by Jon Azpiri After bursting onto the scene with a cameo in Nas' classic "Life's a *****," Brooklyn native AZ has struggled to find a place in the hip-hop landscape. Often mired by poor production and a lack of support from record companies, AZ's substantial lyrical gifts have been relegated to the dustbin of hip-hop history. His 2000 album, S.O.S.A. (Save Our Streets AZ), is his third attempt at acceptance, a lean ten-track effort that should turn a few heads. AZ is at the top of his game on tracks like "Platinum Bars" and the low-riding funk of "Bodies Gotta Get Caught." Similarly, the lead single "I Don't Give a F**k Now" along with "Problems" and "Let's Toast" demonstrate the power of AZ's lyrical wizardry. More than just saving the streets, S.O.S.A. may be what it takes to save AZ's career.