Flo Rida Has 'Seven Masterpieces' Already for Next Album

The Associated Press, Monday, December 31, 2012, 10:00am (PST)

Billboard --

Flo Rida is putting a cherry on top of a hits-strewn 2012 by performing during tonight's "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve," a show the rapper grew up watching. "Just thinking about it… goosebumps," he says.

But after the last tatter of confetti has dropped, the "Whistle" star has major plans in the works for 2013 ("I'm taking over," he says), including a fifth album that promises to be inspired by the King of Pop.

"You know, I actually got a chance to do some recording in the same studio where Michael Jackson did 'Thriller,'" he tells Billboard, referring to Westlake Studios. "We did some work in there and I came up with like seven masterpieces."

Released in July, Flo Rida's fourth studio set "Wild Ones" has yielded him more top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2012 than any other male artist (4), and, his songs spent a cumulative total of 41 weeks in the top 10 (tying fun. for the most weeks in the top 10 in 2012). In our year-end charts, he finished as Billboard's No. 2 Hot 100 artist, and the No. 3 overall male pop artist of the year (behind Justin Bieber and Drake, respectively).

His Hot 100 Top 10s:

"Good Feeling" - No. 3 "Wild Ones" (featuring Sia) - No. 5 "Whistle" - No. 1 (two weeks) "I Cry" - No. 6 (so far, still charting)

Even though "I Cry" is still charting, Flo Rida is already looking to add a fifth top ten on the Hot 100 with "Let It Roll," his next single. "Every record I've put out this year has been number one and I look forward to this being number one as well," he says, adding that Lil' Wayne is featured on the remix version.

As for 2013, Flo Rida says that while music is his focus he's also looking to add another section to his resume.

"It starts with the music, but I look forward to venturing off and getting into some acting. Traveling the world, doing some touring," he says.

ABC's "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve" kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on Monday (Dec. 31) with a two-hour tribute to the late Dick Clark. At 10, host Ryan Seacrest takes over in Times' Square with performances set from Justin Bieber, OneRepublic, Jason Aldean, The Wanted, Brandy and many others. Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas will host the festivities in Los Angeles.

Additional reporting by Keith Caulfield

_ _ _ _

Find more online: Billboard.com