Quotes from Flo Rida

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.

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.

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.

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'm a perfectionist, and I'm not going to let the world hear a record until it's ready.

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.

I enjoy everywhere I'm booked to go.

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'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.

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.

It's always overwhelming when you come to another country and you're embraced in such a positive way.

I'm always around people who want to drink very expensive champagne. But only when it's a celebration of success.

In my late teens and early 20s, I started selling mix CDs on the street.

First and foremost, I'm fans of the people I'm collaborating with. And collaborations expand who you are.

Giving is most important to show the less fortunate that you don't give up. You always want to live a better life.

With my charity Big Dreams For Kids, I believe the more you give, the more you receive.

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 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.

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'm a guy who just loves to reinvent myself.

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.

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.