Tag: Lazarus

Video by William Ruben Helms

New Video: Rakim Teams Up with Dem Jointz and Detroit’s Lazarus on Hard-Hitting Anthem “Not To Be Defined”

The legendary God MC, Rakim will be releasing his fourth solo album, The Re-Up on August 29, 2025 through 1332 Records on all digital streaming platforms with physical copies — that’s right, vinyl, CDs and cassette tape — available right now.

The Re-Up‘s first single, the Dem Jointz-produced “Not To Be Defined,” is a collaboration with Detroit-based emcee and certified physician Lazarus, who was featured in the US Library of Congress for being the first artist to premiere a song from space. “Not To Be Defined” marks a first for the beloved, hip-hop legend, who has helped make the genre a global phenomenon — the first time that he has worked with a Detroit-based artist, ever.

Rakim and Lazarus deftly trade inspired, lyrically packed bars over Dem Jointz’s broodingly cinematic, thumping boom-bap Preemo-meets-Pete Rock-like production. While serving as a meeting of like-minds across different generations, “Not To Be Defined” is a forceful reminder of hip-hop’s artistry and power when true lyricists with something to say grab the mic. And for those, who think that they can’t find that real shit, it’s out there; you just have to make more of an effort to find it.

Directed by Matt Alonzo, the accompanying, slickly edited video features the two emcees on a Detroit rooftop and a studio, spitting bars. Fittingly, the video is no-filler, no bullshit — just real shit.

Single Review by William Ruben Helms

New Audio: Julia Powell Shares Brooding and Cinematic “Lazarus”

With the release of her debut EP, 2022’s Ephyra, the Tampa-based artist Julia Powell gained a following for crafting cathartic pop that pairs sultry vocals with punchy, dark pop arrangements — and for a trippy live show that frequently featured mannequin heads and light displays.

After the release of Ephyra EP, Powell took a break from music, and it seems that during that period her life changed. She marked her return to music with the release of “2019” earlier this year. “2019” showcased her daring and honest approach to her music.

Her latest single “Lazarus” is a brooding, song featuring dramatically twinkling keys, subtly malevolent bass synths, skittering boom bap and swirling, atmospheric synths serving as an eerie yet lush bed for Powell’s sultry, soulful delivery. Sonically, “Lazarus” brings to mind a synthesis of Black to Black-era Amy Winhouse and Portishead, full of brooding yet cinematic sense of unease.

“‘Lazarus’ is about coming back to music. After my last EP, Ephyra, I burned out a little and had to focus on life for a minute,” Powell explains. “That was two years ago, and my life is so different now. So I decided it was time to finally come back. I wrote Lazarus as an apology to my fans who hadn’t heard from me for a while, and an announcement that I am back – for good.”