He’s created a thriving space for local businesses!
Rapper and entrepreneur Flo Rida—born Tramar Lacel Dillard—has taken his success far beyond the stage. In 2023, he made a major economic move by investing $10 million to purchase the Cloverleaf Plaza shopping center in his hometown of Miami Gardens, a historic acquisition that has since been recognized as the first Black-owned plaza in the city (AfroTech) (The Miami Herald). The purchase came on the heels of his highly publicized legal victory over the Celsius energy drink brand, which awarded him $82.6 million, opening the door for even greater investment opportunities (Forbes).
Flo Rida said the inspiration for the purchase grew from acquiring a club within the plaza—Studio 183—which made him realize the power of owning property in the very community where he grew up. As he explained to reporters, ownership felt almost impossible when he was young.
“You might own a house and things like that, but growing up just looking at high-rises and things like that, the first thing is not to think that you can own it,” he said. “Maybe you have a spot there, but you won’t really own it. So to actually own our own plaza is just phenomenal.”
Today, Cloverleaf Plaza has become a lively economic hub that supports a diverse range of local businesses. Tenants include Boost Mobile, Creole Kitchen, Cloverleaf Beauty Supply, Top Notch Cigars & Smoke Shop, and Flowers by Grace—a beloved flower shop owned by Grace Vernon, which has served the community for over 30 years. Vernon expressed deep pride in operating under a Black landlord for the first time in her career, calling it a meaningful moment for representation and community progress (The Miami Herald).
“It gives you a sense of pride and just overall feeling so good to know that we’ve come this far,” Vernon said. “Where you can see someone who looks like you, doing good things and great things.”
Other business owners agree. Many said that since Flo Rida and business partner Lee “Freezy” Prince took over management, the plaza has transformed. Improvements include upgraded maintenance, stronger security, better communication with leadership, and a renewed sense of safety and professionalism.
“It’s 100 percent better than before,” said Nicole Ward, owner of Prestige Beauty Salon. “It’s well-kept. We have security guards. Mr. Freezy is constantly in the plaza. You feel safe. He’s always around. You can get to him easily with any problem.”
Cloverleaf Plaza represents more than a real estate purchase—it’s part of a growing movement of Black artists and public figures reinvesting in underserved communities, shifting ownership structures, and creating pathways for economic growth. Publications such as NPR and The New York Times have documented this rising trend of cultural influencers leveraging their wealth to become developers, philanthropists, and community strategists in cities across the country.
By turning a once-overlooked plaza into a flourishing business ecosystem, Flo Rida is not only honoring his roots—he’s setting a blueprint for what community-focused ownership can look like. His investment is proof that when local spaces fall into the hands of people who truly care about them, entire neighborhoods can rise with new pride, opportunity, and vision.
