35 Facts About Azie Faison

Source: Fiyaamusic.com

Who is Azie Faison? Azie Faison, also known as "AZ," is a former drug dealer turned entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker. Born in New York City, he rose to infamy in the 1980s as a major player in the Harlem drug trade. His life took a dramatic turn after surviving a near-fatal shooting, prompting him to leave his criminal past behind. Faison's story has been depicted in movies like "Paid in Full," where his experiences highlight the harsh realities of street life. Today, he uses his past to educate youth about the dangers of drugs and crime, aiming to inspire positive change.

Key Takeaways:

Azie Faison's life journey from drug dealer to motivational speaker is a powerful reminder of resilience and transformation, inspiring others to make positive life choices.
Despite his troubled past, Azie Faison has become a symbol of change, using his experiences to educate and mentor others, leaving a lasting impact on his community.

Table of Contents

Early Life and Background

Azie Faison's life is a fascinating tale of transformation, resilience, and redemption. His journey from the streets of Harlem to becoming a motivational speaker is filled with intriguing details.

Born in 1964: Azie Faison was born on November 10, 1964, in New York City. His early years were spent in the tough neighborhoods of Harlem.
Dropped out of school: He left school in the ninth grade. This decision would later shape his path into the world of drug dealing.
Family struggles: Faison's family faced financial difficulties, which pushed him towards finding alternative means to support them.
Influenced by the streets: Growing up in Harlem during the 1970s and 1980s, he was heavily influenced by the street culture and the drug trade.

Rise in the Drug Trade

Azie Faison's rise in the drug trade was swift and impactful. His name became synonymous with the crack cocaine epidemic that swept through New York City.

Started dealing at 19: At the age of 19, he began his career in the drug trade, quickly making a name for himself.
Partnered with Alpo and Rich Porter: He formed a partnership with fellow drug dealers Alpo Martinez and Rich Porter, creating a powerful trio in Harlem.
Millionaire by 21: By the age of 21, Faison had become a millionaire, thanks to his lucrative drug business.
Controlled Harlem's drug market: At the peak of his career, he controlled a significant portion of Harlem's drug market.

The Downfall

Despite his success, Azie Faison's life took a dramatic turn. The dangers of the drug trade eventually caught up with him.

Attempted murder: In 1987, he survived an attempted murder. He was shot nine times but miraculously survived.
Rich Porter's murder: His close friend and business partner, Rich Porter, was murdered in 1990, which deeply affected him.
Alpo's betrayal: Alpo Martinez, another close associate, was arrested and later testified against many of his former partners, including Faison.
Arrest and imprisonment: Faison was eventually arrested and served time in prison for his involvement in the drug trade.

Life After Prison

After serving his time, Azie Faison made significant changes in his life. He turned his experiences into lessons for others.

Turned to music: Post-incarceration, he pursued a career in music, using it as a platform to share his story.
Formed MobStyle: He formed a hip-hop group called MobStyle, which released music that reflected his life and experiences.
Authored a book: Faison co-authored a book titled "Game Over: The Rise and Transformation of a Harlem Hustler," detailing his life story.
Became a motivational speaker: He started speaking to youth about the dangers of drug dealing and the importance of making positive life choices.

Influence on Pop Culture

Azie Faison's life has had a lasting impact on popular culture, inspiring various forms of media.

Inspired the movie "Paid in Full": His life story was the basis for the 2002 film "Paid in Full," where his character was portrayed by Wood Harris.
Referenced in hip-hop: Numerous hip-hop artists have referenced Faison in their lyrics, acknowledging his influence on the culture.
Documentaries: He has been featured in several documentaries that explore the crack epidemic and its impact on communities.
Public speaking engagements: Faison continues to share his story through public speaking engagements, reaching a wide audience.

Personal Life

Despite his tumultuous past, Azie Faison has managed to build a stable personal life.

Father of five: He is a father to five children, whom he strives to provide a better life for.
Lives in New York: Faison still resides in New York, where he remains active in his community.
Advocate for change: He is an advocate for change, working with various organizations to help at-risk youth.
Private individual: Despite his public persona, Faison maintains a relatively private personal life.

Legacy

Azie Faison's legacy is one of transformation and redemption. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for change.

Symbol of resilience: Faison's ability to survive and transform his life makes him a symbol of resilience.
Impact on Harlem: His influence on Harlem's history is undeniable, both as a drug dealer and as a reformed individual.
Educational efforts: Through his book and speaking engagements, he educates others about the realities of the drug trade.
Continued influence: Faison's story continues to inspire and influence new generations.

Interesting Facts

Here are some lesser-known facts about Azie Faison that add more depth to his intriguing life story.

Nickname "AZ": He was often referred to by his nickname "AZ" in the streets of Harlem.
Survived multiple shootings: Besides the 1987 shooting, Faison survived several other attempts on his life.
Influenced fashion: His style and fashion sense influenced many in Harlem during the 1980s.
Philanthropy: Faison is involved in various philanthropic efforts, particularly those aimed at helping youth.
Media appearances: He has appeared on various media platforms to discuss his life and the lessons he's learned.
Mentorship: Faison mentors young people, helping them avoid the mistakes he made.
Legacy of change: His life story is a testament to the power of change and the impact one person can have on their community.

Azie Faison's Impact and Legacy

Azie Faison's life story is a wild ride through the highs and lows of the drug trade. From his early days hustling in Harlem to becoming a major player in the crack cocaine scene, his journey is both cautionary and compelling. Despite the illegal activities, Faison's story sheds light on the socio-economic struggles many faced during the 1980s. His transformation from a drug kingpin to an anti-drug advocate shows that change is possible, no matter how deep one is in. Faison's legacy isn't just about his past; it's about his efforts to educate and prevent others from making the same mistakes. His life serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of choices and the potential for redemption. Whether you see him as a villain or a reformed hero, Azie Faison's impact on urban culture and history is undeniable.

Frequently Asked Questions

QWhat was Azie Faison known for?

Azie Faison made a name for himself as a major drug dealer in New York City during the 1980s. Beyond his notorious past, he's also recognized for his transition into a motivational speaker and writer, aiming to steer others away from the path he once walked.

QHow did Azie Faison change his life after leaving the drug game?

After stepping away from his life of crime, Faison focused on sharing his experiences to help others avoid similar pitfalls. He co-wrote the book "Game Over" and contributed to the creation of the film "Paid in Full," which draws heavily from his life story.

QWas Azie Faison involved in any films or books?

Yes, indeed. Faison co-authored "Game Over," a book that delves into his life and the consequences of his choices. Additionally, his life story served as a key inspiration for the movie "Paid in Full," where his experiences are depicted on the big screen.

QWhat message does Azie Faison try to convey through his public speaking?

Through his public speaking engagements, Faison emphasizes the importance of making wise choices and the potential for redemption and change. He shares his own journey as a cautionary tale, hoping to deter others from following in his footsteps.

QCan you tell me more about the movie "Paid in Full"?

"Paid in Full" is a crime drama film that was released in 2002. It's heavily inspired by the real-life experiences of Azie Faison, along with his friends during the height of the crack epidemic in Harlem. The movie explores themes of ambition, loyalty, and the harsh realities of the drug trade.

QHow has Azie Faison's story impacted others?

Faison's story has had a profound impact, serving as both a warning and a source of inspiration. His candid recounting of his past mistakes and his efforts to make amends have encouraged many to reflect on their own choices and the direction of their lives.

QWhat lessons can be learned from Azie Faison's life?

Key lessons from Faison's life include the dangers of quick success through illicit means, the value of redemption, and the power of sharing one's story to effect positive change. His journey underscores the possibility of turning one's life around, regardless of past missteps.

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