Flo Rida Artistfacts

September 16, 1979
Flo Rida was born Tramar Lacel Dillard in Carol City, Florida, and was raised alongside his seven sisters. He described his upbringing in an interview with Blues & Soul:

"In my household we listened to all types of music. My sisters sang gospel; my dad, when he came around, played several different instruments... But as far as the neighborhood itself went - yeah, growing up in the projects was CRAZY! You know, every other day you'd have the SWAT team - the police - on top of the roof, even telling all the kids to go back in the house - me being one of them! But, at the same time, I always kept the faith. My mother always instilled in me that, though you may grow UP in the projects, you ain't gotta be OF it! You know, 'One day you won't have to BE here if you just keep faith, have a positive attitude, and put God first'… So, while there was a lot crazy things happening, I always made music my outlet. I'd sacrifice moneys to be out there slinging mixtapes, CDs and stuff... You know, I always stayed focused, and never really got caught up with all the drug dealers and killers."
His 2008 debut single, "Low," was the first in a long string of hit singles for the rapper. Not only did it top several US charts, including the Billboard Hot 100 and the Hot Rap Songs chart, but it was also an international hit and with over 6 million downloads broke the record for digital sales at the time.
He began rapping in ninth grade with the amateur group The Groundhoggz.
As a kid, he met the up-and-coming members of 2 Live Crew through his brother-in-law, who was a hype man for the rap act.
He began working with 2 Live Crew's Fresh Ice Kid and was noticed by Jodeci's DeVante Swing, but didn't catch his big break until he signed with Poe Boy Entertainment in 2006.
Flo Rida took part in the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 when he contributed to Senhit's performance of San Marino's entry "Adrenalin." His star power didn't help tiny San Marino; the song scored just 50 points, trailing well behind the winner's total of 534.
Flo Rida signed an endorsement deal with US energy drink company Celsius in 2014 and renewed it in 2016. In addition to some upfront payments and shares in the company, the rapper's deal stated he would receive additional shares if certain targets were met.

Flo Rida sued Celsius in early 2021, arguing that they had achieved those sales targets and he should have received the extra shares. On January 18, 2023, a jury in Florida awarded him $82.6 million in damages. The rapper received the big payout because he went to court just as the company's share price was shooting up, making the value of that equity much higher.