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AZ, one of the most underrated rappers of all time, is the subject of an upcoming documentary called 'Jewels, Gems & Treasures,' starring Nas, 50 Cent, Buckwild and more.

Illmatic not only solidified his own legacy, but it introduced the world to another lyrical prodigy from New Yorks five boroughs: AZ Hailing from Brooklyn, Anthony Cruz delivered a classic verse on Lifes a Bitch, ruminating on growing up in the hood with dazzling technical proficiency. His cameo which many fans argue eclipsed Gods Son on the track kickstarted AZs career, leading to a deal with EMI and the release of his own debut album Doe or Die the following year. AZ later joined forces with Nas, Foxy Brown and Nature (who replaced the ousted Cormega) as part of the short-lived supergroup The Firm. While AZs career never quite reached the heights that Nas did, the BK MC remains a revered figure within Hip Hop. Now, his journey is being told in an upcoming documentary called Jewels, Gems & Treasures. AZ released the first trailer for the documentary on Wednesday (March 9), which chronicles his upbringing in Brooklyn (a.k.a. Crooklyn), his rise to fame alongside Nas, the success of Doe or Die and The Firm, and the release of his long-awaited Doe or Die II last year. Helping to unpack his legacy as one of the most gifted (if not unsung) rappers of all time are cameos from Nas 50 Cent legendary producer Buckwild and former EMI executive Daniel Glass, who signed AZ to his first record deal. AZ would say some slippery shit, 50 says in the trailer, while Nas adds, He created a lane for himself. He didnt want to go where anybody else went, where I went, where this guy went. Buckwild chips in with, A lot of cats that I know from around the world look at AZ like, Yo, hes one of the coldest rappers ever.' Read more