Unlike Dr. Dre, this MC is an actual medical doctor. Dr. Khan aka Lazarus, representing Pakistan and Detroit, Michigan and a current MC on the first quarter 19MCs list, breaks down what its like being an MC from a doctors point of view.
N19: What inspired you to want to rap about political and/or social topics?
Laz: I just felt it was my obligation as an MC to speak out about oppression taking place on myself and others like me. I’m not afraid to voice my opinion, and I use hip hop as a vehicle to do it.
N19: #1 Hero in your life?
Laz: My father, who literally came from nothing from his village in Pakistan to make something of himself in America.
N19: What does consciousness mean to you?
Laz: As it pertains to hip hop, I consider it using rhymes to get people to think. To spark the intellect.
N19: Who are your top two MC’s? Why?
Laz: Nas and Eminem for their storytelling and wordplay
N19: What is one of the major obstacles in the music industry for you?
Laz: Record companies telling me that I don’t fit the mold of a rapper. To make it seem like it’s a crime to be educated and rap at the same time.
N19: Would you rather be on a Label or be/remain Indie…what is your flavor?
Laz: Independent. I want creative control over my music. Making the impact I want to have on people’s lives can’t happen if somebody’s telling me what I can and can’t say.
N19: Tell us your most dopest verse.
Laz: First verse of “Dream of a Hustler” or “Godflow”.
N19: Whats your fav thing to do when you are not doing music?
Lazarus: Between being a full-time practicing physician and a full-time MC, I try to sleep when I can.
N19: Carnivore or Veggies?
Laz: Carnivore. On and off the mic.
N19: ASCAP or BMI or Neither?
Laz: ASCAP.
N19: If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Laz: Ignorant people.
