"Man, sometimes Def Jam really fumbles the ball, as they did with Playa. This is an amazing album on all levels. The guys can sing, plus the passion and ease with which they sing makes it obvious that they actually wrote their own songs. Timbaland's beats are absolutely ridiculous-- so laid back and chill. The guest appearances make sense. You got Missy dropping silliness on "Miss Parker", a quite young Foxy Brown runnin' her mouth on "I Gotta Know" and to top it off, "One Man Woman" gives you another beautiful performance by Aaliyah (R.I.P.). Even the goofy opening interlude featuring Timbo and Magoo and the later "Gospel Interlude" are tight.Playa come across as genuine- not some dudes that a cheezy producer put together in the studio. D**n, Def Jam-- how do you keep messing up on the good ones?I hope Playa come back out. Until they do, I'll have to keep rocking this joint. 4 years down the road and it still sounds fresh."
It was worth the wait
stevie R. | London | 04/12/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album did not receive half of the attention that it should have. Simply put, this album is phenominal, fresh, creative and excellent. It's not one that sticks to any sort of pattern or any guidelines: At the same time it's jazz, it's retro, it's modern, ... basically, nothing that I say can give this album justice.All I'll say is Playa and Timbaland came correct and it's projects and artists like these that deserve respect and love. Every time I listen to this album, I feel that I learn sumthin new - YES I SAID LEARN. I eagerly await their next album and hope that it doesnt take as long as the first - having said that, if that's the time it takes to create a masterpiece, then I'll gladly wait.Top tracks are "Cheers 2 U", "Ms Parker" "I'll B 2 C U" "Everybody wanna ..." "Together"... arrgghh the whole thing is off the hook."
Excellent Album
stevie R. | 12/31/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What more can I say that has not already been said by my fellow reviewers. If you haven't gotten the point already, this is an excellent album. For those who haven't as yet, go cop it, it will be the best $ you've spent in your life if you love real R&B artists who can actually sing. For those of you who have played this album out as much as I have, check out Playa's other songs on Timbaland compilations and soundtracks."Joy" Tim and Mag - Welcome to Our World
"Smoke in da Air" - Welcome to Our World
"Birthday" Tim and Mag - Da Bassment
"Your Dress" Dr. Doolittle Soundtrack
"Woozy" Romeo Must Die Soundtrack
"Playboy Like Me" Blue Streak Soundtrack
"Incense Burning" Exit Wounds Soundtrack
"I'm Available" DJ Envy Trade it All Part 3 MixtapeEnjoy!"
Another wonderful piece of Timbaland-produced work
Hanif | 10/08/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Static, Smokey & Black are one of the most hottest R&B groups out there. I'm so glad that Timbaland chose such talented individuals like them. Their album, "Cheers 2 U", is bangin'. They got appearances by Timbaland & his Family: Magoo, Missy & Aaliyah. They've also got a special appearance by Foxy Brown on the joint, "I Gotta Know", but I don't like that song. I really wanted to see an appearance by Ginuwine b/c he rolls with Timbo & his fam. I like the following jointz: "Don't Stop The Music" "All The Way" "Together" "I-65" "Cheers 2 U" "Ms. Parker" (featuring Missy) "One Man Woman" (featuring Aaliyah)I especially like that "Derby City Interlude" w/ Maggo. So, in conclusion, Playa's album is da fly ish & u need to go buy it."
Raw Talent!
Hanif | 10/27/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Playa brings to the black music industry what has been lacking...raw talent! The threesome writes and produces their songs, and they do it well. And their Southern flava is unresistable. Before the album's debut, Static co-wrote Ginuwine's hit single "Pony" with producer Timbaland. Playa's Smokey produced all but one track on "Cheers 2 U", and all members coordinate vocal arrangements for themselves as well as artists Aaliyah and Ginuwine. They have definitely made their mark in this business. Everybody's heard their work in songs by Aaliyah and Ginuwine, and now they're making some hits for themselves. The album is incredible. They harmonize like no other group. Check it out!"