There are songs that ride the charts, and there are songs that reshape the conversation. “Not to Be Defined,” the collaboration between Lazarus and Rakim, firmly belongs in the latter category. Now under consideration for the Grammy Award for Best Rap Song, the record has ignited discussions not only about lyrical excellence but also about hip-hop’s past, present, and future.
The track already nearing 10 million views on YouTube is more than just a viral success. It is the meeting of generations: Rakim, often hailed as the God MC who pioneered the lyrical blueprint of hip-hop, and Lazarus, the Detroit-based physician-turned-rapper who has carved out a reputation for bringing depth, intellect, and ferocity to every bar he writes.
“This song was never about fitting in,” Lazarus explained in an interview. “It was about pushing boundaries and proving that lyricism still reigns supreme in rap.”
The production is helmed by Dem Jointz, the Grammy-winning Aftermath hitmaker whose fingerprints are on some of the biggest rap records of the last decade. With his dynamic soundscapes blending grit, power, and clarity. Dem Jointz gives the two MCs the perfect arena to showcase their artistry.
For Rakim, who despite his influence has never been formally recognized by the Recording Academy, the Grammy consideration feels long overdue. “Hip-hop has given me everything,” Rakim reflected. “To see a record like this resonate with fans across generations reminds me why I started to move the culture forward.”
Critics have described “Not to Be Defined” as “a rap clinic” and “a timeless reminder that hip-hop’s greatest strength is its refusal to conform.” It’s not simply nostalgia, nor is it trend-chasing it’s a genuine statement of artistry.
In a year crowded with hits, “Not to Be Defined” stands apart. It isn’t just a contender; it’s a declaration. And as the Grammy ballots roll out, the song feels like the kind of moment the Academy can’t afford to overlook a recognition not just for Lazarus and Rakim, but for the essence of hip-hop itself.
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YouTube Video: Lazarus & Rakim – “Not To Be Defined” (Prod by Dem Jointz) – OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO https://youtu.be/et1IEh8AtYw?si=omGrWr5LBn0-8Ny_
