Plies is a name many hip-hop fans recognize, but few know its story. Plies, the rapper, has had a roller-coaster career. He has experienced success, controversy, and legal troubles. In this article, we will explore Plies’ journey. It starts with his early days as a college football wide receiver and leads to his tumultuous rise in the music industry.
A Promising Athlete
Plies was born in Fort Myers, Florida, on July 1, 1976. He grew up in a rough neighborhood. He showed an interest in music from a young age, but also excelled in sports, especially football. He attended Miami University in Ohio, where he played as a wide receiver on the Miami Redskins football team in 1996 and 1997. He was a promising athlete but decided to drop out of college and pursue a different path.
A Reluctant Rapper
Plies and his stepbrother, Ronnell Lawrence Lavatte, also known as Big Gates, started their own record label called Big Gates Records in the late 1990s. The label aimed to showcase local talent from Florida, and Plies initially served as a manager and promoter. He did not intend to rap himself, but he changed his mind after Big Gates recorded him practicing for one of their artists. Plies realized he had a natural talent for rhyming and storytelling, and decided to give it a shot.
A Successful Debut
Plies caught the attention of Slip-n-Slide Records, a major label that had signed artists like Trick Daddy and Trina. He signed a deal with them in 2004, and began working on his debut album, The Real Testament. The album was released in 2007, and was a commercial and critical success. It spawned two hit singles, “Shawty” (featuring T-Pain) and “Hypnotized” (featuring Akon), which reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The album also showcased Plies’ raw and gritty style, which earned him a loyal fan base.
A String of Hits
Plies followed up his debut with three more albums in the next three years, all of which reached the top 5 on the Billboard 200 chart. He collaborated with some of the biggest names in the industry, such as Ne-Yo, Ludacris, Rick Ross, and Keri Hilson. He also became a prolific mixtape artist, releasing over 20 mixtapes between 2007 and 2010. He was nominated for many awards, including a Grammy awards for his Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. He was nominated for the song “Lose My Mind” with Young Jeezy.
A Series of Troubles
However, Plies’ success was not without controversy. He faced several legal battles, stemming from his involvement in a nightclub shooting in 2006, where he and his entourage allegedly fired shots at a crowd after being booed off stage. He was charged with having illegal guns, but the charges were later dropped. He was also arrested for drunk driving in 2017, and sued by a woman who claimed he used her image without permission in one of his videos. These legal troubles reportedly cost him upwards of $5 million, and damaged his reputation.
A Comeback Attempt
Plies did not release any albums between 2010 and 2023, but he remained active in the music scene. He continued to drop mixtapes, singles, and features, and experimented with different sounds and genres. He also maintained a vibrant social media presence, particularly on Instagram (@plies) and Twitter (@plies), where he updated fans on his music, business ventures, and personal life. He even shared a light-hearted video expressing his desire to work at Publix supermarket for a day.
In February 2023, Plies made a comeback with his fifth studio album, Welcome to Death Row, which he released independently through Big Gates Records. The album featured popular tracks like “3rd Time” and “Rock,” and received positive reviews from critics and fans. He also performed at the Revolt Music Summit in October 2023, and was seen attending various industry events.
A Future Uncertain
Plies has proven that he is a resilient and versatile artist, who can overcome challenges and adapt to changing trends. He has also shown that he has a loyal fan base, who support him through thick and thin. However, he still faces competition from newer and younger artists, who dominate the mainstream market. He also has to deal with the consequences of his past actions, which may haunt him in the future. Plies has a lot to offer to the hip-hop world, but his future is uncertain. Can he regain his past success, or will he become unknown? Time will tell.