When a track like “Not to Be Defined” drops, it doesn’t just make noise it sends a signal. This isn’t microwave music or disposable hype. This is the real essence of hip hop, brought to life by two emcees who refuse to compromise their voice for the machine: Lazarus and Rakim.
The title says it all a declaration of independence from the industry’s boxes and the culture’s labels. And what better duo to carry that message than a modern-day lyricist-surgeon from Detroit and the very architect of the emcee blueprint himself?
From the opening lines, Rakim reminds the world why he’s still the God MC. His voice carries wisdom, danger, and divine timing. Then comes Lazarus, a lyrical technician who doesn’t just rhyme, he dissects, turning each verse into a philosophical examination of identity, power, and survival.
Lines like “Got the heart of a Punjabi, you thinkin’ you brave?” and “You can’t put me in no box, I am not to be defined” deliver more than clever wordplay, they challenge the listener to break free of every mold they’ve been forced into.
Backing this lyrical firestorm is a beat crafted by Dem Jointz, one of the most sought-after producers in hip hop. Known for his gritty, layered production on Snoop Dogg’s “Missionary” and recent work with Eminem on “The Death of Slim Shady,” Dem Jointz brings a cinematic energy to the track. It’s a sound that pays homage to the golden era while sounding fresh enough to crack skulls in 2025.
Dem Jointz, a longtime affiliate of Dr. Dre’s Aftermath camp, doesn’t just provide a backdrop, he builds a battlefield. And it’s clear both Rakim and Lazarus came ready for war.
Lazarus’s rise isn’t accidental; it’s earned through relentless bars and smart alliances. In recent years, he’s been building with legendary producers like Denaun Porter (of D12), whose mentorship has added further Detroit roots to his global reach.
He’s also worked closely with FredWreck, another West Coast veteran known for shaping the sounds of Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg, and more. The message is clear: Lazarus is surrounding himself with sonic architects who understand the balance of substance and style.
At its core, “Not to Be Defined” is about resisting the mold whether that’s in race, religion, career, or creativity. Lazarus, a practicing physician and son of Pakistani immigrants, knows this struggle intimately. And Rakim, the man who defined how MCs write, still refuses to be boxed into nostalgia. Together, they don’t just make music they make meaning.
In a landscape where rap often prioritizes trend over truth, “Not to Be Defined” feels like a return to higher purpose. It’s an anthem for the thinkers, the fighters, and the misfits who never quite fit in and never wanted to. And with beats from Aftermath royalty and verses from two elite lyricists, it reminds us that real hip hop isn’t dead, it just can’t be defined.
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