Playa (band)

Playa was an American R&B quartet from Louisville, Kentucky, best known for their late 1990s work and their close association with Timbaland and Ginuwine. The group consisted of Static Major (credited as Static), Digital Black, Smokey, and briefly, briefly, Benjamin "Blue" Bush.

Playa was signed to Def Jam Recordings through Timbaland's Blackground Records imprint. They gained prominence through collaborations with other artists associated with the label, most notably appearing on Ginuwine's singles "Pony" and "(When We Get There)."

In 1998, Playa released their debut album, Cheers 2 U. While the album received some critical acclaim, it did not achieve significant commercial success. The title track, "Cheers 2 U," remains their most well-known song.

After the release of their debut album, the group members pursued individual projects. Static Major went on to become a successful songwriter and producer, penning hits for artists such as Aaliyah ("Are You That Somebody?") and Lil Wayne ("Lollipop"). The other members continued to work in music, though with less widespread recognition.

Static Major tragically passed away in 2008, effectively ending any prospect of a full Playa reunion. Despite their short-lived mainstream success, Playa is remembered for their unique sound and their contribution to the late 1990s R&B landscape, particularly within the Timbaland-produced sound of that era. Their work influenced later generations of R&B artists.