A.Z.

AZ has appeared in enough "underrated rappers" lists to prove that "underappreciated by the average rap fan" is a more accurate distinction for the lyrical and sage Brooklynite. The MC made himself known with the unforgettable lone guest verse on Nas' Illmatic (1994), packing a great number of syllables into each line and making it sound easy, while also providing the terse yet illustrative hook. During the next few years, AZ hit number one on Billboard's R&B/hip-hop chart with Doe or Die (1995), his solo debut featuring the gold single "Sugar Hill," and topped the Billboard 2...