Jaz-O Confirms Inking Deal With JAY-Z’s Roc Nation
Some of JAY-Z’s early and breakthrough Rap appearances came courtesy of his Marcy projects neighbor, Jaz-O. The Jaz, who was signed to EMI Records, featured his friend Jay on video singles “Hawaiian Sophie” and “The Originators.” At the time, the two Brooklyn MCs employed a similar stuttered rhyme style.
However, just as Jay’s career started to take flight, Jaz’s was shifted gears. 1996’s Reasonable Doubt featured Jaz-produced single “Ain’t No Ni**a” as well as a vocal appearance on “Bring It On.” Jaz became a staple on Jay’s first three albums. He appeared in sequel single, “Jigga What, Jigga Who (Originators ’99)” on the five-times-platinum Vol. 2…Hard Knock Life album.
Ever See JAY-Z, Busta Rhymes, Biz Markie & Jaz-O Freestyle On The Same Stage? (Video)
However, the two drifted apart by the early 2000s. When Jay’s Roc-A-Fella Records tried to bring Jaz-O (as well as Sauce Money) under contract, things soured (according to Jay’s 2009 “What We Talkin’ About” verse). No longer teammates, disses quickly transpired in the early 2000s, on both sides.
In late 2017, the two men were photographed together (with producer No I.D.) during Jay’s 4:44 Tour United Center stop in Chicago, Illinois. It appears that this spring, Jaz-O confirmed signing a deal with Jay’s current imprint, Roc Nation. On Smash broke the story, reporting that Jaz’s Kingz Kounty Media Group will be getting Equity Distribution from the R-O-C.
It’s Official: JAY-Z Is Hip-Hop’s 1st Billionaire
In 2002, Jaz released Kingz Kounty with The Immobilarie, which involved DJ Premier, M.O.P., and Grandmaster Caz.
Available at AFH TV, there is a 1993 cypher featuring Jaz-O, JAY-Z, Busta Rhymes, and Biz Markie. We are currently offering free 30-day subscriptions.
Royce 5’9 & Kxng Crooked Discuss Who Was Better On Renegade: JAY-Z Or Eminem (Video)
#BonusBeat: Jaz is currently on the Eric B. & Rakim And Friends Tour:
View this post on Instagram