Playa

Playa was a trio comprised of members Static, Smokey and Black. The group formed in Kentucky and based themselves on the group Jodeci. DeVante Swing of Jodeci was impressed with the group after hearing them perform backstage after a concert and signed them to his Swing Mob label with Elektra Records.

In 1996, the group left DeVante's label and were signed to Def Soul. Produced by Timbaland, they released their first and only album, Cheers 2 U in 1998. The album had two singles, 'Don't Stop The Music' which reached #26 on the R&B charts and 'Cheers 2 U' which reached #10 on the R&B charts.

The group never released a second album though there have been constant rumblings about one. The group has offered guest vocals and solo tracks for Timbaland's albums Welcome To Our World and Tim's Bio: From the Motion Picture: Life From Da Bassment. Static has gone on to become a prominent R&B songwriter, penning Ginuwine's single 'Pony' and Aaliyah's 'Are You That Somebody' and 'Try Again.'