9 Lives [PA]

Performer: AZ
Artist: Joe; Amil; Beanie Sigel; Foxy Brown
Producer: D-Maq; Darren Lighty; D; Quran Goodman; Miller Time; Ty Fyffe; Tyrone Fyffe
Distributor: Fontana Distribution

Notes: Personnel includes: AZ, Foxy Brown, Amil, Beanie Sigel (rap vocals); JOE (vocals); Bill Pettaway (guitar); Lorenzo Pryor (keyboards); E-Bass (bass); Quran Goodman, Chop D.I.E.S.E.L., Miller Time, D/R Period, Bink Dog (programming); B. Wilson, T. Hardin (background vocals). Producers includes: Big Shy, Quran Goodman, Eddie F, Darren Lighty, Bink Dog. Engineers include: Chop D.I.E.S.E.L., Giz, Greg Mull. Personnel: Bill Pettaway (guitar); Lorenzo Pryer, Lorenzo G. Pryor (keyboards); D-Maq, D, Quran Goodman, Miller Time (programming); B.J. Wilson, Tim Hardin (background vocals). Audio Mixers: D-Maq; D; Kealoha Perry; Edward "DJ Eddie F" Ferrell; Miller Time; Keston Wright; Duro; Mike T. Recording information: D; Periods Spot; Play Ground Mini Mansion; Power Plant; Right Trax; Sweet Mountain; West Lake Studios, LA, CA. Brooklyn rapper Az first came into the spotlight through a guest appearance on a Nas album, but since then, he's fully established himself as a formidable hip-hop artist in his own right. Like Nas, Az manages to maintain a high degree of street cred without resorting to thug imagery. To the contrary, Az's rhymes are fairly literate and relatively high-concept. Mind you, this isn't exactly, P.M. Dawn--Az doesn't shy away from the grittier aspects of street life--but there's enough brainpower at work here to raise 9 LIVES up above most of its competition. This is exemplified by the fact that Az seems genuinely interested in the lives of those around him, instead of just spilling out his own ego-driven emotions. On "What Cha Day About" he's downright solicitous of others in respect to their experiences. On "Love Me," Az states "what's most important is knowledge," which is a good starting place for anyone aiming to raise the consciousness of his peers.

Vibe (6/01, p.134) - 3.5 discs out of 5 - "...He's a badder muthaf***er than ever....a strong shot at crossover appeal without losing his raw edge..."

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