Since signing with Hopsin's Funk Volume in 2011, Dizzy Wright has cultivated a following that has helped establish him as a member of the underground elite. Now, with his third studio album, The Growing Process, having been released on May 26, the Las Vegas born MC flipped it on the fans by unveiling an unexpected sound with the single, “Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather.” The song, inspired by the polarizing boxer, is one that he says is only a temporary departure from his signature throwback style. 

“‘Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather’ is probably the most unusual song on the album. It’s definitely something that people wouldn’t expect,” Dizzy told BET.com. “Everything else on the album is more of what people are used to from me, on a better scale. I’m still getting my point across, but the music sounds better."

His new sound may not have been what his fanbase anticipated, but no one seems to be complaining either. Dizzy credits his heightened self-awareness with allowing him to experiment with new sounds.

“The ferocity [that you heard in ‘Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather’] comes from just becoming more comfortable with who you are," he explained. "As soon as you get to that point, you can carry yourself a little better and that’s what happened to me. Other than that, nothing’s really changed. I’m pretty much doing the same thing and I’m just allowing my fans to be a part of my growing process."

Ever since Kendrick Lamar dropped To Pimp a Butterfly, many rappers have cited the eclectic LP as a creative influence. But to Dizzy, the album served as a tool of reaffirmation.

“I know a lot of n****s are gonna listen to the Kendrick album and they’re gonna be like, ‘F**k, I gotta go back and tighten up my s**t,’” Dizzy said. “I listened to Kendrick's album and I was like, ‘F**k man, my s**t is really up there.” I know I’ma grow to be a better artist, but what I’m giving to the game it’s just as knowledgeable as what Kendrick is giving to the game."

He promises that The Growing Process will garner its proper respect once listeners hear it.

"Right now I’m giving them ‘Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather’ because that’s what they’re gonna run with and play at parties," he said. "That’s what’s gonna get these young kids geared to open up, but when the project drops and the knowledge hits everybody at once, they’re gonna show the respect that this project deserves."

Dizzy spoke about crafting the perfect album for his fans and acknowledged that their feedback has played a pivotal role in fine tuning his sound.

“The last three years, I’ve been traveling and I’ve had an opportunity to get in front of my fans and meet them and shake their hands and talk to them,” he noted. "I just want to constantly grow. I’m cool with the baby steps. I’m not in a rush to be the biggest rapper in the world. I’m not in a rush to have the No. 1 album in the world. I’m willing to work to get there. I want my fans to want to be a part of that. If they’re willing to be a part of that they’re gonna get dope a** music, dope a** visuals, dope a** concerts. It’s gonna be a beautiful growing process."

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(Photo: Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)