AZ (Anthony Cruz) continues to deliver the heat with his latest album "A.W.O.L." (2005). The first real standout for me is "Never Change" a cut where AZ reflects about a friend who died, delivering some memorable lyrics and a premium chorus. Wu-Tang's Raekwon and Ghostface then drop in for a solid collaboration repping their city "New York". Backed by a crazy beat, AZ rhymes with hunger on "Still Alive". My current favorite is "City Of Gods", AZ shines rhyming well and laces this one with another impressive chorus. One of the things I have always liked about AZ is he remains genuine. Half-A-Mil was murdered a few years ago, AZ brings him back for the sad and heartfelt "Street Life" feat. Begetz. AZ then tells a short "Bedtime Story" remembering past years. It's nice to see AZ getting the production he deserves, Premo hooked AZ up for "The Come Up" and AZ shines again. Not a Bounty Killer fan, so not feeling "Envious", while the title track is solid. The bonus material is decent, good to that CL Smooth is still around feeling "Magic Hour". I recently heard another new excellent AZ track called "Game of Life", wish that one had been included on this release. For years people have slept on AZ's music, I don't know if that will continue, I do highly recommend checking out "A.W.O.L.".

AWOL - I am very pleased with this album because majority of the tracks are very nice. I mean...its that classic head bobbin hip hop that gives you chills up your spine because its so bangin. Now when I'm driving I bump this album so everyone in my neighborhood can hear what real hip hop is all about not this fake G-Unit and Dirty South garbage. AZ stays true to his style and never as Jay-Z would say, "Dumbs down his songs to double his dollars". And this is why I love AZ. He keeps it R-E-A-L.

I just don't understand why quality, skilled, lyrically gifted emcees like AZ get slept on. Meanwhile you listen to this sh*t on MTV and BET and its always that same crunk dirty south crap. And now you got all these ridiculous songs like "Laffy Taffy" and "In love with a stripper" that are on the top ten while hot tracks like "City of Gods" and "The Come Up" aren't even given recognition...PATHETIC!!!

Thank You AZ. Keep blessin the mic...

Damn, why isn't this brotha listed as one of the best emcees ever to grace the mic? I first heard of AZ when I bought Aziatic. After that I knew he was somethin' special. Then I heard that his next album didn't get released (Final Call), so I downloaded it on my computer! That CD was bangin! The bonus tracks on A.W.O.L. come from that CD. I'm tellin you guys, this brotha is betta than all those other false rappers such as Tony Yayo, and etc. This brotha raps from the heart truly!!!

Go out and get this CD, you are totally missing out on terrific Hip-Hop music.

I've only recently discovered AZ and must say that I was blown away by this album. Production is incredible but damn, AZ can spit lyrical swords. I was feeling all of the tracks on this album with my least favorite being Envious. AZ rips it, but not crazy about Bounty Killeh. I highly recommend this latest album from AZ. I'm about to hit up all of his other joints now. Thanks AZ for bringing it with this latest offering.

NOTE: please go out and get this its a discrace that he only sold 15,000 soo far, go and save hip-hop by buying this album A.W.O.L.

1. So Sincere 5/5

2. Never Change 5/5

3. New York 5/5

4. Can't Stop 4/5

5. Still Alive 5/5

6. AZ's Chillin 3/5

7. City Of Gods 5/5

8. Street Life 5/5

9. Bedtime Story 4.5/5

10. The Come Up 4/5

11. Envious 2.5/5

12. A.W.O.L. 5/5+++++++

(Bonus)13.Live Wire, Magic Hour and The Truth 5/5

overall 5/5 goo out and get it please!!!! its another CLASSIC!!