Tramar "Flo Rida" Dillard caught everyone's attention when his hit single "Low" shot to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart and was played on radio stations across the country. The no. 1 downloaded song on iTunes featured none other than the king of choruses T-Pain. Maybe it was the track's club friendly production or the catchy hook about the "shawty ... with the apple bottom jeans and boots with fur," but something about the single caught everyone's attention, making listeners anticipate Flo's debut album, Mail On Sunday.
The Florida native enlists a bevy of guest appearances by some of the hottest producers and artists in the hip-hop game right now. But obviously it's still important to have the right lyrics and appropriate delivery in order to develop a great album --apparently. The self-proclaimed "Greatest Rapper Alive," Lil Wayne, appears on the first track on the album, "American Superstar." The song has a dark and grimy street feel to it with a short, simple hook. Of course, Lil Wayne stamps his staple great energy, metaphors and interesting punch lines that require your undivided attention to decipher all over the track. Flo Rida should have observed Wayne's technique in the studio, because his similes and metaphors aren't thought out well enough. The song itself is reminiscent of the R. Kelly track "Rockstar," but not nearly as infectious as Kells' version.
Flo samples the Outkast track "Jazzy Belle" on "Still Missin'," which plays like a laidback ballad until Flo Rida starts rapping. Contrary to the wholesome title, the song actually delves into Flo's sorrow for his very important missing item -- his hoe. As cheesy as the lyrics to the song are -- every phrase references some type of garden tool -- it's still a very creative concept. The track may take multiple listens to understand what Flo is talking about, but eventually you'll be fully aware of the underlying message. As interesting as this concept is, the song is definitely a waste of a great sample and could have been used for a more meaningful message.
Mail On Sunday is full of songs where Flo Rida attempts to hold a note. Apparently, Flo isn't aware of the backlash that singing rappers like 50 Cent, Nelly, and Ja Rule received. R. Kelly and T-Pain are the only artists who are allowed to rap and sing on the same song. Flo Rida attempts to croon on tracks like "Ms. Hangover," which is an ode to drunk females everywhere; and on "All My Life," which is the story of his struggles in life; as well as on "Me & U," a ballad that tells the story of a relationship gone bad.
Unfortunately, the track "In The Ayer," featuring eccentric artist Will.i.am, doesn't seem to fit Flo Rida's style too well. The beat seems like it should be laced with a female singer such as Ciara and made into a great dance performance track, rather than a Flo Rida club banger. Of course, Flo Rida has the sensual track "Freaky Deaky," featuring R&B heartthrob Trey Songz. The title is pretty self-explanatory, and Flo Rida gives a very detailed description of everything he fantasizes about doing in his private moments.
Besides Flo Rida's latest single "Elevator," featuring all-star producer Timbaland, the only other single worth being released from this album is "Roll," which features fellow Florida native Sean Kingston. The reggae-infused track that features Sean's smooth Jamaican accent seems like it could be a summer anthem that will literally have all the girls "rolling" around the clubs.
If Flo Rida sticks to the formula that has got him this far, he'll probably muster a few more hit singles. If not, then you can expect another hit from Flo Rida just like you can expect "mail on a Sunday."
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