A lot of people throw out 5 star ratings, but that just means they like the album. For myself, I own about 200 hip-hop CDs and there are only about 15 that I would give 5 stars. So when I give 5 stars, that is a tremendous compliment. I think 9 Lives is that good. In fact, it is one of the best rap albums I have heard recently. Forget what you remember of AZ from "The Firm" (in fact, he apologizes for that in the intro). This album is tight from start to finish. With the possible exception of one weaker track, "AZ's Back", when AZ tries out the Twista-style speed-rap flow, I like every song. Overall, I rate it 5/5 for the beats, 5/5 for AZ's flow, and 3/5 for lyrical content.

AZ should be getting talked about as one of the hottest rappers in the game after dropping this release, but sadly, he will probably continue to be overshadowed by mediocre popular rappers. But if you read this review, buy "9 Lives". It is a very solid album.

AZ probably has one of the most listenable smoothest voices in the game. There is no flaw in his flow or voice and it is simply butter. He makes it seem effortless. His lyrics are well above average and on this album he shows glimpses of greatness. He has always spit best over more smooth and laid back beats.

This album has a sorta different feel than most Northern rap, in my opinion. The beats are mostly soulful type of riding gangsta beats. This is perfectly displayed on What Cha Day About, where the violin really makes this a song that makes you reminisce, and the lyrics are on point. A classic. While on AZ's Back, Timbaland creates a nice backdrop and is another one of his classic bangers. The chorus is memorable and catchy and is basically saying he is back to take over the game. The single Problemz is a classic AZ song and ranks right up there with Sugarhill. On point as usual.

There happen to be a couple of mishaps though, such as Everything is Everything feat. Joe. Plain Wack with no redeeming qualities. Including Amil on the album was a mistake in itself, but Amil does her usual ritual by messing up the song How Many Wanna, which is otherwise good. The beat on That's Real is just wack and AZ and Beanie do everything they can to save it but to no avail.

This is one of the best albums of the year and is well worth listening to if you slept on it earlier in the year. I recommend it.

i think this album is a hit. This is one of the most underated albums and hip hop artist in the game. Az had some tyte beats and lyrics on this album. i dont even skip a track when i hear it. this was an excellent effort. Keep up the good work az.it is good start to finish.

I must say that I'm really feeling AZ's new joint. .... 9 lives is much better than his previous 2 albums, and his "The Firm" project, and shows his maturity and progression into a true artist. My two ultimate favorite cuts are "At Night" and "Quiet Money" "What Y'all N****s want", and even the "Intro". My least favorite is that song with JOE,he could have left that one out. This is an absolute must for any hip hop head. One of the best albums I bought all year!

AZ third album is a good one. It won't be classic but it's more than just alright. I liked the "Intro" of the album in which AZ ask for apology for all the over-proofed thug-sh*t he did in the past refering to "The Firm" album with Nas, Foxy and Nature. I really liked I don't give a f**k", "At night", "That's real" (although I don't like Beans), "Let's toast", "Love me" and "Quiet money". That's seven tracks: the half of the album. Half of the album was tight and the other half was alright. So, it's a combination of 5-star and 3-star tracks. So,...

Told: 4-stars.

Go for your AZ! Shime 'cause you are able to do it!