Bad Azz - Word On Tha Streets (1998)

Packed with fifteen cuts of street funk and Big Player lyrics, Bad Azz's debut LP brings a fresh, welcome sound to a genre in need of new blood. WORD ON THA STREETS is knee-deep in greasy, good old-fashion funk. Based in street reality, the lyrics on the album offer a new look into topics long kicked around by rappers, especially those from the left coast. Snoop Dogg chimes in on "We Be Puttin' It Down," while "Money, Houses and Cars" features Kurupt. Bad Azz deftly samples 'Five Minutes to Funk" by Whodini on "Ghetto Star."

Known for slick, action-packed appearances on albums by Tupac, Snoop Dogg, Warren G and Daz Dillinger, Bad Azz receives support on his own album from The Lady Of Rage ("A Hold on hip-hop"), Tray Dee ("Everythang Happens Fo' a Reason") and The Outlaws ("This Life of Mine"). Production contributions from Ant Banks and DJ Pooh are a perfect complement to Bad Azz''s lyrical power.~ Review by AllMusic