Travel to any country around the world and ask the following question: who is your favorite rapper? Now, the answer to that question within the states would undoubtedly lead to answers like, “Jay-Z, Lil Wayne and Eminem.” But in other countries? You might just hear the name Flo Rida more than that of the usual suspects. Don’t be alarmed though. The native Floridian has been quietly tearing up the global charts since early 2008.
Flo Rida’s next attempt at global supremacy comes in the form of “Club Can’t Handle Me,” the lead single for the upcoming movie Step Up 3D, which hits theaters Aug. 6. Rolling out sat down with Flo Rida to not only discuss the film, but to also get his insight on the current state of hip-hop.
Your lead single for the movie Step Up 3D is currently making a lot of noise. Did you expect it to be this popular?
I knew it was a good song, but I didn’t know how well it was going to do. You never really do; you just have to go in the booth and do the best that you can do.
Is your approach to making music different when you’re making it for a movie versus for your album?
No, I just make music. Everything is so spontaneous for me. I just get in the booth and do my thing. If I start thinking about what something is for, then the music won’t be as good.
What are your thoughts on the connection between dance and hip-hop?
Oh, I think it’s a perfect marriage. The two need each other. As a hip-hop artist, you want to make music that causes people move and dance. When that happens, you know you’ve done something right. And to see the types of dancing that people are creating now, it just inspires you to get in the booth and make some music to match that energy.
From a global perspective, you are very popular. What is your secret?
I just think that my style fits what people want to hear around the world. I make melodies where even if you can’t speak English, you still want to sing along. A lot of rappers don’t do that, and end up losing potential fans because of it.
