The 2007 debut single Low by American rapper Flo Rida held the number one position on the United States charts for ten consecutive weeks, establishing a digital sales record at the time. Born Tramar Lacel Dillard in Miami Gardens in 1979, he developed his musical career through early work in Florida hip-hop circles and underground recording studios.
Early Development and GroundHoggz
Dillard started his journey in music during ninth grade as a member of the rap group GroundHoggz. This four-man unit, based in the same apartment complex as Dillard, spent eight years creating music in Carver Ranches studios. His path shifted after rapper Fresh Kid Ice recruited him as a hype man for performances, including a tour in Hawaii. Dillard later secured collaborations with various Southern hip-hop artists, including Rick Ross, Trina, and T-Pain, and released multiple mixtapes such as Mr Birthday Man and Florida Cash Cartel between 2003 and 2007.
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His studio debut, Mail on Sunday, arrived in March 2008. The record reached number four on the Billboard 200. Beyond the success of the debut single, the project featured contributions from Timbaland, Lil Wayne, and Sean Kingston. Following this release, Dillard provided guest performances on tracks for artists including Madonna and Lady Gaga, while appearing on televised programs such as the MuchMusic Video Awards in Canada and So You Think You Can Dance in the United States.
Global Success and R.O.O.T.S.
The sophomore album, R.O.O.T.S., launched in 2009 and reached number eight on the Billboard 200. The lead single, Right Round, surpassed Dillard's previous sales records, selling 636,000 digital copies in a single week. The track sampled the 1985 Dead or Alive song You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) and achieved the top spot in the United Kingdom. Subsequent singles including Sugar and Jump solidified his presence on international music charts.
Ongoing Career and Eurovision Appearance
Dillard continued his output with albums such as Only One Flo (Part 1) and Wild Ones, consistently charting on the Billboard 200. Throughout his professional life, he has sold over 80 million records, maintaining a catalog that includes hits like Whistle, G.D.F.R., and My House. In 2021, he represented San Marino alongside singer Senhit at the Eurovision Song Contest held in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Fast facts
- Born: 1979, Miami Gardens
- Birth name: Tramar Lacel Dillard
- Education: University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Barry University; Miami Carol City Senior High School
- Record sales: Over 80 million worldwide
- Eurovision entry: 2021, for San Marino
- Primary genres: Hip-Hop, Rap
- Early group: GroundHoggz
Questions readers ask
What was Flo Rida's debut single?
His debut single was the 2007 track Low, which featured T-Pain.
Did Flo Rida compete in the Eurovision Song Contest?
Yes, he represented San Marino in the 2021 contest alongside singer Senhit.
