When someone becomes successful in the music industry, we often get to see their true colors. You never truly know how fame and fortune will impact you until they come into your life for the first time and the ending results can be telling. 
 
One man who has undeniably stayed true to his roots and himself is Fort Myers, Florida native Algernod Lanier Washington, better known as Plies. Plies took his career to the next level with The Real Testament in 2007, based on the strength of his singles “Shawty” and “Hypnotized” and his status has only grown in the following years.
 
“Bust It Baby Pt. 2” featuring Ne-Yo was another huge hit for Plies and the type of definitive song to really leave a mark in the industry. This year Plies has been riding the wave created by his newest release, “The Realest”, but despite everything he is regarded as having the same hardened mentality that defined him before his breakthrough.
 
24 Hour Hip Hop recently came across Slip N’ Slide Records CEO Ted Lucas and picked his brain about many subjects, including his relationship with Plies. Having played a key role towards Plies success under Slip N’ Slide, Lucas opened up freely about what sets the rapper apart.
 
“What sets Plies apart is that he is no different than some dude sitting on the street corner right now,” Lucas claims.
“He is definitely somebody you can relate to. The things he talks about and says are the same things that somebody is going through right now, day to day. You can relate to where Plies is coming from because those are things he has been through himself.”
 
While some in the music game make much mention of their lavish lifestyles, Plies seems to have remained grounded over the years. A little notoriety will do wonders for a person, but Lucas insists that before anything, Plies is real.
 
“He came from the floor up and he hasn’t let anything change him,” Lucas points out.“When he talks he speaks for what a lot of other rappers are saying but he also speaks for the everyday person going through struggles day to day. He’s stayed true to himself through everything and people can really feel that.”
 
Over recent years Plies has connected greatly with his fans down in South Florida, as he has returned time and time again to serve his loyal following. In a refreshing change of pace, however, not all of Plies shows have been high priced extravaganzas at exclusive arenas, as he has instead opted to stay close to the club scene with much of his performances.
 
Further research has gone to show that Landeater Entertainment in association with the Nassau Boys have been the key players in bringing Plies down to South Florida on a consistent basis. When touching base with Landeater, much more is revealed about Plies’ past performances and his connection to his fans down south.
 
“Plies is fabulous,” Landeater Entertainment Co-CEO Bobby Henry Jr. states. “He is what the streets love right now. We are able recognize that and that is why we keep bringing him back. The streets showed us what they want and right now they keep asking for Plies, so we answer their demands. We’re able to keep our ear to the streets and that’s why Plies always comes back down to this area.”
 
Plies performed to a sold out crowd at Club Premier on Valentine’s Night and the atmosphere was described as electric. His next appearances is slated for this coming Easter Sunday, April 12th, as he will be performing live at Central Broward Regional Park while also shooting scenes for his new video “Make a Movie”. When talking to Landeater Entertainment’s fellow Co-CEO, Devin Heard, much more is revealed about Plies’ connection to South Florida.

“This is where Plies’ roots are at and this is where his market is really at,” Heard says. “He’s really stayed true to his people down here and that’s why he keeps coming back. You can expect a lot when Plies comes to town. He brings a lot of energy and charisma and of course, he always brings the ladies out.”
 
Another one of the men responsible for keeping the South Florida connection alive with Plies is Teddy ‘Bear’, known by those close to him as simply ‘Teddy’. Teddy is the co-Founder of Nassau Boys, who work in conjunction with Landeater Entertainment in setting up many events in the area. Over time he has gotten to know another side of Plies and sees all the positives of working with him.

“There were times in the past when other promoters tried to bring Plies down to the area but it never happened,” Teddy explains. “A lot of people were disappointed so I decided to do something about it. I stepped up and brought Plies down for a show and made sure that everyone got in free until 12 O’clock to make up for him not coming down the first time. People began having faith in the promoters in Broward County again and Plies himself began to really appreciate our efforts. That’s where our deep relationship with Plies first came from.”
 
In working with Plies, Teddy has picked up on a lot of the artists’ nuances from his on stage appearances to his demeanor in person. Many things have left an impression with Teddy, most notably Plies’ willingness to go the extra yard for those working with him.
 
“What I noticed about Plies that really stands out is that he is all about business,” Teddy says point blank. “I like him because his word is good. He will give you exactly what you need if you are a promoter. He knows exactly what to say in order to get the crowd ready to come. If you ask for him a drop, whether it’s a radio drop or a video drop, he will get that to you. I feel that he really wants the promoter who is booking him to make money, as opposed to a lot of the bigger artists who almost want to manage the type of money you are brining in. I think he’s an all around good guy and he’s a great artist who is obviously doing his thing.”
 
Outside of Plies’ business mindset lies a passionate individual who has a love for performing and connecting with the crowd. While many performers bring energy and charisma to the table, Teddy still sees something in Plies that sets his apart from others.

“The women seem to love Plies,” a grinning Teddy states. “The good thing about that is that he brings a lot of women to the show, and as long as the women come to your show, the men will follow. Every dude knows whenever there is a Plies show there is going to be a lot of females and they are sure to make it.”
 
Some of Plies’ previous performances have been at Club Cinema, where he performed to a sold out crowd along with Young Dro, and the aforementioned Club Premier. Despite the capacity and energy that both locations are able to hold, Teddy understands that Plies has reached a level in his career and that it would only be fitting to have his next event at bigger venue such as Central Broward Regional Park. For as much as he is anticipating the event, Teddy still can’t take all of the credit, however.
 
“First of all, this is a show that was collaborated between Nassau Boys, Landeater Entertainment, Plies, and his manager,” says Teddy of the joint effort. “We all sat down at the table and thought about a good idea. The four of us came up with an idea to have a car show hosted by Plies. Word has already been spread and a lot of people are going to make it out. We have people coming from North Carolina, The Keys, Vero Beach, Georgia, and a lot of other places. It’s going to be more than a car show because it’s Easter Sunday and there are going to be things for families to do to keep their kids entertained. It’s going to be a place where everybody can have a good time.”
 
While an appearance by Plies himself is worth mention, there is much more going on with the April 12th event, insists Teddy. When assessing what people can expect when they come out, the Nassau Boys’ co-Founder expects a little bit of everything to take place.
 
“This is going to be a huge event for South Florida,” Teddy claims. “Of course Plies is going to give his fans a good show but we also have a lot of other artists on tap. Brisco is going to be performing, and he has been creating a lot of buzz down south, and you can also expect performances from Ace Hood, Iceberg, Ball Greezy, Picallo, and another Slip N’ Slide artist, Qwote. We are also going to have about twenty different vendors selling all kinds of food from Jamaican, Caribbean, and American dishes as well as any beverage you can think of. After Plies’ live performance he will also be having exclusive shoots for his upcoming video ‘Make a Movie’ and fans can witness that. When Plies comes to town you never really know what is going to happen but it’s just the type of place you want to be on Easter Sunday.”
 
Over the past few years Plies has been building a solid foundation within the music industry. Always hustling and always looking to please his fans, his name is becoming synonymous with success and this Easter Sunday marks yet another key day in his career. When giving Plies himself a chance to speak on the event, you can sense his anticipation and appreciation. 
 
“I just want Fort Lauderdale and Broward to know that their number one certified goon is coming back to your city,” an enthusiastic Plies states. “We’re going to be throwing the biggest car show to ever hit Broward County and it all goes down Easter Sunday, April 12th. I’m going to be shooting my new video ‘Make A Movie’ and I’m going to need everybody’s support. I want to see all my street cats out there and if you support me then please make it out.”


The Plies live performance and video shoot takes place this Sunday, April 12th at the Broward County Regional Park. The show starts at 2PM and is scheduled to run until 11 PM. For more information on the event and general ticket inquiries, please call 954-709-5602

For information of future upcoming events in the South Florida area, please visit www.Landeater.com

To check out Plies’, please hit him up at www.Myspace.com/Plies