Jason Powers better known as Elzhi is an American rapper from Detroit, Michigan. Known to many Underground fans as "Detroit's Best Kept Secret", he is a former member of Slum Village and now records as a solo artist. He is known for his complicated rhyme schemes, many of which contain polysyllabic ‘patterns’, internal rhymes and alliteration, evocative imagery, simile and metaphor. On May 10, 2011, Elzhi released his highly anticipated mixtape Elmatic as a tribute to Nas’ classic debut Illmatic. Produced by Will Sessions, the mixtape has received glowing reviews from critics and fans alike. In his youth, he made numerous visits to the Hip-Hop shop in Detroit, taking advantage of open-mic nights hosted by fellow Detroit rapper Proof. These sessions gave him the opportunity to be surrounded by Detroit's most talented MC's, such as Obie Trice, Magestik Legend, Finale, Invincible, Phat Kat, Guilty Simpson, Royce da 59, One Be Lo, J Dilla, Baatin, D12, and even Eminem during his battling days.