UPN series is hip to rap world

You might think your remote control has lost its mind.

The hip-hop industry saga “Platinum” feels as fresh and exhilarating as an HBO discovery, but, yep, that is broadcast TV you’re watching. The stylish, often-satirical hourlong drama, reminiscent of “The Sopranos” and “Six Feet Under” in its wry portrayal of an unusual and cutthroat family business, premieres tonight at 9 on UPN before shifting to Tuesday nights at the same time.

The pilot, written by John Ridley (of “Three Kings,” who co-created the series with Sofia Coppola) and directed with panache by Kevin Bray (“All About the Benjamins”), starts with a bang and ends with a tease.

Faced with dwindling sales, the threat of a buyout from a conglomerate and gunplay on a music video set, record moguls Jackson and Grady Rhames (Jason George as the financial whiz, and Sticky Fingaz as his hustler brother) scramble to save the business they built, New York City independent hip-hop label Sweetback Entertainment.

The shooting, at least, was arguably justified: The video director had dissed Sweetback’s star, Versis (Vishiss), as a “pale wannabe rapper,” practically inviting him to fire at his backside.

Looking to beef up their talent roster, the Rhames brothers woo a competitor’s hottest rapper, but in retaliation the rival label sends a gang of thugs to beat up Sweetback’s chief counsel, David Ross (Steven Pasquale), a member of the posse since the old days. The brothers’ maneuver ends up putting Versis in play too.

The episode also introduces Jackson’s wife, Monica (Lalanya Masters), who resents his incommunicative, workaholic ways, and the brothers’ sultry baby sister, Jade (Davetta Sherwood), who is itching to escape from under their watchful eyes.

Along with exuberant writing, directing and music, the show benefits from the cast’s natural rapport. George (“Barbershop”) and Fingaz (“Dead Presidents” and the rap group Onyx) share the love-hate chemistry of real-life siblings.

It’s easy to see why the pilot was dubbed “Flow.” This is a show you’ll want to go with.