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Definition of Real
Definition of Real
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Definition of Real
Studio album by
ReleasedJune 10, 2008 (2008-06-10)
Recorded2007–08
Genre
Length58:49
Label
Producer
Plies chronology
The Real Testament
(2007)
Definition of Real
(2008)
Da REAList
(2008)
Alternative cover
Singles from Definition of Real
  1. "Bust It Baby Pt. 2"
    Released: February 23, 2008
  2. "Please Excuse My Hands"
    Released: July 13, 2008

Definition of Real is the second studio album by American rapper Plies. It was released on June 10, 2008, by Big Gates Records, Slip-n-Slide Records and Atlantic Records. Guest appearances include Ne-Yo, J. Holiday, Keyshia Cole, Trey Songz, Jamie Foxx and The-Dream. The album garnered mixed reviews from critics who questioned Plies' lyricism and vocal work. Definition of Real debuted at number 2 on the Billboard 200 and spawned two singles: "Bust It Baby Pt. 2" and "Please Excuse My Hands".

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic59/100[1]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStarHalf star[2]
DJBoothStarStarStar[3]
HipHopDXStarStarStar[4]
IGN8/10[5]
MSN Music (Consumer Guide)D+[6]
RapReviews7/10[7]
UGOD[8]

Definition of Real received mixed reviews from music critics who questioned Plies' abilities as a capable rapper. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received an average score of 59, based on 5 reviews.[1]

Khalid Strickland of IGN gave high praise to the album's hyper-violent gangster material for displaying Plies' growth as a rapper, concluding that "Overall, with its bumping production and street sensibility, Definition of Real is a tight-knit piece of work that stiff-arms the dreaded "sophomore slump."[5] Patrick Taylor of RapReviews said that despite being a transition to his next album and containing lightweight R&B hits that clashed with his thug image, he praised the album for delivering street tracks that were interlaced with introspection, concluding that "As it stands, Definition of Real may not be an instant classic, but it isn't a sophomore slump either, and there are signs that there could be more to Plies beyond his drawl and his love of female reproductive organs."[7] AllMusic's David Jeffries also criticized the album's inclusion of radio songs but felt that Plies added more lyrical clarity to his goon bravado, saying that "The compelling three-quarters of Definition of Real that seems to have crawled out of the gutter proves that Plies is best off when he does it the ski-mask way."[2]

Jon Caramanica of The New York Times praised Plies for maintaining his charisma when delivering both vindictive vulgarities and conscience sincerity despite the album not being as strong as The Real Testament, saying that it "lacks some of that album's rawness, but is still strong, thanks to his shockingly literal and unforgiving rhymes."[9] Roman Cooper of HipHopDX felt the album's production had a cohesive sound but criticized Plies' inability to move past typical gangsta material and into more introspective tracks like "Somebody Loves You" and "1 Day", saying that "Seemingly incapable of switching up his flow or creating vivid imagery, it's important to realize that in listening to Definition of Real, you won't be getting Ready to Die."[4] Nathan Slavik of DJBooth was mixed on the album, saying that he was put off by the expletive-laden lyrics heard throughout the hardcore tracks and love songs but that it would attract more to the female demographic.[3] In MSN Music, Robert Christgau panned the album's overly violent and misogynistic content.[6]

Sales

[edit]

Definition of Real debuted on the Billboard 200 at number two selling 214,902 copies in the first week of release, making it his second #2 album and highest first week sales, beating his debut album The Real Testament, which sold 96,000 in its first week. It was released on the same day as Lil Wayne's album Tha Carter III. It had the second best-selling sales for a hip hop album that year at the time of release behind Tha Carter III until it was surpassed by first week sales of The Game's album LAX and Jeezy's album The Recession later in the year . It was the fifth fast-selling hip hop album of 2008, until T.I.'s sixth studio album Paper Trail became the second in 2008, putting the album the sixth fastest selling hip hop album of 2008. In celebration of the album he renamed the date Goon 10th, instead of June 10[10] As of October 2008, the album has sold approximately 524,000 copies in the United States.[11] It has become the rapper's second album to go gold and is his most successful sales of album to date.

Singles

[edit]

The first single is "Bust It Baby (Part. 2)" featuring Ne-Yo. It is currently his biggest hit single to date, peaking at number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The second single is "Please Excuse My Hands" featuring Jamie Foxx, and The-Dream.

There is also a music video for the song "Who Hotter Than Me", released June 10, 2008.[12]

Track listing

[edit]
Standard edition[13]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."I'm Da Man" (featuring Trey Songz)Drumma Boy3:49
2."Ol' Lady"
  • Plies
  • Brandon "Yung Necro Music" Crear
  • Ronell Levatte
  • Alexander Martin
NecronamBeatz3:35
3."Bushes"
  • Plies
  • Tracey Sewell
Midnight Black4:12
4."Worth Goin' FED Fo"
  • Plies
  • Bryan Tyson
  • Levatte
  • Martin
Bryan Tyson3:59
5."Dat Bitch"
  • Plies
  • Daniel Valbrun
  • Joseph Valbrun
  • Levatte
  • Martin
DVS3:33
6."Somebody (Loves You)"
Rodnae4:38
7."Feel Like Fuckin'"
  • Plies
  • Tyson
  • Levatte
  • Martin
Bryan Tyson4:15
8."Watch Dis" (featuring Kevin Cossom)
  • Plies
  • Kevin Cossom
  • Gholson
  • Howard Coney
  • Dwight Watson
  • Benjamin Lakey
  • Aaron Bay-Schuck
Drumma Boy3:29
9."Who Hotter Than Me?"
  • Plies
  • Sewell
Midnight Black3:29
10."1 Day"
  • Plies
  • Tyson
  • Levatte
  • Martin
Bryan Tyson3:51
11."Bust It Baby (Part 2)" (featuring Ne-Yo)J.R. Rotem4:01
12."Shit Bag"
  • Plies
  • Tyson
  • Levatte
  • Martin
Bryan Tyson3:34
13."Please Excuse My Hands" (featuring The-Dream and Jamie Foxx)4:24
14."Rich Folk"
  • Plies
  • Kevin John
  • Elton John
  • Delvin Alexander
  • Marvin Alexander
  • Levatte
  • Martin
Pentagon Productions4:03
15."#1 Fan" (featuring Keyshia Cole and J. Holiday)DJ Nasty & LVM3:57
Best Buy Bonus Tracks[13]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
16."Thug Section"Kane Beatz4:50
17."Die Together"
  • Plies
  • Tyson
  • Levatte
  • Martin
Bryan Tyson3:09
18."Bust It Baby (Part 1)"
  • Plies
  • D. Valbrun
  • J. Valbrun
  • Levatte
  • Martin
DVS3:14

Sample Credits[13]

See also

[edit]

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[20] Gold 500,000

Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Definition of Real is the second studio album by American rapper Plies. It was released on June 10, 2008, by Big Gates Records, , and . The album features guest appearances from , , , , , , and others. It debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 114,000 copies in its first week, and was later certified gold by the (RIAA) on October 14, 2008, for shipments of 500,000 copies. The album was supported by the singles "I'm Da Man" (featuring ) and "Bust It Baby, Pt. 2" (featuring ), the latter of which peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100.

Background and recording

Development

Following the success of his debut album , released on August 7, 2007, Plies transitioned to work on his sophomore project, building on the established street rap persona that resonated with audiences through raw, unfiltered narratives of Southern hip-hop life. The album was certified gold by the RIAA in February 2008, providing a strong foundation for further development. The title Definition of Real reflects Plies' commitment to authenticity and "keeping it real" in his music, continuing the theme from his debut . This thematic focus aligned with Plies' self-described approach of "just being himself" to maintain credibility with fans. Big Gates Records, in partnership with and , played a key role in the album's development, urging a rapid sophomore release approximately 10 months after the debut to leverage the rising momentum from singles like "Shawty." Plies sought to refine his sound by blending enduring street credibility with elements designed for wider radio accessibility. The recording took place primarily in 2008.

Recording process

The recording sessions for Definition of Real took place primarily in early 2008, culminating in the album's release on June 10, 2008, less than 18 months after Plies' debut album The Real Testament. This tight timeline reflected the momentum from his rising success, with sessions spread across multiple locations to accommodate production demands. Key recording occurred at 1350 Studios, Side 3 Studios, and Patchwerk Recording Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, alongside sessions at Paramount Recording Studios. These Atlanta-based facilities, central to Southern hip-hop production at the time, facilitated the bulk of the tracking and mixing. Plies, based in Fort Myers, Florida, traveled for these sessions, blending his local influences with the city's vibrant studio ecosystem. The production team featured prominent beatmakers including (Christopher Gholson), who crafted the track for "I'm Da Man" featuring ; , responsible for "Bust It Baby" with ; DJ Nasty & LVM; and Necronam, among others. These collaborations were integral to the sessions, with guest artists contributing vocals remotely or in-studio to enhance select tracks. Some songs underwent revisions to integrate these features, adapting initial demos to fit the final lineup. Plies maintained a hands-on role throughout, writing lyrics directly in the studio as beats were played, often adjusting lines inspired by immediate personal reflections or the track's vibe to ensure an authentic flow. This iterative process, conducted under the pressure of a post-debut schedule, prioritized capturing his signature drawl without overproduction.

Composition

Musical style

Definition of Real exemplifies Southern hip-hop with prominent trap influences, characterized by its gritty, street-oriented sound across 15 tracks with a total runtime of 58:49. The album's production draws heavily from the Dirty South aesthetic, incorporating booming 808 bass lines and synth-driven instrumentation that evoke the humid, club-ready energy of mid-2000s Florida rap. Tracks like "Worth Goin FED Fo'" feature glimmering Miami club synthesizers layered over menacing rhythms, blending electronic flourishes with hard-hitting percussion to create an immersive sonic landscape. The production techniques emphasize dense, bass-forward beats interspersed with strategic sampling to enhance emotional and narrative depth. Notable examples include the Patti LaBelle sample in "Somebody (Loves You)" from "Somebody Loves You Baby (You Know Who It Is)," which adds a soulful undercurrent to the track's introspective tone, and elements from "Come Back to Me" in "Letter," providing a nostalgic R&B interpolation. These elements are paired with repetitive, hypnotic synth patterns and distorted 808 kicks that dominate the low end, fostering a trap-infused bounce suitable for both car systems and urban nightlife. In "I'm Da Man," the beat's pulsating synths and sub-bass underscore Trey Songz's smooth R&B hooks, creating a crossover-friendly hybrid that tempers the album's raw aggression with melodic accessibility. Relative to Plies' debut album , Definition of Real demonstrates a refined evolution in production quality, shifting from synth-drenched, occasionally club-focused beats to a more polished sound engineered for broader commercial appeal without sacrificing its gritty, authentic edges. This maturation is evident in the cleaner mixes and varied sonic textures that balance underground grit with radio potential, as seen in the cohesive yet dynamic arrangements across the project. Guest artists significantly contribute to the album's sonic diversity, introducing melodic R&B layers that contrast Plies' laid-back, sneering delivery. Collaborations with and on "Please Excuse My Hands" infuse the track with harmonious hooks and falsetto ad-libs, elevating the synth-pop-leaning beat into a seductive, party anthem that highlights the interplay between hip-hop grit and polish. Similarly, Trey Songz's vocal contributions on "I'm Da Man" provide a velvety , enriching the trap-soul fusion and underscoring the album's appeal to diverse audiences within the hip-hop spectrum.

Lyrical themes

The lyrics on Definition of Real predominantly explore themes of street life, relationships, hustling, and authenticity, with a strong emphasis on distinguishing "real" individuals from "fake" ones within hip-hop culture. Plies frequently delves into the harsh realities of urban survival, portraying the dangers and paranoia inherent in the drug trade, as seen in "Bushes," where he raps about lurking armed in hiding spots to evade threats: "Bitch you gettin to yo house, I be right in yo bushes." Hustling is another central motif, exemplified in "I'm Da Man," which boasts about his past as an ex-drug dealer and solid street credentials, asserting, "Went to sleep real, woke up realer / Goon affiliated, ex drug dealer." These tracks underscore Plies' commitment to genuine narratives drawn from his Florida roots, contrasting authentic experiences with superficial posturing in the rap game. Relationships form a significant portion of the album's lyrical content, often blending romance with loyalty amid street pressures. In "Ol' Lady," Plies addresses romantic entanglements through a lens of retribution and desire, humorously threatening to pursue a debtor's primary partner: "Don’t want yo’ side ho, nigga, I want your main bitch / The one you call ‘babe,’ the one you in wit’." This track highlights themes of and emotional investment in personal bonds, reflecting Plies' raw take on in a high-stakes environment. Similarly, "#1 Fan" shifts to more affectionate territory, emphasizing unwavering support from a partner who stands by him through adversity. Plies' delivery style is characterized by a repetitive, conversational flow infused with slang-heavy dialect, eschewing intricate rhyme schemes in favor of straightforward, emphatic that mirrors everyday speech. This approach reinforces the album's focus on relatability and unfiltered expression, allowing themes of authenticity to resonate through his slow, confident . Guest verses, such as Keyshia Cole's on "#1 Fan," integrate seamlessly to elevate romantic elements, providing R&B-infused harmony that complements Plies' persona without overshadowing the core messages of and realness. The production, with its minimalistic and beats, bolsters this raw lyrical tone by keeping the focus on the words themselves.

Release and promotion

Singles

The lead single from Definition of Real was "Bust It Baby Pt. 2", featuring and released on April 11, 2008. The track peaked at number 7 on the chart and number 2 on the chart, while reaching number 1 on the Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart. It was later certified platinum by the RIAA on June 6, 2016, for sales and streaming equivalent to one million units in the United States. The second single, "Please Excuse My Hands", featuring and , followed on July 13, 2008, with a focus on club and radio appeal to drive urban airplay. It debuted on the at number 95 and peaked at number 66, while reaching number 8 on the chart. The song's uptempo production and explicit lyrics targeted dance floors and rhythmic radio formats to sustain momentum for the album. Plies' single strategy for Definition of Real emphasized radio promotion, with the certified by the RIAA to capitalize on and boost overall sales. Additionally, "I'm Da Man" featuring served as a promotional radio single, helping to generate early buzz ahead of the 's June 10, 2008 release.

Marketing and videos

Definition of Real was released on June 10, 2008, through Big Gates Records, , and in standard CD and digital formats, with select editions including bonus tracks featuring artists such as and . The album's promotional campaign leveraged early platforms and appearances to build anticipation following the success of Plies' debut album . Pre-order incentives were promoted via official channels, encouraging fans to secure copies ahead of release, while the artist's page generated significant buzz through updates and fan engagement. Plies also appeared on BET's for performances and interviews, enhancing visibility among urban audiences. Two key music videos supported the rollout, tying into the singles' promotion. The video for "Bust It Baby Pt. 2" featuring showcases Plies in opulent settings with luxury cars and women, emphasizing themes of extravagance and romance. Similarly, the "Please Excuse My Hands" video featuring and highlights energetic party scenes, capturing a celebratory club atmosphere.

Commercial performance

Chart performance

Definition of Real debuted at number 2 on the US chart on the week ending June 28, 2008, with Lil Wayne's occupying the top spot. The album marked Plies' second consecutive entry at this position, following his debut . It also reached number 2 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart that week. Similarly, it peaked at number 2 on the Top Rap Albums chart. The album maintained a presence on the for 28 weeks, demonstrating sustained popularity in the US market. On the Top Rap Albums chart, it accumulated 29 weeks, underscoring its strong performance within the rap genre. In year-end tallies, Definition of Real ranked number 76 on the 2008 . The success of singles like "Bust It Baby Pt. 2" contributed to its overall chart visibility.

Sales and certifications

In its first week of release, Definition of Real sold 214,902 copies in the United States, marking a strong debut for Plies' second studio album. By October 2008, the album had accumulated total U.S. sales of 520,000 copies, reflecting solid commercial momentum in the initial months following its June launch. No significant physical or digital sales updates were reported after 2008. Worldwide, Definition of Real achieved approximately 600,000 units sold, though detailed international sales data remains limited. The album received RIAA certification on October 14, 2008, for 500,000 units shipped in the U.S., but has not been upgraded to as of 2025, underscoring the impact of streaming on traditional thresholds.

Critical reception

Professional reviews

The album received mixed reviews from critics, who appreciated Plies' authenticity in Southern rap while often critiquing his limited lyrical range and repetitive style. noted that while the record features strong street anthems built on literal rhymes, it lacks the raw energy of his debut, resulting in a somewhat polished but less visceral effort. Similarly, highlighted Plies' undeniable swag and charisma in moments but faulted his monotonous delivery and inability to create vivid , suggesting he excels more in bragging or humorous tracks than in convincing gangsta narratives. Critics frequently praised the production quality and infectious hooks, particularly on standout collaborations like "Bust It Baby Pt. 2" featuring , which blended smooth R&B elements with Plies' gritty persona to create club-ready appeal. RapReviews commended the solid, familiar beats that support Plies' confident Southern , emphasizing his authenticity as a "realist rapper alive" despite occasional clashes between his goon image and radio-friendly attempts. IGN echoed this, describing his primal, minimalist verses drenched in a murky Southern as a defining strength that makes the album solid for fans of ghetto-centric rap. Common criticisms centered on Plies' over-reliance on gangsta tropes, such as in tracks like "Bushes" and "Shit Bag," which came across as unconvincing and formulaic, alongside weak efforts at crossover radio hits that diluted his street credibility. The Metacritic aggregation of 59/100 from five reviews underscores this mixed status, with four positive and one negative assessment.

Metacritic analysis

Definition of Real received a Metacritic score of 59 out of 100, based on 5 reviews from mainstream critics, which categorizes the album's reception as "mixed or average." The distribution of reviews consisted of 80% positive (for example, from IGN), 0% mixed, and 20% negative, with the highest score being 80 out of 100 from IGN. Trends in the reviews showed that early critiques often praised the commercial appeal of singles like "Hypnotized" featuring Akon, while later assessments highlighted criticisms of the album's formulaic structure when compared to contemporaries such as T.I.'s more innovative southern rap efforts. As of 2025, the Metacritic score remains unchanged at 59/100, though increased streaming activity has sparked fan discussions underscoring underrated tracks like "Please Excuse My Hands."

Track listing and credits

Track listing

The standard edition of Definition of Real features 15 tracks with a total runtime of 58:49. All tracks are primarily written by Algernod Lanier Washington (Plies), with additional co-writers noted where applicable.
No.TitleFeatured artist(s)DurationProducer(s)Additional writersNotes
1"I'm Da Man"Trey Songz3:51Drumma BoyChristopher Gholson (Drumma Boy), Tremaine Neverson (Trey Songz)-
2"Ol' Lady"3:37Necronam (BC)Brandon Crear-
3"Bushes"4:13Midnight BlackTracey Sewell-
4"Worth Goin' FED Fo"4:00Bryan Tyson--
5"Dat Bitch"3:34DVSD. Valbrun, J. Valbrun-
6"Somebody (Loves You)"4:40RodnaeWarren Sigler, Edward B. Ferrell, Raphael BrownSamples "Somebody Loves You Baby" by Patti LaBelle
7"Feel Like Fuckin'"4:16Bryan Tyson--
8"Watch Dis"Kevin Cossom3:31Drumma Boy-Backing vocals: Dwight Watson
9"Who Hotter Than Me"3:30Midnight BlackT. Sewell-
10"1 Day"3:52Bryan Tyson--
11"Bust It Baby (Part 2)"Ne-Yo4:02J.R. RotemJames Harris III, Terry Lewis, Jimmy Jam, Shaffer Smith (Ne-Yo)Samples "Come Back to Me" by Janet Jackson
12"Shit Bag"3:34Bryan Tyson--
13"Please Excuse My Hands"Jamie Foxx, The-Dream4:26Frank E, OlijgeeJ. Franks, O. Goldstein-
14"Rich Folk"4:06Pentagon Productions--
15"#1 Fan"J. Holiday, Keyshia Cole3:59DJ Nasty & LVMJ. Mollings, K. Cossom, L. Mollings-
The deluxe and select retail editions (such as the exclusive) add three bonus tracks, extending the total to 18 tracks with an approximate runtime of 70 minutes. These bonus tracks follow the same primary writing credit to Algernod Lanier Washington (Plies).
No.TitleFeatured artist(s)DurationProducer(s)Additional writersNotes
16"Thug Section"4:47Kane- exclusive bonus track
17"Die Together"3:06Bryan Tyson- exclusive bonus track
18"Bust It Baby (Part 1)"3:20DVS-Digital and select bonus track

Personnel

The lead artist on Definition of Real is Plies, born Algernod Lanier Washington, who performs vocals and receives writing credits on all tracks. Featured artists include on "I'm Da Man," on "Bust It Baby (Part 2)," and on "Please Excuse My Hands," and and on "#1 Fan." The production team features (Christopher Gholson) as producer on tracks including "I'm Da Man" and "Watch Dis," on "Bust It Baby (Part 2)," and The Runners (DJ Nasty and L.V.M.) on "#1 Fan." Other producers encompass Bryan Tyson on multiple tracks such as "Worth Goin' FED Fo," "Feel Like Fuckin'," and "1 Day," as well as Midnight Black, DVS, Rodnae, FRANK E, and OLIGEE. Mixing engineers include Phil Tan on "Bust It Baby (Part 2)," with additional mixing by Leslie Braithwaite and Ray Seay on various tracks. Mastering was handled by and Glenn Schick. Executive producers are Ronell "Big Gates" Levette and Ted "Touche" Lucas, with Plies serving as co-executive producer. A&R direction was provided by the Big Gates team, including Alexander "The Great" Martin for coordination, alongside staff such as and Lesley Melincoff. Artwork and design were created by Atlanta-based designer Greg Gigendad Burke. No significant updates to these credits have been reported as of 2025.

References

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