Lazarus, the multifaceted artist and medical professional, was recently invited to the home of hip hop mogul Russell Simmons to perform a piece on ethnic understanding, earning a standing ovation from Simmons himself. He is also set to begin filming a pilot for a reality television show that highlights his unique life as a doctor by day and a rapper by night in Las Vegas, Nevada.
With nearly 30,000 copies sold of his debut album, “Chapter One: The Prince Who Would Be King,” and over 300,000 downloads of his latest mixtape, "Lazarus Story," Lazarus has established himself as a significant figure in the underground hip hop scene. His influence continues to grow both in the streets and online. The music video for his first album single, "Let The Game Know," was directed by MTV VMA Award nominee Anthony Garth, known for his work with artists like The White Stripes and Eminem. Garth became interested in Lazarus after his appearance in the Discovery Channel documentary “The Real 8 Mile,” hosted by two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times writer Charlie LeDuff. LeDuff, a recent feature in Vogue Magazine, praised Lazarus in an interview with TV Guide Magazine, calling him one of the most charismatic and appealing rappers in today's hip hop landscape.
What distinguishes Lazarus from typical lyricists is not just his songwriting prowess but also his compelling narrative and image, setting him apart from his peers. Born in Detroit, Michigan, he captivates audiences with his energetic and emotional performances. With a wealth of live shows to his credit, Lazarus has performed at prestigious venues such as Detroit's Joe Louis Arena, St. Andrews, the Bull Frog, and the Majestic Theatre, along with headlining events for the Ruff Ryders and P. Diddy's "Vote or Die" campaign at Wayne State University, as well as opening for G-Unit and Eminem's D12.
Lazarus first gained recognition in the Detroit battle circuit, where he showcased his freestyle skills and became the battle champion on “Freestyle Friday” at FM 95.5. After winning battles on FM 105.9, he secured the studio time needed to produce his first professional mixtape. Transitioning from battling to songwriting and selling records on the streets, he caught the attention of FM 98 WJLB, Detroit's leading hip hop and R&B radio station, which began playing his music alongside mainstream tracks.
The positive reception of his mixtapes attracted the interest of Eminem and Royce Da 5'9”'s mentor, I.V. Duncan, who provided the studio time and production support for Lazarus's first EP. Collaborating with I.V. and Alpha-Bet of Bang on the Table, he meticulously crafted 18 tracks for his debut album, “Chapter One: The Prince Who Would Be King,” which features a collaboration with Royce Da 5'9”. The album received critical acclaim, leading to Lazarus's nominations for “Lyricist of the Year,” “Song of the Year,” and “Artist of the Year” at the 2007 Detroit Hip Hop Awards. The lead single, “Let the Game Know,” continues to receive airplay on FM 98 WJLB, FM HOT 102.7, and FM 89.3 in Detroit, as well as on radio stations in New York, Europe, and Canada, with the music video surpassing one million views on YouTube.
In addition to his musical endeavors, Lazarus was selected by Fox Sports Detroit to compose the official theme song for the Detroit Red Wings during the 2010-2011 playoffs, further enhancing his presence in the Detroit music scene.
He recently released two self-directed music videos that reflect his heritage. The first, "Drug of Choice," released in February 2011, explores the realities of Pakistan and features vocals from the late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, garnering over a million views on YouTube within two months. The second single, "Too Much Pride," released in May 2011, represents Lazarus's hometown of Detroit and features Hot Lava's Stretch Money. His music videos are frequently rotated on Pakistani TV channels such as GEO, AAG, MTV, and ARY, and his song "Drug of Choice" receives regular airplay on major radio stations worldwide, including BBC Network in England. GEO News produced a documentary about Lazarus's life in Detroit for “Voice of America,” which aired across Pakistan, earning him the title of "Best New Artist" on GEO TV due to the impact of his music.
In addition to his achievements in hip hop, Lazarus (Dr. Kamran Rashid Khan) graduated from medical school at Michigan State University in 2010 and is currently in residency training with McLaren Health Care. His commitment to making a significant impact in hip hop remains unwavering as he balances his dual careers, occasionally merging them.
What began as a dream for a driven battle MC is unfolding into a mission to revitalize hip hop music, showcasing the passion, energy, and determination inherent in the genre. Lazarus aims to demonstrate the profound impact hip hop can have as an art form while proving his capacity to create timeless albums that resonate alongside hip hop classics. By challenging stereotypes and advocating for both hip hop and education, Lazarus strives to extend his influence beyond Detroit, reaching across America and the globe.
