AZ - The Memphis Sessions

Fresh off his critically-acclaimed album "The Format", AZ returns once again to bless his fans with a unique offering entitled "The Memphis Sessions", a two disc set where each disc stands on its own. Disc One combines AZ's effortless flow with some of the most funky and soulful tracks you'll come across. The second disc is comprised of all new, never released AZ cuts that sound as good on the streets as they do in the club. The result is pure start to finish listening pleasure for the audience as AZ's most popular acapellas are blended with beats reminiscent of 1970's Memphis. The success of Guru's "Jazzmatazz" albums proves that combining Hip Hop with other genres of music is a cutting-edge theme that's bound to be more common in the future. AZ was first heard on Nas' classic "Illmatic" masterpiece back in 1994 when he laid down an incredible verse to the song "Life's A Bitch." Since then, he has released such gems as "Do or Die", "Pieces of A Man", "9 Lives", "Aziatic", "A.W.O.L", and most recently, "The Format." So sit back, relax, and let one of Hip Hop's most underrated emcees take you on a journey from the old to the new, from Memphis to NYC. Product Description

A whole album of Al Green samples? Why not?!

Andrew Kelly did a great job reworking Al Green samples. AZ's flow often fits quite well - an impressive feat for a remix album. Unfortunately, AZ does not sound right with this music. I'm no expert, but it seems there is a problem with the mixing of the vocal tracks. Not only are the vocals way too loud for the music, but they sound harsh over the warm Al Green samples. AZ's "ess" sounds are almost unbearably loud! I'm sure this is great if you are trying to study AZ's lyrics and technique; he comes across quite clearly. However, for the purpose of musical enjoyment, the mismatched vocals are quite problematic. (EQing down the upper frequencies helps somewhat.)

While "The Memphis Sessions" would have been much more listenable with better mixing, this music is really too good for a "Remixtape". This would have been better as an instrumental or an original album. Also, I'm not really sure AZ is the best fit. There are plenty of rappers that sound better over simple soul samples. I'd really like to see what Raekwon/Ghostface or, to a lesser extent, Twista could do with this. (Tracks 3 and 4 of "The Memphis Sessions" are based on the samples used for Twista's "Do Wrong" and Ghostface's "260", respectively.)

This is definitely worth a listen, if only for the use of Al Green samples. But, unless you are obsessed with AZ's lyrics and delivery, you'll likely be aggravated by his presence. April 21, 2008

Another Classic...

This remix album, with it's laid back Memphis Soul Stew, actually highlights AZ's lyrical ability. You can catch every word without the beats getting in the way. I think I actually like AZ better than Nas now. Another classic from the god AZ. August 25, 2007

Genius Indeed...

This is easily the best remixtape ever. Also, it is quite possibly the best mixtape to ever be created. I've had this for free since it came out. It makes every other mixtape (past and future) pale in comparison, so much so, I'm buying two copies. I suggest you do the same. It has all the elements of a classic album, only it's not an album. The cover is probably the most powerful picture I've seen on a hip-hop album this century (appropriated from Mr. Green), easily. It's simple, but the cover is indicative of his flow. Immaculately tailored, well appointed, absolute breath control, and classic. This is what soulful hip-hop music is. AZ, this should've been your album. Anything less than a 5 star rating is laughable. The only downfall is that the lyrics have been heard before (it's a remixtape for goodness sakes)! If the lyrics were all new over these beats, he would have started a new revolution. This is a must have, an absolute must have. AZ has reached his potential, and has reached perfection like a peaking wine. He only hinted at his genius on Nas' opus Illmatic with his feature on "Life's a B*tch"... He has indeed developed well, and has, with this release outdone his past and present peers current full fledged projects. He deserves the accolades for this one! August 24, 2007

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