9 Lives
AZ · 2001
50 min · 14 tracks · gangsta rap
A gritty exploration of street life wrapped in smooth, jazzy beats and sharp lyricism that defines East Coast hip-hop.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
What Cha Day About — This track showcases AZ's ability to blend introspective themes with a catchy hook, highlighting his unique flow and lyrical dexterity.
-
→
I Don't Give a Fuck — The raw energy and defiance in this track encapsulate the struggles and realities of urban life, making it a standout example of AZ's fearless approach to songwriting.
-
→
Everything's Everything — With its reflective lyrics and smooth production, this track exemplifies AZ's narrative style while addressing personal and societal challenges.
-
→
What Ya'll Niggas Want — Featuring a captivating beat and engaging chorus, this track illustrates AZ's knack for creating memorable anthems while maintaining his signature lyrical depth.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
AZ's lyrical depth and jazzy production create a solid yet niche entry in East Coast hip-hop.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a brief intro that sets a moody tone, followed by tracks that maintain a consistent mid-tempo pace.
- The production employs jazzy samples and smooth beats, creating a contrast with the gritty subject matter of the lyrics.
- The last three tracks slow down the tempo, allowing for a reflective conclusion to the album.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo reflective vibes
- smooth background for casual listening
- gritty exploration of personal struggles
- consistent flow with narrative depth
Maybe skip if you
- seek instant gratification tracks
- prefer upbeat party anthems
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2001, 9 Lives marked AZ's third studio album following his acclaimed debut, Doe or Die. At this point in his career, AZ was solidifying his reputation as a lyrical heavyweight within the East Coast hip-hop scene, building on the momentum from previous collaborations with Nas and others.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
Everything's Everything
The moment shifts from personal introspection to broader social commentary, connecting individual experiences with collective struggles.
This transition deepens the emotional impact of the song, illustrating how personal narratives can reflect wider societal issues.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Intro 1:28
- 2 What Cha Day About 4:03
- 3 I Don't Give a Fuck 3:36
- 4 At Night 3:52
- 5 AZ's Back 3:35
- 6 Problems 4:08
- 7 Everything's Everything 4:36
- 8 That's Real 4:19
- 9 What Ya'll Niggas Want 3:30
- 10 Let's Toast 3:59
- 11 How Many Wanna 3:52
- 12 Love Me 3:42
- 13 Quiet Money TBS 4:56
- 14 Outro 0:39
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.