Introduction
Ryan Silva (born January 14, 1993), known by his stage name Plato III, is an American rapper, singer-songwriter, and producer. His song "Illuminate" was featured in the 2019 Netflix film Always Be My Maybe. Silva's work has been profiled in The Deli, The Daily Texan, Complex, KUTX, and Earmilk.
Early life
Silva was raised in a single parent home by 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.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.
Music career
Life Before Death
"Natalie Portman", Silva's first single under the name Plato III was released on April 4, 2015,with co-production by Brockhampton's JOBA. It was featured on Complex's Pigeons & Planes. His second single "Only Rapper Alive" was released on June 20, 2015, 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, and his song "Womankind" was named KUTX's "Song of the Day".
My First Word Was Juice
On November 21, 2016, "No Luv", the first single from his follow-up record was released. In November 2017, he released his sophomore album My First Word Was Juice. On May 31, 2019, his song "Illuminate" featuring Remi Lekun was included on the soundtrack for Netflix's Always Be My Maybe.
Influences
Plato has cited Kanye West as his favorite artist.He also has named Common, Mos Def, & Talib Kweli as influences.
Discography
Studio Albums
- Life Before Death (2016)
- My First Word Was Juice (2017)