Slip-N-Slide Records founder Ted Lucas is busy these days. The executive took time out to speak to MTV news about two of the label's biggest upcoming projects - Plies' The Realest and Rick Ross' Deeper Than Rap.

"December 16, Plies ain't gonna let you down," said Lucas. The album's first single is the Mannie Fresh-produced "Pants Hang Low."

"The music business changes so quick," Lucas said, noting the quick turnaround between Plies' previous and upcoming albums. "Plies is a hard worker. There's no need to hold him back. I heard the album, heard the music, and I feel he's ready. You gotta feed the fans. When you got a fanbase and you're growing and they like your music, give them what they want. Before, you had albums come out by, like, Michael Jackson — people be on that album for two years. Now, the way the business is, we have to make sure the fans are happy and continue to grow."

"He's definitely understanding the business," added the executive. "He understands what it means to be mainstream, and he's still keeping core to his fans. He ain't watered down his music. The fans are still getting what they heard on the first mixtape. I feel he's one of the best at feeding the streets, but he understands the business. He can make a mainstream song that fits on radio and TV, but it's still on the edge."

Lucas also took some time to speak on Rick Ross' upcoming album. "When he says 'deeper than rap,' he's not joking. I already knew he was ahead of his class five years ago. Now he's ready to spread it and show people what he can do — giving people good music. People ain't seen nothing yet. Ross is always in the studio putting in good work, and the music is incredible. They gonna be riding with Deeper Than Rap."