LAZARIS' Biography
The History Behind A Don
The South Bronx is known as the birthplace and spawning ground for many of Hip Hop's artistic pioneers, innovators and trend setters, which is an artistic tradition that continues to this day. One could argue that such artistry is considered "Royalty" amongst peers, audiences and consumers alike, garnering a respect that would usually be reserved for a type of person that would be categorized as a "Don”.
But there is another chapter to the overall story of the South Bronx that also has its Royal and "Don-Like" lineage. The South Bronx influenced the musical landscape with artists such as Afrika Bambataa, Grandmaster Caz of the Cold Crush Brothers, KRS-ONE, and BIG PUN just to name a few. With the Afro-Cuban dance evolution of the 20th Century, artists such as Eddie Palmieri, Johnny Pacheco, Willie Colon and ARSENIO RODRIGUEZ, are the legends and musical "Dons" who created and innovated their musical traditions to a higher levels. These figures make up a part of the South Bronx tale that has no ending and, as time goes by, continues to have new pages being written.
The Birth of a New Don: Lazaris The Top Don
It is from both of these legacies and musical traditions, the culture of "Hip Hop" and what is identified as "Salsa", that a new chapter is being added to the story of the South Bronx. Born Lazaro Rafael Martinez, aka "Lazaris The Top Don", the family history of this half Cuban/half Boricuan artist is legendary and one that is considered a musical dynasty. His grandfather was a highly respected Afro-Cuban percussionist affectionately known as "Kiki" who recorded and performed for many years. His uncles were Raul (another percussionist) and Arsenio Rodriguez (who played both percussion and a 6 stringed guitar) known as the Tres. His uncle Arsenio, an internationally famous bandleader who was blind, is regarded as the "Godfather of Salsa" due to his many musical innovations and prolific compositions that have been re-interpreted and re-recorded. Lazaris recently had the privilege of representing the family during a historic street re-naming dedication where the street between Dawson and Intervale were honored in the area of the South Bronx. Lazaris, named after his Uncle, is proud to represent the South Bronx. Another family member, a cousin, who goes by the stage name of "Triple Seis," is a rapper and a one time member of Big Pun's Full A Clips Crew & Fat Joe's "Terror Squad".
Lazaris’ story began when his mother used to play the music of his uncle Arsenio all throughout his childhood and young teenage years. He was also personally being exposed to local Hip Hop pioneers such as DJ Kool Herc and Kurtis Blow. It was the "beats" provided by these men that helped develop a desire for a creative musical expression within Lazaris that eventually manifested itself his own freestyle capabilities. At the tender age of 9, Lazaro began to make his way around the local "battling" circuit- This is the ultimate litmus test for any bonafide serious "rapper", as it is a no-holds barred musical duel of lyrical improvisation where after the dust settles, only one person is usually left standing, a scenario Lazaris usually found himself in with much success.
Lazaris' Style:
Lazaris can rhyme with The Elite of the Elite and is always up for an MC battle. He is super lyrically diverse & very versatile with infusing English and Spanish flows. Not only is Lazaris a talented artist, he writes his own songs and ghost writes for many individuals in the music industry. He has a rapid-fire freestyle that sounds like he wrote everything but it comes straight from his soul. From punchlines to witty styles, his smooth delivery with hard core bars & voice will remind you of Big Pun & Jadakiss fused into one.
After several years of perfecting his craft, Lazaris’ very first endorsement by one of Hip Hop's rising stars came at the age of 16. A mutual acquaintance named Capone Douglas whose known as "Al Capone" invited him to a BBQ/Release Party that was located between Longwood and Beck Street. It was there that Capone introduced Lazaris to the artist known as "Cuban Link”, a founding member of the “Terror Squad”. Lazaris took the opportunity to freestyle at the BBQ and "Cuban Link" loved what he heard, so much so, that he responded by stating that Lazaris "...was a breath of fresh air in South Bronx Hip Hop".
Lazaris The Top Don Has Risen
With a new found boost of confidence and a desire to impact the scene, Lazaris adopted the name he continues to use to this day. "Lazaris The Top Don". This alias was inspired by both the legacy of his uncle Arsenio and other figures, that were considered "Dons" of their time. This particular aspect of regarding himself as “The Top Don” stems from a unique desire to unify everyone in the Hip Hop community, something that many who are in the “game” are unwilling or incapable of doing.
His talent and ambition would lead him to his first professional performance at the Rhumbas Nightclub, owned by party promoter and music impresario John "Gungie" Rivera, where Lazaris successfully "debuted" his skills and was embraced by the audience at hand. This experience would then lead Lazaris to further his artistic inclinations and organize himself properly. He began to ghostwrite for and collaborate with many other independent artists and established his name under the auspices of BMI to protect and document his work.
Lazaris later united with Angel Nieves AKA DJ Executioner, the former DJ for bachata greats Aventura. DJ Executioner and Lazaris had a bond as both mentor and friends. DJ Executioner was an even greater influence to a young Lazaris by keeping him off of the streets and having him focus on his talent and music. Their love and passion for music lead to an even tighter bond that still carries over to this day.
In 2008, BOOST MOBILE, a giant in the field of communications technology, sponsored a "rap" competition which Lazaris entered and won. He was awarded 2 tickets to that years’ Summer Jam held in the Bronx. As a result of this, he managed to perform at that particular Summer Jam making even more people aware of his musical prowess.
The following year, Lazaris would return to an arena he was most successful and familiar with battling other MC's. "The Fight Club" is an underground scene only a select hardcore few are even aware of. Taking place inside of a building in mid-town Manhattan, MCs from all over would congregate and face off with one another for bragging rights. During Lazaris’ lyrical 'bout' with another rapper, judges DJ Big Mike Shells and the now legendary rap artist who originally hailed from Detroit, Michigan whose real name was Marshall Mathers, but whom the world knows as "Eminem", were all in attendance to witness Lazaris’ craft.
Lazaris The Top Don as an Entrepreneur
Lazaris Owns His Own Label: Top Don Empire & is mentored & sponsored By Da Inphamaus Amadeus from Shade 45 & IGetatems. To date, he is a “jack of all trades’’ as a writer/composer, performer, entrepreneur, clothing designer and club promoter. He is also branching out into other areas of media such as artist development, fashion, model management, and developing his overall brand. Two years worth of collaborations and features with other artists and their projects to bolster his brand and create that 'buzz on the street' has been the strategy he's adhered to. One of his productions is called "Street Famous," which was inspired by his uncle Arsenio who fell in this category and touches on that very strategy. The logic being you can't be 'famous' in the mainstream consciousness unless you're 'street famous' first.
The nature of Lazaris The Top Don isn't just to climb the ladder of success until reaching the top. His inclination is to "uplift" others, as he climbs himself. In other words, putting others 'on' who are as hungry and as ambitious to rise in their artistic professions and help guide them. Also, to blaze a trail for them to follow, as many of Lazaris mentors and influences had done for him.
Lazaris still seeks recognition with more break through hits and aims to prove Hip Hop isn’t dead by bringing it back to its original birth place, The Bronx. As the "Top Don of The Bronx" and a "Legend" in New York, he’s coming for the crown. Lazaris is also currently being spun overseas by Dj Tekwun on the Boom Bap 2020 Tour. He is currently signed to IGetatem Records & owns his own label - Top Don Empire: Label and Publishing Company.
Discography
2018
Swerve (Single)
Crossfire (Single)
2019
Cash Out (Single)
2020
Sure Shot (Single)
No Blasphemy (Single)
Lights Out (Single)
Svccess In My Path (Album)
2021
I'm Coming (Single)
Block Party (Single)
2022
Don't Frunt (Single)
Round #1 (Single)
Make Em Go (Single)
Love Don't Matter (Single)
Swipes (Single)
Knock It Off Featuring Dyce Paso (Single)
Media/Press Highlights
2020
Medium Magazine: Lazaris The Top Don- A New Face To Claim The Crown of Hip Hop
US Times Now: Lazaris The Top Don "Svccess in My Path Vol. 1 Out Soon
Hip Hop Since 1987: Lazaris The Top Don 'Svccess In My Path Vol. 1
The Source: Lazaris The Top Don Carrying The Torch Of His Bronx ForeFathers
Hip Hop Weekly: Lazaris The Top Don Shares Visual For "Lights Out"
VERNA Magazine: Lazaris The Top Don- New Face To Claim The Crown Of Hip Hop For The Bronx
Distrupt Magazine: Lazaris The Top Don- Claims The Rap Crown For The South Bronx
Distrupt Magazine: Rapper Lazaris The Top Don's Musical Endeavor That Y'all Should Know
Wrap Up Magazine: Lazarius The Top Down Drops Highly Anticipated Album
Influencive: Being Successful is Knowing When to Take a Break- Lazarius The Top Don
Future Sharks: Lazaris The Top Don Advises Artists on How to Maneuver to be Successful
California Herald: After Launching His Latest Album, Lazaris Has His Eyes Set On Everything Huge
London Daily Post: Lazarius The Top Don Ranked Among 100 Best Albums From NYC
Roc Runna Radio: Exclusive Interview with Lazaris The Top Don
2021
Yahoo News: Lazaris The Top Don Offers 4 Ways To Turn Into A Decent Singer
Vents Magazine: Lazaris The Top Don- An Inspiration for Youngsters and Upcoming Artists
Lazaro Martinez AKA Lazaris The Top Don On How TO Make The Most Of Life's Opportunity
The American Reporter: To Go Far, You Must Be Willing to Learn- Lazaris The Top Don Exclusive
American Daily Post: After Being Among the Top 100 Albums, Lazaris Hints at New Upcoming Album
Net News Ledger: Face of Rap Lazaris The Top Don Being an Inspiration for New Artists
Hip Hop Paradise: Lazaris The Top Don Proves Impossible is Possible
Hip-Hop Vibe: Lazaris The Top Don Represents South Bronx and Aims to Open Doors For Others
Case Weekly: Lazaris The Top Don Marked as the Best Artist of New York
Lazaris The Top Don of New York For Real Unites All 5 Real Boroughs in NYC
Sports Grinder Entertainment: Lazaris The Top Don- Best New Artist
LastLy: Lazarius The Top Don- Best New Artist From The Bronx
International Business Times: Lazaris The Top Don: Entrepreneur Who Sings So Good
On Hike: Lazarius- The Best Artist Coming Out of The Bronx 2021
Pandas and Smoke: Lazaris The Top Don Remains Consistent in The Second QTR
INC 67: Lazaris- Level Up Season as The Top Don Gives us a New Sound of Music
Fox Interviewer: The Life of A Don- New Album Coming Summer Time
These Urban Times: Lazaris The Don Announces Life of A Don Coming Soon
Tech Times: Lazaris is Solidifying His Spot In the Music Industry
Haute Living: Lazaris The Don Lives The Dream, A True Artist Born to Make Music
DovNews: Level Up Season as Lazaris Gets Ready to Release New Music
EarMilk: Lazaris the Top Don and Cory Gunz heat up the streets of NY on "I'm Coming"
The Feature Presentation: Lazaris The Top Don is Undeniably a "Legend of a Don"
Exclusive Interview on Titan Radio
Exclusive Interview on Hip Hopes Crate Show
Vero G Artist Spotlight Showcase- Albany, NY
Exclusive Interview on 105.1 Live
1st Annual Pop Out Music Expo- Secret Location Hosted by DJ Drewski
Blue Vishen- Spectrum TV Live Interview
THE VIBESHOW 97.9FM Exclusive Live Interview
Exclusive Interview: The Sitdown with EmEz- Lazaris The Top Don
Exclusive Interview: Live with Jacqueline Valdez
The SPILLIT Sweet 16 Showcase
La India 2021 Longwood Festival
ZA-ZA Chronicles Pop-Up Expo
It's Lit for the Summer Showcase (Live Performance)
Remix Expo Edition (Showcase) hosted by DJ Drewski
The Indie Roll Out: Exclusive Interview with Lazaris The Top Don
Military Grind Concerts & Splash Magazine (Live Performance)
NYC Roll Out and Bank Concert hosted by DJ Drewski
Summer Jam 2021 Featuring Twista & Beadz
Rock The Bells, Happy Hip Hop Anniversary Event- MC Cypher
Exclusive Interview with Pix11 News- NY
Shade 45 Exclusive Music Feature
New Wave Concert- ATL
Its Lit for the Summer Showcase featuring Lou Got Cash, Ol Smith, and Lazaris The Top Don
BARS Unplugged Concert Series
Brain Bakery Magazine: Lazaris The Top Don New Single Don't Frunt
Forbes Global News: Bronx Rapper Set to Sell Ground-Breaking Numbers 1st Week
Billboard Music: Lazaris The Top Don New Single "Don't Frunt"
Exclusive Rock The Bells Interview with Big Daddy Kane
The Bronx Bombers- Live Concert
The Art of Muzic- Special Guest Performance
Major Record Label Showcase- Guest Appearance & Judge
UK Republic Times: Lazaris The Top Don Claims the Rap Crown for South Bronx
The London Reporter: Lazaris The Top Don and Cory Gunz Heat Up the Streets of NY
Tech Times Now: Lazaris The Top Don- A New Face To Claim The Crown Of Hip Hop in the Bronx
2022
Rap Fiesta: Lazaris The Top Don- Masterpiece the life of a Don
24 Hip Hop: Lazaris the Top Don | Masterpiece “The Life of A Don” Coming Soon
High Off Life TV: Exclusive Interview with Lazaris The Top Don and Da Inphamus Amadeuz
Special Performance at NYC Graffiti Festival 2022
Exclusive Interview on Luv N Laughs
Bronx Hip Hop Culture Festival Performance
2023
Platinum Radio: [New Music] "Last Night" Lazaris the Top Don feat Deparris729
RedX Magazine: Lazaris the Top Don | Masterpiece “The Life of A Don” Coming Soon
AllHipHop: Meet Lazaris The Top Don, The Buzzing MC Out of South Bronx
Reaper Gang: Lazaris The Top Don Releases A Dope Video Called “Knock It Off” ft Dyce Payso
NATIONAL TV EXPOSURE
EXCLUSIVE INVITE: HIP HOP ANNIVERSARY EVENT (ROCK THE BELLS)
CITATION OF MERIT (CITY OF THE BRONX & STATE OF NY)
CEO: THE TOP DON EMPIRE
Top Don Empire brings expertise and support to young aspiring artists that are hungry for success and ready to make an impact in this Hip-Hop Industry Nation-Wide. If you want to experience this movement in person, reach out to Lazaris The Top Don and experience this force for yourself!
Top Don Empire Official Website
Imprint Label, Music Distribution
Artist Development & Management
Marketing & Promotions
Building Future Leaders
LAZARIS THE TOP DON: IN THE COMMUNITY
Lazaris The Top Don is passionate about re-investing his resources and time into our community. As an entrepreneur, Lazaris is committed to help educate our youth on the music industry and is widely seen nation-wide speaking on topics such as budgets, understanding copyrights, marketing, properly registering music, survival and leadership skills needed for the corporate world.
In addition, Lazaris is passionate about spreading positivity and reducing gun violence by partnering with organizations such as Guns Down Life Up-aimed on finding solutions to help lift our youth out of violence and set them up for brighter futures.
LAZARIS THE TOP DON- RADIO PERSONALITY
Live89 FM
The Inphamus Hour with Da Inphamus Amadeuz
Live 101.5 FM (North Carolina)
Upcoming- Pow Wow with "The Don Podcast"
Stream Lazaris The Top Don
Music Videos
PHOTO GALLERY
ACHIEVEMENTS/EXCLUSIVE FEATURES
This is 50
Hip Hop Since 1987
Medium Magazine
The Source
Hip Hop Weekly
Hot 97 (NYC) Who's Up Next
Billboard Hip Hop
Validated Magazine- Exclusive Live Performance
The Lord Sear Special Ciphers on Shade 45- XM Satellite Radio
Shade 45 Live Radio Interview
Streetz 945 Radio Interview-Atlanta
XXL Interview
Hot 97 NYC Exclusive Interview
Joe Pesci 38 Freestyle Butcher the Bars Challenge
BARS on DTF Radio
WEMS Radio Live Freestyle & Radio Interview
BARS on Ruff Ryders Radio
Who's Up Next- Indie Hip Hop Cipha & Interview
"Sure Shot": Watch Hip Hop-Lazaris The Top Don
Featured on THE MVMT with DJ Drewski
Featured on Channel 12 News- New Jersey
DAZE Summer Festival 2021
Summer Jam 21 Featuring Twista and Beadz
Rock The Bells- Hip Hop Anniversary Event (2021) starring DJ KOOL HERC