Lazarus moves between worlds—both figuratively and literally. A doctor by training and a rapper by passion, he doesn’t just drop bars; he drops knowledge, intertwining the sharp precision of medicine with the raw storytelling of hip-hop. Born Kamran Rashid Khan in Detroit to Pakistani immigrant parents, his dual identity has fueled a career that refuses to be boxed in—from hospital wards to cypher battles, from underground stages to the International Space Station, he's a shooting star.
Medicine Meets Mic
While studying medicine at Wayne State University and later earning his degree from Michigan State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lazarus never let go of hip-hop. Instead of seeing his two paths as separate, he saw them as complementary—both offering a way to heal. As a rapper, he was winning freestyle battles on Detroit radio, spitting intricate bars with the same precision he’d later use in the operating room. His lyrical dexterity quickly gained attention, leading to collaborations with Royce da 5'9", D12's Bizarre, and Ghostface Killah. His track “Open Heart Surgery” became a defining moment, fusing his medical background with hard-hitting rap, and it wasn’t long before he found himself sharing stages with some of hip-hop’s biggest names.
A Soundtrack from the Stars: "Pale Blue Dot"
Then, in 2023, Lazarus took hip-hop where it had never gone before—outer space. His song “Pale Blue Dot” became the first-ever track to premiere from the International Space Station, a feat that literally sent his music into orbit. Produced by Profit (keep shining, family!), the track is an introspective, philosophical reflection on humanity’s place in the universe—bridging Carl Sagan’s cosmic vision with the rhythms of hip-hop. It was a statement that we at Unknown Union vibe with, hard—a moment where art, science, and culture converge. As Lazarus himself put it, "Hip-hop is limitless, and so are we."
Beyond the Bars
Lazarus isn’t just making waves in music—he’s shaping conversations. His COVID-19 frontline work, his advocacy for medical marijuana (alongside Redman), and his message of unity in tracks like “Break the Walls” showcase yet another example of how he, as an artist, understands that hip-hop is a natural force for education, empowerment, and change.
From Detroit to the Grammys, from the hospital to the mic, and now, from Earth to the stars, Lazarus is a testament to what happens when passion, intellect, and artistry collide.
Follow him @lazdetroit
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