Music was definitely a way out. Instead of playing basketball, I was going to recording studios.
Flo Rida
I love to do something that's challenging to myself, and just to see the success, it makes me go harder and harder the next time.
Being from Miami, you're used to the fact that your home is a vacation spot. But that's what makes Miami one of the best places in the world. We're so rich in different cultures, being so close to Haiti, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico, and then you've got people who travel from all over the world just to come visit.
My first love was basketball, but that wasn't gonna launch me, and I knew I had to get into other things. So me and my friends, we started making mix CDs and going down to South Beach or to the parking lot at Pitbull concerts to spend all night hustling.
I write all the time, even if it means recording in the hotel room. I write on the plane, anywhere, anytime I'm inspired or have ideas.
Hats off to T-Pain for the 'Low' record.
In my late teens and early 20s, I started selling mix CDs on the street.
I'm always around people who want to drink very expensive champagne. But only when it's a celebration of success.
I've worked with so many different artists, and I'm always willing to expand and do some new fun things as long as the music is fun and the fans appreciate it worldwide.
Music is my life, and if I like a song, chances are the world will also.
As a kid in the projects, I always looked forward to spring break. We'd either have cousins visiting us for the week from up north, and we'd all play sports together, or sometimes I'd go to Vero Beach and hang with my cousins there.
Growing up in Miami, having these different cultures and being inspired in so many ways musically has let me have a very long career, 'cause just when you think I'm gonna do this type of record, I go and do something else.
Growing up in my household with seven women, I'd hear all types of music.
I'm just not sticking to one thing. I like to have fun with it. I like to spread myself in many ways, so you're gonna get all types of music.
I enjoy putting out singles.
Giving is most important to show the less fortunate that you don't give up. You always want to live a better life.
I think just growing up in Miami, there's gumbo of different cultures that influence us.
I love my fans, so when I get the chance to interact with them, it's beautiful.
If they can go out and buy my albums, I can at least make the sacrifice to holler at the few people who call. A lot of times I'm busy so they'll get my voice mail. And if I can speak to them and I have time, I always text back. Because I think that's very important.
I like to take music from everywhere and put it in my style and let it be accepted.
I'm not the only one in the studio a lot of times, so I have my boys in there and they'll tell me and give me their suggestions and what they think.
I went on tour with Beyonce before. I wouldn't mind doing something with her.
It's always overwhelming when you come to another country and you're embraced in such a positive way.
With my charity Big Dreams For Kids, I believe the more you give, the more you receive.
I'm influenced by all types of music.
The fans are always at the hotel waiting, they like to get pictures and autographs. I enjoy it all, the displays of love and support at the hotel and the shows.
I wouldn't mind working with Outkast. I'm a big fan of them.
When I found out that my mom was sneaking listening to my music, I decided to make sure that my music is very clean.
If I get in the studio, it's very organic. I like to go off how I feel.
I'm a huge fan of Taio Cruz. I'm really liking what he's doing at the moment. I'd love to do something with him.
First and foremost, I'm fans of the people I'm collaborating with. And collaborations expand who you are.
I'm a guy who just loves to reinvent myself.
I've always known, before I had a record deal, that the thing is to go out and put on the show. I've been doing that from day one.
I love the energy over here in the U.K., the hospitality is insane.
At the end of the day I want to be the guy who experienced music in all type of ways, with hip-hop being the roots of it.
The Florida sound would probably be best defined as heavy bass with high energy dance records. There's a strong Caribbean heritage in Florida which features a lot of uptempo music, and the music accents the sexy, body-oriented sound.
I definitely want my fans to know that I'm here to stay, and I'm going to continue to give them hot music.
Starting out with music, I was very successful, and me getting into film, I definitely look forward to giving it my all. What you put in is what you get out.
I enjoy everywhere I'm booked to go.
You can go to some countries where people may not be able to conversate with you, but they can sing your lyrics word for word.
I'm a perfectionist, and I'm not going to let the world hear a record until it's ready.
