There are loads of talented rappers in Detroit, some of them really need more recognition, like Lazarus. He is a rapper and a doctor . His parents emigrated from Pakistan to Detroit. He is truly one of Detroit s best battle rappers. DK: Who, in the music business (underground or mainstream) would you most like to meet? IE: Mainstream: Dr Dre, no contest! He is a legend, and Underground: Uncle ILL, Mu, I-Mac and Dogmatic in Detroit and Dirty Red in Compton. DK: Musically speaking, who is your biggest influence? And why was it so important to include the Detroit Rap Scene in your book? IE: If you are speaking generally, James Brown is one of my biggest musical influences. I love the dynamism and positivity of his music. In rap music, the early Eminem is certainly a very big influence. I also love Compton legend Eazy E. DK: You dedicated your book to your two sons; Marcus and Simon and Big Proof "Deshaun Holton." What was the inspiration behind the dedication to Big Proof? IE: Proof is a symbol of unity in Detroit rap. His goal was to unite emcees and make them work together for the love of music. I love his dedication to hip hop, I love his way of experimenting different styles in his solo work. I also love his simplicity as a person. I was very fortunate to interview him ( thanks, Darcey of Iron Fist Records), before he was brutally murdered. I think that