.A.T s of the Golden ERA

[@TheSub-SaharanAmericanLegend]

Tragedy Kadafi/Intelligent Hoodlum was first to do so

[@thec0r379]

"Just give me; Just give me. Gimme till you can't give back. Just give me. Why don't you give me the world? Give me till you can't give back." Favorite AZ track hands down but this entire record was a certified classic. Az is that dude!!

[@silversurfer4749]

th3c0r3 FGO ..that's my shit💯

[@duececlava9818]

Gimme yours ❤

[@56original]

Shout out to AZ: HipHop Royalty 👑.

[@gstudios36]

Having Rakim narrate your documentary is legendary as it gets

[@thatsyrianguy487]

His mom should be (probably is) so damn proud of AZ. Gave birth to one of the gods of the rap game.

[@williamharmon6854]

"I want a VILLA in the Costa Rica's, so I can smoke my reefa and enjoy how life suppose to treat ya".

[@nhoodjazz]

william harmon sick

[@1stnaruto]

the internal rhyming on that is crazy. smooth af

[@southcarolina4983]

william harmon Alright

[@TheRealPositiveKing]

william harmon Just Sick

[@TrueKing]

LEGENDARY SHIT!!!!

[@SolidRocEntertainmentSRE]

I know A is feeling blessed right now to have the God M.C. RA spit the narration

[@fonz1020]

Most underrated MC of all time

[@bobbyjones1671]

The world didn’t respect his flow and style! I put AZ in my top 5 flow every time! The most underrated lyricist ever!

[@Toni-id2pv]

Top ten

[@bbryant9455]

Mad respect for that top 5 rank 💯

[@shabazz7776]

Most underrated emcee of all time... Flawless catalogue Salute!!

[@neanam]

Shabazz 7:77 him and playa fly

[@columbusohio72]

Redman and black thought too

[@TrueKing]

I feel so blessed to grow up back then. So many great memories and beautiful music. Salute AZ! Respect!

[@BlackManTravels]

I used to play his CD all day and everyday driving to school. Awesome memories

[@rollinguptoswaysview3415]

I've been listening to Peices of a Man lately. Definitely one of my favorite albums of all time. That Nature album Season's Change is still fire too.

[@Juuleeinn]

These are legends.. These young kids don't respect them at all

[@neanam]

Juuleeinn better watch out for these young kids...if you try and correct them they will haul off and cluck u upside the head.

[@Juuleeinn]

Twistr lol I'm young myself an Christian but anyone touch me they getn the wrk

[@neanam]

Juuleeinn 😂😂

[@ricosalvaje8131]

Juuleeinn the kids dont understand the importance of these artist. They dont appreciate what the old school did for them.

[@ricosalvaje8131]

Twistr there a bunch of fruity cross dressing weirdos.

[@Kush333]

My man AZ one of my favorite rappers. Pretty boy swag with that hardcore street rep. Rather Unique.

[@RUCROCK1]

Man where has the time gone🙏🏾😌, blessings BET for doing this, thxs AZ for being a fiber of my life🙏🏾😌. Be Safe;-).

[@isaiahwhite2608]

AZ will always be my family ,I was born in the 70s and I most definitely appreciate A's contrabution to the hip hop era. Made my bus rides to school too fast. ☮️ A

[@danielaudacious]

Most underrated artist of all time.

[@neanam]

Scratching Beyond The Surface playa fly

[@marcceaserlino739]

AZ. THE MOST SLEPT ON BROOKLYN'S FINEST 🌟✌🔥💯❤

[@gslimm40]

Word up yo that's a FACT!

[@bullshitkiller8375]

Marc Ceaserlino agreed

[@Tribeofjudah89]

No doubt that a facts

[@marcceaserlino739]

trackstar 2528 Myyyy Niiiiiiga💯💯💯

[@thasski8802]

Marc Ceaserlino facts

[@chriscarter8228]

His new album do or die 2 is 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 a classic 💯💪 Love From Baltimore, Maryland 💯💯💯

[@travisrogers1465]

AZ was so damn underrated!! I still bump his 💿 to this day!! His wordplay, delivery, and presence behind the 🎙 was phenomenal!! He is in my top 10 of best MC’s ever. Glad to see AZ’s name still rings out in these streets. Much respect to the “Don” AZ!!

[@MrJduke40]

Wow what jewel. So I was in elementary school when this album came out. It was my uncles friends in high school that introduced me to the album. They saw me walking home from school scooped me up threw me and my homie in the back and had the album blasting. I remember thinking that what I was listening to was hard as hell. I got the album some how years later in high school and I still could not grasp what I was listening to. I could only listen to sugar hill for real. I listened to the album again in college and gave it to a bunch of my homies and it was then that I realized that it was a complete classic. The reception of the album from my peers was overwhelming. This can truly be called a classic because has stood the test of time.

[@fairplayterrific147]

MrJduke40 Word, Man that is some Journey you had with this Gem from Childhood to Adulthood the Appreciation is valued heavily....Much Props from Florida.....

[@goldenstateofmind4153]

Damn, that's damn near exactly my experience with the album.

[@leroymagagenova5903]

MrJduke40 that what happen to me with a couple differences,the song I listened to over and over was rather unique then popped it in again when I started playing the street and got my own car and realised how solid it was

[@p4rt_t1me_g0d]

AZ challenged what a hardcore artist could be, intelligent, yet hood! Ho Happy Jackie in particular surprised me because it's almost curse free, no gratuitous uses of profanity! AZ is definitely top 5! Add the fact that he's half black half latino, there aren't many, I identified with him from the rip!

[@duronbryant9463]

JuanJose247 word but he was mafiaoso rap

[@p4rt_t1me_g0d]

duron bryant Yeah, unfortunately! I believe this ruined the genre and brought it to where we are today. But, the straight street material and the timeless Life's A Bitch verse are the best of show! What made his Life's A Bitch verse so iconic wasn't just his delivery, it was how true those lyrics where and will forever be! The mafioso raps where just to sell a few records and make a few dollars, like cutting your product to get more money from lesser quality product. I'll be the first to admit, it grew out of control and diluted the integrity of the genre.

[@vainglorious101]

He’s just black ..Latino is a culture black is a. Race ...he’s black

[@p4rt_t1me_g0d]

vainglorious101 This is commonly known, but for lack of a better identifier... It's a constant point of contention in the Latin community.

[@WilMars-rr1ny]

There were plenty of mc's who were intelligent and hood. That's a ridiculous comment.

[@agentblaze421]

I remember after hearing AZ on Life's A Bitch back in '94 I got Doe or Die and rocked that tape until it popped. AZ is still just as great now as he was back in '94.

[@793rd]

Classic material along with PIECES OF A MAN 3 yrs later which was my SHIT! Another 20 yr anniversary! 11 to the 7! He OWNS his masters, Bless!

[@humbleguy2010]

"THE GOD" DOING COMMENTARY ON ANOTHER GOD". 💯

[@samrothstein6278]

Damn Az fans still waiting on doe or die 2.

[@stethompson1403]

Lincoln hawk still

[@Blackhawk211]

it will come on the same day as detox

[@manganiphiri4331]

We really need, "do or die II."

[@R8teen18]

We got our wish finally 😂

[@The-P-iz-Free]

@@R8teen18 and that album is fire

[@josephbovain2536]

I love AZ, he's the most Underrated RAPPER EVER in my book!

[@gordochulo78]

Man AZ was way ahead of his time....he was spitting lyrics like a mobster....this dude was raw....his punchlines and delivery made him a rapper not to sleep on.....one of the most underrated rappers......

[@itzKingIzzo2U]

This is Dope... Big Ups to the God AZ!!!! Brooklyn's Finest

[@georgedennis9319]

We, The Real Hip Hop Delegates would like to Thank...AZ.

[@kainsantana6485]

George Dennis 😂😂😂black delegates

[@koolsanthony623]

"Tha real gangstas, tha fake gangstas, tha baby gangstas" - AZ 😂😂😂😂😂

[@natedogg5708]

Legendary artist, his new album is proof of that! 26 years later