Personal Details :
- Full Name: Algernod Lanier Washington
- Stage Name: Plies
- Born: July 1, 1976
- Birthplace: Fort Myers, Florida, USA
- Height: 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm)
- Education: Attended Miami University (Ohio) and University of Central Florida; did not complete degree
- Early Career: Played wide receiver for Miami University’s football team before transitioning to music
- Family: Son, Nijier Lanier Washington, born October 20, 2003, with girlfriend Brandy Lacole Lyons
- Record Label: Founder of Big Gates Records; signed with Slip-n-Slide Records in 2004
Social Media Presence :
- Instagram: @plies
- Twitter: @plies
- YouTube: PliesWorld
- Facebook: Plies
- TikTok: @plies
- OnlyFans: @plies
Career Overview :
Algernod Lanier Washington, professionally known as Plies, is an American rapper born on July 1, 1976, in Fort Myers, Florida. Before venturing into music, Plies played wide receiver for the Miami Redskins football team at Miami University in Ohio. He later transferred to the University of Central Florida but eventually dropped out to pursue a career in music .
Early Career and Breakthrough
In the early 2000s, Plies teamed up with his stepbrother, Ronnell Lawrence Lavette (known as Big Gates), to establish Big Gates Records. Initially hesitant about rapping, Plies recorded a verse for the single “Tell Dem Krackers Dat,” which gained regional popularity. This success led to a partnership with Miami-based Slip-n-Slide Records, marking the beginning of his professional music career .
Major Label Success
Plies’ debut studio album, The Real Testament, was released in August 2007. The album featured the hit single “Shawty” featuring T-Pain, which peaked at number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. The follow-up single, “Hypnotized” featuring Akon, also achieved commercial success .
His second album, Definition of Real, released in June 2008, debuted at number 2 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album included the successful single “Bust It Baby Pt. 2” featuring Ne-Yo .
Plies continued his momentum with subsequent albums, including Da REAList (2008) and Goon Affiliated (2010), both of which showcased his distinctive style and solidified his presence in the hip-hop industry .
Career Highlights
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Debut Album: The Real Testament (2007)
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Notable Singles: “Shawty” (featuring T-Pain), “Hypnotized” (featuring Akon), “Bust It Baby Pt. 2” (featuring Ne-Yo)
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Collaborations: Worked with artists like Akon, T-Pain, Ne-Yo, and Jamie Foxx
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Record Label: Founder of Big Gates Records; signed with Slip-n-Slide Records in 2004
Legacy and Influence
Plies is recognized for his raw and unfiltered lyrical content, often reflecting his experiences and observations from his upbringing in Florida. His distinctive voice and delivery have earned him a dedicated fan base and respect within the hip-hop community. Beyond music, Plies has engaged in various philanthropic efforts, including hosting annual turkey drives during Thanksgiving to provide meals for those in need
Personal Life & Interests :
Early Life and Education
Born Algernod Lanier Washington on July 1, 1976, in Fort Myers, Florida, Plies grew up in the East Dunbar neighborhood. He attended Fort Myers Senior High School, where he excelled academically and athletically, earning titles such as Homecoming King and “Best Dressed” student. He played football as a wide receiver and defensive back, showcasing his athletic prowess. Plies later attended Miami University and University of Central Florida, where he played college football before deciding to pursue a career in music .
Family and Relationships
Plies has a son, Nijier Lanier Washington, born on October 20, 2003, with his ex-girlfriend Brandy Lacole Lyons. The two co-parent their son and maintain a positive relationship. Despite his public persona, Plies is known to be a devoted father and values his family life .
Values and Principles
In interviews, Plies has emphasized the importance of being principle-driven, valuing honesty, loyalty, and authenticity. He prides himself on staying true to his beliefs and not compromising his principles for fame or money .
Social Media Engagement
Plies has embraced social media as a platform to connect with his fans and share his thoughts and experiences. With a significant following on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, he regularly engages with his audience, offering insights into his life and career. His humorous and candid posts have endeared him to fans, making him a beloved figure on social media .netwrk.se
Community Involvement
Beyond his music career, Plies has ventured into various business endeavors, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen. He has invested in several industries, including real estate and fashion, further diversifying his portfolio and expanding his reach beyond the music industry
Net Worth :
As of 2025, rapper Plies has an estimated net worth of $6 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. This valuation reflects his successful music career, which includes multiple hit albums and singles, as well as his entrepreneurial ventures.
In addition to his musical earnings, Plies has invested in various assets. He owns a mansion in Greenwich and has a collection of luxury cars, including a restored 1968 Pontiac, an Aston Martin, a Cadillac CTS-V, a Bentley Continental, and a Lincoln Continental.
Despite his success, Plies has faced legal challenges. In 2024, he filed a lawsuit against several artists, including Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B, Soulja Boy, and GloRilla, alleging copyright infringement over the use of his song “Me & My Goons” in their tracks.
Overall, Plies’ net worth reflects his achievements in the music industry and his strategic investments outside of it.
Awards & Achievements :
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Ozone Awards (2007)
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Best Rap/R&B Collaboration: “Shawty” featuring T-Pain
BET Hip-Hop Awards (2008)
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Nominations:
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Best Hip Hop Collaboration: “Bust It Baby Pt. 2” featuring Ne-Yo
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Alltel Wireless People’s Champ Award: “Bust It Baby Pt. 2” featuring Ne-Yo
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Hottest Hip Hop Ringtone of the Year: “Bust It Baby Pt. 2” featuring Ne-Yo
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Rookie of the Year: Plies
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Grammy Awards (2011)
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Nomination:
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Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group: “Lose My Mind” with Young Jeezy
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Other Notable Achievements
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Gold certifications for singles “Shawty” and “Hypnotized”
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Multiple chart-topping albums, including Definition of Real and Da REAList
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Collaborations with artists like Jamie Foxx, Ashanti, Ludacris, and Fat Joe
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Fun Facts :
- Real Name: His real name is Algernod Lanier Washington, but he’s better known by his stage name, Plies.
- College Football Player: Plies played wide receiver at Miami University in Ohio before switching to music.
- Started as a Label Executive: He originally didn’t plan to rap—he founded Big Gates Records and began rapping to fill in on a song.
- Shawty Breakthrough: His breakout single “Shawty” featuring T-Pain put him on the national map in 2007.
- Unfiltered Online Personality: Plies is famous for his humorous and brutally honest takes on social media, especially on Instagram and TikTok.
- Philanthropy: He regularly gives back to his community, including hosting annual turkey drives in Florida.
- Nickname for Fans: Plies affectionately refers to his fans as “Goons” — a term he helped popularize in the mid-2000s.
- Multitalented: Beyond music, he’s ventured into real estate and fashion, showing off his entrepreneurial side.