INTERVIEW: AZ Talks New Album, Growth, His 'Underrated' Legacy, NAS + More

Summary

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The Breakfast Club: Interview with AZ – New Album, Growth, His 'Underrated' Legacy, NAS & More

Podcast: The Breakfast Club (The Black Effect Podcast Network & iHeartPodcasts)
Hosts: DJ Envy, Angela Yee, Charlamagne Tha God, Jess Hilarious, Lauren Larose
Guest: AZ
Date: May 11, 2026

Episode Overview

In this engaging and reflective episode, The Breakfast Club welcomes hip-hop legend AZ to discuss the release of his new album "Doe or Die 3," his three-decade journey in music, artistic growth, his relationship with Nas, and the enduring "underrated" reputation attached to his career. The conversation is packed with nostalgia, thoughtful advice for younger artists, candid industry insights, and powerful moments about legacy, peace, and introspection.

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Key Topics & Discussion Points

1. Celebrating 30 Years Since "Doe or Die"

[02:23–03:32]

• AZ marks the 30th anniversary of his classic debut "Doe or Die."
• Explains the thought process behind releasing "Doe or Die 3" now.
  • Quote: "When October was coming, it was 30 years and I felt like it was just time to do it again... decided to do the whole album once I did, like three songs." (AZ, 02:41)

2. Adapting to a Changing Hip-Hop Landscape

[03:24–05:29]

• Discusses staying true to his style and whether the new generation will relate.
• Talks about the shifting vibe in hip hop and appealing to both core fans and younger listeners.
  • Quote: "That's the key. I'm gonna keep doing what I do, and those from my era, and they're gonna understand it." (AZ, 04:40)
• Addresses whether he feels pressure to change his sound for contemporary tastes.
  • Quote: "I stayed in my lane, in my zone, so...nah, no pressure." (AZ, 05:29)

3. AZ’s “Underrated” Legacy and Industry Hurdles

[10:36–11:30]

• Discusses his reputation as "underrated" and how it has become part of his story.
  • Quote: "I think it's both [a compliment and frustrating] because I know what I do. But it's the business... that's my title. Everybody got a title. Yeah, I'm underrated. All right." (AZ, 10:42)
• Reflects on label issues and missed opportunities (turning down Def Jam).
  • Quote: "My first album, when EMI folded, I was gonna go to Def Jam, and I declined...one of my regrets." (AZ, 10:04)

4. Artistic Growth and Staying the Course

[06:36–07:43 | 13:49–14:14]

• Explains what’s changed between each "Doe or Die" album and his growth as an artist.
• Speaks to spiritual and conscious layers beneath street content in his music.
  • Quote: "To progress, you gotta evolve...me still being here 30 years, I think I evolved well." (AZ, 13:54)
• Touches on how writing and lyricism were different for 90s rappers compared to today's "viral" climate.
  • Quote: "I think that's where the pen game came from, just being at the top of your game." (AZ, 14:32)

5. The Relationship with Nas: Past, Present, and Future

[07:55–08:24 | 09:09–09:20 | 26:27–26:49]

• Open to a future collaborative album with Nas or a new project by The Firm.
  • Quote: "Yeah, I would love to do it now...Hopefully that happens." (AZ, 07:46)
• Recalls humble beginnings with Nas, and their mutual drive.
  • Quote: "We just wanted to put one album out...Then from there it's like, yo, I'm gonna go platinum now." (AZ, 09:20)
• Explains how their most recent partnership came about through a text from Nas.
  • Quote: "He sent me a text. He's like, it's either now or never...that was one of the cold wars. Now or never." (AZ, 26:32)

6. Collaborations and Artistic Integrity

[12:14–12:42]

• On why he hasn't appeared with more artists and being selective.
  • Quote: "I'm introvert...I'm trying to come out now in the mix, but been my life." (AZ, 12:34)
• Describes dynamic with Nas: "One shot deal with me and him, it's automatic." (AZ, 08:59)

7. Staying Resilient Through Industry Changes

[21:27–21:39 | 22:05–23:31]

• Talks about adapting through various hip hop eras without losing his essence.
  • Quote: "I just found my lane...I could coast like this another 10, 20 if I wanted to." (AZ, 21:39)
• Funny anecdote about anxiety with elevators due to being stuck multiple times; metaphor for resilience.
  • Quote: "Every time I get in the elevator, I get stuck...so if I could walk, I'm a walk." (AZ, 22:18)

8. The Value and Shifting Place for Lyricism

[24:28–26:08]

• Addresses whether lyricism has "lost cultural value" in today’s hip hop.
  • Quote: "I believe so...this the microwave era...the music is faster...lyricism need to always [last]. That's the foundation." (AZ, 24:33)
• Encourages independent artistry and leveraging modern platforms for growth.

9. Peace, Maturity, and Motivation

[29:50–30:36]

• Discusses valuing peace over fame as he matures.
  • Quote: "Peace is everything. Peace or stress will kill you faster than anything...that's the key to life." (AZ, 29:55)
  • Quote: "I've been here through all the...going on...but if I don't have to involve myself, I can see it. It's a good thing." (AZ, 30:13)

10. Celebrating Triumphs and Embracing Longevity

[31:03–31:24 | 31:26–31:40]

• On the feel-good records like "So High" and "We Made It" on the new album and what they represent.
  • Quote: "I felt just high off life that I'm like, once again, I'm still here...knowing so many people that passed." (AZ, 31:03)
  • Quote: "That's a fact. Was tears of joy." (AZ, 31:40)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Remaining Underrated:
  "Just 30 years later, I'm still underrated, so that's part of the legacy. But I take it. Everybody got a title."
  — AZ, [11:30]

• Reflecting on Regrets:
  "When EMI folded, I was gonna go to Def Jam, and I declined...one of my regrets."
  — AZ, [10:04]

• On Growth:
  "To progress, you gotta evolve. When you don't, that's a demise right there."
  — AZ, [13:54]

• On Lyricism’s “Microwave” Era:
  "I believe so...because right now they call this the microwave era...the music is faster and...a lot of artists just do one verse now in a hook, and that's the record."
  — AZ, [24:33]

• On Peace Over Fame:
  "Peace or stress will kill you faster than anything than a bullet. So peace, that's the key to life. It keeps you vibrant, keeps you young...Peace is a great thing. I love peace."
  — AZ, [29:55]

• On His Signature Style:
  "I stayed in my lane, in my zone, so...nah, no pressure."
  — AZ, [05:29]

• How Nas & AZ First Connected:
  "I had a homie that, you know, he was in Queens...yo, my man better than your man type of thing. And we got on the phone...and we was rapping."
  — AZ, [28:31]

• About Being Stuck in Elevators:
  "Every time I get in the elevator, I get stuck...I got stuck, I guess, like 14 for, like, four hours. So it kind of threw me a little bit."
  — AZ, [22:18–22:53]

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Key Timestamps

• [02:23] — AZ joins, reflecting on 30 years since his debut
• [03:36] — Deciding to release "Doe or Die 3"
• [04:40] — Appealing to younger listeners vs. core fans
• [06:36] — Evolution of the "Doe or Die" albums and AZ’s personal growth
• [07:46] — Possibility of a new Firm or AZ/Nas project
• [09:09] — Reflections on Nas' success and their relationship
• [10:04] — Regret not signing to Def Jam
• [10:36] — How “underrated” shaped his legacy
• [12:34] — Selectiveness with collaborations; introversion
• [13:54] — Personal, spiritual, and artistic evolution
• [14:32] — 90s lyricism vs. modern “viral” rap
• [22:18] — Elevator anxiety stories; metaphor for resilience
• [24:33] — Lyricism’s status in today’s hip hop
• [26:32] — How Nas and AZ’s recent partnership came about
• [29:50] — Why peace has become more important than fame
• [31:03] — Songs that represent triumph and longevity

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Episode Vibe & Tone

The episode conveys nostalgia, wisdom, and camaraderie—AZ's responses are honest but relaxed, showing humility, optimism, and steady pride in his career and craft. The conversation is peppered with both laughter (elevator story, lactose, playful jabs among hosts) and profound reflection (legacy, peace, artistic responsibility).

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For Listeners New and Old

This episode is essential for hip hop fans, especially those who have followed AZ’s journey or are interested in the struggles and triumphs behind the scenes of legendary careers. There’s inspiration, life lessons, and a celebration of longevity—infused with AZ’s trademark candor and smooth, understated swagger.

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Transcript

[Angela Yee]

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[AZ (Rapper)]

Hold up.

[DJ Envy]

Every day I wake up.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Wake your ass up.

[DJ Envy]

The Breakfast Club.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Morning, everybody. It's DJ Envy. Just hilarious. Charlemagne the guy. We are the Breakfast Club. Lauren Larose is here as well.

[DJ Envy]

Yes, indeed.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

We got a special guest in the building.

[Guest Interviewer/Host]

Absolutely.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

The Legend, ladies and gentlemen. Az.

[DJ Envy]

Welcome, brother. Appreciate it.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Thank you. Thank y'. All. How you feeling again? Feeling great. It's a good day for me.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I'm out today.

[DJ Envy]

Do or die.

[AZ (Rapper)]

3 3rd. 30 years.

[DJ Envy]

30 years. After the first one?

[Robert Smigel (Humor Me Podcast Host)]

Yeah, yeah.

[AZ (Rapper)]

That's crazy. I'm still here.

[DJ Envy]

How did you know now was the time to put out do or Die three?

[AZ (Rapper)]

I didn't know now was the time, but I knew that when October was coming, it was 30 years and I felt like it was just time to do it again. Because Doorda 2 came out, I guess 22. And I was work. I was working on the album prior, right. And then I said, you know what? It's time. I was just gonna do lyrics and do beat the same lyrics and beats over and decided to do the whole album once I did, like three songs.

[DJ Envy]

Album is very fresh, man, Very dope.

[AZ (Rapper)]

I don't talk too much.

[DJ Envy]

Album is very. I'm just letting you finish your thought. Album is very fresh. It's pristine. Like I'm listening to it and it feels like it's gleaming.

[AZ (Rapper)]

That's crazy.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Az always been like that though, when he rapping or freestyle, it feels sharp. Do you feel like. Like Charlamagne said, do you feel like it's a resurgence of. I don't wanna say old school artists, but artists that came out in our era and the fact that they're coming out and they're doing extremely well,

[AZ (Rapper)]

you know, I stay in my zone. I figured that the vibe and change the hip hop. So I'm. I'm like, is they going to embrace it or not? Right. That's how I feel. But it's a good thing that hip hop is hip hop and we got our core base. Our core fan base.

[DJ Envy]

Yeah. When you say they, who is they?

[AZ (Rapper)]

Because just. Just the fans, you know what I mean? The fans from my ever well, my ever rather well, however, you know what I mean? That. That's who we appealing to. But we got kids not as grown, you know what I mean? So it's like, right, Are they going to like this type of hip hop because, you know, the vibe changed.

[DJ Envy]

Yeah. Everything ain't for everybody. I was born in 1978, so for me, I need adult contemporary. H First song on the album is called no need for Lactose.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Right?

[DJ Envy]

That's my life. I can't do lactose. I was just telling my wife that last night. It makes me break out. It gives me the runs. Yeah, I can't do lactose. I haven't done it in years.

[AZ (Rapper)]

That's real. Same here.

[DJ Envy]

But that's what I want to hear. I want to hear that at my age, that's what I can ride to.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Yeah, well, what about our kids? Are they going to appreciate this? Where we going to make them. That's the key. I'm going to keep doing what I do, and those from my era, and they're gonna understand it.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

But do you listen to your kids when you, you know, your kids with you? Are they picking beats with you? Dad, I like this. I don't like that. Dad, don't wear them jeans. Wear them jeans. Like, are you listening to them or you just like, Nah, Yeah, I don't listen to them.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Yeah, you're right.

[Guest Interviewer/Host]

I was gonna ask you, were you nervous with all that being said, were you nervous to put it out because you didn't know how it would be received by younger generations, like, the kids?

[AZ (Rapper)]

I was a little. But then it's like, it is what it is. It's like art. They'll catch on later in my mind. Right. I'm gonna do what I have to do. So, yeah, it was just time, and it is what it is. Did you feel pressure? I'm not looking for numbers, so I'm cool. Right? Yeah.

[Guest Interviewer/Host]

Did you feel pressure to change the sound? I mean, I know you didn't change the sound, but were you leaning that way?

[AZ (Rapper)]

Nah. Let me try to change a little bit. I try to. Just. I stayed in my lane, in my zone, so. Nah, no pressure.

[Angela Yee]

What age is considered the kids? Cause we're 34. Like, are we.

[DJ Envy]

You're not a kid, Auntie. You're not a kid, Auntie.

[AZ (Rapper)]

She's trying to get a conversation.

[Angela Yee]

I'm at az. I'm talking to you, not. Okay, got you. When you're thinking about the kids, like, what age are you thinking about?

[AZ (Rapper)]

We thinking from, like, 15 to, like, probably 25. Right?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Okay.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Yeah, yeah.

[Guest Interviewer/Host]

Kids, for sure.

[AZ (Rapper)]

They're in a whole different zone.

[Angela Yee]

They are, but I do feel like there is a shift in, like, people wanting, like, substance and, like, real good, like, stuff. And I think that this album, like. Because you're reflecting a lot across this album, right? And they're learning the stories and things in real time, and it makes them go back and ask questions. To see someone like you come on and you sound so amazing. Everything sounds so fresh. It's like they don't want to sustain the way that you have. Like, I think that that's kind of what the conversation turns into.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Well, I hope that's the. That happens. That's the goal, right? The history lesson. That's the goal. Yeah.

[DJ Envy]

How has each version of Door Die evolved from. From previous version?

[AZ (Rapper)]

I mean, definitely just 30 years later. So for me, it was just being able to show improve My growth. Right. So that was my task within it. So 95 was the. Was the early AZ Doe or Die. And this Doorda 3 is the grown man AZ. Yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

But I feel like you could have the Me and Sheldon talking about the other day. The Al Bundy era, like meaning the back in the day highlights, right? Like you can do a firm album now. Right. You can do an album with Nas now. And I think it'll be received very well. Do you still think about those things?

[AZ (Rapper)]

Yeah, that's definitely a thought. It'd be a thought, right? Yeah. I'm in the middle of the road with that, so. I mean, as time go on, we'll see. Cause we just need more people from our ever to push the envelope. And I think that's happening because it's working.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

The albums are sounding great. They're selling. Artists are back on tour more than ever.

[AZ (Rapper)]

That's a fact.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

It seemed like artists are getting more money from out era more than ever. So it feels like this is the time where I think people will respect it like they did back then. Cause we miss that music.

[AZ (Rapper)]

That's a fact. That's a fact. That's the goal right there. We gonna see.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Would you wanna do it though?

[AZ (Rapper)]

What? The Firm album?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Of course.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Cause like it's art, right? And at the end of the day, it gonna last the test of time. You know, it's like artifacts. So yeah, I would love to do it now. And hopefully that happened. That sound good. The Firm, we waiting for Fox return. Want her to come back.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

That'd be dope.

[Angela Yee]

That's how we should do it.

[DJ Envy]

Would you? I would rather see you and Nas do something that too. So saying Esco album before a firm

[AZ (Rapper)]

album, that would be nice because we started first.

[DJ Envy]

You right?

[AZ (Rapper)]

Yeah. All that. Let's do it all. If it happened. I'm here though, you know, I mean, not that it's. It's a focus, but if it happened. Yeah, I'm always open for that.

[DJ Envy]

I'm happening though.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Is it?

[Angela Yee]

Yeah.

[AZ (Rapper)]

I don't know that. I mean, we have conversations, but it's so much. You know, that man doing so much so. I mean, the daughter's always there. Been there since the inception.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

So have y' all done records recently in the stash?

[AZ (Rapper)]

Yes.

[DJ Envy]

You got a joint on the new album.

[AZ (Rapper)]

I know that.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I mean, besides that.

[AZ (Rapper)]

He ain't trying to tell us nothing. Nah, I don't. I mean, if it happened, it happens.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Ain't he act like he's selling cracking, Right?

[AZ (Rapper)]

Right.

[DJ Envy]

Nah.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Have you heard that?

[Angela Yee]

How many songs did you have to choose from between with you and Nas on it? Before you chose, Surprise, like, was a plethora of songs that you had to choose from that y' all recorded.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Nah, me and him really just get in the studio, we'll narrow in on a beat, and that's it. That's it. One shot deal with me and him, it's automatic.

[DJ Envy]

I like how you big him up. You big up his business dealings on the new project, and, you know, you highlight that y' all both came from the bottom. Is it a surprise to see him in the position that he's in now?

[AZ (Rapper)]

Yeah, because I remember just having a conversation like we just wanted to put one album out. Then from there it's like, yo, I'm gonna go platinum now. At least I'm gonna go platinum one time. It's over. Then after that, like, we got, you know, by this mansion is over. And it just kept going. And to see him there is just. Is inspiration. It's motivation for me is like, absolutely. We talk about it, then we see it and keep going. And he just kept going. I didn't sit down, but I gotta take a breathing. He just kept going and going. So, yeah, it's a great thing.

[DJ Envy]

You never be like, yo, man, put me on some of them investments.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Yeah, we here now. It's time. It's time now. The time is now.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

What would you say your biggest mistake, if you had one, would be in the industry as far as being an emcee, being an artist.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Well, being an artist, I guess. My first album, when EMI folded, I was gonna go to Def Jam, and I declined. And it was popping at that time, you know, I think everybody was the dmx, everybody. And I was told, yo, they gonna fold. Don't go over there. And then, you know, I was hopping around, hopping around. So, yeah, one of my regrets.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Damn.

[DJ Envy]

You think things would have been different if you signed?

[AZ (Rapper)]

Definitely. Yeah. They had. They had hip hop in the chokehold. It's a fact. Yeah.

[DJ Envy]

When people call you underrated, is that a compliment or is it frustrating?

[AZ (Rapper)]

I think it's both. I think it's both because I know what I do. But it's the business, you know, 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. So I take it for now. Forever I'm here. That's my title. Everybody got a title. Yeah, I'm underrated. All right.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Do you think that Came from the label situation, and you're not having the right push of.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Right. By bouncing around. Yeah, I think I was on, like, six. Right.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Six different checks, though.

[DJ Envy]

But yeah.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Yeah, I take that too.

[DJ Envy]

Right.

[AZ (Rapper)]

So it's different mindsets, but, yeah, I never been dropped. That's good. Never been shelved. That's good.

[DJ Envy]

That's an interesting perspective, because you're one of those rappers that everybody's favorite rapper respects. But you said you feel like being underrated became part of your legacy.

[AZ (Rapper)]

That's a fact. I mean, just 30 years later, I'm still underrated, so that's part of the legacy. But I take it everybody got a title. I mean, yeah.

[Guest Interviewer/Host]

On the intro at the album, you speak about getting over hurdles that most people fell victim to. What were those hurdles for you?

[AZ (Rapper)]

Just life. Just life in general. That you have friends that take the wrong path in life, and I'm still here, so that's the hurdle.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

And I always wonder what. Az, you being so cool with so many artists.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Right?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Like, Az is the cool guy, Right? You see him everywhere. He gonna speak to you. He gonna. Are there any verses that were ever recorded with any artist that just never came out? You never released it because you're so cool. I see you in the studio with people. I see you out.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Why would I release it if I had had it?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I'm asking, you know, because sometimes you hear first, like, now I didn't get it cleared, or that person passed away or whatever it may be or anything like that.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Nah. I really don't deal with too many in the industry, though. I know everybody. Those I deal with, I dealt with. And we. We did the song.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

And why is that?

[Robert Smigel (Humor Me Podcast Host)]

Why.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Why. Why don't we hit AC with more artists?

[AZ (Rapper)]

That's just. I don't know. I mean, look at me. I'm. I'm introvert. You know what I mean? Yeah. I'm trying to come out now in the mix, but been my life.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

And how do you. You and Nas have a conversation? Because Nas is an introvert too. Like, it seems like y' all be with me, right?

[AZ (Rapper)]

So it's weird as hell. All right. That's my circumstances. It's weird. Yeah.

[DJ Envy]

Yo, you really like your character and belly. Like, I'm watching, like, any more you. I'm about to slide. That's what it feel like right now.

[AZ (Rapper)]

I'm about to blow. Dud is over.

[Guest Interviewer/Host]

Not too much talking through my work.

[AZ (Rapper)]

And that's it. It always been like that, though. Yeah.

[Angela Yee]

In the intro that just mentioned you. You have A line where you say, when your purpose is prophesied, your worth gets monopolized. I know you're talking to your younger self. Do you feel like you didn't monopolize the best at that time, even though you were getting some success and it changed your life?

[AZ (Rapper)]

It did, but it could have been more. You got. You got good people and bad people in all industry. In this industry, Those I was dealing with, I guess they was trying to figure out their position. We all got positions. So me being an artist and had those around me delegating, I guess they wasn't delegating. Right. My perception, you know, I mean, that's. That's my perception, you know, to me,

[DJ Envy]

man, your music often, like, it sounds very spiritually aware. Like, underneath all the street talk, a lot of 5% lessons.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Right?

[DJ Envy]

Right. 20. How much did you. How much did your world view evolve as you got older?

[AZ (Rapper)]

That's. That's. I think that's a natural course, right? To progress, you gotta evolve. I think everybody have to evolve. And then when you don't, that's a demise right there. But, I mean, me still being here 30 years, I think I evolved well, you know, from. From that. From just, you know, the upbringing from your parents and just. Just the streets itself. You learn a lot.

[DJ Envy]

Do you feel it in your pen?

[AZ (Rapper)]

Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. That's a fact. That's a fact. That's definitely a fact, you know?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yeah. I'm sorry.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Now just. I love hip hop, so wordplay is everything.

[DJ Envy]

That's a. Do you. That's a great segue. Do you think rappers from the 90s had to be better writers because they couldn't rely on viral moments or the social media?

[AZ (Rapper)]

Yeah, I think it was just the love of the hip hop then. It wasn't even about. I don't think everybody was going for platinum. We wasn't even thinking about that back then. Just being the best at what you do, you know what I mean? So I think that's where the Pink game came from, just being at the top of your game.

[DJ Envy]

But you and Nas, guys like, y', all, y' all write like filmmakers, you know what I'm saying? Y' all write like y' all writing scripts. Like, I could take. I could take so many of y' all records and probably create TV shows and movies behind.

[AZ (Rapper)]

That's crazy. Yeah, yeah. That's a gift, I guess. Yeah.

[Angela Yee]

The whole happy skit and then going into Still Jackie, it made me feel like I was watching a 90s, early 2000s movie.

[DJ Envy]

Right.

[Angela Yee]

With the way it came on, right, Jackie?

[AZ (Rapper)]

Oh, happy Jackie. We all know a lot of whole happy Jackies, right? That was just him. That was. That's the hood thing. You know, you got the stick up kids in the hood, you got the drug dealers.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

And then get ready for the next evolution of crime drama from the creator of the culturally defining series Power. Courtney A. Kemp joins forces with co creator and executive producer Tahnee Maroli to bring the story of Nemesis to life. This series pairs relentless action with deep emotional stakes as a brilliant criminal mastermind and an obsessed LAPD detective collide in a wild game of cat and mouse that challenges what it means to be a good man under impossible circumstances. Nemesis has everything you want in dark, high stakes crime drama. But don't get it twisted. It's not just about crime. It's an eight episode no skip thrill ride that digs into love, loss and what it means to ride for our partner. When everything's on the line, watch Nemesis May 14th only on Netflix.

[AZ (Rapper)]

And Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on

[Charlamagne Tha God]

car insurance with Liberty Mutual.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show. Hey, everyone, check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date?

[DJ Envy]

Oh, no.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual.

[Timbo (Sports Slice Host)]

Together. We're married.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Me to a human, him to a bird. Yeah, the bird looks out of your league. Anyways, get a [e-mail] or with your local agent.

[Timbo (Sports Slice Host)]

Last night, a blown call changed the game. This morning, the Internet lost its mind. Highlights are trending, opinions are flying, and nobody's telling you exactly what happened. That's where Sports Slice comes in. I'm Timbo. Every episode, we're cutting through the noise, breaking down the plays, the controversies and the stories behind the headlines. We go straight to the source. The athletes themselves, their locker room stories, their reactions. The stuff nobody gets to hear. The laughs, the drama, the triumphs, the moments that never make the highlight reel. From viral moments to historic games, from buzzer beaters to controversial calls, we break it down, give you context, and ask the questions everybody wants answered. Sports Slice brings you closer to the action with stories told by the people who live them. Listen to Sports slice on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more, follow Timbo Slice Life 12 and the TikTok Podcast Network on

[Robert Smigel (Humor Me Podcast Host)]

TikTok, another podcast from some SNL late night comedy guy not quite on Humor Me with Robert Smigel and Friends, me and hilarious guests from Jim Gaffigan to Bob Odenkirk to David Letterman help make you funnier this week. My guests, SNL's Mikey Day and head writer Streeter Seidel help an acapella band with their between songs banter. Who's the worst singer in the group?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

The worst?

[Robert Smigel (Humor Me Podcast Host)]

Yeah.

[State Farm Agent (Ad Voice)]

Me.

[Robert Smigel (Humor Me Podcast Host)]

Is there anything to the idea that because you're from Harvard, you only got in because your parents made a huge donation?

[Timbo (Sports Slice Host)]

The Yardbirds.

[DJ Envy]

Right?

[Timbo (Sports Slice Host)]

That's the name.

[Robert Smigel (Humor Me Podcast Host)]

The Harvard Yard.

[DJ Envy]

But they're open. If you have a name suggestion.

[AZ (Rapper)]

We're open.

[Robert Smigel (Humor Me Podcast Host)]

Since you guys are middle aged, one erection, listen to Humor Me with Robert Smigel and friends on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast. Podcast.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Humor me. I need some jokes to make me seem funny. You had the whole happy Jackies. A lot of people don't talk about. Well, they do the gold diggers. It's different formats. So mine's is like gold digger. Yeah.

[Angela Yee]

Well, you be seeing girls have conversations today like the don't take me to Applebee's or like whatever. Right. But that has always been a thing. Why do you feel like. Because I feel like back then it was like you knew that there were. There was Jackie's in every neighborhood and it was like, that's just what they do. But now they drag the girls like a caresha. When she says that, like, why do you think it's less accepted now than it was in your day?

[AZ (Rapper)]

No, I think, I think it's the same vibration, just that we see it more. And now everybody got a voice, you know what I mean? But that's the game. That was the nature of the game. I mean, still is. But you got people that talk about it because they're not equipped or wasn't equipped to play that game. It's a game.

[DJ Envy]

But guys, guys do like the whole happy Jack.

[AZ (Rapper)]

They love them. They love them. And you got it to give. It's a give and take take, man. Yeah.

[DJ Envy]

Do you think being compared to Nas early on helped your career or did it box you in a little bit?

[AZ (Rapper)]

I never even studied that. We was compared in what manner?

[DJ Envy]

Like just as far as artists, lyricists. You know,

[AZ (Rapper)]

to me, my career from where, where it took a shift was just through the labels, right through the conflicts of the labels. I didn't think that was an issue. Me being compared to. I kind of heard it, but never really heard it. That wasn't loud noise, but in my perception, I mean, he's a Nice. He's one of the nicest. So compare me to him. That's a great thing in my mind, now that I think about it, or the comparisons. But we did start out at the same time. So.

[DJ Envy]

Yeah, you know, I've heard people say to me, they'll be like, you know, the industry didn't really know what to do with az. And I'm like, well, that don't make much sense because there was other comparisons. Sophisticated street rap, Nas would be the comparison.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Right, right.

[DJ Envy]

You know what to do with NASA. Why wouldn't he know what to do?

[AZ (Rapper)]

But see, you know, like, like I said, Nas has Sony forever, right? When he, when he, when he signed, When I signed emi, that was, that was a year. And after that I went to Virgin. That was not even. That was probably a year, two. Then after that it was Motown. And then it was. So I was just jumping. So it was like.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You went to all labels that weren't

[AZ (Rapper)]

considered rap labels on top of that? Yes, yes. Like I said, the check was there. I got, I kind of got caught up with that. But it was, it was, you know, it was a money played in. But I'm still here, so I'm not mad.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

But if it would have worked, it would have paid off, right? Because you look at all those labels that you said they were trying to get into the rap business, right? So they looked at, okay, AZ is my introduction to the rap business. We gonna give him this money. But they just didn't have the team to make it happen.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Right, Exactly.

[Angela Yee]

So were you having to then like, kind of work as an independent artist still, even though you were within the label system?

[AZ (Rapper)]

I was trying to figure it out then knowing that they didn't really, at that time, know what to do with me. So I kept trying to figure it out and figure it out until I got what that was.04 and got with Koch and. And then you really got to work as an independent. And then even now with streaming, even, you know, going hard as an independent. So I guess all of that helped me to still be here, right? Still do what I do. Having more than 10 albums out. I'm not mad.

[DJ Envy]

You survived a lot of errors, man. You survived a lot of errors. Mixtape error, shiny suit era, ringtone rap back. How difficult is it? Has it been adapting without losing yourself?

[AZ (Rapper)]

Sometimes you just gotta sit back and just watch it, right? I had to watch the circus for a while. It'd be a little frustrating, but I keep going. I just kept going and kept going and kept going and, and, and I just found my lane. Like, I could coast like this another 10, 20 if I wanted to, because it's just a coast. I know what's going. I know my audience now. I know how to, you know, you know, pleased them as well. So, yeah, found my lane. It's a beautiful storm type of thing.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I was gonna ask, you know, last time you were here, I seen it on the paper. One of our producers said you said something at the end of the interview, Right. That we all miss, and I guess it was that you said that you were afraid of elevators and you take the steps everywhere you go. Is that true? Is there the truth to that?

[AZ (Rapper)]

Yeah, well, I'm not afraid of elevators because we just did the residency in. In Vegas. Of course you are getting elevators out there. I went somewhere else, I think, yesterday. Definitely had to get an elevator on the 45th floor. But if I could walk, I'm a walk. Every time I get in the elevator, I get stuck. Every time I get in, I get stuck. So I always ask people, how many times have y' all been stuck in the elevator? I don't know how many times?

[Guest Interviewer/Host]

I ain't never been stuck in the elevator.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Crazy. Is that never serious?

[DJ Envy]

Never been stuck in that type to get stuck in elevator.

[AZ (Rapper)]

More, you know, places, right? Yeah. I got stuck, I guess, like 14 for, like, four hours. So it kind of threw me a little bit. Damn. Yeah. Then I got stuck in one of them gated communities for, like, two hours. Then in one of these buildings, these office buildings, like, 45, 55. I'm like, you know what? It. I could walk. I'm gonna walk up. It kept me in shape, so everything has its blessings to it, right? So I'm in good shape at the age I am, so.

[DJ Envy]

Man, you walked up today.

[AZ (Rapper)]

I walked up, Yeah. I walked up last time, too.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I didn't know where the steps are in this building.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Right.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I didn't even know we had to

[AZ (Rapper)]

be on the sixth floor. So you know what I mean? But if I got to get him. So it's not a fear, it's just like, if I can avoid it. Cool. You know what I mean?

[DJ Envy]

You ever stop to think, what is God trying to show you in those moments?

[AZ (Rapper)]

Nah. Hey, what moment is that? You wanted those? Like, everything that happens, it's something to it.

[DJ Envy]

I'm in the la. I've been stuck in the elevator again. Like.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yeah, with elevators packed with people, are you by yourself or. Because it's a packed elevator. I get it.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Nah, all of it was just. Every time was with one person.

[DJ Envy]

Are you scared of Outkast elevators? Like, when you hear the song.

[AZ (Rapper)]

I'm not scared. I'm not scared of anything. But okay, okay. If I can. I think it's more of an anxiety thing. Yeah, yeah. It's my anxiety for that. Cause I could, like, I could be around the craziest shit in the world, you know, Somebody come here with a gun, stick everybody off, be like, man, listen every. The fuck up, get out. I don't care. But when it come to elevator, I'm like, there's no way for you to go. It's like Mr. T when he get on them airplanes I got you.

[DJ Envy]

It almost sounds unbelievable. Like, when you tell me how many times you've been stuck and elevated, I'm

[Guest Interviewer/Host]

like, yeah, for that many hours.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Yeah. So if I could walk, I'm walking.

[DJ Envy]

Do you think lyricism has lost cultural value in this era?

[AZ (Rapper)]

That's deep. I believe so. I believe so. I believe so. Because right now they call this the microwave era. And. And the music is faster and. And I think I was just told that a lot of artists just do one verse now in a hook, and that's the record. I'm like, wow. Because they already cut it down from three to two verses now, so it's like, wow. So, yeah, I believe that. But I think that needed. I need to come back. Because hip hop taught us so much. You know what I mean? It raised. I know it raised me, so I know it raised a lot of people in so many different errors. Just. I mean, not even. Just ever. Just departments, you know, I mean, just with women, with dressing, with. With. You had the educated rappers, you know, the gangsters. There's just so many different departments. So lyricism need to always. That's. That's the foundation.

[DJ Envy]

I think it's a lot of lyricists in hip hop now. I just think New Yorkers don't have a lot of people to look to that are new to be like, there's new lyricists from New York. So therefore, I think it's hard to see everybody else.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. It is a shortage. It's a shortage. It's a shortage. We need some younger, younger cast to start spinning, like. But it's a lot out there when you. When you're on that gram. You hear a lot of spitters a lot. I'll be like, wow. Some people that get busy. So I guess. I guess. I don't know. People still signing labels too. I guess the label's not looking for that. I don't know. Right. Because I'm independent, but independent is the way, I guess. I think more artists need to. I mean, with all the platforms we got. To promote yourself. A lot of. A lot of other artists need to be independent, to be honest.

[DJ Envy]

This album's on Masterpiece. All right?

[AZ (Rapper)]

It's. It's independent. It's quiet money, mass appeal. But, you know, I mean, that was a good look to join forces, right? And it's. It's like a business deal. 50 50. So, yeah, it's independent. Be independent now. It's independent. I'm independent. Masterpiece Independent, yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Whose idea was it to go to to do the deal with Nas or the partner up with Nas, I should say.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Well, I mean, of course, he see me doing what I was doing, and then he started what he was doing, and we was doing a Vegas residency. He sent me a text. He's like, it's either now or never. I was like, what that mean? And now never. I guess that was one of the cold, cold wars. Now never.

[DJ Envy]

So what if you'd have got that while you were stuck on the elevator?

[AZ (Rapper)]

I like, you set me all the way up. You got me. But nah. And then from there, we just talked and. And it made sense because, I mean, he's. He's in the light. He's doing what he's doing, and. And we all need help, you know, I'm saying I've been doing it so much by myself and. And. And. And swinging at the bat. All help is appreciated.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Absolutely.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Yeah.

[DJ Envy]

Do you remember y' all mindset when y'.

[AZ (Rapper)]

All.

[DJ Envy]

When, When. When you did Illmatic and of course you did. Life's a. Do you remember where both of y'.

[AZ (Rapper)]

All's. Yeah, yeah. Nobody gave a. Yeah, we didn't give a. It was a lot of weed, a lot of liquor, and just not giving a. And making one album. Say we did it because that was like equivalent to being a drug dealer back then, right? Like, oh, we make an album, put it out. We the man. Right? Just thinking about that. So we didn't care. So now to see our conversation now about just about business and life, it's totally different.

[DJ Envy]

Do you. After you pin that verse, one of the greatest verses in hip hop history. Did you know in that moment in your life was changing?

[AZ (Rapper)]

Hell, no. I didn't like it. I didn't like that verse at all. I don't like my. You understand he was already critically acclaimed, right? He was. I'm. I was there just as support in the studio. So me being able to get on that. That song and people to like. It was weird to me because I. I didn't like my voice. I don't like. So for it to happen was great.

[DJ Envy]

I mean, this is one of the greatest hip hop records ever.

[AZ (Rapper)]

That's crazy.

[DJ Envy]

The hook and one.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Yeah. Now, in hindsight, it sound good, but when you're doing it, you know what I mean?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You might have said this before, but I. I can't remember. How did you and Nas meet? Right? You from Brooklyn, he from Queens. How did y' all get together and link up during that time? Because it was. Everything was so split back then. You from Queens, you on this side. I'm from the side, yeah.

[DJ Envy]

Yeah.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Back then, it definitely was. But I had a homie that, you know, he was in Queens, and. And I guess it's always that, yo, my man, better than your man type of thing. And we got on the phone, and it was a couple of artists on the phone at the time, and we was rapping. Rapping.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

But y' all rapping on the phone to each other.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Word.

[DJ Envy]

Which word?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

What you do?

[AZ (Rapper)]

Oh, yeah, I'm a Brooklyn queen. Word. And then we rap. I like your style. And we. I. I think we talked for, like, periodically for like, a year on the phone, like, yo, what up? You good? Yeah, yeah. And then he got a deal, and that's when he invited me to the studio, I guess, halfway through Illmatic. And the last song was Life's a Bitch.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

How did that song come about?

[AZ (Rapper)]

Just in the studio, sitting there, and he doing what he doing. Once again, I'm just being supportive. And I was rapping to myself. He said, let me hear that. He heard it like, yo, yo, put that. Let me throw that on there. I'm like, man, get the out of here. And then I did it. And then people in the studio like, oh, that's it. That's it. I'm like, okay. All right. I thought he was playing, though, but, yeah, had to be like, 21 or something. Yeah.

[DJ Envy]

Wow.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

And what about the hook? How did the hook come about?

[AZ (Rapper)]

Well, I had the hook already. Yeah, yeah. I had the rap and the hook. Yeah.

[DJ Envy]

It's crazy. I was 21 at that time. Like, did you feel older mentally than your peers growing up back then?

[AZ (Rapper)]

You. You have to feel old. You're growing up in the hood. You know that, right? You feel older, you gotta be. You gotta move older. You gotta think older. Yeah.

[DJ Envy]

Do you think peace becomes more important than fame as you. As you get older?

[AZ (Rapper)]

Of course, man. Peace is everything. Pizza stress will kill you fast than anything than a bullet. So peace, that's the key to life. It keeps you vibrant, keeps you young, keeps you. It keeps your spirit at peace, is a great thing. I love peace. That's why I guess I move. I move with the pieces. Do it. Think about it. I've been here through all the. That been going on, I've been seeing. I'm not ducking nothing. I've been there. But if I don't have to involve myself, I can see it. It's. It's a good thing. And then I got. My nature is more or less to. To cease things. Like, oh, man, it ain't that. Yo, take it easy. That's. That's my nature. You know what I mean? So that's peace, I think, because peace is the absence of all confusion, right?

[DJ Envy]

So, yeah, it feels like that, though. It feel like you the type of person that could have been in the mix as much as you wanted.

[AZ (Rapper)]

That's a fact.

[DJ Envy]

She was like, nah, I'm gonna stay over here.

[AZ (Rapper)]

That's a fact. And. And. And thank God I did appreciate it. Yeah.

[Angela Yee]

Your song so high. Feels like you're kind of celebrating, like, this new level of peace and just like, kind of like I'm here and you finally feel like it. So that's. Is that like a new arrival for you of, like, not peace, but just feeling like I did this and I can actually sit in that.

[AZ (Rapper)]

I was trying to make. I'm trying to make Sugar Hill over, right? Or something that was equivalent. And, yeah, I felt just high of life that I'm like, once again, I'm still here. I know I'm shelling at a lot, but it feels good to still be around. Knowing so many people that passed and so many people that got jammed up so high was like, yes, I'm high of life. So that's. That's my. My Sugar Hill remake.

[DJ Envy]

The one that make me feel good is we made it, man.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, we made it. That was. Made you feel good.

[DJ Envy]

Yeah,

[AZ (Rapper)]

I was crying on that record.

[DJ Envy]

It still made me feel good. I mean, you're still, like. You're still the joy to me, like, that's a fact.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Right? Because, you know, when I started with Doe or Die, it was like, I'd rather be dead if I can't live how I wanted to live. But now that once you past all these roadblocks, you, like, now I want to live, because who gonna teach the babies or who gonna carry on, you know, the tradition? So, yeah, that was. That's a fact. Was tears of joy.

[DJ Envy]

But, you know, another thing I love. I love. I love watching the firm's performance on Showtime at the Apollo back in the day.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Oh, wow. Yeah.

[DJ Envy]

When it was. It was you Nature. No, it was you Mega, Nas and Fox.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. That was good.

[DJ Envy]

You remember that day?

[AZ (Rapper)]

Yeah, that was good. I mean, I remember when I see it, but it was a good day. That was the. You know, the Apollo is a Harlem staple, and just being there just for the culture. It is, but that was great. And I'm trying to think was that we did that before the Keenan, Ivy, Wayne. I was gonna say that's our first time really performing that, you know, on a broad, huge platform.

[DJ Envy]

Yeah. I was home in South Carolina watching that back.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Oh, he wasn't. He wasn't in the game at that time.

[DJ Envy]

Hell, no.

[AZ (Rapper)]

That's like.

[DJ Envy]

Yeah, that's the 90s.

[AZ (Rapper)]

That had to be 98. He was. It was. He was in the game, right?

[DJ Envy]

Yeah, that was 98. 97.

[AZ (Rapper)]

97. You're right, because that was on. That was on Nas album on. It was original. So it was 97 or 98 mixtapes back then.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I was in college.

[AZ (Rapper)]

97. 98. Still 97. 98. Yeah.

[DJ Envy]

I think 96. 97. You would know, though. You was there, but.

[AZ (Rapper)]

All right, we're going 97. We're going 97. Yeah,

[Angela Yee]

it says 96.

[DJ Envy]

Yeah. I thought it was 96.

[AZ (Rapper)]

No, the album came out 96. Yeah. What you looking at? You're looking at.

[Angela Yee]

I looked at when you guys performed at the Apollo. It says that you performed in 96.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Are you good?

[DJ Envy]

I don't think that was that.

[Sofia (OK Storytime Guest)]

The Firm album.

[DJ Envy]

No, that was.

[AZ (Rapper)]

It was written.

[DJ Envy]

Yeah, it was written.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

That's when I was in college.

[Guest Interviewer/Host]

I was four.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Wow.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Wow. Yeah, same. Wow.

[DJ Envy]

Was there any part of the music business that disillusioned you? And if so, which one did it the most?

[AZ (Rapper)]

You said dissolute. Oh, well. Oh.

[DJ Envy]

What part of the music industry were you disillusioned by, rather?

[AZ (Rapper)]

I was just lo. Damn. So I say this. I think I was. I mean, some shows I thought was always live, and I'm going to rap live, and then a lot of things to be recorded and Lips, you know, the Lip singing that. That. I was like, wow. Because I really, you know, watching just. I'm going back showing my age, watching Soul Train, all that. You think it was just live, like they was perform a lot of. Some of the. The shows. The Grammys. I don't know about Grammys. For sure. But to see that they play the record and then you they going rapping with it. Like I do that from the. I do that live. But yeah, that told me a little bit.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Definitely pick up the album if you're out and about.

[DJ Envy]

Az about to blow. Done.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I gotta go take.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Good. All right. I got it. Ladies and gentlemen, what you want to hear of down Uniqueness I like. Yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

All right, well that is the single. Let's get into it now. It's uniqueness is a. It's the Breakfast Club. Good morning.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Hold up.

[DJ Envy]

Every day I wake up.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Wake your ass up.

[DJ Envy]

The Breakfast Club.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Y' all finished or y' all done?

[Timbo (Sports Slice Host)]

Last night a blown call changed the game. This morning the Internet lost its mind and nobody's telling you exactly what happened. That's where Sports Slice comes in.

[AZ (Rapper)]

I'm Timbo.

[Timbo (Sports Slice Host)]

And every episode we're cutting through the noise, breaking down the biggest moments in sports and giving you the real story behind the headlines. And we're going straight to the source. The athletes themselves, their locker room stories, their reactions in the moment, and the stuff nobody gets to hear. Listen to Sports slice on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast. And for more, follow Timbo, Slice, Life 12 and the TikTok Podcast Network on TikTok.

[Robert Smigel (Humor Me Podcast Host)]

Another podcast from some SNL late night comedy guy not quite on Humor Me with Robert Smigel and friends. Me and hilarious guests from Bob Odenkirk to David Letterman help make you funnier. This week. My guests SNL's Mikey Day and head writer Streeter Seidel help an acapella band with their between songs banter.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Where does your group perform? We do some retirement homes.

[Robert Smigel (Humor Me Podcast Host)]

Those people are starving for banter. Listen to Humor Me with Robert Smigel and friends on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Sofia (OK Storytime Guest)]

My mother in law spent years sabotaging our relationship until karma made her pay for it.

[AZ (Rapper)]

Alright, Sofia, tell me about how we started this story.

[Sofia (OK Storytime Guest)]

She moved in for two weeks, lasted five days, left a mess and then pressed her ear against their bedroom door and burst in screaming. When kicked out to a hotel, she called her son in law's workplace pretending his partner had been rushed to the hospital by ambulance.

[AZ (Rapper)]

She faked a medical emergency and spoiler,

[Sofia (OK Storytime Guest)]

that was just the beginning. To find out how it ends, listen to the OK Storytime podcast on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Kid Games (Learn the Hard Way Host)]

Hey, what's good y'?

[Guest Interviewer/Host]

All?

[Kid Games (Learn the Hard Way Host)]

You're listening to learn the hard way with your favorite therapist and host kid games. This space is about black men's experiences having honest conversations that it's really not safe to have anywhere. But you're having them with a licensed professional who knows what he's doing. How many men carry a suit of armor? It signals to the world that you not to be played with. And just because you have the capability, that does not mean that you need to listen to learn the hard way on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast.

[Angela Yee]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.