Andrew Lafrance

Raised in one of the toughest neighborhoods in Miami, Fla., Flo Rida is now a nationally recognized singer and performer. He is currently touring the Midwest and will play in Brookings on Nov. 2 at 8 p.m.

“Flo Rida is very popular right now,” said Tom Richter, executive director of the Swiftel Center. “His songs are being played everywhere.”

Flo Rida has had many hits since becoming well-known in the past two years. After releasing only two albums, he has had six top-20 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. These include “Low,” which featured rapper T-Pain, “Right Round,” which was featured on the movie The Hangover last summer. Also included in the list of popular singles is “In the Ayer,” “Elevator,” “Be on You” and “Jump,” which featured singer Nelly Furtado.

Legally named Tramar Dillard, Flo Rida was born in 1979 in Opa-Locka, Fla. His single mother raised him as well as his seven sisters in a neighborhood with a bad reputation, but she made sure to be a good role model for her children.

Flo Rida made it a point to succeed in music when he was teenager after performing with several of his sisters in a gospel group. His sisters inspired him to create his own group, Groundhoggz. He toured regionally in his teenage years.

“When it came down to doing certain things, I decided to be a leader and do more positive things,” Flo Rida said. “I chose to stay on the right path regardless.”

His hard work and dedication to making wise decisions has paid off. Flo Rida has won People’s Choice Awards, MTV Music Video Awards and has been nominated for two Grammys.

“I am going to his concert because I think it is one of the single greatest concerts Brookings will host in this decade,” Clay said.

Clay said he is attending the concert with several of his best friends. “My favorite song of his is ‘Right Round’,” he said. “Flo Rida is just a talented guy.”

Richter said there are tickets still available for students to purchase before the event. Tickets purchased before Nov. 2 are $28.50, while tickets the night of the concert are $30.

Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, the Swiftel Center box office or 1-800-745-3000, Richter.

“We at the Swiftel Center are very excited to have such a major act in Brookings,” Richter said. “It will be an awesome event.”

Doors open at 7 p.m on Nov. 2.

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