Platinum Playaz

Social B and R Dub, two “Caucasian persuasions,” as they refer to themselves in their bio, represent “South Side KC” on their debut CD, Set on Seven. The low-end-heavy old-school beats rely primarily on overlapping bass lines, although “Get Outta My Car” and “Neva Givin’ Up” add elements of funk. Lyrically, the duo makes dozens of references to artists from back in the day, such as Kool Mo Dee, Boogie Down Productions, and LL Cool J, suggesting that hip-hop is a longtime love rather than a recent infatuation. The profanity-spewing intro establishes the group’s ruff-ryding side, but later tracks prove the Platinum Playaz can do more than talk tough. From their multiple references to having a nonviolence stance to “Don’t Know What U Got (‘Til It’s Gone),” which isn’t a Cinderella cover but rather a plea for the fellas to respect women, to such lines as I ain’t down with the rape shit, fool (from “Sex in Effect”), Social B and R Dub deserve props for their uplifting content. They might not have the phattest flows or the most intricate backdrops among local crews, but the Platinum Playaz seem to be in the game for the right reasons: true devotion to the music and a dedication to spreading a positive message.