Let’s talk about underdogs for a second. Like the secondary candidates for a job position or the small college vying for respect in the NCAA tournament with just as much heart to compete with their rivals that dominate the popular vote. It’s always an uphill battle when the odds are against you and you’re always having to show n’ prove. For nearly a decade and a half, lyrical connoisseur Anthony Cruz a.k.a. AZ, has carried the tag of the overlooked MC without merit – even after touching platinum with the failed supergroup The Firm and his own debut album Doe Or Die. His dedication to his craft has allowed him to survive several transitions in the culture’s identity even without the glossy accolades of some of his peers. You could say his consistency has earned him respect opposed to the money and power.

Entering territory that most disposable rappers could only dream about, AZ’s back in the booth with his 7th LP Undeniable. While his usual heroics of verbal ninjitsu coupled with a cool, calm delivery are enough to satisfy his core audience, the album does little to raise his stock as a veteran who’s nowhere near the retirement age.

If there’s any speculation if AZ is packing any heat this time around, look no further than the jump-off “The Game Don’t Stop.” Over sprinklings of piano and a blissful composition, Sosa proceeds to detail the importance of perseverance with intelligible flair. Styles P. shows up to layer more concrete on “The Hardest” where both MCs verbally abuse Large Professor’s echoing treble bursts with fiery rhymes that’ll give the streets an anthem to proudly call their own. And the smooth-as-butter title track has all the makings of a feel good single with its breezy backdrop and easygoing chorus that allows AZ to spit rapidfire lyricism without disrupting the mood.

Unfortunately, choppy waters periodically disrupt the smooth sailing of Undeniable to cause standstills in momentum. It’s no secret that when the production doesn’t compliment the rapper’s lyrics, there’s an imbalance in power. AZ’s flow over Emile’s rigid guitar riffs and speckles of flute loops on “Now I Know” may have come about 10 years too late, and choosing to rhyme on “Dead End,” which incorporates a bizarre sped-up sample of “Let’s Do It Again,” wasn’t the best move for it also sounds seriously dated. Furthermore enlisting tepid R&B crooners for the hooks is never a good look either. Ray J exposes his vocal shortcomings, hitting zero high notes on “Go Getta” which borrows a little too much from Young Jeezy’s version and “What Would You Do” is immediately ruined from a lengthy, overdramatic performance from Jay Rush.

It’s without question that AZ has [and most likely] will always maintain his dopeness, but with his extensive focus on wordplay, joints like “Fire” and “Parking Lot Pimpin” go off on lyrical tangents, leaving song structure for the birds. If anything, Undeniable showcases a credible MC who can, and has done better. But as you know, the game don’t stop, and neither will AZ.

3cigs

Previously Posted — “Heavy In The Game” | AZ – A-Game & Untitled Hidden Track | AZ – “Undeniable” Video