Boyz have on their ‘Game’ face

Dem Franchize Boyz

“On Top of Our Game”

(So So Def/Virgin)

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Jermaine Dupri is best known for his work with such major pop acts as Usher and Mariah Carey, but the producer and label executive also has his ear to the streets. The music mogul’s latest act is Dem Franchize Boyz, the Atlanta-based quartet of Jizzal Man, Buddie, Parlae and Pimpin, who had a regional hit in 2004 with “White Tee.”

Dupri signed them to his So So Def imprint and released “I Think They Like Me,” which became a No. 1 rap single.

The Boyz’s second album, which is due in stores today and features “I Think They Like Me,” fits nicely into their hometown’s two major rap sounds. The first is “snap music,” anchored by finger snaps and bare-bones beats and popularized by the Ying Yang Twins and D4L. The Boyz provide their interpretation of the sound on the playful “Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It.”

“On Top of Our Game” is a largely uncompromising affair. Their gruff, thuggish musings on “My Music” with Bun B and the confrontational “Don’t Play With Me” with Three 6 Mafia are bold gangster rap declarations.

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