THEN
NOW
In February 2007, B.o.B. was hitting open mics and music conferences like any other indie artist. Here the 18-year-old aspiring super star talked about his influences, and wanting to be a research scientist before rap. He also gave out his Myspace address, which is what folks did back then.
For people who haven’t heard your music yet, is there anyone you would compare yourself to?
I would probably compare myself to Outkast, Gnarls Barkley and Eminem. But it’s so many different influences. I listen to all different kinds of stuff really. I listen to Rock, Classical, Jazz, it doesn’t matter. Read more…
Written by Ms Rivercity for OZONE Mag
Over the past few years, Miami has developed a trend of putting out flourishing new artists. Rick Ross, Pitbull, DJ Khaled, Cool & Dre, Smitty and several others have had a successful run in South Florida’s booming hip-hop market. It has also yielded household names such as Trick Daddy and Luke. Opalocka resident Flo-Rida hopes to be next on Miami’s roster of hit makers.
As Poe Boy Entertainment’s newest edition, Flo-Rida is currently undergoing the boot-camp-like grooming that transforms raw talent into seasoned musicians. It is the same grooming that helped Rick Ross seal a deal with Def Jam and Brisco find his place with Ca$h Money Records. The choice to join Poe Boy’s tight knit family was an easy one. Flo-Rida explains, “I grew up with E-Class’s brother. We did songs together in the studio. E-Class heard me and said I should be a solo artist. I was with a group called the GroundHoggz at the time.” After leaving the group, Flo-Rida temporarily moved to California for a change of atmosphere. It wasn’t long before his hometown was beckoning him to return. “Poe Boy was calling me when the Rick Ross thing was taking off. I started thinking it would be a good thing if I came back. I came back, cut a couple of records and there it was.”
One of the records he cut was the single “Birthday” produced by The Runners. On the surface, the record is intended to be a club song. However, there is a significant message behind the lyrics. “You’re not promised tomorrow so you could be looking forward to your birthday but you don’t know if you’re going to have a birthday so it’s best to enjoy life. I mean, don’t take it overboard, but enjoy it like there’s no tomorrow. That’s where the concept comes from. We’re getting a great response from it.” The concept is obviously well received by its listeners. With all its play in Miami’s nightclubs, “Birthday” is gaining mainstream approval, despite its current underground status.
In addition to production from The Runners, Flo-Rida has also collaborated with Cool & Dre, the Beat Novacaines, Trae Pierce and Nitti. His work with Devante of Jodeci, Rich Harrison, Flava Flav, Rick Ross and Brisco has given him a higher level of expertise and a nod of approval from industry executives. Like his other Poe Boy affiliates, Flo-Rida recently inked a deal with a major label – Atlantic Records. His album is scheduled to hit stores during the first quarter of 2007. Until then, Flo-Rida is polishing up his mixtape game and living every day like it’s his birthday.
