Lloyd featuring Plies – Year Of The Lover | Official Second Single from the album Lessons In Love

Maino – Hi Hater (Remix) video featuring T.I., Swizz Beatz, Plies, Jadakiss and Fabolous from his new album If Tomorrow Comes…

Maino – Hi Hater (Remix) video featuring T.I., Swizz Beatz, Plies, Jadakiss & Fabolous Behind The Scenes

DJ Khaled – Out Here Grinding video featuring Akon, Rick Ross, Plies, Lil Boosie, Ace Hood and Trick Daddy from the new album We Global Now

Plies – Somebody (Loves You) video

PLIES ANNOUNCES NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION AND $10,000 “SOMEBODY LOVES YOU” SCHOLARSHIP FUND; NEW ALBUM, “DEFINITION OF REAL,” IN STORES NOW

Big Gates/Slip-N-Slide/Atlantic recording artist Plies has announced details of 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. This all comes as the Ft. Myers, Florida-bred rapper continues to ride the wave of success proven by his sophomore release, “DEFINITION OF REAL,” which debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200, selling 215,000 copies in its first week. In fact, the album’s first week sales gave Plies the highest selling first-week numbers in the history of Miami-based Slip-N-Slide Records.

Keeping in the tradition of Plies’ philanthropy, Big Gates and Plies Power Of Visions will provide funding for legal representation and aid to needy individuals, specifically those who are incarcerated, with the goal of promoting a more functional, productive, and just community. The organization will also provide educational forums, classes, workshops, trainings, opportunities, and other charitable activities aimed at individuals in the community, in particular focusing on rehabilitation.

In addition, Big Gates and Plies Power Of Visions will focus on promoting activities for youth and minorities, including education, mentorship, cultural experiences, and preventative measures aimed at combating incarceration in the Tampa and Ft. Myers, Florida areas.

The organization’s first effort will be the “Somebody Loves You” Scholarship Fund 2008 (named after the song “Somebody (Loves You) “from his current album), which is designed specifically for students attending an accredited college or university, who have a parent(s) that is presently incarcerated and who is financially disadvantaged. The scholarship is open to students who are currently enrolled or who will be entering school this fall. Two scholarships will be awarded to one male and one female in the amount of $5000 each.

According to a published Senate report in September of 2000, as many as 70 percent of children of incarcerated parents will become involved with the criminal justice system unless effective intervention strategies are set in place. Big Gates and Plies Power Of Visions, Inc. hopes to inspire and encourage these at-risk youth to break the cycle of incarceration. Co-founder Plies comments, “We want to provide those who have been and continue to be affected by the negative impacts of the prison system with a sense of hope, and to let them know that they are not forgotten. No matter what adversities one may face in life, one thing remains true – and that is that somebody loves you.”

For more information on the organization and scholarship, as well as scholarship application details, visit www.pliesworld.com/somebodylovesyou.

In other Plies news, “Bust It Baby Part 2 (Feat. Ne-Yo),” the first single from “DEFINITION OF REAL,” continues to be another massive hip-hop hit for Plies. The track is ranked at #2 at Urban outlets nationwide this week. What’s more, “Bust It Baby Part 2” is turning out to be a pop mainstream summer sensation, coming in this week at #3 on Billboard’s “Hot 100 Airplay” ranking, as well as #8 on the overall “Hot 100.”

“Bust It Baby Part 2” is also continuing Plies’ incredible run of blockbuster ringtones. The single is currently #3 on Nielsen Ringscan’s “Top 200 Mastertones” ranking.

Plies recently shot the music video for his next single, “Please Excuse My Hands (Feat. Jamie Foxx and The-Dream),” which is slated to hit video outlets nationwide early next month.

PLIES DEFINITION OF REAL LANDS AT #2 ON BILLBOARD 200; BUST IT BABY PART 2 #1 ON URBAN MAINSTREAM CHART

Big Gates/Slip-N-Slide/Atlantic recording artist Plies makes an impressive debut this week with the release of his sophomore album. “DEFINITION OF REAL” lands at #2 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling more than 200,000 copies in its first week, doubling first week sales of his first album, “THE REAL TESTAMENT.”

“Bust It Baby Part 2,” the first single from “DEFINITON OF REAL,” has already proven to be another massive hip-hop hit for Plies. The track is currently #1 at Urban mainstream outlets nationwide this week. What’s more, “Bust It Baby Part 2” is turning out to be a gigantic summer sensation, coming in this week at #5 on Billboard’s “Hot 100 Airplay” ranking, as well as #12 on the overall “Hot 100.”

“Bust It Baby Part 2” is also continuing Plies’ incredible run of blockbuster ringtones. The single is currently #3 on Nielsen Ringscan’s “Top 200 Mastertones” ranking.

Plies has unleashed two new videos for the album’s “I’m Da Man (Feat. Trey Songz)” and “Worth Goin FED For,” both of which are currently streaming at the rapper’s MySpace page, www.myspace.com/plies.

In conjunction with the release of “DEFINITION OF REAL,” Plies is holding a special “Real Things” promotion in which two diamond chains will be awarded to a pair of very lucky fans. The promotion – which will run for three weeks—began on the album’s June 10th street date and allows fans to enter for a chance to win either a diamond “Plies Bust It Baby” chain or a diamond “Goon” chain.

Plies – Worth Goin FED For video from Definition Of Real

PLIES READY TO GET “REAL”; SOPHOMORE ALBUM, “DEFINITION OF REAL,” DROPS EVERYWHERE TODAY, JUNE 10TH; HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE LIVE PERFORMANCES ON BET AND MTV, AS WELL AS SERIES OF IN-STORE EVENTS; “BUST IT BABY PART 2” IS PLIES’ 3RD SINGLE TO HIT THE BILLBOARD HOT 100

Big Gates/Slip-N-Slide/Atlantic recording artist Plies gets even more real with the release of his highly anticipated sophomore album, “DEFINITION OF REAL.” The collection—which features the top 2 hit single, “Bust It Baby Part 2 (Feat. Ne-Yo),” and the official street anthem, “Who Hotter Than Me”— arrives in stores and at all online retailers today, June 10th.

The Fort Myers, Florida-based MC will team up with Ne-Yo for a pair of major television appearances, including an appearance today on BET’s 106 & Park. Tomorrow afternoon, Wednesday, June 11th, will see Plies and Ne-Yo busting out “Bust It Baby Part 2” on MTV’s TRL as part of its “Spankin’ New Music Week” programming (check local listings).

To celebrate the release of “DEFINITION OF REAL,” beginning today, Plies will show his love for his home state with a series of in-store events throughout Florida. Cities on his trip include Fort Myers, Tampa, West Palm Beach, Miami, Ocoee, Jacksonville, and even a stop in College Park, Georgia on Friday. In addition, Plies will host a very special album release party tonight in Tampa. The celebration will be held at the all new Club 360 (1609 E. 7th Avenue) in Ybor City at 9PM.

Plies – who recently came in at #6 on Forbes’ list of “The Year’s Hottest New Music Stars” – kicked off his busy schedule this past weekend in Orlando with a live “MySpace presents The Release” show at a packed-out Voyage Nightclub. Check out MySpace this week, where the rapper will be a featured artist. Plies will next appear at the “Biggest Hip-Hop Concert in the South,” HOT 107.9’s Birthday Bash 13 at Atlanta’s Philips Arena on Saturday, June 14th.

“DEFINITION OF REAL” will be available in a variety of retail exclusive editions. The Best Buy version includes three exclusive tracks (including “Bust It Baby Part 1”), while Target’s adds an exclusive 30-minute DVD interview. Fans who purchase the album at Circuit City will receive a “Definition Of Real” t-shirt (while supplies last). Kmart will offer “DEFINITION OF REAL” with an exclusive Plies voicetone. Finally, iTunes’ “Bonus Version” features the companion video clips for “Bust It Baby Part 2” and “Who Hotter Than Me.”

“Bust It Baby Part 2,” the first single from “DEFINITON OF REAL,” has already proven to be another massive hip-hop hit for Plies. The track is currently #2 at both Urban and Rhythmic radio outlets nationwide. What’s more, “Bust It Baby Part 2” is turning out to be a mainstream summer sensation, coming in this week at #6 on Billboard’s “Hot 100 Airplay” ranking, as well as #14 on the overall “Hot 100.”

The “Bust It Baby Part 2” companion video is also a favorite at BET, where is recently hit #1 on the network’s 106 & Park. The clip has just premiered on MTV’s “Sucker Free,” having already been added to MTV2. “ Bust It Baby Part 2” has also reached MTV’s TRL countdown, coming in at #7 last week.

“Bust It Baby Part 2” is also continuing Plies’ incredible run of blockbuster ringtones. The single is currently #3 on Nielsen Ringscan’s “Top 200 Mastertones” ranking.

The next single from “DEFINITION OF REAL” will be the lustful “Please Excuse My Hands (Feat. Jamie Foxx and The Dream).” In addition, Plies has also unleashed a new video for the album’s “I’m Da Man (Feat. Trey Songz),” which is currently streaming at the rapper’s new website, www.pliesworld.com . As if all that weren’t enough, also showing on Plies’ website is the companion video to the recently released street track, “Who Hotter Than Me.”

In conjunction with the release of “DEFINITION OF REAL,” Plies is holding a special “Real Things” promotion in which two diamond chains will be awarded to a pair of very lucky fans. The promotion – which will run for three weeks, beginning on the album’s June 10th street date – allows fans to enter for a chance to win either a diamond “Plies Bust It Baby” chain or a diamond “Goon” chain.

“DEFINITION OF REAL” arrives hot on the heels of the rapper’s 2007 RIAA gold debut, “THE REAL TESTAMENT.” The album – featuring the blockbuster hit singles, “Shawty (Feat. T-Pain)” and “Hypnotized (Feat. Akon)” – entered the Billboard 200 at #2 upon its release last summer and continues to run strong, coming in this week at #14 on Billboard’s “Top Rap Albums” ranking. In addition, “THE REAL TESTAMENT” has spawned a series of smash hit ringtones, with at least six tracks from the album hitting Nielsen Ringscan’s “Top 200 Mastertones” chart.

ATL beat maker Drumma Boy skillfully adds hard-hitting 808 bass lines explaining his impressive roster of South Eastern hip hop acts Jeezy, T.I. Young Joc, Rick Ross, Paul Wall, Plies, Rocko & Lil’ Jon as well as current hit singles “Put On” for Jeezy & Kanye West and beats for T.I.’s highly anticipated Paper Trail as the classically trained musical prodigy also spends studio time with Akon, Monica, Nelly, Brandy, Keyshia Cole, Mary J. Blige, Raheem Devaughn, Dionne Farris, Keri Hilson and more

***

Talent can be defined in a myriad of ways. It can be an innate gift or a learned proficiency but occasionally, it’s a potent mixture of both, which happens to be the case with Christopher Gholson, the southern-reared producer and visionary who goes by the pseudonym Drumma Boy. Born and bred in Memphis, Tennessee, Drumma Boy’s destiny was solidified as a young child with a father who was a professional clarinetist, music professor at the University of Memphis and the first African-American man to hold the 1st chair position in the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. “My dad taught me everything I know about traditional music and had me playing the clarinet at age 5 but it was my mom that introduced me to Curtis Mayfield and 70’s oldie, so my style now is a reflection of all of that, classical, soul and street music.”

By college Drumma Boy had solidified a name for himself and was quickly becoming the most sought-after beat banger in Tennessee. Following in the footsteps of Memphis native and super-producer Jazze Pha (Ciara, Nelly, Ludacris, T.I), Drumma Boy relocated to Atlanta a few years ago after having worked with every major name and independent artist in his hometown. Now the 24 year-old musical prodigy skillfully adds crispy, hard-hitting 808 bass lines with gentle touches of rhythmic change and chord progression to each beat he passionately crafts. He composes thick and textured sounds that take some producers years to perfect. It takes a special kind of artist to rock with him, which explains his impressive roster of hip hop acts that include Young Jeezy, T.I., Kanye West, Nelly, Scarface, Yo Gotti, Eightball & MJG, Young Joc, Slim Thug, Rick Ross, E-40, Rocko, Paul Wall and Lil’ Jon. Drumma Boy is fresh, as in innovative and expressive but more importantly, he’s admirably great at pushing boundaries; taking the art form into new realms of abstraction.

His musicianship is incredible, having the ability to pour passion and conviction into whatever he does. His combination of multi-talent is one of many factors that separate him from the mainstream. His soul is soaked in the eccentricity of vintage Rhythm and Blues and P-Funk. He plays with this dichotomy of yesteryear classics and current trends to concoct sophisticated arrangements that fuse the arrogance of hip-hop with the slickness of R&B. The talented musician has not only fostered relationships with top notch artists such as Outkast, Trick Daddy, Cash Money, Pastor Troy and Killer Mike, but he also understands the importance of connecting with equally gifted writers, instrumentalists and producers like Johnta Austin and Jazze Pha. In 2003, Drumma Boy founded Drum Squad, an umbrella company that encompasses Drum Squad Records & Productions. This businessman on the rise is serious about his craft and professional alliances, forming a powerful movement that is sure to force other producers to step up their game.

The highly sought after rhythm architect is currently enjoying credit for new singles by Young Jeezy’s “Put On” featuring Kanye West which has proven to be one of the summer’s hottest anthems while other recent tracks include “Juice Box” from Gorilla Zoe (Atlantic Records), “Tomorrow” from Rocko (So So Def/Island Records) and “Here I Am” from Rick Ross f/ Nelly (Def Jam Records). This Fall 2008 Drumma will be known as the man responsible for several songs off T.I.’s highly anticipated Paper Trail (Grand Hustle/Atlantic) as well as tracks from Def Jam and multi-platinum recording artist Young Jeezy’s forthcoming album. With a gift to manufacture inimitable sounds the young virtuoso has been recruited into the studio this month with a wide range of artists including Monica, Brandy, Keyshia Cole, Mary J. Blige, Akon, Raheem Devaughn, Slim Thug, Rick Ross, Rich Boy, Keri Hilson, Plies, Dionne Farris and Jagged Edge.

Drumma Boy is famous for making diverse beats that range from rap, rock, classical and pop to soulful R&B ballads and gospel-inspired jams. He is as authentic as a creative artist can be, reading music with an educated ear while possessing the ability to instantly recognize the correct key. In addition to a learned knowledge, there is that burning desire he inherently possesses to win and maintain respect.

“Drumma Boy has a signature sound that can make an average artist sound great…truly he has grown into a “real producer” while some just “make beats” he has taken his sounds from the Hood 2 the Executive Suites and that’s the Bizniss” Jazze Pha

“Drumma Boy is up next!” T.I.

“Drumma Boy is the correct spelling for producer” Young Joc

“It’s clear Drumma has risen quickly to distinguish himself among the upper echelon of hip hop producers. His distinction lays with his classically trained ear along with his signature drum rolls and staggering 808’s.” The Source Magazine

“When you hear one of Drumma Boy’s beats, you don’t just listen. You feel the 808 street bass, symphonic influences, horns and stirring string section. Hard knocking tracks like Young Jeezy’s “I Am the Realist” and “Standing Ovation” and Gangsta Boo’s stammering “Stacks on Deck’ and “Queen of the South” are prime examples of Drumma Boy’s limitless musical originality. Drumma’s present and future are as bright as the sun.” Grip Magazine

“With a penchant for chest-beating percussion and attitude-drenched synths, Drumma and his Drum Squad production unit have built a hefty catalog, including Scarface’s “Recognize,” Boyz N Da Hood’s “Trap Niggaz,” Paul Wall’s “Gimmie Dat,” and most recently, Plies & T-Pain’s “Shawty.” But it was really his work on Jeezy’s first album, “Thug Motivation 101”, that got the industry’s attention.” Scratch Magazine

“Atlanta producer Drumma Boy got his start as a producer and beat writer in his early teens. His mother and father both worked in music and gave him a solid grounding in the fundamentals. A few years go he made the move from Memphis to Atlanta where he began to network with the likes of Outkast and Trick Daddy.” Music Connection Magazine

“”Put On” is the first single from the forthcoming Jeezy album, and it’s a Jeezy track through and through up until the end with epically gothic Drumma Boy synth-twinkles.” Village Voice

“Drumma Boy is an exceptional young talent. Rarely is one able to identify producers who are not only able to create a unique sound with Hip Hop, but R&B as well. Drumma represents the grind. He represents the now. He represents…the future!” Johnta Austin

“Drumma Boy has his ear to the street because his sound is just that!! A very versatile producer and business man, he is hip hop’s “go to” man for a gritty visualistic sound. A producer can only dream of a resume like his.” DJ Drama

“Drumma Boy is one of the most driven producers out of Atlanta, with uniquely different beats.” LeToya Luckett