Definition of Real
Plies · 2008
69 min · 18 tracks · gangsta rap
Raw Southern hip-hop beats interlace with gritty lyrics reflecting street life, ambition, and personal struggles.
Top tracks — play these first
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I'm da Man — This track sets the tone for the album, showcasing Plies' confident delivery and lyrical storytelling about success and recognition in the rap game.
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Bust It Baby, Part 2 — A collaboration with Ne-Yo, this track blends smooth melodies with explicit themes of desire, demonstrating Plies' versatility and appeal beyond hardcore rap.
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Who Hotter Than Me — This anthem captures Plies' bravado as he challenges rivals while reinforcing his status in the industry, featuring a catchy hook that resonates with listeners.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases solid production and lyrical themes but lacks the depth for lasting appeal.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of heavy bass and hi-hats, typical of Southern hip-hop production.
- Tracks often employ a call-and-response structure, particularly in the hooks, engaging listeners directly.
- Several songs incorporate guest verses from other artists, adding variety to the vocal delivery and perspectives.
- The pacing varies significantly; tracks like 'I'm da Man' are high-energy while others like 'Die Together' slow down for introspection.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic emotional journeys
- wave-like pacing
- storytelling with grit
- immersive listening sessions
- reflective late-night vibes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2008, Definition of Real was Plies' third studio album, following his successful sophomore effort, The Real Testament. At this point, he had solidified his presence in the Southern hip-hop scene, leveraging his previous hits to explore deeper themes of authenticity and success.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Boosie Badazz· Webbie· T.I.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Die Together
The moment shifts from individual struggles to a collective bond formed by shared experiences of hardship.
By uniting personal stories into a communal narrative, Plies emphasizes resilience and loyalty among those facing similar struggles.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 I’m da Man 3:49
- 2 Ol’ Lady 3:35
- 3 Bushes 4:11
- 4 Worth Goin FED Fo 3:58
- 5 Dat Bitch 3:33
- 6 Somebody (Loves You) 4:38
- 7 Feel Like Fuckin 4:14
- 8 Watch Dis 3:28
- 9 Who Hotter Than Me 3:27
- 10 1 Day 3:50
- 11 Bust It Baby, Part 2 4:01
- 12 Shit Bag 3:33
- 13 Please Excuse My Hands 4:24
- 14 Rich Folk 4:03
- 15 #1 Fan 3:55
- 16 Thug Section 4:47
- 17 Die Together 3:06
- 18 Bust It Baby, Part 1 3:20
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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