Review: AZ - Undeniable
Friday
Released: 1 April 2008
Label: Koch Records
Website: AZ's Myspace
Artist:
Well known throughout the underworld of hip hop, AZ, otherwise known as Anthony Cruz is an MC born in Brownsville, Brooklyn NY (sound familiar Masta Ace fans?). AZ gained fame through the legendary Nas album Illmatic in 94 and released a number of successful solo albums starting from 95. He is known for his 'large vocabulary' and advanced use of rhyming techniques. Undeniable is his 7th studio album.
Opinion:
What can I say about Undeniable? It's very very good, but it isn't great - there really aren't many of those flagship songs which blow your mind and draw me as the listener back to the album. AZ definitely has a great voice for a rapper and Undeniable really brings out the strength in his vocal acoustics.
The only real concern is the mild but noticeable hint of R&B heard through some tracks (see below) - which no doubt some listeners will enjoy, but personally, AZ is someone coming from a background with Nas and I really didn't expect it. A lot of controversy was written by listeners who seem to share my point of view - Undeniable has a commercial rap feel to it which really isn't floating my boat as such. Note that AZ isn't the easiest to understand compared to others - you do have to listen carefully to some tracks to understand the full lyrics.
Apart from those things, I am enjoying these beats. To be honest I think AZ is recording without a need for any improvement (minimal if any). His flow is great and the variety of track backing loops keep it interesting. It's a great album but I can't help to think it has 'pop music' potential these days on commercial radio stations - something I don't support.
P.S. AZ stop whispering in your choruses - it's not doing anything for anybody. If you're trying to sound like Chris Brown then you can go suck on a lemon. (At least sex isn't the only thing you rap about...)
Track Highlights:
What Would You Do (feat. Jay Rush)
Perfect choice of feature artist, the beat matches the vocals, the carpet matches the downstairs drapes. What?
The Game Don't Stop
A little repetitive but that's expected in a good intro
Life on the Line
Killer chilled out beat
Tracks that don't float my boat:
Parking Lot Pimpin'
The only reason I'm not a fan of this is that background chorus voice - the loud whisper just ain't doing it for me
Undeniable
Here's that R&B potential creeping up again. Sounds like: an underground version of baby bash? Bleughhh
Go Getta (feat. Ray J)
And again...
A. Game
Can I hear congo drums in the background? wtf man
Overall:
AZ presents an above-average album here. The slight R&B influences could present problems for previous fans
Very dynamic beat variety and great rap flow - in some cases this comes out both good and bad
Breezy Rating: 3 out of 5
If you liked AZ, you may also like:
Nas, Mobb Deep, Masta Ace
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