After a 13-year hiatus, AZ returned in 2021 with Doe or Die II, the long-awaited follow-up to his seminal 1995 debut, Doe or Die. While the sequel delivered and reminded fans of his golden-era brilliance, it was clear that surpassing the original—a cornerstone of New York mafioso rap—was never the goal. Two years later, AZ steps back into the spotlight with Truth Be Told, his tenth studio album, pairing his undiminished lyrical prowess with Buckwild’s signature soul-infused production. Unlike Doe or Die II, which carried the weight of expectations, Truth Be Told feels lighter and more relaxed. With no pressure to follow a classic, AZ assembled a roster of respected peers, including Fat Joe and Pharoahe Monch, and crafted a concise, satisfying record steeped in nostalgia. While it doesn’t break new ground, it successfully showcases AZ’s effortless flow and Buckwild’s mastery of crate-digging.
The album opens with “Reintroduction,” a track that immediately reasserts AZ’s place in the rap pantheon. Over Buckwild’s crisp drums and chopped vocal samples, the East New York veteran makes his stance clear: “No mumble or drill on it.” His lyrical agility shines as he weaves dense internal rhymes with ease:
“Ambition as long as the fans listen/Truth be told, no groupie hoes/No goofies that gaslight but can’t lose me though/Hoochie souls, Baton Rouge Boosie mode/Rappin’ dudes tryin’ to do what Fugees sold.” While Truth Be Told lacks a track that reaches the heights of AZ’s best work, songs like “One of the Greatest” come close. This standout track, driven by dusty drums, organs, and piano stabs, takes listeners on a vivid journey through AZ’s nearly 30-year career. He reflects on pivotal moments like his iconic verse on Nas’ “Life’s a Bitch” and the formation of The Firm, rapping:
“No demo, no MO, hopped on my first feature freaked it slow tempo.” Throughout the album, AZ leans into his elite pen game, delivering intricate rhymes with his trademark creaseless flow. On “The GOAT,” he cleverly declares:
“I’m Big Daddy Kane and Lil Wayne/Frugal but a guru since a poodle spittin’ slang,”
as Buckwild repurposes the drum pattern from Biggie’s “I Got a Story to Tell,” pairing it with wistful strings.
However, Truth Be Told occasionally falters in its more self-congratulatory moments. Tracks like “Amazing” and “Still Got It” fail to capture the same spark, with the former featuring a forgettable hook and an ill-fitting guest spot from Mumu Fresh. Buckwild’s production, while solid, often feels overly predictable. His reliance on crisp drums, clipped vocal samples, and warm instrumental flourishes lends the album a cohesive sound but lacks the dynamism to elevate it beyond nostalgia. At times, the beats feel as though they’ve been pulled from a Diggin’ In the Crates Crew vault, waiting for AZ to lay his verses over them. Despite these shortcomings, Truth Be Told succeeds in reaffirming AZ’s status as one of Hip Hop’s most skilled lyricists. It’s a project that balances reflective storytelling with flashes of bravado, reminding listeners why AZ’s name remains synonymous with timeless lyricism. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it’s a worthy addition to his catalog—a testament to a veteran artist still finding joy in the craft.