By Tai Saint Louis
Florida rappers Plies and Rick Ross have embarked on a new tour, as both artists’ prepare for their sophomore releases.
The Hypnotized Tour debuted in Columbia, South Carolina on Saturday (Mar 1), and will run through 18 more dates across the country before coming to a close in Los Angeles.
"I look forward to seeing all my fans on the road on the Hypnotized Tour," said Plies in a statement. "They can expect to see me in raw form. I will be on fire going into summer 2008. The Hypnotized Tour [is] an advance taste of what is to come!"
Part of Plies’ schedule for this summer includes the release of his sophomore album, Definition of Real, due out on Atlantic Records on June 24, the label announced today (March 6).
Fans have a much shorter wait for Rick Ross’s sophomore release, Trilla, which hits stores March 11.
Trilla is the follow up to Ross’ RIAA-certified gold debut Port of Miami and features appearances by Jay-Z, Lil’ Wayne, T-Pain, Trick Daddy and Flo-Rida, as well as production from The Runners, Cool and Dre, and 2008 Grammy Award winner DJ Toomp.
"This is a tour put together to celebrate the best and brightest Southern Hip-Hop has to offer and what is to come" explained Terrence Huggins of T.H.E. Booking Agency, the company behind the Hypnotized Tour. "These artists created something huge out of nothing and it is time to celebrate that fact. This is a way for people across the country to witness history in the making."
Joining Plies and Rick Ross on the tour are Lil’ Boosie, The Dream and Pleasure P, formerly of the group Pretty Ricky.
Appearances are also expected by Yo Gotti, Trina, and possibly Juvenile, all scheduled to join the tour on special dates.
In addition to completing his current tour and recording Definition, Plies is in the final planning stages of a new partnership with Don Diva Magazine to produce the Plies/Don Diva Prison Tour.
Details of the tour have yet to be released.