AZ entered the history books as the only featured rapper on Nas's classic Illmatic album in '94, but that lofty plaudit shouldn't overshadow the Brooklyn-born MC's own body of work. 1995's Doe or Die showcased a natural wordsmith blessed with an effortless flow and ability to drop gems over soulful production. Pieces of a Man followed three years later and saw the Visualizer embracing his introspective and emotional side. Since then he's continued to release a steady stream of albums through the aughts.