New York, NY. (Top40 Charts/ Atlantic Records) - "DEFINITION OF REAL," the blockbuster second album from Big Gates/Slip-N-Slide/Atlantic recording artist Plies, has been certified gold by the RIAA for sales in excess of 500,000. The album - which features the No 1 single, "Bust It Baby Part 2 (Feat. Ne-Yo)" - debuted at No 2 on the Billboard 200 chart upon its June release, with sales of 214,000 - the highest selling first-week numbers in the history of the Miami-based Slip-N-Slide Records. Plies' next album, "Da REAList," is slated to hit the streets on December 16th, marking the Ft. Myers, Florida-based rap superstar's third full-length release in just under 16 months.
"DEFINITION OF REAL" remains a top 10 success on Billboard's "Top Rap Albums" chart. The album follows Plies' enormously popular 2007 debut, "THE REAL TESTAMENT," which received RIAA gold certification, fueled by the RIAA gold-certified hit singles, "Shawty (Feat. T-Pain)" and "Hypnotized (Feat. Akon)."
Fueled by the success of the chart-topping "Bust It Baby Part 2" and the current top 20 hip-hop hit, "Please Excuse My Hands (Feat. Jamie Foxx and The-Dream)," the combined digital sales of tracks from "DEFINITION OF REAL" have now exceeded one million. In addition, "Bust It Baby Part 2" has received RIAA gold certification for both digital singles sales as well as ringtone sales of one million.
Meanwhile, Plies is currently being featured on the cover of Vibe's December issue. He has also just unleashed the first single from "Da REAList" - "Put It On Ya," featuring Big Gates recording artist Chris J. As of last week's impact at radio, the single was the No 1 most-added at both Urban and Rhythmic formats - with major rotation in such major markets as Dallas, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Atlanta, Tampa, Miami, Washington, DC, and many others.
Last month, Plies unveiled "Pants Hang Low," the first new music from his soon-to-be-released new album. The track - produced by Mannie Fresh - is earning play at both Urban and Rhythmic radio outlets. "Pants Hang Low" is currently available at all DSPs and mobile carriers, while a commercial 12" is now in stores.
"Pants Hang Low" sees Plies addressing the controversial issue of "sagging pants." A number of state and local governments are currently considering laws outlawing the practice, setting up fines and potential jail terms for offenders. Plies recently launched www.pantshanglow.com, a blog site devoted to the issue, featuring news, action alerts, and commentary.
The track marks Plies' latest involvement in relevant social and political issues. He recently unveiled his very own non-profit organization, Big Gates and Plies Power Of Visions Foundation, Inc., as well as a scholarship program, the "Somebody Loves You" Scholarship Fund.
As if all that weren't enough, a companion video to another new track from "Da REAList" has just debuted on Plies' popular YouTube channel. "Heard Of Me" is streaming now at www.youtube.com/user/PliesWorld.
In other news, Plies and "Bust It Baby Part 2" recently received three nominations from the annual Online Hip-Hop Awards, including "Collabo of the Year," "Hip-Hop Digital Download of the Year," and "Hip-Hop Album of the Year" (for "DEFINITION OF REAL"). Fans can vote now through November 20th at www.onlinehiphopawards.com/index.php?page=nominate.
The new nods follow Plies' recent trio of nominations from the BET Hip-Hop Awards, including "Best Hip-Hop Collabo," "Hottest Hip-Hop Ringtone of the Year," and "Alltel Wireless People's Champ." The star-studded ceremonies - which aired last month on BET - saw Plies and Ne-Yo busting out their No 1 hit to an ecstatic live audience.
"Da REAList" is now available to pre-order at www.pliesworld.com. Fans can pick up an exclusive DVD, signed photo and enter for a chance to go to Plies' album release party in Tampa, Florida on December 16th.
