Many people have their own theories as to how the Southern region of the country gained the Hip-Hop spotlight. Mostly, they range from snap music, to rhythmic beats, to infection-type hooks, to catchy dances. One thing that hasn’t really been the topic of discussion is the lyrical ability of Southern artists.

If you look at from that angle, the usual suspects come to mind. The [Lil’] Wayne’s, the T.I.’s, the Young Buck’s etc. But when you’re speaking of new talent from the South, make sure that Florida native, Flo Rida is on your list.

After returning from a three-year grind session out in California, the son of Carol City, Florida returned to his home state where he was greeted with a record deal, courtesy of Poe Boy Entertainment/Atlantic Records. Now with everything in his favor, this former basketball star turned MC, should have no problems when it comes to switching arenas.       

I heard that you used to play basketball. How did you get into Hip-Hop?

Basically dudes around my projects used to be playing, and everything like that, and I would just look up to them, and my cousin. My cousin used to collect tapes in up state Florida, so I used to go in the garage and record over the instrumentals. I was doing things of that nature, and from there I just wanted to take it more serious. That’s how I basically got into it.   

What can people expect to hear from your album, Mail On Sunday?

I just take the music from a universal approach, because I just love music. I love Outkast, Ludacris, the 50 Cent’s, the LL Cool J’s, the Biggie’s, and the Tupac’s. So anyone that likes music is going to love my music. Because I like to come from left field, but make sure I still make a lot of sense.       

How would you describe the music scene in the part of Florida where you’re from, Carol City?

We grew up on listening to Trick Daddy, Trina, and Luther Campbell from back in the days. Now we have Pitbull, and Rick Ross, and just people of that nature. But a lot of people really started taking this music serious; to the point that a lot of folks from you local ‘hood are on the big screen now. So right now, it’s a movement. So you have the Cool & Dre’s, and DJ Khaled, and people such as myself. So everybody is taking it serious right now. 

How did you first hook up with Poe Boy Entertainment?

Well my manager is the brother of the CEO of Poe Boy Entertainment, and he’s always been in-tuned with my music. We had already worked together. So I used to always go to the studio, and let him hear my music, and he always loved my music, and that was prior to me going to L.A. and doing music with DeVante of Jodeci. And he was like; “you need to stay here, and let people hear the music.”

Then when Rick Ross popped off down in Miami, I decided to go down there. People heard my music, and they just wanted to put a face to the music. So I decided to take a visit to Miami, but I ended up staying, because I got a [record] deal.    

How was it like working with DeVante?

He’s a genius man, his beats sound like no other. He’s another dude that just loves music, and he’s a perfectionist. So when he puts something out, you best believe it’s going to be great. It was just like a boot camp to me, because he went through the same process, and he became very successful. And everyday I was there, I grinded and I studied a whole bunch of different artists. And having him to co-sign on the situation was a great thing, and it was an honor.        

What was the first song you put out that started to get you attention?

Its A Done Deal was the first mixtape that I ever did. And I did the "Birthday" single weeks before I even came to Atlantic. And it started getting a little buzz and everything. So that’s what really got everyone’s attention, the "Birthday" single. 

How do you plan to stand out in an oversaturated market?

Basically I got four mixtapes out. I got Its A Done Deal, Mr. Birthday Man hosted by DJ Khaled and Rick Ross, the Money Right DVD mixtape, and another one. So they can basically get in-tuned with that, and just the fact that I love music. I mean, I was a skinny little dude before I got the physique that I have now. So I know that hard work pays off.

First of all, I took a trip out to California not knowing anyone with the “I’m going to make it big Hollywood” mentality. But I thought it didn’t count because I didn’t get a record deal when I went to Death Row, I didn’t get one when I went to Capitol. But I was still grinding, and I was in the studio. And every song was just getting better and better. So now they’re people saying they already want to purchase my album, and things of that nature.

I’m with Poe Boy and Atlantic, and Atlantic is a strong team. So I know I’ll be able to do strong things, I’m a work-a-holic. So I’m pretty sure people are going to be fond of me.            

Do you fell any pressure to perform well, since you have so many people in your corner?

Not really, know what I’m saying. Because a lot of my dreams have come true. I’m a sharp dude, but at the same time… [Long pause] My sister had passed away, and she didn’t have a choice, as far as like when she was going to leave and everything. So with that at hand, I really have no fear.

This was somebody who I shared the same bed with to sleep in, and we would be there talking about our dreams. So I can’t be scared, I can’t have no fear. I went to Death Row when people were talking about how Suge [Knight] was this big crazy dude, I didn’t get a chance to meet him, but I have no fear. I’m human being, and we do fall, but if you get back up, you can do it.     

Were there ever times when you felt like the music wasn’t working out, and you felt like giving up?

One time I opened up for Scarface, and he was like; “man, you’re good!” “Do you have a contact?” He actually sent this girl to get my number. So that was the motivation for me. Like I had a chance to go to Hawaii. So at this point, I just do my thing, and I feel like everything is just going to pan-out for me. 

Right now you have out four mixtapes. Don’t you think that’s a little bit of an overkill before your actual studio album comes out?

Only if you’re putting out a bunch of garbage. If you’re put out something interesting, then people are going to be interested in whatever you do. You feel me? There’s a million and one subjects in the world to talk about, from a toothbrush to a can of paint. So there are plenty of things to talk about, it’s just how you talk about them.   

Do you think there’s any particular reason why the South has a stronghold on Hip-Hop right now?

I guess it’s just our time to shine [Laughs] you feel me. So right now everybody is going to try and take advantage of it, and that’s what’s happening. So have to take advantage of that while the spotlight is on us.