Plies Biography

The American hip hop recording artist known as Plies was born Algernod Lanier Washington in 1978 in Fort Myers, Florida. Before Plies rose to become a musician and performer, he began his foray into the public eye as an athlete, serving as Miami University’s wide receiver in the mid 1990’s. But after dropping out of college, Plies decided to launch a career as a music producer, and so he founded his own independent record label.

Plies was initially unenthusiastic about pursuing his own career as a rapper, preferring instead to seek out talent and represent others. But his brother and business partners encouraged him to provide some tracks for various projects, and it was clear that Plies had a talent for the musical genre. Eventually, Plies garnered the attention of Slip-n-Slide Records, and he signed with the label in 2004.

Plies released his debut, The Real Testament, in 2007. On the strength of the hit single “Shawty” (featuring T-Pain), the album rose into the mainstream charts. “Shawty” also rose into the top ten on the mainstream charts, and the follow-up, “Hypnotized,” fared even better, rising to number three on the Rap charts and also into the top twenty on the mainstream charts.

Since that time, Plies has released the additional albums: Definition of Real (2008), Da REAList (2008), and Goon Affiliated (2010.) The albums have spawned the additional hit singles: “Bust It Baby (Part 2)”; “Please Excuse My Hands” (featuring Jamie Foxx); “Put It on Ya” (featuring Chris J); “Want It, Need It” (featuring Ashanti); and “She Got It Made” (featuring Bei Maejor.) Plies has also contributed vocals to multiple singles by other artists, including: “I’m So Good” (for DJ Khaled); “Ain’t Sayin’ Nothing” (for Fat Joe); “Year of the Lover” (for Lloyd); “Nasty Girl” (for Ludacris), and “ Lose My Mind,” a collaboration with Young Jeezy which earned Plies a Grammy Award nomination for Best Rap Performance By A Duo or Group.

Plies latest album, Purple Heart, is scheduled for release in the coming year. He recently released the single “Dayum!,” which is set to appear on the album.