Introduction
Over the past two decades, Plies net worth has made a name for himself in the rap game. With his signature southern drawl and catchy hooks, Plies rose to fame in the late 2000s with hits like “Shawty” and “Bust It Baby.” Though he hasn’t released an album since 2014, Plies continues to remain an influential figure in hip hop. So how much is the Florida rapper worth today? What were the keys to his success? This article will take a closer look at Plies’ net worth, career, personal life and more.
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Bios
| Name | Algernod Lanier Washington |
| Nickname | Plies |
| Birthday | 1 July 1976 |
| Gender | Male |
| Height | 5’5” |
| Weight | 141 lbs |
| Partner | N/A |
| Kids | Nijier Washington |
| Parents | Larry Washington, Karla Washington |
| Siblings | Ronnell Lawrence Lavatte |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Singer |
| Net Worth | $15 million |
Plies’ Net Worth
As of 2023, Plies’ net worth is estimated to be around $16 million3. The bulk of his wealth comes from album sales, streaming royalties, and concert revenue. At the height of his popularity from 2007 to 2010, Plies was reportedly earning over $100,000 per show2. He also likely profited from merchandise sales and endorsements.
Though he hasn’t released a studio album in almost a decade, Plies has continued to collect handsome checks thanks to music streaming. His catalog of hits like “Shawty,” “Hypnotized,” and “Bust It Baby” generate tens of millions of streams each year1. Overall, Plies has sold over 7 million albums worldwide4. With savvy investments and ownership over his masters, the streams and sales will provide Plies with residual income for years to come.
His Early Life and Career Beginnings
Plies was born Algernod Lanier Washington in Fort Myers, Florida in 19762. He had a difficult upbringing and found solace in rap music. Plies’ stepbrother Ronnell Lawrence Levatte, known as Big Gates, is also a rapper3.
After high school, Plies attended Miami University and began to focus more seriously on music. He adopted the stage name Plies and started releasing mixtapes in the early 2000s. Plies’ unique high-pitched voice and Floridian rhyme style eventually caught the ear of Big Gates and Slip-N-Slide recording executive Jason “J.R.” Rotem.
Rise to Fame with Major Label Debut
After signing with Slip-N-Slide Records, Plies released his debut album The Real Testament in 20071. Led by the hit single “Shawty,” the album debuted at #2 on the Billboard charts and was certified gold. “Shawty” peaked at #9 on the Hot 100 and introduced Plies’ distinctive style to the mainstream.
Buoyed by the success of his debut, Plies quickly followed up with his sophomore album Definition of Real in 20084. It spawned the smash hit “Bust It Baby Pt. 2” featuring Ne-Yo, which peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album debuted at #2, cementing Plies as one of rap’s rising stars.
Sustained Success and Controversies
Over the next few years, Plies continued to enjoy radio hits like “Please Excuse My Hands” and “Medicine.” He released two more albums—Da REAList in 2008 and Goon Affiliated in 2010—that both cracked the top five3. While he received some praise for tracks like “Family Straight” and “Awesome,” some criticized Plies for misogynistic and one-dimensional lyrics about wealth and women.
Controversy also ensued in July 2008 when Plies was accused of fabricating his criminal background6. The rapper frequently referred to himself as a thug and gang member, but an investigation revealed he had no criminal record aside from minor traffic offenses. However, Plies stood by his street cred and gang ties. “Just because I wasn’t convicted of a felony don’t mean I’m not real,” he stated6.
Hiatus from Music and Recent Years
After 2010, Plies’ output slowed considerably. He continued to release mixtapes and loose singles but did not drop a new album. In interviews, Plies suggested that greed and underpayment from his record label had dampened his motivation.
“I was getting over $100,000 for features, but only like $15,000 of an album advance,” said Plies in 20137. “The system is built for you to fail.”
Outside of music, Plies has focused on managing real estate and entrepreneurship. He owns numerous properties around Florida and also runs his own record label, Big Gates Records8. Plies continues to perform shows and headline concerts, proving he still has an audience. Fans hold out hope that Plies may someday release another major label project. But for now, the Florida veteran seems content with his legacy and empire.
Plies’ Personal Life and Relationships
Unlike many rappers, Plies has kept his personal and family life very private over the years. There is little information publicly available about his romantic relationships or children.
In interviews, Plies has stated that he prefers to keep his family out of the spotlight9. “I represent something in music, but in my personal life, I’m laid back,” Plies told VladTV in 2016. “I’m with my kids and family.”
Plies does have one brother, Ronnell Lawrence Levatte, who raps under the name Big Gates3. The duo have collaborated on songs like “Fucking or What.” Big Gates is signed to Plies’ label and owns a furniture store in Florida.
How Plies Made His Fortune
In summary,
Plies built his estimated $16 million net worth3 through
Album sales from his five major label releases which have sold over 7 million units worldwide4
Streaming royalties from major hits like “Shawty,” “Bust It Baby,” and “Ran Off on da Plug Twice.”
Concert and tour revenue from his heyday in the late 2000s when he earned up to $100k per show2
Real estate investments and ownership, including properties in Florida8
Income from his record label Big Gates Records
Merchandise sales and endorsement deals earlier in his career
Careful money management and prudent investing have allowed Plies to continue living lavishly long after his hitmaking days wound down. With an estate estimated to be worth eight figures3, it’s clear that Plies’ gangster rap persona isn’t just an image—he has the portfolio to back it up.
Frequently Asked Questions About Plies
How old is Plies?
Plies was born on July 1, 1976. As of 2023, he is 47 years old2.
Where did Plies grow up?
Plies grew up in Fort Myers, Florida. He had a difficult childhood and has been open about dealing drugs and engaging in other criminal activity during his youth9.
What is Plies’ real name?
Plies’ birth name is Algernod Lanier Washington. He chose the stage name Plies as slang for the tools used in burglaries.
Does Plies have kids?
Plies prefers to keep his family and children out of the public eye. While he may have kids, their names and info have not been shared publicly by Plies9.
Is Plies signed to a record label?
Plies is currently signed to his own independent label Big Gates Records. He was previously signed to Slip-N-Slide Records and Atlantic Records8.
What was Plies’ biggest song?
“Shawty” featuring T-Pain was Plies’ biggest hit. Released in 2007, it peaked at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart1.
Is Plies retiring from rap?
Plies has not officially retired, but he has not released a studio album since 2010. He continues to perform live and drop occasional singles8.
Conclusion
In the late 2000s, Plies rose to prominence with a string of chart-topping urban anthems like “Shawty” and “Bust It Baby.” Though his output slowed over the past decade, Plies has emerged as one of the most financially successful rappers of his era. Through album sales, touring, business ventures, and real estate, Plies has amassed an estimated net worth of $16 million. While no longer a radio fixture, Plies remains an influential figure in southern rap. His unique style and honest lyrics about street life continue to resonate with fans today. If Plies ever opts to release another album, it would likely be eagerly received – a testament to his enduring legacy.
Social Media
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plies_(rapper)
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/pliesworld
Twitter: https://twitter.com/plies
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plies/?hl=en
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/plies/
My Space: https://myspace.com/plies