Music was definitely a way out. Instead of playing basketball, I was going to recording studios.
I love to do something that's challenging to myself, and just to see the success, it makes me go harder and harder the next time.
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.
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.
If I get in the studio, it's very organic. I like to go off how I feel.
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.
I went on tour with Beyonce before. I wouldn't mind doing something with her.
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 influenced by all types of music.
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.
I enjoy putting out singles.
First and foremost, I'm fans of the people I'm collaborating with. And collaborations expand who you are.
I've worked with so many different artists, and I'm always willing to expand and do some new fun things as long as the music is fun and the fans appreciate it worldwide.
I like to take music from everywhere and put it in my style and let it be accepted.
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.
It's always overwhelming when you come to another country and you're embraced in such a positive way.
Giving is most important to show the less fortunate that you don't give up. You always want to live a better life.
I'm a guy who just loves to reinvent myself.
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.
