Plies

Born Algernod Lanier Washington in Fort Myers, Florida, Plies attended college on a football scholarship before turning to music, co-founding the Big Gates label with his brother and building a following through gritty mixtapes.

His albums "The Real Testament," "Definition of Real," and "Da REAlist" produced hits like "Shawty," "Hypnotized," and "Bust It Baby," balancing hardcore street records with R&B-tinged crossover singles. He later became a viral social-media commentator known for his humor and candor.

He charted multiple top-selling albums and platinum singles during the late 2000s and reinvented himself as a beloved online personality.

Plies paired raw street authenticity with crossover appeal, and his second act as a viral commentator extended his cultural relevance.