Dizzy Wright

Dizzy Wright
Dizzy Wright performing in February 2018
Dizzy Wright performing in February 2018
Background information
Birth nameLa’Reonte Wright
Also known asDizzy D Flash
Born (1990-11-26) November 26, 1990 (age 33)
Flint, Michigan, U.S.
OriginLas Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
GenresHip Hop
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • songwriter
  • record producer
InstrumentVocals
Years active2009–present
Labels
Websitedizzywright.com

La'Reonte Wright (born November 26, 1990), known professionally as Dizzy Wright, is an American rapper and record producer.

In December 2011, Wright signed to rapper Hopsin's independent record label, Funk Volume. After signing, he released his debut studio album SmokeOut Conversations in April 2012. He followed that with The First Agreement in December of that year, and then a mixtape The Golden Age in August 2013. Following touring with Hopsin in early 2014, Dizzy Wright released State of Mind, an EP that would peak at number 54 on the Billboard 200. On May 22, 2015, he released his second studio album The Growing Process which peaked at number 47 on the Billboard 200.

Early life

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Wright looked up to Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, of which his uncles Layzie Bone and Flesh-N-Bone are members.[1][2] At the age of four he moved with his mom and siblings to Las Vegas, Nevada.[3] He began rapping at just 8 years old with the group DaFuture which included his brother and a very close friend. His mother wrote his raps at the time and was a concert promoter so he was exposed to the music industry early even doing youth reporting at major awards shows like the BET Awards and interviewing Tyrese, St. Lunatics and Boyz II Men. He credits this for being the reason he wants to stay away from major record labels and stick to independent labels.[4] In seventh grade Wright lived in a homeless shelter with his family for five months.[5] Throughout the rest of high school he lived in Georgia and California before moving back to Las Vegas when he was in twelfth grade.[6] In 2010, Wright took part in and won the Sheikh Music Rip the Mic competition, which impressed record label Funk Volume.[7] In 2010, he also appeared on 106 & Park's Wild Out Wednesday, as Dizzy D Flashy.[8]

Musical career

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2010–2012: Signing to Funk Volume and Smokeout Conversations

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In 2011, Dizzy Wright released his mixtape, titled Soul Searchin' Next Level, which would be a final release under Bluestar Records.[9] In 2012, Wright signed to rapper Hopsin's independent record label Funk Volume.[10] Wright's debut studio album, Smokeout Conversations, was released on April 20, 2012, in honor of the annual marijuana type-of "holiday" under Funk Volume.[11] The album included the single "Can't Trust Em", and peaked at number 42 on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and number eight on the US Heatseekers Albums charts.[12][13] Months later, Wright released a reloaded version of a mixtape, titled Free SmokeOut Conversations, which has been downloaded over 170,000 times.[7] This mixtape features guest appearances from a fellow rapper and his label-mate Hopsin, and SwizZz. It also contains his single "Independent Living". Not withstanding the original plan to release the mixtape prior to the album, but then instead Dizzy released the album.[1] The album's success allowed him to perform on a national 30-day headlining tour following its release.[7]

He capped off the year performing on the Funk Volume Tour 2012 with Hopsin, SwizZz and Jarren Benton. On December 3, 2012, Dizzy released his debut extended play, titled The First Agreement.[7] The EP was named after Don Miguel Ruiz's book The Four Agreements.[4] Its lead single, "Fly High", was released.[14] The EP debuted at number 41 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart and number 25 on the Top Rap Albums charts.[12][15] Wright had also hinted at the releases of more chapters in the series.[4]

2013–2014: The Golden Age and State of Mind

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On March 11, 2013, Wright released the first song from his upcoming mixtape, titled "Maintain" featuring fellow rapper Joey Bada$$.[16] On March 26, it was announced that Wright would be included in XXL's Freshman Class of 2013 due to getting the "Peoples Choice" vote.[17] Three days later he would release the music video for a new song titled, "Still Movin'" which featured cameos from his Funk Volume label mates which was followed by "Killem Wit Kindness" a few days later.[18][19] These songs were the second and third releases from his upcoming mixtape, which was shortly announced to be titled, The Golden Age.[20][21] Guest appearances on the mixtape included Wyclef Jean, Hopsin, Joey Bada$$, Jarren Benton, SwizZz, Logic, Kid Ink and Honey Cocaine among others. Along with production from DJ Hoppa, Rikio, Kato, 6ix, and Cardo.[22][23] The mixtape was released for free, and for purchase on iTunes on August 19, 2013.[24][25] Due to its retail release, the mixtape debuted on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart at number 39 becoming his highest charting project at the time.[12]

Wright announced plans to drop The Second Agreement EP, and then his second studio album after the release of the mixtape.[26] On December 18, 2013, he was named a runner-up for "Rising Star of the Year" by HipHopDX.[27] Starting 2014, Wright begun touring with Hopsin on the Knock Madness world tour.[28] He was also featured on Knock Madness, on the song "Who's There?" also featuring label mate Jarren Benton.[29] On February 16, 2014, Dizzy Wright announced he would be releasing State of Mind, a new EP during March 2014.[30] In an interview with XXL the following month, Dizzy Wright said State of Mind had no current release date and confirmed his second studio album would be released during 2014.[31] However, on April 8, Wright revealed the cover artwork and release date of April 15, 2014 for the EP.[32] State of Mind debuted at number 54 on the US Billboard 200 chart.[33]

In July 2014, Dizzy Wright revealed that his second studio album would be released in early 2015, with a guest appearance to come from Bone Thugs-n-Harmony.[34] In an interview with Mr. Wavvy released on June 24, 2015, Wright confirmed that a project with Logic is in the works. The rapper went on to confirm that the two have 4-5 songs already recorded for it.[35]

2015–2017: The Growing Process and multiple projects

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In February 2015, Wright released a collaborative mixtape with Mark Battles titled, Lost In Reality.[36] On May 26, 2015, Wright released his second studio album, The Growing Process, which was released through Funk Volume and distributed by Warner Bros.[37] The album went on and peaked at number 47 on the Billboard 200 chart.[33]

In January 2016, Funk Volume disbanded.[38] On February 5, 2016, Wright released his first project post-Funk Volume titled, Wisdom and Good Vibes.[39] On July 2, Wright released The 702 EP and was supported by two singles "East Side" and "What's In My Pot".[40] A few days after the release of the EP, Wright released a new single "They Know Why" commenting on controversial political issues.[41] In November 2016, Wright released a collaborative mixtape with Demrick titled, Blaze With Us.[42]

On August 11, 2017, Wright released his third studio album The Golden Age 2 named after his 2013 mixtape The Golden Age.[43] On November 24, Wright released his fourth studio album, State of Mind 2, named after his 2014 extended play, State of Mind, with features from ILL Camille, Audio Push, Demrick, Larry June, Reezy, Jon Connor, A.D, and Chelle.[44]

2018–present: One Week Notice, Don't Tell Me It Can't Be Done and Nobody Cares, Work Harder and My Hustle Unmatched

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On January 5, 2018, Still Movin record label owner Damian Ritter put together a collaboration project with Wright, Jarren Benton, Audio Push, Demrick, Emilio Rojas, Reezy, DJ Hoppa, and Kato titled, One Week Notice.[45] On June 1, Wright released the extended play, Don't Tell Me It Can't Be Done.[46] It included two singles: "Hit Em with the Pose" featuring Jazz Lazr, and "Vibe" featuring Kid Ink.[47][48]

On March 15, 2019, Wright released his fifth studio album titled, Nobody Cares, Work Harder, which was distributed by Empire.[49] It included two singles: "Picture Perfect" featuring Eric Bellinger, and "Champagne Service".[50][51] Following the release of the album, Wright went on and released three singles, "Keep Up", "Heavy Handed" and "The Ride".[52][53][54]

On September 18, 2020, Wright released his sixth studio album, My Hustle Unmatched.[55]

Discography

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Studio albums

  • SmokeOut Conversations (2012)
  • The Growing Process (2015)
  • The Golden Age 2 (2017)
  • State of Mind 2 (2017)
  • Nobody Cares, Work Harder (2019)
  • My Hustle Unmatched (2020)
  • Sildin and Glidin (2021)
  • Live at Daddy Macs (2023)
  • Trial and Error (2024)
  • Harsh Reality (2024)
  • Emotional Discipline (2024)

References

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  1. ^ a b "Q&A: Dizzy Wright Explains Difficulty Of Breaking Outta Las Vegas, His Mom Writing His Rhymes". July 26, 2012. Archived from the original on June 19, 2017. Retrieved January 30, 2020.
  2. ^ "Dizzy Wright - XXL". XXL Mag.
  3. ^ "Growing Up In Las Vegas — Who Is Dizzy Wright?". Complex. 2013-06-10. Retrieved 2013-11-30.
  4. ^ a b c "Dizzy Wright Outlines What It Means To Put Las Vegas On The Map, New EP | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales | HipHop DX". Archived from the original on 2013-10-18. Retrieved 2012-12-22.
  5. ^ "Living In A Homeless Shelter — Who Is Dizzy Wright?". Complex. 2013-06-10. Retrieved 2013-11-30.
  6. ^ "Finishing Up School — Who Is Dizzy Wright?". Complex. 2013-06-10. Retrieved 2013-11-30.
  7. ^ a b c d "Funk Volume Music". Archived from the original on 2014-01-03. Retrieved 2012-12-22.
  8. ^ Staff, X. X. L. "The Break Presents: Dizzy Wright - XXL". XXL Mag.
  9. ^ "Dizzy Wright - Soul Searchin Next Level". HotNewHipHop. 5 November 2011.
  10. ^ "L.A. Indie Label Funk Volume Survives And Thrives - XXL Issue 151 - XXL". Xxlmag.com. 2013-10-31. Retrieved 2013-11-30.
  11. ^ "SmokeOut Conversations by Dizzy Wright". Apple Music. April 20, 2012. Archived from the original on December 28, 2019. Retrieved December 26, 2019.
  12. ^ a b c "Dizzy Wright - Chart History: Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums". Billboard. Retrieved February 29, 2020.
  13. ^ "Dizzy Wright - Chart History: Heatseekers Albums". Billboard. Retrieved February 29, 2020.
  14. ^ "Dizzy Wright". DJBooth.
  15. ^ "Dizzy Wright - Chart History: Top Rap Albums". Billboard. Retrieved February 29, 2020.
  16. ^ "Premiere: Listen to Dizzy Wright and Joey Bada$$ Trade Bars on "Maintain"". Complex.
  17. ^ "XXL Freshman Class 2013 Cover Revealed - XXL".
  18. ^ "Dizzy Wright - "Still Movin'" | Watch Hip Hop Music Videos & New Rap Videos | HipHop DX". Archived from the original on 2013-12-03. Retrieved 2013-03-30.
  19. ^ "Watch: Dizzy Wright "Killem Wit Kindness"". Complex.
  20. ^ Alexis, Nadeska. "Dizzy Wright 'Kicked Down The Door' For Vegas With XXL Cover". MTV News. Archived from the original on January 2, 2015.
  21. ^ "Dizzy Wright talks SXSW, The Golden Age mixtape, and Still Movin video" – via www.youtube.com.
  22. ^ "His upcoming mixtape, The Golden Age — Who Is Dizzy Wright?". Complex. 2013-06-10. Retrieved 2013-11-30.
  23. ^ Baker, Soren (2013-08-19). "Dizzy Wright "The Golden Age" Cover Art, Tracklist & Mixtape Download | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHop DX. Archived from the original on 2013-08-18. Retrieved 2013-11-30.
  24. ^ "iTunes - Music - The Golden Age by Dizzy Wright". Itunes.apple.com. 2013-08-19. Retrieved 2013-11-30.
  25. ^ "Dizzy Wright "The Golden Age" Mixtape". Complex. 2013-08-19. Retrieved 2013-11-30.
  26. ^ "Future — Who Is Dizzy Wright?". Complex. 2013-06-10. Retrieved 2013-11-30.
  27. ^ "The 2013 HipHopDX Year End Awards | Discussing Lil' Wayne, Drake & Many More Hip Hop Artists | HipHop DX". Archived from the original on 2014-01-22. Retrieved 2013-12-18.
  28. ^ "Archived copy". www.xxlmag.com. Archived from the original on 21 May 2014. Retrieved 17 January 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  29. ^ "Knock Madness by Hopsin". Apple Music. November 26, 2013. Retrieved January 29, 2020.
  30. ^ "Dizzy Wright Announces "State of Mind" EP | Get the Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales | HipHop DX". Archived from the original on 2014-03-03. Retrieved 2014-02-18.
  31. ^ Staff, X. X. L. "Dizzy Wright Felt Good Winning The People's Choice - XXL". XXL Mag.
  32. ^ Dizzy Wright [@DizzyWright] (8 April 2014). "#StateOfMind Dropping next Tuesday 4/15 retweet this if you ready" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  33. ^ a b "Dizzy Wright - Chart History: Billboard 200". Billboard. Retrieved February 29, 2020.
  34. ^ "Dizzy Wright Addresses Joint Project with Logic, Talks Bishop Nehru, "BrILLiant Youth EP" | Get the Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales | HipHop DX". Archived from the original on 2014-07-28. Retrieved 2014-07-28.
  35. ^ "Dizzy Wright Talks New Album, Gives Update on Project with Logic". YouTube.
  36. ^ "Lost In Reality by Mark Battles & Dizzy Wright". Apple Music. 17 February 2015. Retrieved February 29, 2020.
  37. ^ Robertson, Darryl. "Dizzy Wright Drops Inspirational Album, 'The Growing Process'". Vibe. Retrieved 13 July 2016.
  38. ^ Hernandez, Victoria (14 March 2016). "Dizzy Wright Defends Damien Ritter In The Midst Of Hopsin's Funk Volume Fallout". HipHopDX. Retrieved 13 July 2016.
  39. ^ "Wisdom and Good Vibes by Dizzy Wright". Apple Music. 5 February 2016. Archived from the original on 17 July 2019. Retrieved February 29, 2020.
  40. ^ "The 702 EP by Dizzy Wright". Apple Music. 2 July 2016. Archived from the original on 28 December 2019. Retrieved February 29, 2020.
  41. ^ Hylton, Garfield (11 July 2016). "Dizzy Wright's 'They Know Why' Video Takes On Racism And Police Brutality". UPROXX. Retrieved 13 July 2016.
  42. ^ "Blaze With Us by Dizzy Wright & Demrick". Apple Music. 2 November 2016. Retrieved February 29, 2020.
  43. ^ "The Golden Age 2 by Dizzy Wright". Apple Music. 11 August 2017. Retrieved February 29, 2020.
  44. ^ "State of Mind 2 by Dizzy Wright". Apple Music. 24 November 2017. Retrieved February 29, 2020.
  45. ^ "One Week Notice by One Week Notice". Apple Music. January 5, 2018. Archived from the original on February 29, 2020. Retrieved January 29, 2020.
  46. ^ "Don't Tell Me It Can't Be Done by Dizzy Wright". Apple Music. June 2018. Retrieved February 29, 2020.
  47. ^ "Dizzy Wright - HIT EM WITH THE POSE (feat. Jazz Lazr)". Spotify. 10 May 2018. Retrieved February 29, 2020.
  48. ^ "Dizzy Wright - Vibe (feat. Kid Ink)". Spotify. 18 May 2018. Retrieved February 29, 2020.
  49. ^ "Nobody Cares, Work Harder by Dizzy Wright". Apple Music. March 15, 2019. Retrieved January 29, 2020.
  50. ^ "Dizzy Wright - Picture Perfect (feat. Eric Bellinger)". Spotify. 15 February 2019. Retrieved February 29, 2020.
  51. ^ "Dizzy Wright - Champagne Service". Spotify. March 2019. Retrieved February 29, 2020.
  52. ^ "Keep Up (feat. Enchanting) - Single by Dizzy Wright". Apple Music. 22 October 2019. Archived from the original on 31 January 2020. Retrieved January 29, 2020.
  53. ^ "Heavy Handed - Single by Dizzy Wright". Apple Music. 3 November 2019. Archived from the original on 31 January 2020. Retrieved January 29, 2020.
  54. ^ "The Ride - Single by Dizzy Wright". Apple Music. December 20, 2019. Archived from the original on December 28, 2019. Retrieved December 27, 2019.
  55. ^ "My Hustle Unmatched by Dizzy Wright on Apple Music". 18 September 2020. Retrieved September 18, 2020 – via Apple Music.
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