Playa

Playa is an American R&B trio. Comprised of members Steve "Static" Garrett, Smokey, and Black, Playa is best known for their 1997 hit single, "Cheers 2 U", produced by longtime collaborator

Playa is an American R&B trio. Comprised of members Steve "Static" Garrett, Smokey, and Black, Playa is best known for their 1997 hit single, "Cheers 2 U", produced by longtime collaborator Timbaland. Static is notable for being a successful songwriter of hit singles and album tracks for artists such as Ginuwine, Aaliyah, Truth Hurts, and Brandy.

The three members of Playa all originate from Kentucky, and styled their act after R&B stars Jodeci. After impressing Jodeci member DeVante Swing by imprompt acapella versions of Jodeci songs backstage after a Jodeci concert, Playa was signed to DeVante's Swing Mob label with Elektra Records. Other members of Swing Mob were young hopefuls such as Missy Elliott, Timbaland & Magoo, Ginuwine, and Tweet which was best known as the Da Basement Sound. By 1996, most of the Swing Mob artists--Playa included--had left DeVante for better luck elsewhere.