TRUTH BE TOLD | AZ

ARTICLE BARSQUIAT

AZ's latest release is either perfect timing or Hip Hop turning 50 was the jolt the industry needed. Before getting into the review of "Truth Be Told", I gotta acknowledge how intriguing the person "AZ" is. He's the ultimate example of the phrase, "the fly on the wall." His emergence in ‘95-‘96, was amongst the Mt. Rushmore of Hip Hop. In ‘95-‘96, musically, Nas and B.I.G represented the neighborhood hustlers while Jay-Z represented the Kingpin’s perspective.

AZ's style embodies them all. If Stringer Bell from the "Wire" had a soundtrack, it would be AZ. Looking back at AZ's career, his biggest song, "Sugarhill" is a reflection of AZ's actual personality. Although he deserves it, AZ is not one for accolades. I accredit this to his laid back persona. AZ's mystic, sniper like movements throughout his career are expressed in this album on songs like, "One Of The Greatest." On this song, he answers a decade worth of questions for his core fans.

"Truth Be Told" is a healthy continuation to the song, "Sugarhill". Not the sound of "Sugarhill", but the energy of AZ speaking his truth. The song, "Amazing" is one of my favorites on this album. Rick Ross is great with capturing a vibe. However, we gotta give credit to AZ for being one of the first to master this formula. The song "Amazing" featuring Mumu Fresh is a sunroof banger.

This album does a good job of not forcing a "new" AZ onto new and old listeners, but doubling down on the authentic stamp he left on the industry. The song, "Go Time" is an example of that. AZ is not the type of artist that is going to succumb to public opinion, snipers don't flinch. This album is the testament... "Truth Be Told".