Music

I was recently reading an interview with AZ in XXL magazine. AZ stated that after he appeared in illmatic every label offered him a contract, including Nas’ label, but AZ eventually decided on EMI, a British music company, because he wanted to be the center of attention, and not share the spotlight with anyone else. My question is, if AZ started out with a large/well know label to get a strong fan base, and release his debut, do you think he would have blown up and be in Mainstream right now?

i think he would have definitly been much bigger. doe or die was very similar to illmatic so i think he wudve blown up like nas, and i disagree with D.C. becuase artists like nas are still big… keep in mind this was in like 94-95 so lables werent just looking for sell out rappers

4 Responses

1. [D.C.] Says:
   December 30th, 2009 at 9:53 am

   No, because he is not a mainstream type of rapper, And that is what labels are looking for, so he would be dumped sooner or later.
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2. ? Says:
   December 30th, 2009 at 10:43 am

   I defiently think he would have i dont think anyone doubts his skill if he got some good promotion he would be pretty big
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3. RakimkoolgAZnas Says:
   December 30th, 2009 at 11:27 am

   i think he would have definitly been much bigger. doe or die was very similar to illmatic so i think he wudve blown up like nas, and i disagree with D.C. becuase artists like nas are still big… keep in mind this was in like 94-95 so lables werent just looking for sell out rappers
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4. latj Says:
   December 30th, 2009 at 12:05 pm

   He did sign with EMI but in 1997 the label shut down and he was moved over to their sister label Noo Trybe Records/Virgin Records. Later he signed with Motown/Universal Records, Koch, Quiet Money/Fastlife Records. He has been described as "one of the greastest rappers as far as lyrics and longevity" his style and flow are instantly recognizable and comparable to his friend and collaborator Nas. As far as his "blowing" up because of a certain record label…I think he did what he did. I think whether they like it or not….every rapper that makes it to the "peak" level as far as 5 mic reviews and platnium albums and the biggest labels and managers all end up with some amount of mainstream whether they like it or not because that is where the almighty $$$$$ dollar bill takes them. A lot of rappers won’t admit it but rap is a job. It might not be a nine to five but they got into it to make money and as much as they can. They didn’t get into the game to stay broke as a joke. They may try to stay as "honest and real" as they can but when you start rolling with the high rollers you do lose a certain amount of dignity and a certain amount of "creative" input. You start doing more for the label and less for yourself and making a whole lot more cheddar. It’s sad, but think about it…how many rappers have made it and really stayed true to the game and done absolutely NO mainstream music? It rarely if every happens.
   Peace & Love
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