Not many 21-year old rappers can say that they’ve been rapping for over a decade. The Las Vegas-based rapper began rapping at just 8 years old with the group “DaFuture” with his brother and very close friend – his mother wrote his raps at the time. “My Mom was like Joe Jackson,” says Wright, “She was a concert promoter so I was exposed to the music industry early – we even did youth reporting at major awards shows like the BET Awards.”

At 17-years old with several years of experience Dizzy decided to take his rap career seriously. Formerly known as Dizzy D Flashy, Dizzy was a winner on BET’s “Wild Out Wednesdays,” winner of the Sheikh Music “Rip the Mic” Competition and released 5 mixtapes, which lead him to rack up over 1-million views on YouTube. Wright wants for people to learn something when they listen to his music by discussing situations that his fans can relate to. “The internet allowed me to see what my music did to people – I like being able to see the response. When you rap, you have a voice and this is how I balance my thoughts,” says Wright.

In November 2011, Wright signed to Funk Volume after being discovered at the Sheikh Music “Rip the Mic” Competition in 2010. Impressed by his smooth flow, confident stage presence and energy that won over the crowd, Funk Volume knew he was a special talent and would be valuable addition to the team. On the heels of his latest mixtape “Soul Searchin’ Next Level,” Wright will release “Smoke Out Conversations” on February 20th, and says the tape was inspired by Don Miguel Ruiz’s widespread book, “The Four Agreements.” “I live the four agreements …. The first agreement is be impeccable with your word. People will learn something from this mixtape.”

Download Dizzy Wright’s latest mixtape “Soul Searchin’ Next Level” on the Funk Volume website or Datpiff.

During a time when New York is struggling to break new artists, an unlikely face, from an unlikely place, has emerged. Rochester, New York, native Emilio Rojas is just that: The fresh face New York needs to reclaim a place in the forefront of the Hip Hop genre. In 2005, Emilio received a phone call from a friend asking if he would like to move to New York. After selling everything he owned, he was living in Brooklyn the next day. Since then Emilio has distinguished himself by releasing several critically acclaimed mixtapes, and taken his place amongst the most anticipated of up and coming artists.

Having a cosign from fellow Rochester-native, and Hiphop legend DJ Green Lantern, (who has worked extensively with Hip Hop greats Eminem, Jay Z, Nas, etc) has solidified Emilio’ s place among today’ s most buzzing artists. Together the duo have released two critically acclaimed mixtapes, The Natural and recent Life Without Shame , which feature production and guest appearances from Multi-Platinum and Grammy winning producers and artists, such as Boi-1da, The J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Nottz, Needlz, B.o.B., Styles P, Killer Mike, Yelawolf, and more. Emilio is clearly in the company of greatness – but like any other rising star he is carving out a space uniquely his own.

Individuality is the driving force behind Emilio’s music. The only son of an American mother and Venezuelan immigrant father, his perspective reflects the growing biracial climate in the United States today. Couple that with the fact that his father left his family at a young age and you can identify the source of Emilio’s hunger. These themes are prevalent in his music, they are what make him so relatable. Emilio speaks for those who up until now have had no voice, and he does not shy away from the taboo or controversial.

It is that approach that sets him apart. His willingness to candidly discuss topics that most people tuck away, but present them in a way that you can play on the radio or even at a party. These are the qualities of a great artist. Emilio can go in any direction, and at his current rate, he is on course to make a permanent mark on the industry, and more importantly continue to grow with his fans.