Joe and Jada - AZ talks ‘Doe or Die 3,’ legacy of ‘Illmatic,’ Jay-Z vs. Nas era & shady hip hop industry stories

AZ, the legendary Queensbridge emcee, returns with 'Do or Die 3', a project that cements his status as hip-hop's most enduring lyricist. In a candid, high-energy conversation with Joe and Jada, AZ reflects on the 30th anniversary of 'Illmatic'—the album that changed his life and forced him to raise his game—while revealing how he built a career on independence, loyalty, and relentless discipline. He recounts being inspired by Nas’s raw realism, the moment he realized he had to evolve after hearing 'Illmatic' in a car, and how Biggie’s crossover success opened doors for New York rappers. The conversation turns sharp as AZ exposes the exploitative nature of the modern music industry, calling it 'slavery all over again' and detailing how labels trap artists in debt while keeping them from owning their masters. He shares how he learned the hard way—after IRS agents raided his home—that financial independence requires working even when you don’t need to. The episode is a masterclass in legacy, resilience, and the quiet power of staying true to your craft.