AZ | BagFuel

AZ sits down with the guys as he shares the moment when he spit rhymes for Nas over the phone, his take on the music industry today, his experiences working with Biggie Smalls, and more!
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⏰ Timecodes ⏰
0:00 - Intro
1:10 - Hates Of The Business
5:50 - Working With Nas & Cormega today
14:34 - Having to become a personality
17:20 - Working with BIG
20:46 - Hearing Ether for the first time
21:29 - Gambling
23:05 - Doing a Whole Album with One Producer
25:14 - Marketing the new projects today
32:49 - Learning how to hustle early
34:30 - Getting into the music business
40:34 - Money Commandment
43:12 - Thoughts On Drill Music
47:21 - Keeping The Firm Together
49:27 - Change in the Business
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[@VisionItTv]

This guy is too smooth. Himself to the core. He talks without pretence or exaggerated stereotypical body movements. Doesn't use the N word or refer to himself as a street N or Real N word. Unapologetically himself. Very well grounded Being. Cormega is also the same. Respect due. Kids and adults need to look at this man as an example of how to conduct one's self in public and in private

[@3xdope418]

Nuff said. God cipher divine...

[@sq1ne]

Well said!

[@carismoon332]

Peace& Blessings very well said. Respect.

[@willieboyland3180]

​@@3xdope418True Indeed

[@kaykizzlehollywoodjr9929]

Right AZ a man's man real solid brother been a fan since his first album in 95 💯

[@MrPyrex609]

AZ is the definition of Class, Skill & Integrity.

[@kevinjosiejr.3444]

It's a shame that it has to be "a surprise" that an artist is EXACTLY who they depict themselves to be, on record. When I met him, his demeanor, his convo...even the drip...EVERYTHING made sense. Homie the EPITOME of "authenticity"

[@khaleelwomack9642]

Facts a true legend

[@Qroccity]

yes

[@queenearth7808]

They want AZ to let people be all in his business. He aint with all that. I'm with him. Some people just want to live a normal way of life without all the "attraction". Peace!

[@michaeljohnson1271]

Well said 😤

[@jinsaotome3607]

it's a breath of fresh air to see that. these interviews have me dying laughing. dude is straight up. that man said i don't have time for all that silly ass shit. as far as the wishful thinking stuff it's black and white with him. az is keeping it thorough for sure.

[@jman1562001]

Yeah rap game pushing that PERSONALITY angle because that's where the paper is at. It's another hustle. Hell some personalities have bigger fanfare because they say controversial things and stay in your face. Then wonder why the music sucks and comes second.

[@jinsaotome3607]

@@jman1562001 exactly 💯!

[@princesterling7464]

PEACE 🤫💰

[@hakimislam6218]

I don't think AZ ever got his just deserve, because the industry was too busy comparing him to Nas. His skills are divine, he is one of the most underrated lyricists of all time!

[@DMoney505]

Facts!!

[@tbtnr9851]

I would honestly go out there and say is is the No.1 most underrated, hell, i think he’s on par with Nas

[@user-ki1vd3ti8j]

I see why Nas and AZ worked together. They are both very intelligent.

[@handsome2491]

Hip hop history is missing one thing... A Nas & AZ album called "The Essence".... Nuff said 🎤🎤🔥🔥

[@williamchester3646]

Something similar to wu tang Once Upon a Time in Shaolin. But gets released somehow

[@CharlesMogul]

I totally agree 🎉🎉🎉

[@carismoon332]

Song: AZ- Gimmie Yours Album: Doe or Die

[@dharristhadon1608]

Gimme yours a favorite a classic 🔥

[@umarakhter2196]

AZ. Mr underrated. Polished rap flow, elite bars.

[@sassyone82]

“Rather Unique” has a special place in my heart…still on repeat to this day!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@chrismoneystl]

Might be my favorite AZ song.

[@t-berry9524]

I love that song!

[@kenbeex90]

Definitely my favorite AZ record too! 🙏🏾

[@busymike]

This interview was fire. A lot less awkward than the other one.

[@ramanickerson]

Right!!!!

[@TheBioBabe]

Agreed!!

[@sassyone82]

EXACTLY!!!! It was less awkward b/c he wasn’t being asked a bunch of gossipy type questions. These questions were geared more towards his craft and it was more relaxed. He seemed annoyed at times on The Expert Opinion b/c they kept asking about messy stuff that don’t matter. He don’t move that way and said so multiple times.

[@Blac_Ronin]

@@sassyone82very true.

[@onpoint357]

Hoffa turned into vlad 🤣🤣

[@OfficialRocLauren]

Crazy how bagfuel got the better interview in the same time frame says alot salute !

[@dreamzkreationz8825]

Crazy how they doing all the interviews that bagfuel doing

[@BabyKobeeee]

AZ needs to go on more press runs like this if he wants to grow his audience. I’m sure a lot of people didn’t even know he still made music.

[@MasterChee7]

both good points...he needs more press he has alot if bangers from his last albums that he dont even perform cuz i dont think he believes in his last 6 albums like dat but he got alot of bangerz

[@BabyKobeeee]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@alenmaia6514stop it that has nothing to do with it, currently y’all don’t support AZ enough for him to even think doing a Nas collab is worth it. Obviously something needs to change.

[@BabyKobeeee]

⁠​⁠@@alenmaia6514tell me what I said that was childish and emotional, oh wait I don’t care lol. You clearly didn’t watch the interview. Y’all “real hip hop heads” do not support AZ enough for him to think collab shit is worth it right now he literally said that in this interview and the MEO one, y’all say all that support shit and then don’t support financially, it’s business to him (which again he literally said). WHICH IS WHY HE’S NOT DOING IT. Are you playing dumb on purpose?

[@FoodoSan]

Exactly, you only gotta seek attention for money if that is the only way that you know how to get money. That's why many of these celebs be looking worn out, they only know how to seek attention@@alenmaia6514

[@mrbuggz5213]

@@BabyKobeeeeI buy all his albums

[@Lee215.]

I always hated the sound of my voice , but to hear A.Z say he didn't like the sound of his voice was crazy to me , A.Z has like the smoothest voice in Hip Hop

[@nicksharma8238]

I agree. Az has the most unique voice in music imo, besides Michael and Big (and maybe even Tyler). I think he has a complex in terms of how high it is. But that's what's dope about it; the boyish young vocie is what is so dope about it. He's literally got the most unique voice in the music industry, but doesn't know it

[@jojosaylor8996]

It's weird but I understand him because I feel the same way

[@SavoirBrooklyn]

This convo was dope. No chatty patty questions and they went his vibe.

[@kingallah7911]

Great lyrics AZ is underrated to the fullest. East NY stand up

[@DebraFennellRobinson]

AZ ain't nobody's puppet. He's his own man. He don't play there games. That's why he never got his props. Love yourself. Amen

[@SlimTrimSound]

I promise they don't make em like AZ anymore 😭😍 lawdddd since the "HEY AZ" Stickers IYKYK 🗽

[@edrepresentin]

Been down with AZ since day one bro 💯

[@jarodm1162]

AZ no disrespect you are bugging, the world want you NAS and MEGA

[@ericramos5149]

Your buggin!!!!!

[@dethomas4803]

We only want NaS & AZ to do a album together. We like mega but we only want NaS & AZ to do a duo album together.

[@lexthebest7689]

Facts

[@ikembaojore3877]

I'll take the whole firm, Foxy and Nature too

[@hoodpimp1519]

@@ikembaojore3877Nature and Foxy in 2023 nah , maybe one song

[@mosesweaks3598]

I love AZ my type of dude staying out the way still do what I do but out the way

[@thunderzproductions5474]

AZ is one of new yorks best

[@ubuent4842]

AZ a true legend! I miss the demeanor of rappers like him. Now everybody screaming at they phone beefing 😂

[@lexthebest7689]

Man i listened ro damn near everything AZ put out and always will

[@verinb9]

Ok so what's ur top 5 AZ songs?

[@lexthebest7689]

@@verinb9 wanna be there, mo money mo murder, what would u do,rather unique,final call

[@verinb9]

@@lexthebest7689 game ain't changed, how ya livin, I excel, omega, firm fiasco...( too many)

[@AnonymousUser568]

AZ in the AM

[@kratosazar9759]

AZ my guy.calm ,kool, smooth brother man.definitely one of the greatest lyricist in hip-hop hands down.

[@shortychill]

This guy has always been on point. Not just lyrics, but his swag is fly.

[@samuelskeeter4444]

Favorite Brooklyn MC. SALUTE 🫡

[@oliviawright3232]

Love AZ...."East New York eighty two, first Puma Navy Blue" ❤

[@olatunjimason]

AZ is one of the greatest lyricist. Long Island Baptise Houses, East New York, Brooklyn in the house

[@jermaineholmes3531]

Like that talk, ma..

[@juanjerez6370]

AZ is dope, Sosa is a lyrical assassin..

[@MACTASTICTV]

If AZ ain’t the coolest nigga in the 🌎 who is 🔥

[@BlackFaithProduction]

Lloyd Banks!

[@InForQuestioning2023]

AZ, “Last Days” is my favorite rap song ever! I used to keep it on repeat when I was in the car!

[@DMoney505]

One of those joints you gotta keep on repeat! Bout to go play that right now!! Classic!

[@InForQuestioning2023]

@@DMoney505 me too!

[@WhiteSauceher]

I thought I was the only one

[@ydjoseph20]

I’m from Louisiana and grew up on AZ!

[@Lodgeitude]

The legend himself!

[@willied.5885]

This was a dope interview. I overstand all points made but pure Hip Hop enthusiasts would appreciate more AZ content.. Salute!

[@fab084eva]

Bag fuel....you have out down yourself!! This is EPIC🎉 thank you! AZ is the TRUTH! so NY forever

[@daath5114]

We gotta let AZ be his own man. Not AZ from the firm or AZ who did songs with Nas.

[@dsg3053]

Thank you

[@sahibbrown7945]

AZ, the underrated, most highly anticipated.

[@melvinlong6634]

Not only slept on as one of the greatest emcees, but he is a pro at protecting his peace. He gambles with his money, but not his peace. AZ has a big time fear. That fear is "conflict" because he fears that he will push it to these cats on some real shit. He respects the dudes he run with to the point that he limits the bullshit he exposes them to because those are real lives being put a risk when bullshit jumps off. What fans don't see is that a lot of your favorite artists treat their "behind the scenes" crew as expendable. AZ sacrifices a lot to protect the REAL LIVES of him and his people.

[@KatoOnTheTrack1]

I have to give y’all props for getting AZ.

[@ad2swift]

24:55 RZA had a track on that "Pieces Of A Man" album too

[@mikeychainsaw9760]

Pieces of a man is a classic album! If AZ had the machine behind him like his peers he would of been a bigger artist because his pen is nothing to fuck with he’s Top 3 lyrically

[@hoodpimp1519]

He had a machine hes simply not Nas , not everyone supposed to be big

[@freshrich736]

One of my favorite Albums ever

[@SoulitaireRecordsOfficiel]

From this interview and the one he did with Math it seems like he doesnt believe people want to bump that golden age shit WE DO GAWD YOURE A LEGEND MAN CMON

[@DeeMaxum]

Right, I peeped that. I wish more elite emcees from our era understood that we still out here appreciating what they put out

[@goodmanfilife]

We beg for it.. Yet, we don't 'purchase' the music. We'll tape/download it from KZbin or a blogspot or somewhere. The NUMBERS/SALES tells the story. That's why so many of these guys are so reluctant to release new music. Again, this is a RESULTS ORIENTED BUSINESS. Labels usually release artists when albums don't sell.

[@leodevine7178]

@@goodmanfilifeexactly. Why would they spend the time and effort for beer money?

[@repshowhost]

Love to see AZ share his perspective. One of the best, love AZ's story & his work to own how it's told and access. He's given us more than enough. Thankful to know there's more to appreciate & that AZ stays inspired to create. For those that been there since Doe or Die, we blessed.

[@Rafael2212S0]

Brooklyns Finest Az/Sosa 🇩🇴

[@MainVue]

One of the GOATS

[@giovannicarter3076]

FACTS!!

[@ThrowEmBack]

Someone should ask him if they still have any unreleased Firm tracks or AZ/NAS tracks that never came out.

[@goodmanfilife]

More than likely Dre has those.

[@dwayneneckles]

Yall got the most I ever seen out of AZ, THANK YOU this was refreshing to see his honest self. We even seen AZ get serious at 28 minutes... I love this real take. Yall gotta keep working on AZ, he will get it. Yall are great for trying to put him on.

[@dilleon]

AZ on that Pisces shit lol, he like stay out my personal business 😂. I am just like this lol.

[@Bossdrizzy]

Esso is right, the fans def want a Nas & AZ project. Mega and Fox more or so on a tour

[@anthonygibsonii9459]

AZ isn't a corporate guy, he's a personal person.

[@bmorelo6551]

Will always be my personal favorite with Ghostface a close second, AZ personality / music always resinated with me

[@jessicabiles7428]

Yes!!

[@MegaMilli0n]

peace to bag fuel from Pittsburgh much love AZ. FIRM LAFAMILIA FOR LIFE !

[@shotzrangout]

Great to see the Visualiza back outside. Can't wait to hear the new project

[@TheBreadTalkInvestors]

When an OG speaks you can really tell his clothe. AZ is a REAL OG of the finest clothes... PRESTIGIOUS

[@inspirationalnomad]

Thank you for the full interview. Love & Respect 🙏 ✌️

[@darrellbiggeegalloway5274]

Fellas This Wus Y'all Best Interview From Great Questions Too Great Convos Y'all Are Now On Your Way !!! SALUTE !!!

[@alljerseysmatter.]

We want Nas & AZ double album. Nobody's wants Cormega on it unless it's another Firm album. Bag Fuel did a better job than Math Hoffa. Mecca messed that up

[@danbutler7685]

Word

[@thetuffament]

9 to 10 songs with a intro and a skit sounds possible but a double album from Nas and Az? I think your asking for a little too much. I get it (wishful thinking 🙏🏾)

[@kasheem1747]

@@thetuffamentWishful thinking is exactly what A is trying to tell everyone and probably everyone is not that cool with each other if business has to always play a part in what we do or not

[@d.j.sen-gee5900]

Nah u trippin Mega is official too

[@broadwaybiz211]

😂

[@thecunninlynguist]

the most underrated.

[@MsBunniLicioUs]

Great interview BAGFUEL💯YaaYYYyy!!! AZ is back!!! So talented and smooth💞💯💞

[@deepstate7264]

AZ far beyond all of this… fun and games👌🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💎

[@anthonythompson7900]

Every time you hear AZ it’s like listening to a dope ass smooth ass dude his rhymes just flow effortlessly just like Nas. I would love album with AZ & Nas it would be dope as hell!

[@peacelight9640]

a real type cat from the 90s era one of the true blue dudes left much respect...good to see true real dudes left with style and class and authenic...real shit

[@greatercleaners6760]

Super dope interview!!!

[@DaddyandMaddy]

Not everyone should b on camera but AZ I can watch all day speak in code .solid individual

[@Rizzlyricist]

I used to listen to AZ when I was 76. I am now 13, this will forever be a classic.

[@TheBulletzgottishow20]

This was dope interview with AZ this was a cool smooth conversation

[@God.Jr_TheTruthSerum]

*This was much better than the My Expert Opinion segment. Much more refreshing. No nosey a$$ corny questions and overly talking on the God.. Just letting him build.*

[@charlesjohnson536]

'DESTINY AND ME .. FINALLY MEET .. SO HOW CAN I BE WEAK .. I'M RATHER UNIQUE' ..

[@kaykizzlehollywoodjr9929]

One of my favorite joints 🔥🙏🏽

[@d.j.sen-gee5900]

I was listening to that the other night vibin

[@sneabfocus449]

SALute to Yall Great interview. Keep doing ur thing AZ.....

[@Apollo-jy1jw]

Dope interview! Brooklyn Stand up! AZ in My Top 5 dead or alive ! My favorite rapper!

[@aliaswizard604]

Got to give these dudes their credit. This was a smooth interview. Unlike my expert opinion.Maths interview is really cringe.

[@MrKnicks718]

Yeah esso got that relationship with him. Math don’t know him and that shit did look crazy lol this interview seems way more comfortable.

[@broadwaybiz211]

😂😂😂 i agree

[@NykwanaWombosi]

I'm actually impressed....t Esso and Hynaken talked straight for 5 minutes😂

[@shiningforce9033]

Dope interview

[@ericdavis2790]

Solid 💪🏾 from beginning to end. I just want to thank BagFuel for a outstanding interview with the Aziatic 1. Solid 💪🏾 AZ a true definition of OG entleman🙏🏾

[@thetraveler9]

Just subscribed. AZ is hip hop royalty.

[@s.i.n.survivalinnegativity]

25:52 Esso: What would it take to get u outside more? AZ: What do u want from me!? 😆😂🤣

[@2020isapparel]

Esso & AZ. You can’t loose. Salute to the Gods.

[@harrisona2925]

Great interview. Salute 🫡

[@mykeelisreal]

Need a Havoc + AZ ALBUM

[@NaJohnsonWPhilly]

AZ plz bro yes u still got fans baby and we want more 🔥🔥

[@GWOPMagazine]

AZ top tier. Great interview

[@joncorn716]

My jam by AZ is What They Deal

[@KlasicRock]

A the one! If he ain't know, he gotta know! The people definitely wanna hear from A 💪

[@papa_sincere6610]

Peace y’all, your expertise is showing that in the important. relevant questions.

[@jayone3848]

Been a fan of AZ

[@midwestdolo818]

Tapped in EARLY 💰 ⛽

[@ethereal-synchronicity-444]

😂🤣 I literally made the comment A 'No Gossip' Z on a part of his other interview! The man himself just said it in his opening bars! Peace to the God✊🏾

[@bigpaulthedon5513]

Never question a Legend , let them talk , and just listen

[@djmekahx9066]

Peace. Great interview.

[@jasonvoorhees7811]

Az & Nas sunmer mixtape 2024. That's pressure ...💯🫡

[@nykkilee5880]

❤ yesssss, great interview

[@bigpaulthedon5513]

AZ .......Legendary 💯

[@quinceybennett3038]

AZ on an ALC, Darringer or Selector Beat .... crazy.

[@kingallah7911]

Great interview

[@user-ke8fp4pt3f]

We need you back AZ your one of the best lyricist PERIOD and your swag is legendary

[@etmp3317]

The man said it lets get a petition going

[@latishalalatishunite]

AZ is my top 5 he is so underrated

[@AtlantaZoneBoy]

The Visualizer

[@tchrisbass5650]

AZ not seeing it....but he def can get a lane on KZbin.

[@MultiLex101]

I can see it yea, but AZ is cut from a diffrent cloth it would never happen.

[@JH-me1gc]

He come from the 80s where people moved behind the scenes but still made shit happen. I can relate because I’m very close in age to these kats by a few years.

[@drewstiakakis8630]

AZ sooooo great!!!!!!!!

[@cirmeramalone9791]

AZ HONOR TO SEE HIS PRESENCE ..FACTS !!!! ❤❤❤❤❤