Az PIECES OF A MAN

Personnel: AZ, The RZA, Nas, Kenny Greene, Nature, Monifa, Panama PI, Foxy Brown, Keanna Henson (background vocals)
Producers include: Trackmasters, Kenny Smoove, Goldfinga, LES, Gucci Jones.
Engineers include: Jim Janik, Ken "Duro" Ifill, Steve Souder, Kevin Crouse, Steve Eigner.
When you're blessed enough to have been the only guest rapper on what is arguably the best hip-hop album ever made (Nas' ILLMATIC), you should realize that high expectations come with it. Lyrically, AZ has always been on point. From his own solo career to his Firm collaboration, the Brooklyn-based MC remains one of the most respected. But you're only as good as your last album, and AZ was well aware that the followup to his debut would be a DOE OR DIE situation. Fortunately for AZ, PIECES OF A MAN picks up right where he left off, giving listeners a true feel for the artist's idiosyncratic lyrical and musical vision. Approaching veteran status, AZ's years of experience are easily manifested, and with true hard-core production in his corner, he is able to deliver the goods.

• Format: CD
• Genre: R&B