How a viral TikTok moment propelled an Alabama rapper to the Billboard charts
In short: From writing songs at age nine to topping the charts, Tamia Monique Carter’s rise was fueled by social media virality. Discover how a freestyle over a 2014 instrumental transformed a local talent into a platinum-certified global star.
Born in Mobile, Alabama, Tamia Monique Carter—known professionally as Flo Milli—began her musical journey much earlier than her mainstream success suggests. She wrote her first song at nine years and began rapping at eleven, even forming a group called Pink Mafia, which she eventually dissolved at age fourteen. Her path was significantly influenced by watching Nicki Minaj on the BET show 106 & Park.
Her ascent to prominence was driven by the power of digital platforms. In late 2018, she recorded a freestyle version of 'Beef FloMix' using the instrumental from Ethereal’s 2014 track 'Beef'. After gaining massive popularity on Instagram and TikTok, the track climbed to the second position on Spotify's Viral 50 during April 2019. This momentum continued with her 2019 single 'In the Party', which earned platinum certification from the RIAA.
By late 2019, Carter had secured a recording contract with RCA Records and Justin Goldman's '94 Sounds' label. Critics praised her first mixtape, 'Ho, Why Is You Here?', which was even featured in Rolling Stone's ranking of all-time hip hop masterpieces. While some of her studio albums, such as 2022's 'You Still Here, Ho?', failed to chart, her 2024 single 'Never Lose Me' marked a major milestone, debuting at number 84 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and peaking within the top 20.
Beyond the charts, her career has been marked by significant industry recognition, including nominations for Best New Artist at the 2020 and 2021 BET Awards. She has also expanded her reach through high-profile collaborations with artists like Megan Thee Stallion and appearances on major tours, such as Gunna's 2024 North American tour.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Flo Milli
- Also: Wikidata — Flo Milli · CC0
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/places-flo-milli.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in UK & Ireland: places · More in Countries & Cities · Latest · A–Z · All topics
