NEW YORK, NY -- 06/27/08 --
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.
For up-to-the-minute news and information, visit www.pliesworld.com,
www.myspace.com/plies, and www.imeem.com/plies.
CONTACT:
Catharine McNelly
212-707-3069
catharine.mcnelly@atlanticrecords.com
Cara Donatto
818-238-6819
cara.donatto@atlanticrecords.com
