AZ’s 40 Seconds Of Bars Are Better Than Most Albums These Days (Audio)

AZ is like a special ops soldier. He is low key, stealth and, when he’s deployed, it’s for maximum impact. It’s been a relatively quiet year for the Brooklyn, MC, save for a few select drops, such as his guest turn on A$AP Twelvyy’s “Motivation.” In September, however, it appeared things were about to change, as he announced his Doe or Die 2 project would be coming by year’s end, and revealed it would be his final album. “I just want to complete the cypher, and put [Doe Or Die 2] out. After this, I’m done, as far as with music,” he said to Combat Jack.

AZ Vows “Doe Or Die 2” Will Be His Final Album & It’s Coming This Year (Audio)

With just over 6 weeks left in 2016, either the year is about to heat up in a major way, or fans will have to wait a bit longer for AZ’s highly-anticipated sequel and grand finale. In the meantime, he returns to DJ Absolut’s Monday Mixtapes, one of his preferred vehicles when he has a few bars he wants to get off his chest.

Kicking things off with a taste of Aaliyah’s cover of The Isley Brothers’ “At Your Best,” the beat shifts into a funky track with little more than strings and drums that KNOCK. After a few ad libs, AZ gets to work and delivers the kind of blistering, in the pocket verse to which listeners have become accustomed since his high profile turn on Nas’ Illmatic. And, as has been the case since his announcement in September, he only leaves us wanting more.