#TBT: Plies – Shawty (ft. T-Pain)

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DIRECTOR: Edwin Decena
PRODUCERS: Drumma Boy & Ensayne
ALBUM: The Real Testament (2007) | Purchase via The Real Testament

After a brief college football career, Plies unintentionally made a buzz in the music game after receiving great feedback on a track released on his older brother’s indie label, Big Gates Records. A short grind throughout Florida’s circuits led Plies to Miami, where eventually he signed to Slip-N-Slide Records in 2004.

Being best known for his street albums, his debut album was slated to release under new distributor Atlantic Records in 2007, as The Real Testament. To kick start the mayhem, Plies enlisted T-Pain, Drumma Boy, and Ensayne to assist on his major label single debut, “Shawty”. An instant hit in the underground and over the sound waves.

The single went on to sell over 500,000 copies, certifying it gold and charting at #9 on Billboard’s Hot 200. Plies’ name was being solidified nationally. His album was held with great criticism from the press and consumers. Selling 96,000 copies in it’s first week, landing at the #2 spot on the Billboard 200. A year later, it was certified gold.

2019, we’re still glued to our media outlets, waiting in excitement for what Plies has in store for the world next. From his outlandish Instagram videos to his street anthems and community events. This man knows how to keep his name and legacy alive.