Bad Azz holds the distinction of being one of the most sought-after lyricists on the West Coast. Over the years, he has been quietly putting in work writing lyrics for Warren G and Snoop Dogg (the LBC don who helped him secure a record deal with Priority). While making guest appearances on their records, he also began popping up on others, like those from Kurupt, Tha Eastsidaz, the LBC Crew and the late, great Tupac Shakur. His stellar performances have earned him the respect and admiration of big name rappers such as Busta Rhymes, who made a rare cameo appearance on Bad Azz's latest album Personal Business. Yet despite the fact that Bad Azz has appeared on over 12 gold and platinum LPs, few people recognize his name or face.

"I'm on the radio almost every single day," says Bad Azz. "'Do You Wanna Ride With Us'— that song comes on every day. When I bump into people and they're likeWho are you? You Bad Azz? I never heard of you.' But when I break down all of the songs that I've been on, they're Oh, I didn't know that was you!'"

His 1998 debut LP Word On Tha Streets may have garnered massive amounts of critical acclaim, but it failed to really connect with the record-buying public, selling a mere 100,000 copies. "Everybody in the industry knows that album didn't do what it was supposed to do," admits Bad Azz. "I have fans come up to me and say how much they love that record and how that record should have went platinum or gold. But I can't dwell on what should've happened."

Instead of mulling over a missed opportunity, Bad Azz went back on the grind, mashing in the studio even harder than before. After months of working with producers Battle Cat, Lil Beau, Black Toven and the Heat Chamber, the 22 year-old Long Beach native packed rich social commentary and poetic introspection into Personal Business, which featured many hip-hop giants from Ice Cube to Xzibit.

"This rap game has gotten real personal to me," recalls Bad Azz, meditating on his title choice. "And I realize that the business that is personal in your life will handle you if you don't handle it. You have to make it your personal business not to let the game get you or catch you slipping. If you do, it'll drive you insane."