Flo Rida chats with Infusion

Dubai | 28/02/2010

Flo Rida – Florida’s favourite son

The American rapper, real name Tramar Dillard, has been in the music business since touring as a teenager with rap group 2 Live Crew. After appearing in mix-tapes and studio albums, he released his debut solo album Mail on Sunday in 2008. After the chart-topping success of singles from the album, he released a follow-up called ROOTS in 2009, with the single Right Round residing at the top of the Hot 100 for 6 weeks. Not named after the sunshine state in which he lives, but instead the ‘flow’ of his music and the speed that he ‘rides’ his rap, the industry heavyweight (literally and otherwise – have you seen how ripped he is!?) gets cosy at the Infusion offices…


You were lucky enough to tour with local group 2 Live Crew in your youth. Do you think your time with them had any major influences on you as an artist?
Def; it showed me what it was like to travel and it also helped me become more comfortable on stage.

There was a noticeable period in your career, where you took part-time jobs and attended university. At that point did you ever think you would achieve global success?
When I got with the right team and started working with Poe Boy Entertainment it really gave me a chance to learn about myself as an artist. Being able to get in the studio and show my versatility helped me show people what I could do.

Your debut album, Mail on Sunday, saw the single ‘Low’ hit the number one spot in the US for ten weeks. Did you have any idea your first album would be such a hit?
With the time and dedication I put in I knew it would be a success but I never thought coming out as a new artist I would get so much love and support from the fans; it was incredible.

In your second album, ROOTS, you scored another number one with the release of ‘Right Round’, (the melody sample was originally by Brit group Red or Dead). Where did the inspiration come from to incorporate this into your music?
I am always trying to show my versatility as an artist and my time in the studio def. bring about a lot of my inspiration.

ROOTS stands for Route of Overcoming the Struggle. Does this statement have a particular relevance to you?
All the trials and tribulations you go through being an artist def. made me who I am, whether it was good or bad I stayed on the positive side and I overcame the struggle, but there are more struggles to come as I continue to grow as an artist.

You’ve collaborate with artists including Trina and Trick Daddy. Who else is on the horizon that you want to work with?
I would love to work with Beyonce, Outkast, Ludacris & Eminem.

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Who was your last phone call to?
My Mom

What does your last text message read?
I made it safe to Australia

Cat or dog?
Dog

Snow or shine?
Shine

Favourite beverage?
Lemonade
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Catch the Flo Rida concert on March 4th at the Dubai Media City Palladium, entry 350-550dhs from 7pm. www.officialflo.com Are you ready to get low?

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