Sometimes you need to fall to get back up; for rapper J. Asadi, that fall meant serving seven years in the prison system — an experience that ultimately gave him a renewed outlook on life. This new outlook has shown him a new way to approach his dream. Currently majoring in Business Administration, and signed to his own Indie label Dark Mafia Entertainment, he’s recently released a dope new LP that walks listeners through his story while dropping psalms filled with unexpectedly powerful inspiration.
The vibrant eight-song project, titled Lazarus Experiment, is an eclectic mix of vibes — albeit with very cohesive soundscapes produced mainly by Steffon Petrovic. All the songs have a message. Nothing is out of place.
The intro “The Invitation” is, in essence, his story, detailing issues with baby mother, his time in the Marines, his time in the box, and above all this overwhelming sense of perseverance. The LP has this overarching theme of scaling adversity, with songs like “Never Fail” and “Undefeated” coming across as the type of records that help listeners through their darkest moments. It’s powerful stuff.
“Spirits” has a different vibe than the other tracks, trading bars with E-Po over this soulful trap infusion, dripping with gem after gem. “My life is far from perfect, but better tha expected,” is one jewel that shone extra bright.
Through the sense of sadness that dwells in the bars of this project, there are rays friends of light beaming from the content. From living through the system and having to readjust his entire life — and see so-called friends for what they truly are — gives this project an overwhelming aura of thoughtful reflection. Lazarus is a Hebrew word that translates to “God has helped,” which is fitting, as this is the type of music that saves lives. Recommended listening.
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