Da REAList [PA]

Performer: Plies
Artist: Ashanti; Sean Garrett; Chris J
Distributor: WEA (Distributor)

Notes: Audio Mixer: Mr. Leslie Braithwaite. Mush-mouthed Florida-based MC Plies had a banner year in 2008, releasing the glowering DEFINITION OF REAL in June, and quickly following it with DA REALIST in a matter of mere months. Interestingly, Plies's punishing release schedule doesn't seem to have affected the quality of his work and though his matter-of-fact delivery remains relatively unchanged, the disorienting, near-psychedelic soundscapes of DA REALIST represent a quantum leap forward from the bare bones, bounce-influenced production of his previous record. With a spectrum that runs from irresponsible gun talk to irresponsible sex talk, Plies is never accused of being the most versatile rapper. Add unimaginative album titles that always work in some form of the word "Real", plus a crazy release schedule that's seen three official full-lengths in just 16 months, and there's every reason to believe Da Realist is a take the money and run release from a gutter rapper exploiting his leap into fame. Going in a completely unexpected direction, the album actually expands the Plies universe a bit with some decent political commentary such as the damning of mandatory sentences on the inspired "2nd Chance." Production takes a bold step forward on the extremely sparse highlight "All Black," while the whimsical "Spend the Night" -- where the newly relocated Plies seduces the ladies with real estate agent talk and a Cheshire cat smile -- is his brightest sounding track to date. The electronic, Prince-sounding snare on "Want It, Need It" is another clever idea, but the rest of the big moments come from places the rapper's been before, like the thug anthem "Make a Movie" with production from Mannie Fresh or the lightweight bedroom number "Put It on Ya" which for some horribly misguided reason, closes the album. With some minor problems, some minor advancement, and some major moments, Da Realist is an overall winner from a rapper who keeps beating the odds. ~ David Jeffries

Billboard (p.33) - "His reports here from the streets, the boudoir and the hospital room sizzle with a stripped-down immediacy that makes good on the album's title." XXL (Magazine) (pp.103-104) - "[This] might be his best album yet, as he remains diverse and simultaneously satisfying to his core fan base."

Born Algernod Lanier Washington, the Fort Myers, Florida rapper known as Plies debuted in 2003 on the mixtape track, "Tell Dem Crackers Dat," which caught the attention of Miami label Slip-N-Slide Records. Plies made national news in 2006 when his entourage opened fire on the crowd in a Gainsville nightclub after his mic was cut. The initial bad press cleared after Plies's catchy lead single, "Shawty," hit the radio waves in July 2007 and his first album, THE REAL TESTAMENT, debuted at number 2 two on the Billboard 200 a month later. THE DEFINITION OF REAL appeared in 2008 fueled by the singles, "Please Excuse My Hands" and "Bust It Baby Part 2."

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