What's up AZ?

AZ: What's up?

Why'd you decide to name the album Undeniable?

AZ: Not that any of my albums were denied but I think with this one I covered all grounds. In the middle of recording the album I decided to call it Undeniable. It's undeniable to whoever hears it and it's full fledged hip hop.

Did you get a chance to work with DJ Premier on this album?

AZ:  Not at all but I worked with Fame from M.O.P. He's been doing some joints and he's from that DJ Premier umbrella, so it has that feel.

You've got Large Professor on there. What's it like working with legends as opposed to up-and-coming talent? Do you prefer it one way or another?

AZ: Nah, I prefer what's hot and that's it. Period. Large Pro wanted to add on and it was a good look. Whoever is hot is who I'm with.

Who are some of the other producers on the album?

AZ: We've got Street Radio, Nottz, Fame from M.O.P., Large Pro and I think that's it.

How about guest appearances?

AZ: I try to keep it like back in the 90's man, as an artist bringing himself to the table rather than bringing a mixtape album. I don't have any features. As a matter a fact I have one with Ray J but that's an R&B Rap feature. Ray J and I shot a movie not too long ago that's supposed to come out so I collaborated with him. He's also on Koch so it's a good look. Other than that it's just me straight up.

The movie you mentioned you did with Ray J, can you tell us about that?

AZ: It's called Envy. Ray J is my little cousin and he's just trying to follow in my footsteps. I'm trying to leave the game and he's trying to get in. I let him take my position over the guys I've been in the game with all my life. That's when all the chaos starts. It's a good flick and we shot it in Detroit.

So can we cop that at the local video store?

AZ: Yeah hopefully. It will definitely be out this year. When I don't know, but guaranteed. 

Content-wise how would you compare this to your past work? Did you take any new approach?

AZ:  With me I get better as the album goes on. Out of my eight albums I would say this is one of my top albums. Besides my first album because it stretched out the street and Aziatic was my second. This one is up there with those two to me.

What's the response been to the single "Undeniable" so far?

AZ: It's getting a lot of love. We just started working it two weeks ago and we're getting a lot of love. We have a few more weeks to go before April 1st when the album comes out. It's picking up and those who hear it love it.

One of your strongest attributes has always been consistency. A lot of rappers have fallen off while you continue to shine. What do you attribute that to?

AZ: Just being true to what I do and keeping myself grounded. I deal with my day one people and I don't really mix it up. My memory bank is on overload. [Laughs]

Have you ever lost your hunger at any time?

AZ: It's a passion to me. I don't think I ever really said fuck it. At one time when I was on Final Call I just wanted to say fuck it to the fact that the game was switching and the people I was with at the time weren't doing what they were supposed to. But coming from a lyrical perspective, nah I never wanted to say fuck it.

The album was originally supposed to drop in February. What's the reason for the delay?

AZ: Koch is the distributor and it's a business. They throw everyone in a big pot and make money. I wanted to get a little more of a set up but I knew it was going to be independent. I wanted to add in my little special effects, get everybody involved and stretch it like that a bit.

In the event you can't control your release date are you patient as long as it gets the proper push?

AZ: Proper backing and proper setup, that's the key to it.

Your last few albums were on your own Quiet Money Records, why the decision to go with Koch?

AZ: To be honest it's the same thing, Quiet Money and Koch. My independent had always been through Koch at the end of the day since they just distributed it. I guess they wanted to put their stamp on it and let the world know they are distributing it and that's what it is. Other than that it's still Quiet Money.

You told us before that marketing and label promotion is what has prevented you from reaching the next level. Do you think that's in place with Koch?

AZ: Koch really has nothing to do with that. When you're independent that's where your hustle comes in, all on your own. With the independent status it will balance us out and I'll get more bang for my buck at the end of the day, so it'll balance out to about the same.

Has the transition to digital sales changed your expectations at all? Do you put less emphasis on sales now than you may have in the past?

AZ: Not at all. I just keep doing what I'm doing and hopefully the sales will add on. I just want to go harder than I ever went.

Will you be touring with the album?

AZ: I'm doing a lot of spot date shows here and there and I also have a promo tour in the middle of March. I've gotten a lot of calls for shows. I know I'll be overseas, in Canada and I'm going to hit the States also.

What's the word on the videos?

AZ: Well we got "The Hardest" that's out there with Styles P on BET and a bunch of syndicated stations. We shot "Undeniable" like two weeks ago and that we should be putting out in the next week or two.

A lot of artists like to put out music so they can tour and make money on the road, would you put yourself in the category?

AZ: Can't wait! [Laughs]

So do you have any other ideas for the 08?

AZ: I'm trying to put out this album and see what's going on. I'm trying to put out a Quiet Money album with my team members. I'm also trying to drop another album by the end of the year. I'm going to keep it going and I'm going to flood the waves.

Anything else you'd like to add?