Plato III

Plato III
Birth nameRyan Silva
BornPort Arthur, Texas, United States
Genreship hop
Occupation(s)Rapper, producer, songwriter
Years active2015–present

Ryan Silva,[1] known by his stage name Plato III, is an American rapper, singer-songwriter, and producer. He is the first rap artist to be signed to Polyvinyl Record Co.[2] Silva's work has been profiled in BrooklynVegan,[3]The Deli,[4] The Daily Texan, Complex, The Austin Chronicle, KUTX,[5] and Earmilk.[6]

Early life

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Silva was raised in Abilene, Texas [3] in a single parent home by his mother, who helped spark his love for music by introducing him to artists she grew up on such as Prince, Michael Jackson and N.W.A.[1] He started making music with a Wal-Mart microphone and putting songs on Myspace as part of the group Native Strangers. They eventually signed to a local label.[1]

Music career

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Life Before Death

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"Natalie Portman", Silva's first single under the name Plato III was released on April 4, 2015,[7] with co-production by Brockhampton's JOBA. It was featured on Complex's Pigeons & Planes.[1] His second single "Only Rapper Alive" was released on June 20, 2015,[8] with production by Eric Dingus and was once again featured on Pigeons & Planes. His debut album Life Before Death was released on May 14, 2016,[9] and his song "Womankind" was named KUTX's "Song of the Day".[10]

My First Word Was Juice

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On November 21, 2016, "No Luv", the first single from his follow-up record was released.[11] In November 2017, he released his sophomore album My First Word Was Juice.[12] On May 31, 2019, his song "Illuminate" featuring Remi Lekun was included on the soundtrack for Netflix's Always Be My Maybe.[13][14][15][16]

9 Love Songs

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Garnered comparisons to Kanye West's critically acclaimed 808s & Heartbreak by The Austin Chronicle, who noted "Where the Love Go?" as the standout track on a "dreamy" album.[17]

Influences

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Plato III has cited Kanye West as his favorite artist.[12] He also has named Common, Mos Def, & Talib Kweli as influences.[1][10]

Discography

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Studio albums

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  • Life Before Death (2016)
  • My First Word Was Juice (2017)
  • 9 Love Songs (2019)

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e "UT rapper Plato III prepares to drop first album" Daily Texan.
  2. ^ "Polyvinyl Record Co. Signs Plato III".
  3. ^ a b "Plato III blends rap, indie & a Daniel Johnston cover on debut single for Polyvinyl ft. Mike Kinsella".
  4. ^ "Plato III". The Deli Magazine | philadelphia.thedelimagazine.com/. Retrieved 18 September 2019.
  5. ^ "Plato III: "Womankind"". KTUX. Retrieved 18 September 2019.
  6. ^ Clerkin, Tyler (22 November 2016). "Plato III releases powerful new track "No Luv"". EARMILK. Retrieved 18 September 2019.
  7. ^ "The Process" Complex.
  8. ^ "Reflect On Technique" Complex.
  9. ^ "Keeping the Faith" Complex.
  10. ^ a b "Plato III: Womankind" KUTX.
  11. ^ "Plato III Releases Powerful New Track and Video For No Luv Earmilk.
  12. ^ a b "Abilene Cooper alum Ryan Silva's song included in Netflix movie 'Always Be My Maybe'" Abilene Reporter News.
  13. ^ "Always Be My Maybe" IMDb.
  14. ^ "Every Song Featured In Netflix Romcom Always Be My Maybe" Radio Times.
  15. ^ "Always Be My Maybe Soundtrack" PopSugar.
  16. ^ "Abilene Native Has Song Featured In Netflix Movie" KTAB/KRBC.
  17. ^ "Summer Fun Playlist: “Summa, Summa, Summertime!” Hip-Hop & Soul The Austin Chronicle.