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Flo Rida

Tramar Lacel Dillard (born September 16, 1979), known professionally as Flo Rida, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter from . He first gained widespread fame with his 2007 debut single "Low" featuring , which topped the chart for ten weeks and became one of the best-selling digital singles of all time. Flo Rida's debut studio album, Mail on Sunday (2008), also featured the hit "," establishing his signature style of upbeat, club-oriented and pop-rap anthems. Subsequent albums like (2009), Only One Flo (Part 1) (2010), and Wild Ones (2012) produced additional number-one singles, including "" featuring and "," contributing to his tally of three chart-toppers and 29 entries on the chart overall. A five-time Grammy Award nominee, Flo Rida has sold tens of millions of records worldwide and is recognized for his prolific collaborations with artists across genres, blending with elements. In recent years, he has continued releasing independently into 2025, and made headlines for winning an $82 million verdict in a legal battle against an company.

Early life

Childhood and family

Tramar Lacel Dillard, professionally known as Flo Rida, was born on September 16, 1979, in the Carol City neighborhood of Miami Gardens, Florida. He was the only son among eight children, the youngest being his twin sister, and grew up primarily under the care of his single mother. His mother worked multiple jobs to support the large family, instilling values of hard work and resilience amid financial hardships. The resided in the 187th Street projects, a challenging environment marked by economic struggles and limited resources in the predominantly Black neighborhood. Flo Rida's early exposure to music came through his household and community, where some of his sisters participated in a local group, performing at events and gatherings. His mother's involvement in activities further shaped this musical foundation, blending influences with the vibrant scenes emerging around Carol City. Flo Rida attended local public schools in Miami-Dade County, including Miami Carol City Senior High School, from which he graduated in 1998. During his school years, he displayed an early interest in , influenced by the rhythmic and expressive elements of the music he encountered at home and in the neighborhood.

Musical beginnings

In his late teens, Tramar Dillard, known professionally as Flo Rida, began actively pursuing music in Miami's local scene, forming the amateur rap group GroundHoggz with childhood friends around the late . The four-member group performed at regional gigs, opening for established local artists, and remained active for about eight years, honing Dillard's skills in the circuit. By 2001, Dillard transitioned to working as a and promoter for 2 Live Crew member , traveling on tour and gaining exposure to professional performance environments, which further fueled his ambition for a solo career. Despite these affiliations, he faced significant hurdles, including repeated rejections from major labels such as and while shopping demos in the early 2000s. To sustain himself amid these setbacks, Dillard took on various odd jobs outside music, often staying in budget motels or facing periods of instability in Florida's competitive rap landscape. Following high school graduation in 1998, Dillard briefly attended the to study international business management for two months and later spent two months at in . In early 2006, a representative from the independent contacted him, leading to a signing that marked a pivotal shift in his pre-major trajectory. During this period, Dillard built credibility through guest appearances on regional mixtapes, including collaborations with emerging artists like , which helped circulate his sound in Florida's community without a formal release. These features, often on underground projects, showcased his energetic flow and party-oriented style, laying groundwork for broader recognition while he navigated the scene's demands.

Career

2007–2008: Breakthrough with Mail on Sunday

In 2006, Flo Rida signed with the independent label , which led to a deal with shortly thereafter, marking his entry into major-label distribution. His breakthrough came with the release of his debut single "Low" featuring on October 9, 2007, as part of the soundtrack for the film Step Up 2: The Streets. The track debuted on the at number 91 on November 10, 2007, before ascending to the top spot, where it remained for 10 consecutive weeks, becoming one of the longest-running number-one singles of the decade. "Low" was later certified diamond by the RIAA on April 22, 2021, for exceeding 10 million units sold in the United States. Flo Rida's debut album, Mail on Sunday, followed on March 18, 2008, via Poe Boy and , debuting at number 4 on the chart with first-week sales of 86,000 copies. The project solidified his party-rap style, blending influences with electronic beats tailored for club environments. Follow-up singles included "Elevator" featuring , released in May 2008 as the album's second single, which peaked at number 16 on the , and "In the Ayer" featuring , issued in August 2008 and reaching number 9 on the Hot 100. The album featured prominent collaborations that enhanced its crossover appeal, including production and verses from on "Elevator," on "In the Ayer," and guest appearances from on "American Superstar," on "Money Right," and Birdman on "Gone." These partnerships, alongside T-Pain's hook on the , helped position Flo Rida as a collaborative force in and pop-rap scenes. As success grew, he began international touring in 2008, performing at events like in and , alongside 23 documented concerts worldwide that year to promote the album. Critically, Mail on Sunday received mixed reviews, praised for its infectious club anthems and energetic production but critiqued for relying on formulaic Southern tropes and lacking lyrical depth. The Guardian highlighted its suitability for "blaring out of car stereos and soundsystems," emphasizing the physicality added by guests like and . Conversely, described it as "joylessly repeating all the tired tropes of Southern party ," underscoring its superficial approach despite commercial viability. RapReviews noted Flo Rida's attempt to balance pop accessibility with elements, offering tracks for diverse audiences but ultimately favoring high-energy hooks over substance. This reception established his persona as a purveyor of upbeat, dancefloor-ready hits, setting the stage for his mainstream trajectory.

2009–2011: R.O.O.T.S. and Only One Flo (Part 1)

Flo Rida's second studio album, R.O.O.T.S. (an acronym for "Route of Overcoming the Struggle"), was released on March 31, 2009, via and . The project marked a sonic evolution from his debut, incorporating more and elements alongside hip-hop foundations, with production from , , and others. It debuted at number 8 on the chart, selling 56,000 copies in its first week. The album's lead single, "Right Round" featuring Ke$ha, sampled Dead or Alive's 1985 hit "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)" and became a major success, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for three non-consecutive weeks in early 2009 and achieving international chart dominance in countries including the UK, Australia, and Germany. Follow-up singles included "Sugar" featuring Wynter, which peaked at number 5 on the Hot 100, and "Jump" featuring Nelly Furtado, reaching number 54. Collaborations on the album extended to artists like Akon and Lil Wayne, blending rap verses with pop and dance hooks to broaden Flo Rida's appeal. R.O.O.T.S. achieved commercial success beyond the U.S., topping charts in and while reaching the top 10 in several European markets, including the and , driven by the singles' radio play and club rotation. The album was certified platinum by the RIAA in 2024 for over one million units sold in the United States, reflecting its enduring popularity. In recognition of its impact, R.O.O.T.S. earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best Rap Album at the in 2010, though it lost to Eminem's . Building on this momentum, Flo Rida transitioned to a digital-first approach with his third release, the EP Only One Flo (Part 1), issued exclusively online on November 30, 2010, through Atlantic Records. The seven-track project leaned further into electronic dance influences, featuring high-energy beats suited for clubs and soundtracks. Its lead single, "Club Can't Handle Me" featuring David Guetta, was created for the Step Up 3D film soundtrack and peaked at number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, also charting strongly in Europe and Australia. This EP served as a bridge to Flo Rida's evolving sound, emphasizing collaborations with dance producers to solidify his crossover status in the burgeoning EDM-rap fusion scene.

2012–2013: Wild Ones

Flo Rida released his fourth studio album, Wild Ones, on July 3, 2012, through and . The project debuted at No. 14 on the chart, marking a continuation of his commercial momentum driven by hit singles rather than album sales alone. The album's lead single, "Wild Ones" featuring , became a global smash, peaking at No. 5 on the and reaching No. 1 in several countries including , , , and . Certified 5x in the United States, the track's uplifting pop-rap blend and Sia's soaring helped propel Flo Rida's international appeal. Follow-up single "" topped the in 2012, securing Flo Rida's third No. 1 hit on the chart and showcasing his knack for infectious, summery hooks. "I Cry," the third single, peaked at No. 18 on the Hot 100, incorporating a sample from Bingo Players' "Cry (Just a Little)," while "Good Feeling" drew from ' 1962 soul classic "Something's Got a Hold on Me" via Avicii's "Levels," blending hip-hop with electronic elements. Promotion for Wild Ones included ties to the soundtrack for the film Step Up Revolution, where the track "Let It Roll" (featuring Redfoo) served as a high-energy opener, aligning with Flo Rida's dance-floor persona. The album was supported by arena tours across Europe and Asia in 2012 and 2013, including stops that highlighted his growing fanbase in international markets. Critics noted Wild Ones for its polished pop-rap fusion, often comparing it to the era's EDM-influenced hits, though reviews were mixed, praising the catchy singles but critiquing the formulaic approach. The album achieved over 300,000 sales in the United States, bolstered by the singles' success, which collectively exceeded tens of millions in global units.

2014–2015: My House

Following a three-year hiatus from major releases after his 2012 album Wild Ones, Flo Rida returned with the EP My House on April 7, 2015, distributed by and . This project served as his final output under the Atlantic label, signaling a transition toward independent ventures, and emphasized a to and EDM-infused pop-rap sounds with upbeat, party-oriented production. Initially debuting at No. 14 on the with 27,000 equivalent album units in its first week (including 8,000 pure album ), the EP climbed to a peak of No. 4 by late November 2015, propelled by the breakout success of its singles amid rising streaming and digital consumption. The EP's lead single, "G.D.F.R." featuring and produced by Lookas, was released on January 27, 2015, and became a club staple with its trap-infused beat, peaking at No. 8 on the after 24 weeks on the chart. The title track "My House," released as the third single on September 24, 2015, further amplified the EP's momentum, reaching No. 4 on the Hot 100 and topping the Pop Songs airplay chart for five weeks; it was certified 3× platinum by the RIAA, reflecting its strong digital sales and streaming performance. Other tracks like "Once in a Lifetime" contributed to the project's cohesive vibe, blending motivational lyrics with electronic drops. My House featured notable collaborations, including and bassist on the funky "I Don't Like It, I Love It," which peaked at No. 43 on the Hot 100, and Fitz of on "Here It Is," adding soulful hooks to the EDM framework. Overall, the EP generated strong digital performance, surpassing 1 million equivalent album units in the U.S. through single-driven sales and streams, underscoring Flo Rida's continued prowess in crafting crossover hits despite the shorter format. This release effectively closed his major-label chapter while highlighting his adaptability to evolving trends. Following the release of his 2015 album My House, Flo Rida transitioned to an independent phase in his career, forgoing full-length studio albums in favor of sporadic singles and extended plays. In 2018, he issued the singles "Dancer," which debuted on March 2 and featured upbeat elements, and "Sweet Sensation," released on March 30 as a track for . By 2025, he expanded this approach with shorter projects, including the EP When I Grow Up (Late Night Edit) on June 13 and Confessions (Marathon Training Mix) on July 18, both emphasizing remixed, high-energy tracks suitable for and workout settings. These releases hinted at an upcoming club-oriented project, with singles like "Carrying the Club" and "WATCH" appearing earlier that year to maintain his presence in electronic and circles. Flo Rida sustained his global touring schedule during this period, culminating in the 2025 "Club Can't Handle" tour, which revisited his hit "Club Can't Handle Me" and drew large crowds across Europe and North America. Key performances included a sold-out show at OVO Arena Wembley in London on October 14, where he delivered high-energy sets blending his catalog's dance anthems, and a subsequent appearance at Avicii Arena in Stockholm on October 17. Stateside, he headlined the McHenry Music Festival in Illinois on September 14, performing alongside artists like Bailey Zimmerman and energizing the multi-day event at Petersen Park. Over his career, Flo Rida has sold more than 80 million records worldwide, underscoring the enduring commercial impact of his independent efforts. A significant aspect of this era involved legal challenges, particularly Flo Rida's 2021 lawsuit against Celsius Holdings for breaching a 2016 endorsement contract that promised him stock options in the energy drink company. The case stemmed from Celsius's alleged failure to disclose a stock dilution, leading to Flo Rida missing out on potential gains as the company's value surged. In January 2023, a Broward County jury ruled in his favor, awarding $82.6 million in damages, including $15 million in punitive damages for fraud. Celsius appealed, arguing errors in jury instructions, and in December 2024, Florida's Fourth District Court of Appeal upheld the verdict but mandated a reduction of up to 50% on the compensatory damages portion due to instructional flaws, potentially lowering the total payout significantly while remanding for recalculation. On November 12, 2025, the Florida Supreme Court denied Celsius's petition for review, finalizing the appellate decision. In July 2025, Flo Rida received the Key to -Dade County during a ceremony on July 16, presented by Mayor and commissioners in recognition of his musical achievements and community contributions as a native. The honor highlighted his role in promoting Florida's cultural scene and inspiring local youth through philanthropy and performances.

Personal life and philanthropy

Family and relationships

Flo Rida, whose real name is Tramar Lacel Dillard, has maintained a relatively private personal life, with limited public details about his romantic relationships. He was romantically linked to model from 2010 to 2011, during which the pair appeared together at events like the . The rapper dated model Alexis Adams in 2015 and 2016, a relationship that resulted in the birth of their son, Zohar Paxton Dillard, in September 2016. Zohar was diagnosed with hydrocephalus and autism shortly after birth—neurological conditions involving excess fluid buildup in the brain and developmental challenges—which have required multiple surgeries, including a brain procedure in 2018. In March 2023, suffered severe injuries after falling from a fifth-floor apartment in , including a shattered , left foot fractures, and a Grade 3 liver laceration, requiring intensive care; Adams filed a against the building management alleging faulty window guards. Flo Rida publicly expressed gratitude for his son's survival and emphasized prayers for recovery. Adams was granted full custody following disputes, including a 2017 child support lawsuit she filed in New York court, where she alleged Dillard had not provided support for the infant despite paternity confirmation. A custody and support agreement was established in 2018. In May 2023, following further disputes over medical, educational, and tuition expenses, the parties reached a new agreement under which Dillard pays $14,000 monthly in child support, $2,212 monthly for health insurance, and established a $300,000 escrow account for education costs, totaling nearly $500,000 annually; no further legal tensions have been reported as of November 2025. Dillard has rarely spoken publicly about his family, emphasizing and a commitment to co-parenting amid the challenges.

Charitable activities

Flo Rida has been actively involved in , focusing on awareness, relief, and support for veterans and through his performances, donations, and the establishment of his . In 2018, he founded Big Dreams for Kids, a 501(c)(3) that provides services primarily to underprivileged children in , including educational and recreational programs aimed at fostering positive development. The has organized community events such as distributing free food baskets to families in need in and, in November 2025, participated in the Settle the Smoke to support community recovery efforts. He has supported several charitable organizations, including Race to Erase MS, which raises awareness and funds for research; City Harvest, dedicated to hunger relief efforts; and Got Your 6, which aids veterans' reintegration into civilian life. Flo Rida has performed at multiple Race to Erase MS galas, including the 25th anniversary event in 2018 and the 30th anniversary in 2023, where his performances helped generate significant auction proceeds for the cause. In addition to these efforts, Flo Rida has headlined charitable events to benefit community causes. He performed at the official 2023 GRAMMY Celebration afterparty, an event produced by in partnership with Musically Fed to donate surplus food to those in need. In September 2024, he performed at the Turn2 Foundation's event. In January 2025, he headlined the Auto Show's Charity Preview gala, a black-tie fundraiser that has raised over $100 million for children's charities in across its history. On November 15, 2025, he performed at the Astros Foundation's 10th annual Diamond Dreams Gala to support initiatives. Following his $82.6 million award in a 2023 lawsuit against —reduced by approximately 50% to around $41.3 million following a December 11, 2024, appeals court ruling—Flo Rida pledged substantial portions of the winnings to and health initiatives, including expanding his foundation's programs and supporting a football league; no changes to these pledges have been reported. His philanthropic work is deeply tied to his Miami roots, with initiatives emphasizing and empowerment for the next generation in -Dade County through Big Dreams for Kids. Flo Rida has cited his upbringing in and the principle that "to whom much is given, much is required" as key motivations for his giving, particularly in supporting health-related causes influenced by personal family experiences.

Discography

Studio albums

Flo Rida's debut studio album, Mail on Sunday, was released on March 18, 2008, by and . It debuted at number 4 on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 86,000 copies in its first week. The album, featuring 12 tracks with collaborations from artists like and , was certified platinum by the RIAA on June 17, 2008, for shipments of one million units.) His second studio album, (an acronym for "Route of Overcoming the Struggle"), followed on , 2009, also via Atlantic and Poe Boy. It peaked at number 8 on the , with first-week sales of 55,000 copies, and includes 14 tracks produced by figures such as and . The album received platinum certification from the RIAA on March 22, 2024, marking its 15th anniversary and recognizing one million equivalent units. In 2010, Flo Rida issued [Only One Flo (Part 1)](/page/Only_One_Flo_(Part_1), a mini-album released on November 30 through Atlantic, featuring 5 tracks aimed at highlighting his melodic side, including the hit with . It reached number 107 on the , selling 11,000 copies in its debut week, but did not receive . Wild Ones, his third full-length studio album, arrived on July 3, 2012, under , debuting at number 14 on the with 31,000 first-week units. Comprising 10 tracks with guest appearances from and , it earned gold certification from the RIAA on September 24, 2018, for 500,000 equivalent album units.) No new studio albums have been released since 2012. Across these releases, Flo Rida's albums have collectively generated over 10 million equivalent units in the , driven largely by hit singles like "Low" and "" that originated from them.
AlbumRelease Date PeakNumber of Tracks
Mail on SundayMarch 18, 20084Platinum (2008)12
R.O.O.T.S.March 31, 20098Platinum (2024)14
November 30, 2010107None5
Wild OnesJuly 3, 201214Gold (2018)10

Singles and EPs

Flo Rida has released 44 singles as a lead artist since his debut in 2007, achieving significant commercial success with multiple number-one hits on the and certifications reflecting over 133 million digital worldwide. His lead singles have topped charts in various countries, including successes in more than 20 nations such as , , the , , and . Among his most prominent lead singles is "Low" featuring T-Pain, released in 2007 from the album Mail on Sunday, which peaked at number one on the for 10 weeks and was certified Diamond (10× Platinum) by the RIAA in 2021 for 10 million units sold in the United States. "Right Round" featuring Kesha, the lead single from his 2009 album R.O.O.T.S., also reached number one on the Hot 100 and was certified 8× Platinum by the RIAA in 2024, with over eight million units in the U.S. alone; it additionally topped charts in , , , and the . "Whistle," released in 2012 from Wild Ones, peaked at number one on the Hot 100 and earned 6× Platinum certification from the RIAA, surpassing five million U.S. units by 2018 with further streaming accumulations. "My House," the title track from his 2015 EP, reached number four on the Hot 100 and was certified 6× Platinum by the RIAA, reflecting strong digital performance. These tracks exemplify Flo Rida's formula of upbeat, club-oriented rap with pop and electronic elements, contributing to his overall certifications exceeding 100 million digital singles globally.
SingleYearBillboard Hot 100 PeakRIAA Certification
"Low" (feat. )20071Diamond (10× Platinum)
"Right Round" (feat. )200918× Platinum
"Whistle"201216× Platinum
"My House"201546× Platinum
In addition to his core singles, Flo Rida has appeared on over 20 guest features on other artists' tracks, such as "Be On You" with , though these are distinct from his lead output. Flo Rida has issued several extended plays. Early EPs include Live: London Festival '09 (July 15, 2009, Atlantic), Hits Mix (December 1, 2009, Atlantic), and Good Feeling (April 6, 2012, Sony). My House was released on April 7, 2015, by Atlantic and International Music Group, debuting at number 14 on the with 27,000 equivalent units (8,000 pure sales) in its first week and featuring 7 tracks, including the hit title single and "G.D.F.R." featuring and Lookas, which itself achieved 3× Platinum RIAA status. It achieved gold status from the RIAA on April 1, 2016, for 500,000 units.) More recent independent EPs include When I Grow Up (Late Night Edit) on June 13, 2025, and Confessions (Marathon Training Mix) released on July 18, 2025, alongside the Spring Break edition, focusing on remixed, high-energy tracks for niche audiences like and party playlists. These EPs highlight his shift toward standalone releases post-2015, emphasizing shorter formats amid .

Awards and nominations

Grammy Awards

Flo Rida has received five Grammy Award nominations throughout his career but has not won any. These nominations span categories recognizing his work in rap and pop crossover, highlighting his versatility as an artist blending with mainstream appeal. His first two nominations came at the in 2009 for the single "Low" featuring , earning nods in Best Rap Song and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. These recognized the track's songwriting and vocal performance, which became a massive commercial hit. In 2010, at the , Flo Rida received two additional nominations: Best Rap Album for his sophomore album and as a featured artist on Lady Gaga's (specifically for the track "Starstruck"). The nod acknowledged the album's production and lyrical content rooted in his personal experiences. His fifth nomination arrived at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards in 2013 for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration on "Wild Ones" featuring , which showcased his ability to merge rap verses with pop melodies.
YearCategoryWorkResult
2009Best Rap Song"Low" (with )Nominated
2009Best Rap/Sung Collaboration"Low" (with )Nominated
2010Best Rap AlbumR.O.O.T.S.Nominated
2010Album of the Year ( featuring Flo Rida)Nominated
2013Best Rap/Sung Collaboration"Wild Ones" (with )Nominated
These nominations enhanced Flo Rida's standing in the music industry, particularly in bridging and pop genres, as evidenced by his subsequent successes. As a past nominee, Flo Rida headlined the official 2023 Grammy Celebration afterparty, an event organized by to honor nominees and industry figures.

Other awards

At the 2008 BET Awards, Flo Rida received two nominations: Best New Artist and Best Collaboration for "Low" featuring , winning the latter. At the , he received a nomination in 2017 for Top Dance/Electronic Album for My House. In addition to these, Flo Rida has been nominated for , including Best Hip-Hop Video for "Right Round" featuring in 2009. He also won a Teen Choice Award for Choice Music: for "Low" featuring in 2008. Furthermore, the RIAA has awarded him certifications for over 100 million digital units in the United States, reflecting his commercial success. Internationally, Flo Rida was nominated for NRJ Music Awards in , including International Male Artist of the Year in 2010, and won Hit of the Year in 2011 for "" featuring . He has not received major award nominations in these or similar honors since 2017, as of 2025.