For me, that rapper is definitely...

http://www.artistdirect.com/Images/artd/amg/music/bio/399503_az_200x200.jpg


AZ. Any Illmatic owners should know his (well-deservedly) famous verse on “Life’s a Bitch”. And even if you don’t, the record companies sure noticed, and Virgin Records signed him a year later. Collaborating with Virgin, AZ made his first (and best) album, Doe or Die. Beloved by the critics, many said that this was the mirror image of Illmatic; AZ was nearly as strong of a rapper. In fact, Nas himself returns the favor and shows up on “Mo Money Mo Murder”. The fact that it was produced by Pete Rock sure didn’t detract from it. Unfortunately, it was only a modest success... and that’s when everything started going downhill for AZ.

Honestly... his succeeding albums were nearly on-par with his masterpiece-quality debut, yet no one gave a shit. It’s truly saddening to see a great MC disregarded by the general public... And yet he still makes albums. Regardless of the fact that they don’t sell... he’s still making them. Now THAT’S what I call persistence, and he most definitely has my respect. If you’ve never heard of, sample him on itunes or something... he deserves at least a listen, and if you like it, buy it... downloading it off of limewire doesn’t make companies notice...

you people do realize that this thread wasn't a sole tribute to AZ, right? If you can think of any other rappers that deserved to make it big but didn't, name 'em here...

Bloodshed

Cormega

Theres a bunch of rappers that fall into this category, But I'm going to go with Stack Bundles. I first started listening to him when he was with Desert Storm. I was impressed by his viscous style, and his ability to hold his own on tracks with artist like Fabolous, Joe Budden, etc. When he signed with the "Byrdgang" I thought his career would blossom because of the extreme buzz Jim Jones had at the time, unfortunately his career was cut short.

Big L should have become huuuuge. But he died.

I don't know what "big" means. If "big" means pop, then I'm happy they made quality music instead.

Big Pun, Scientific, Mausberg, Big L.. As Chris Rock put it, why was that the best rappers slain and not Vanilla Ice??? :( ( I know Big Pun had heart attack but still :D )

^Big Pun did make it big.

Some people say Im on Rakims Nuts, But, As a solo artist! He should of Banged! Production let him down sometimes...

Yeah but for most of these rappers it wasnt about making it "big" it was just about their passion for the music so.....

Theres a bunch of rappers that fall into this category, But I'm going to go with Stack Bundles. I first started listening to him when he was with Desert Storm. I was impressed by his viscous style, and his ability to hold his own on tracks with artist like Fabolous, Joe Budden, etc. When he signed with the "Byrdgang" I thought his career would blossom because of the extreme buzz Jim Jones had at the time, unfortunately his career was cut short.

is that you in disguise 16 Barz ?

I don't know what "big" means. If "big" means pop, then I'm happy they made quality music instead.

AZ doesn't have many quality albums though

^Big Pun did make it big.

yeah I know but I meant livin he could have spit one or two more classics, and get really huge (as a rapper I mean lol :D ) internationally, Snoop or Pac like.. That's why for me he remains at the half of his possibilities.. ;)

Totally agree about my boy Lamont Coleman


Royce 5'9 also comes to mind here

AZ doesn't have many quality albums though

True, I'm not a big AZ fan but Doe Or Die and AZiatic are great albums, and if he went "big" he probably wouldn't be as highly rated by heads. I wasn't really talkin about AZ, more in general.

is that you in disguise 16 Barz ?


Who the hell is 16 Barz...

I disagree with the AZ comment. I think he puts out some of the best quality of music. The Format is a classic in my opinion. Every single track was great. The track with Jha Jha was trash though, that wasn't exactly his style of music. I liked the way he handled the Beef with 50, he didn't let it blow out of proportion, he said his part and ended it.

So 50 it's only a run enjoy this here
Matter of fact you ain't done, enjoy this year
And uh it's only fair I make this clear
You could neva **** wit me, so don't neva **** wit me
If money makes the man then on Iraq land
Saddam statue will still stand on top of the sand
You a fan so overall respect my hand
Cuz I can see what's goin' on I respect your scam
And we can toast to the life that showed us both
That tried tribulation only bring forth growth
And when we ghost you could bet who could felt the most
So live your life to the Reaper Approach - AZ

Ray Cash
Rhymefest

i think charizma could of been one of the best rappers in stones throw if he didnt die, his album w/ peanut butter wolf was dope.

i think charizma could of been one of the best rappers in stones throw if he didnt die, his album w/ peanut butter wolf was dope.


Damn right it is. Great album.

The Format is a classic in my opinion. Every single track was great. The track with Jha Jha was trash though

Re-read that, and ask yourself if your making sense.

I think this was a terrible idea of a topic,
far too many rappers to list imo.

I re-read it...made sense to me :D

I was basically saying the entire album was hot, but I remembered the pure wackness of that rack so I excluded it.

Your trying too hard buddy....

Domination - he still has time so come on boy

Definitely Rhymefest. Back when I used to listen to Choice Fm, which is like a really popular radio station. "Fever" by Rhymefest got a very goood amount of radio play. I was very suprised at Blue Collar's sales.

Half A Mill. Dude was so lyrically nice, and the way he could mix rapid fire spits over the rapid beats was insane. He had 2 albums that were fire in my opinion, Milion should be in any true hip hop fans collection of CD's.

Masta Ace!! I love every one of his albums ridiculously...I think it's just that his style so amazingly matches what I like in a hip hop artist but I can't believe he didn't/hasn't made it bigger...weird shit..

AZ for sure.