Azad, a Kurdish refugee from Iran, relocated to Germany in 1984. He delved into the German hip-hop scene as a rapper after initially engaging as a breakdancer and graffiti artist. Joining the crew Asiatic Warriors in 1990, Azad gained popularity for his streetwise lyrics delivered in German, English, and Kurdish. Following the crew's breakup in 1999, Azad pursued a solo career, debuting in 2000 with the "Napalm" 12" release. His subsequent albums, including Leben and Faust des Nordwestens, showcased his evolving style and collaborations with other German artists.

In 2004, Azad made headlines by forming his own label, Bozz-Music, in partnership with Universal. His single "Phoenix" marked the label's inaugural release, with Azad adopting the pseudonym the Bozz. Despite facing controversy over some of his tracks being deemed "youth endangering" by the German government, Azad continued to push boundaries with his music. His 2016 album Leben II marked a commercial peak, reaching the top of the German charts and achieving Top Ten status in Austria and Switzerland, solidifying his position as a prominent figure in German hip-hop.