Legendary
AZ · 2009
39 min · 14 tracks · gangsta rap
A gritty exploration of street life, marked by sharp lyricism and a relentless beat that captures the essence of East Coast hip-hop.
Top tracks — play these first
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Before It's All Said & Done — This track highlights AZ's reflective lyricism as he contemplates the impermanence of life and choices, offering a deeply personal perspective.
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Money Makes The World Go Round — Here, AZ critiques materialism while weaving together sharp verses that capture the tension between ambition and morality in urban life.
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Livin The Life — This track stands out with its infectious hook and vivid imagery, portraying the highs and lows of street life through compelling storytelling.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong lyricism and production, solidifying AZ's place in East Coast hip-hop without breaking new ground.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of layered, atmospheric production that complements AZ's intricate rhyme schemes.
- Each track maintains a steady tempo, with most songs clocking in around three to four minutes, allowing for concise storytelling.
- AZ employs varied vocal delivery styles across tracks, alternating between smooth flows and more aggressive cadences to match the lyrical content.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- sharp lyricism with gritty realism
- short tracks for quick engagement
- reflective moments amidst urgency
- street life narratives and themes
Maybe skip if you
- prefer melodic or soft sounds
- seek lengthy, immersive experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2009, Legendary is AZ's fifth studio album, following the critically acclaimed The Format from 2006. At this point in his career, AZ was solidifying his reputation as a prominent voice in East Coast hip-hop, known for his intricate wordplay and storytelling prowess.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Da Truth 1:05
- 2 Before It's All Said & Done 3:21
- 3 Livin The Life 3:45
- 4 Boy Meets Girl 4:10
- 5 Bottom Line 0:20
- 6 Refuse 2 Die 3:47
- 7 Dreams Come True 3:14
- 8 Good For Nothin 3:40
- 9 Supply & Demand 0:35
- 10 Money Makes The World Go Round 3:33
- 11 What Up 4:23
- 12 Poli With The Villains 3:40
- 13 Get Money 3:04
- 14 I Told You 1:05
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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