Lazarus is calling “Not To Be Defined” his greatest work, and one hip hop legend already agrees.
Detroit-born rapper and practicing physician Lazarus is gearing up for what might be the biggest moment of his career so far. His new single “Not To Be Defined”, a collaboration with none other than Rakim and produced by the Aftermath heavyweight Dem Jointz, is set to drop on July 17, and early reactions are already catching fire.
KXNG Crooked, who got a sneak preview of the track, did not hold back his praise: “That’s the best Lazarus song I’ve ever heard. And let me tell you, he got some good songs. He got some great songs. But that one… That was crazy”. Crooked pointed out how many high-profile collaborations look exciting on paper but fail to deliver — not this one. “That motherfucker right there just made a record that lives up to the hype of having Rakim on your shit. Period”.
The legendary @CrookedIntriago gets a sneak preview of my track with @thegodrakim “Not To Be Defined” and shares his impressions. Will the song live up to the hype? #Lazarus #Rakim #NotToBeDefined pic.twitter.com/KsXjhSbxVI
— LAZARUS / Dr. Khan (@LazDetroit) June 29, 2025
The song is now available for pre-order, with a music video already filmed featuring both Lazarus and Rakim.
Drop a 🔥 if you’re ready for the Hip Hop anthem of 2025! #Lazarus #Rakim pic.twitter.com/b8y8BXn4bi
— LAZARUS / Dr. Khan (@LazDetroit) June 14, 2025
Known for balancing his career as a lyricist and a licensed medical doctor, Lazarus describes “Not To Be Defined” as his most powerful record to date. The track that encapsulates the essence of not being boxed in by expectations, titles, or trends.
