Early Life and Career Beginnings
Tramar Dillard was born on December 16, 1978, in Carol City, Florida. His parents raised him and his seven sisters together, some of whom sang in a local gospel group.
Dillard's brother-in-law was a hype man for local rap group 2 Live Crew, and while in ninth grade, Dillard joined an amateur rap group called the GroundHoggz. The GroundHoggz had been a three-man group, with members 1Bred, Key Lime, and Fist, who lived in the same apartment complex as Dilard, 187 Apartments. They started recording at underground studios in Carver Ranches. The GroundHoggz, in this four-man incarnation, remained together for eight years.
His work with 2 Live Crew member Fresh Kid Ice attracted the attention of DeVante Swing, a member of the band Jodeci. However, he was rejected by several of the major labels, so he sought many other jobs outside of music.
After graduating from high school in 1998, he studied international business management at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas for two months and attended Barry University for two months. He returned to Florida to continue pursuing his music career after receiving a phone call from a representative of the independent label Poe Boy Entertainment.
Dillard signed with Poe Boy in 2006, and as Flo Rida he began affiliating with other artists, such as Rick Ross, Trina, T-Pain, and Trick Daddy. A promotional street single entitled "Birthday", featuring Rick Ross, was his first significant release. He made his debut guest appearance with the song "Bitch I'm from Dade County" on DJ Khaled's album We the Best, which featured Trick Daddy, Trina, Rick Ross, Brisco, C-Ride, and Dre.
Read more about this topic: Flo Rida
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