Beef Flomix Tik Tok in Front of Mom
Alabama-native Tamia Monique Carter, also known as Flo Milli, hit the ground running when her breakout track 'Beef FlowMix' caught the attention of Tik Tok creators in 2019. It became an immediate viral sensation – over half a million Tik Toks have since featured the track – and Flo Milli caught the world's attention, amassing over 125 million streams on her music to date.
The industry has been taking note, too. She has quickly garnered avid fans that range from Halle Berry and SZA to fellow rapper Cardi B, who blasted her track 'In The Party' on Instagram Live, telling viewers to "turn that shit up". With her LP so hotly anticipated, lockdown gave Flo Milli ample time to knuckle down and perfect her blazing debut mixtape, 'Ho, why is you here?'. This first body of work sees Flo Milli's music graduate from that of social-media sensation to an artist hitting the Billboard 100 charts.
You'd think the sudden success would startle the 20-year-old, but Flo Milli has always been ready. With brazen videos, unapologetic lyrics, and a flagrant, contagious attitude, it was really only a matter of time until people knew her name. Here, the ascendant rap star candidly talks to Vogue about her industry experience as a dark-skinned Black woman, how she gained her confidence, and her opinion on 'WAP'.
How has Tik Tok affected your career?
Tik Tok was a major stepping stone for a lot of [musicians] coming in, because it created a platform where your music could be shown to a different crowd. It's a good thing. I was excited. I didn't really understand what it was at first or how big it was, but once I got the hang of it, it was dope to see that my song was blowing up on there.
What were you doing before your music blew up?
Work. I had a lot of jobs and I went to college. I worked at the movies, in Ross, and babysitting all at the same time. Then, after that, I started going to college and I worked at this phone place. 'Beef [FloMix]' started blowing up when I was working there.
In 'Beef FloMix' you said that it took you a while to come out of your shell, what helped you gain more self confidence?
I didn't always feel like I was confident, but, then again, according to my cousins, I was – but you know, people see you differently. I guess I've always had it but I just didn't know. In high school, that's when it really stuck, because I just didn't give a fuck. In high school you definitely find yourself; you deal with a lot of criticism, or even a lot of love. I dealt with everything, so it just taught me that the only thing that matters is my opinion of myself.
What's your favourite song on the album and how did you want it to make people feel?
'Pussycat Doll', because the vibe is that they don't need a man for nothing. And just, you know, not caring about a dude's feelings, you just do what you want to do, call him back whenever you want to.
From your music, men seem to irritate you pretty easily?
Yes, they do. It's their pure existence. Sometimes they just don't know things and don't understand – that's annoying. It's a whole bunch of things. I could write a book on it, to be honest.
What qualities does a potential partner have to possess to get your attention?
He has to be rich, tall, a good person, and mature. He has to have goals and a strong drive.
What would you say to people who criticise women for using their sensuality and sexuality to their advantage?
I say fuck them, they're hating. If Cardi B and Megan [Thee Stallion] want to show their asses, it's 100 per cent their choice and their body. Nobody knows what they went through to make them who they are today. Everybody has a story. So, I don't think it's really up to anyone to judge. I love their music and videos. They entertain their fan base. I think it's great.
What did you make of the Black Lives Matter protests in Alabama?
How I look at it, there's always gonna be [protests] because racism was taught, not something you're born with. People's parents put that narrative on them and then it just goes through generations. It's hard being from Alabama because that's the last place that [slavery] ended. There are people that still have that mindset, but it's gonna be on the low of course. I don't really see it because I'm too invested in the people I'm around and I pay attention to them.
What has been the hardest part of your journey into the music industry?
Keeping up with everything. Sometimes my schedule is very busy. Like, busy. Keeping up with everything can be a hassle sometimes, but I'm handling it. Also having to talk to people 24/7. Sometimes I just wanna be alone, but just for a little bit.
What has been the best part?
Really, just making music. Like, I love making music. I feel like the best part is just being able to really get better at my craft and see the growth. Seeing growth and being on the journey to success is so fun!
Apart from southern trap, what other genre could you venture into?
Definitely pop-trap, but I don't wanna do that right now. I really want to dominate the rap game and then once I… I wouldn't even say 'done with it', but I could go into pop shit. I could even make my own genre and put stuff together or some shit no one else has ever done before. I don't like to jinx things, so I'm gonna just keep it to myself for now, but I'm definitely gonna do like two different genres you've never heard before.
If you're sitting in front of the camera and not in the mood, what do you do to get yourself in the zone?
Normally, I have a pep talk with myself. I'd be like "Alright, you gotta get this together, no matter what's going on", because it does happen. We're in the middle of shooting and something comes up, but you've just gotta keep going. The show must go on. You have to think about this as your own business, so you don't want to mess it up because of something small.
What are your three top songs right now?
Gunna's 'Cooler Than a Bitch ft. Roddy Rich'; Doja Cat's 'Candy'; Future's 'Hard To Choose One'.
What rappers would you like to work with in the future?
Most definitely Da Baby and Rico Nasty.
What three places do you want to travel to and why?
LA, for sure, and maybe Mexico or Hawaii. I've always wanted to go to an island where they have dolphins and pretty water.
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Source: https://www.vogue.co.uk/arts-and-lifestyle/article/flo-milli