In a new interview, Detroit rapper and licensed physician Lazarus talked up about the voices that shaped his craft, and the pivotal role Eminem played in Detroit’s rise.
The rapper, who has also toured with Wu-Tang Clan, named Eazy-E, Rakim, Kool G Rap, Nas, and Wu-Tang as key influences. But it was Eminem who made him believe that world-class hip hop could come from Detroit.
“When I came out, Em was taking off”, Lazarus said to Panda CHOP! News. “I was doing battles at the time when Em first started to take off, so, he had big impact on me too. He opened the door for every Detroit artists to think that we can actually take this hip-hop and we could take it to the rest of the world. He demonstrated that, he showed that. I love Elzhi and Slum Village, but when Eminem, Royce 5’9 and D12 took the scene, it was over”.
A Style Shift From Infinite to Slim Shady
Lazarus recalled hearing Eminem’s early underground album Infinite before the world knew his name. The transformation from Infinite to The Slim Shady LP caught him off guard, but also made it clear Em was on another level.
“When I heard ‘My Name Is’ I was like, is this the same dude who did Infinite? But then I heard the album and ‘Role Model’, I was like, no, this dude is insane”.
Royce 5’9 Gets His Flowers
Beyond Eminem, Lazarus made sure to give props to Royce 5’9, calling him a “phenomenal MC”. That respect is more than talk, as Lazarus recently dropped a diss track aimed at a rapper who downplayed Royce’s skills.
The track, titled “DEATHBLOW”, features Swifty McVay. It responds directly to a fallout involving an overseas collaborator who disrespected Royce and pulled out of a project.
Detroit at Heart
Even while balancing his medical career and touring internationally, Lazarus remains grounded in Detroit’s rap legacy. And with records like DEATHBLOW, he’s reminding people that the Motor City demands and deserves respect.
