INTERVIEW: AZ Talks New Album, Growth, His 'Underrated' Legacy, NAS + More
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In this intimate episode of The Breakfast Club, host DJ Envy welcomes legendary Brooklyn rapper AZ for a deep dive into his long-awaited third installment of the Do or Die series, Go or Die 3, released 30 years after the original. AZ reflects on his enduring career, the challenges of navigating a shifting hip-hop landscape, and the persistent label of being 'underrated'—a title he now embraces as part of his legacy. He discusses his creative process, the spiritual and personal growth reflected in his new music, and his enduring connection with Nas, including their legendary collaboration on 'Surprise' and the possibility of a future Firm reunion. The conversation also touches on AZ’s personal quirks, including his anxiety around elevators and his preference for stairs, as well as his observations on the decline of lyrical depth in modern hip-hop. Throughout, AZ emphasizes authenticity, resilience, and the importance of peace over fame, positioning his artistry as both a personal journey and a cultural touchstone for a generation.
Embrace your lane: AZ’s success comes from staying true to his authentic voice, even when the industry shifts.
Legacy isn’t about fame—it’s about survival and consistency: Being underrated isn’t a failure, but a testament to longevity.
Peace is power: As AZ ages, he prioritizes inner peace over external validation, seeing it as essential to longevity.
The past is present: His new album reflects a matured perspective, blending personal history with spiritual awareness.
Collaboration still matters: Despite the era’s trends, AZ values deep creative partnerships, especially with Nas.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction & Guest Arrival
The Breakfast Club introduces its special guest, AZ, with excitement and fanfare, setting the tone for a deep, reflective conversation about legacy and artistry.
Go or Die 3: A 30-Year Legacy
“I was just going to do lyrics and do beat the same lyrics and beats over and decided to do the whole album once I did like three songs. The album is very fresh, man. Very dope.”
The 'Underrated' Legacy
“I think it's both. I think it's both because I know what I do, but it's the business. You know what I'm saying? The business is the business and... If you're not in the right situation, you can't sprout like you're supposed to.”
Nas, The Firm, and Future Collaborations
“It'd be a thought, right? Yeah, I'm in the middle of the road with that. So, I mean, as time goes on, we'll see. Because we just need more people from our era to push.”
Personal Growth & Spiritual Awareness
AZ discusses how his worldview has evolved over 30 years, citing life experiences, spiritual growth, and the importance of inner peace as central to his art.
“I believe so. I believe so. I believe so because right now they call us a microwave ever and music is faster. And I think I was just told that a lot of artists just do one verse now and a hook, and that's the record.”
“Peace is everything. Stress will kill you fast than anything, than a bullet. So peace, that's the key to life.”
“I was just going to do lyrics and do beat the same lyrics and beats over and decided to do the whole album once I did like three songs. The album is very fresh, man. Very dope.”
Hosts
Guest
AZ
person
Nas
person
Do or Die 3
media
The Breakfast Club
media
The Firm
other
DJ Envy
person
iHeartRadio
other
Illmatic
media
Rob Markman
person
Jess Hilarious
person
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