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Flo Rida Remembers Creating His Stage Name, On 'When I Was 17'

'I sat up there for about an hour and then finally, it hit me,' the rapper reminiscences in latest episode.

When Flo Rida was growing up, he had aspirations of becoming a rap superstar. But the aspiring MC knew he would have to introduce himself to the world of hip-hop in a big way. On the latest episode of "When I Was 17," which also features actresses Melissa Joan Hart and Alison Sweeney, the 31-year-old star reminisces about his teenage years and reveals how he came up with his all-too-recognizable stage name.

Before skyrocketing as a solo artist, Flo (born Tramar Dillard) was a part of a rap group. But even then, he knew he had to create an identity for himself that would let him stand out within the band.

"When I was 17, to be a part of a group like the Groundhoggz, you definitely have to come up with a name," the MC recalls.

Flo Rida, who was going by a different name in those days, explains that one of his friends urged him to come up with a new alias.

"At first, I was going by the name of Ruckus Pimp," Flo recalls. "I just thought that was like a little bit out there, so I went to over to my boy's house. He's just like, 'Man, we got to come up with a name today.' "

The MC explains that he brainstormed for a while before finally taking inspiration from the place he grew up, the Sunshine State. "So, OK, I sat up there for about an hour and finally, it hit me," he says. "Take Florida, break it in half and there you go: Flo Rida."

"When I Was 17" -- this week featuring Flo Rida, Melissa Joan Hart and Alison Sweeney -- premieres Saturday at 11 a.m. on MTV

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