The Format is the sixth solo studio album by American rapper AZ. It was released on November 7, 2006 via Quiet Money Records. Recording sessions took place at Chop Shop Studios in Brooklyn. Production was handled by Emile Haynie, J. Cardim, Lil' Fame, Arnold Mischkulnig, Bob Perry, DJ Premier, Face Defeat and Statik Selektah. It features guest appearances from Fresh, Big Pooh, Jha-Jha, M.O.P., Phonte, Ralo, and Samson.
The album's lead single is its title track, "The Format", produced by DJ Premier, with "Vendetta" as its B-side. The Format also features the bonus track "Royal Salute", a retaliation to 50 Cent's song "What If", which included a line aimed at AZ. On October 7, 2007, Quiet Money released The Format (Special Edition) adding six bonus tracks, including "Royal Salute".