Cx1DJs We Do Things Different Podcast "Untold Stories of Plies" hosted by DJButterrock

Send us Fan MailCx1DJs We Do Things Different Podcast "Untold Stories of Plies" hosted by DJButterrockAlgernod Lanier Washington (born July 1, 1976), better known by his stage name Plies, is an American rapper. Born in Fort Myers, Florida, Plies was a wide receiver on the Miami University (Ohio) football team from 1995 to 1997. After a brief transfer to University of Central Florida, he dropped out and embarked on a musical career. He signed with the South Florida-based record label Slip-n-Slide Records in 2004; after four mixtapes, he signed a joint venture with Atlantic Records in 2006.His 2007 single, "Shawty" (featuring T-Pain), peaked within the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 and served as his mainstream breakthrough. It received platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and preceded his debut studio album, The Real Testament (2007), which spawned the top 15-single "Hypnotized" (featuring Akon) and peaked at number two on the Billboard 200. His second album, Definition of Real (2008), matched its chart position and yielded his second top ten single, "Bust It Baby Pt. 2" (featuring Ne-Yo). His third and fourth albums, Da REAList (2008) and Goon Affiliated (2010), were both met with mixed critical reception; the latter served as his final major label release.Early lifePlies was born Algernod Lanier Washington in Fort Myers, Florida, and grew up in the city's East Dunbar neighborhood.[2] While at Fort Myers Senior High School, he played wide receiver and defensive back on its football team, was crowned homecoming king, was the valedictorian of his high school class, and was named the "Best Dressed" student of his class.[3]He attended Miami University under the name Nod Washington, and was a wide receiver on the Miami RedHawks football team from 1995 to 1997.[4] As a freshman in 1995, Washington had 9 receptions for 69 yards.[4] In 1996, his sophomore year, Washington had 25 receptions for 262 yards and 2 touchdowns. He had 5 receptions for 43 yards in his final season at Miami in 1997.[4] Washington then transferred to the University of Central Florida and subsequently dropped out.[3]Music careerIn the late 1990s, Plies became involved with music when his stepbrother, Ronnell Lawrence Lavatte, established the record label Big Gates Records. Although Plies initially refused to rap, after a demonstration for one of his artists, Lavatte decided to keep Plies' verse on the 2003 song "Tell Dem Krackers Dat". Lavatte and Plies promoted the single and traveled many times to Miami; this led to his acquaintance with local record executive Ted Lucas, founder of Slip-n-Slide Records.[2] After signing with the label in 2004, Plies released several mixtapes until his contract entered a distribution deal with Atlantic Records two years later.[3] Support the show