Flo Rida

Flo Rida (born Tramar Dillard, 16.12.1979)

Flo Rida is an American rapper, previously a member of the 2 Live Crew

Flo Rida: Childhood & Early Career

Tramar Dillard was born in Carol City, Florida. Whilst he was a teenager, he performed with the hip-hop collective 2 Live Crew. Jodeci's DeVante Swing soon noticed Flo Rida's work with Fresh Kid Ice (also of 2 Live Crew) but none of the major labels were willing to offer them a record deal. As a result, Flo Rida enrolled in the University of Nevada, then Las Vegas and Barry University.

Following a phone call from Poe Boy Entertainment, Flo Rida returned home to Florida and signed a deal with them in 2007. He began to associate himself with Floridian rappers such as Trina, Trick Daddy and Rick Ross.

Flo Rida's debut single was a promotional release, featuring Rick Ross, named 'Birthday'. His first widespread release was the track 'Bitch, I'm From Dade County', on DJ Khaled's We the Best album. The album also featured Dre and Brisco.

Flo Rida: Music Career

In 2008, Flo Rida released his debut album, Mail On Sunday. The debut single, 'Low' featured T-Pain and was a huge commercial success. The track was also featured on the soundtrack to Step Up 2 The Streets. Another single, 'Elevator', featured the renowned hip-hop producer Timbaland, whilst will.i.am from Black Eyed Peas featured on 'In The Ayer'. The final track from the album was 'Roll' and featured Sean Kingston.

Flo Rida also appeared on tracks by a number of different artists, including 'We Break The Dawn' by Michelle Williams and a remix of Madonna's '4 Minutes'. He also appeared on albums by DJ Khaled (We Global) and Ace Hood (Gutta).

Flo Rida started to record his second album less than a year after the release of Mail On Sunday. R.O.O.T.S., the name of the second album stands for Route Of Overcoming The Struggle. Released in March 2009, the album features production from the likes of Dr. Luke and DJ Montay. The lead single from the album, 'Right Round' became Flo Rida's second number one single.