II D Extreme
Encyclopedia
II D Extreme was an American
new jack swing
/urban
R&B group from the early 1990s that included D'Extra Wiley, Randy Gill
(Johnny Gill
's brother) and Jermaine Mickey. They are known for the songs " Cry No More," "Up On The Roof" and Gap Band's cover of "Outstanding".
II D Extreme converged onto the music scene as an unsigned group with what was later to become a history-making single they wrote and arranged, "Cry No More." Superjock Paco Lopez played the song, then still an un-mastered demo, on the air on WPGC-FM
in the group’s hometown of Washington, D.C. The response to the song was epidemic with demand for airplay of the song spreading nationwide while the group was still unsigned. Their highly anticipated debut album, ”II D Extreme,” was released several months after the demo hit the airwaves and sold enough units to earn “Cry No More” the prestigious status of RIAA-certified Gold.
“Cry No More” also made top 15 crossover, #1 and #3 Radio & Records charts and Billboard charts. It spent 4 weeks at #1 on BET's Video Soul countdown, 7 weeks at #1 for Jet Magazine’s top charts, garnered a Soul Train Music Awards
nomination, and received an ASCAP award for best urban debut song. Back at home in D.C., II D Extreme received a Wammie award
. No other single recorded by a non-labeled artist has enjoyed the unique distinction of achieving such status and acclaim since the early 1950’s.
II D Extreme's music is founded in strong gospel-influenced vocals, romantic lyrics and infectious grooves that make their live performances spellbinding. The group has appeared on Jay Leno
, Arsenio Hall
, Soul Train
, BET
, MTV
, and a host of other television and live performances. Behind the scenes, these men are known to be a humble, friendly, and a humorously crazy bunch.
The dissipation of their record label, Gasoline Alley
, formerly of MCA
, ultimately led to the group's 10-year hiatus as they all pursued their individual interests.
D'Extra Wiley
is a producer, artist and screenplay writer, known for being a founder and member of II D Extreme. He is a member of Kappa Kappa Psi
NHB Fraternity. Born D'Extra LaMont Wiley, D'Extra started out playing the drums at the age of 4 years old in the COGIC churches. He later formed a gospel group with his cousins and brothers called "Totally Committed" The Philly/D.C. based group included Joel E. Ruffin Bassist and keyboardist Tim Carmon (Eric Clapton). He also performed in a group called Maniquin which included R&B artist Kenny Latimore. He was a drummer in the group Masqerade, which included twins Art & Scott Powell, Sharif Walters and Keith Martin, the latter signed to Ruffhouse /Columbia records.
All songs recorded were written, produced and executive produced by D'Extra Wiley with the exception of the cover tunes "Up on the Roof" and a remake of the Gap Band's "Outstanding," "To Love Someone"from the first album and "Shoulders" on the second album which he co-wrote with groupmate, Randy Gill.
After the dissipation of their Label, D'Extra went on to Produce a theme song for the sitcom "The Hughleys." He worked with K-ci & Jojo on their album "It's Real." He also produced Queen Latifah's Flava Unit R&B trio F.A.T.E. on the Flave Unit/Warner brother's label. After a being signed by Agency West as an actor, D'Extra landed small roles such as a drummer in Callie's band (The Young and the Restless) and various sitcoms. While a member of NARAS urban committee (Grammy), He helped drafted and implemented the Grammy's "Best Rap/Sung Collaboration" category. He is currently producing a gospel project with his siblings entitled "The Wileys." he does radio consulting, write scripts and screenplays.
Randy Gill
is an R&B singer, songwriter, record producer, and advocate for R&B music.
Gill, along with his brothers Bobby, Jeff, and legendary R&B singer Johnny Gill, began his career singing in a family gospel group called "Wings of Faith". He has also written and performed with a variety of artists, including Teddy Pendergrass, Usher, Shai, and his brother Johnny Gill.
Gill has appeared on Soul Train, Arsenio Hall, and BET. He and his brother Johnny Gill entertained American troops in Bosnia, Kosovo, and Macedonia with the USO Tour.[3]
Currently, Gill is wrapping up a solo recording project, entitled Gillology, as well as a soon-to-be-released CD by the group, II D Extreme.
Jermaine Mickey
Jermaine continued to use his gift performing gospel and background vocals on various projects, including on Randy Gill's upcoming solo cd.
In October 2008, Jermaine released his debut gospel album, "Testimonies.'
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
new jack swing
New jack swing
New jack swing or swingbeat is a fusion genre spearheaded by Teddy Riley and Bernard Belle which became extremely popular from the late-1980s into the mid-1990s. Its influence, along with hip-hop, seeped into pop culture and was the definitive sound of the inventive Black New York club scene...
/urban
Mainstream Urban
Mainstream Urban is a term used to describe a radio format similar to an Urban Contemporary format. The format differentiates itself due to two factors: playlist composition and target demographic...
R&B group from the early 1990s that included D'Extra Wiley, Randy Gill
Randy Gill
Randy Gill is an R&B singer, songwriter, record producer, and advocate for R&B music. He is a member of the successful mid-1990s R&B group II D Extreme, which includes the members D'Extra Wiley, Jermaine Mickey, and rapper Sage Lee....
(Johnny Gill
Johnny Gill
Johnny Gill is an American R&B singer-songwriter. He is the sixth and final member of the R&B supergroup New Edition, and was also a member of another supergroup called LSG; with Gerald Levert and Keith Sweat. His signature song "My, My, My" has been included on numerous romantic...
's brother) and Jermaine Mickey. They are known for the songs " Cry No More," "Up On The Roof" and Gap Band's cover of "Outstanding".
Biography
II D Extreme, originally the trio Randy Gill, Jermaine Mickey, and D’Extra Wiley, stands out on its own with a sound and flair unlike any other group emerging from the surge of New Jack R&B artists in the 90’s. Sage Lee was added to the group in 1997, making the trio a quartet.II D Extreme converged onto the music scene as an unsigned group with what was later to become a history-making single they wrote and arranged, "Cry No More." Superjock Paco Lopez played the song, then still an un-mastered demo, on the air on WPGC-FM
WPGC-FM
WPGC-FM is one of the most popular among Washington, D.C.'s urban format radio station's, and has been ranked as one of its top rated radio stations for over 20 years, according to the Arbitron ratings. It has a city of license of Morningside at the 95.5 MHz frequency on the FM dial...
in the group’s hometown of Washington, D.C. The response to the song was epidemic with demand for airplay of the song spreading nationwide while the group was still unsigned. Their highly anticipated debut album, ”II D Extreme,” was released several months after the demo hit the airwaves and sold enough units to earn “Cry No More” the prestigious status of RIAA-certified Gold.
“Cry No More” also made top 15 crossover, #1 and #3 Radio & Records charts and Billboard charts. It spent 4 weeks at #1 on BET's Video Soul countdown, 7 weeks at #1 for Jet Magazine’s top charts, garnered a Soul Train Music Awards
Soul Train Music Awards
The Soul Train Music Awards is an annual award show which previously aired in national television syndication, and honors the best in Black music and entertainment...
nomination, and received an ASCAP award for best urban debut song. Back at home in D.C., II D Extreme received a Wammie award
Washington Area Music Awards
The Washington Area Music Awards are a music award for Washington, D.C. area performers, issued by the Washington Area Music Association . The awards are issued at an annual awards program....
. No other single recorded by a non-labeled artist has enjoyed the unique distinction of achieving such status and acclaim since the early 1950’s.
II D Extreme's music is founded in strong gospel-influenced vocals, romantic lyrics and infectious grooves that make their live performances spellbinding. The group has appeared on Jay Leno
Jay Leno
James Douglas Muir "Jay" Leno is an American stand-up comedian and television host.From 1992 to 2009, Leno was the host of NBC's The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Beginning in September 2009, Leno started a primetime talk show, titled The Jay Leno Show, which aired weeknights at 10:00 p.m. ,...
, Arsenio Hall
Arsenio Hall
Arsenio Hall is an American actor, comedian, and former talk show host. He is best known for his talk show The Arsenio Hall Show, which ran between 1989 and 1994, and his roles in the films Coming to America and Harlem Nights.Hall is also known for his appearance as Alan Thicke's sidekick on the...
, Soul Train
Soul Train
Soul Train is an American musical variety show that aired in syndication from October 1971 to March 2006. In its 35-year history, the show primarily featured performances by R&B, soul, and hip hop artists, although funk, jazz, disco, and gospel artists have also appeared.As a nod to Soul Trains...
, BET
Bet
Bet or BET may refer to:* A wager in gambling* Basic Economics Test * Bet , the second letter in many Semitic alphabets, including Aramaic, Hebrew, Phoenician and Syriac* Brunauer-Emmett-Teller isotherm. See BET_theory...
, MTV
MTV
MTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
, and a host of other television and live performances. Behind the scenes, these men are known to be a humble, friendly, and a humorously crazy bunch.
The dissipation of their record label, Gasoline Alley
Gasoline Alley
Gasoline Alley is a comic strip created by Frank King and currently distributed by Tribune Media Services. First published November 24, 1918, it is the second longest running comic strip in the US and has received critical accolades for its influential innovations...
, formerly of MCA
Music Corporation of America
MCA, Inc. was an American talent agency. Initially starting in the music business, they would next become a dominant force in the film business, and later expanded into the television business...
, ultimately led to the group's 10-year hiatus as they all pursued their individual interests.
D'Extra Wiley
is a producer, artist and screenplay writer, known for being a founder and member of II D Extreme. He is a member of Kappa Kappa Psi
Kappa Kappa Psi
Kappa Kappa Psi is a fraternity for college and university band members. It was founded on November 27, 1919 at Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College in Stillwater, Oklahoma. William Scroggs, now regarded as the "Founder," together with "Mr. Kappa Kappa Psi" A...
NHB Fraternity. Born D'Extra LaMont Wiley, D'Extra started out playing the drums at the age of 4 years old in the COGIC churches. He later formed a gospel group with his cousins and brothers called "Totally Committed" The Philly/D.C. based group included Joel E. Ruffin Bassist and keyboardist Tim Carmon (Eric Clapton). He also performed in a group called Maniquin which included R&B artist Kenny Latimore. He was a drummer in the group Masqerade, which included twins Art & Scott Powell, Sharif Walters and Keith Martin, the latter signed to Ruffhouse /Columbia records.
All songs recorded were written, produced and executive produced by D'Extra Wiley with the exception of the cover tunes "Up on the Roof" and a remake of the Gap Band's "Outstanding," "To Love Someone"from the first album and "Shoulders" on the second album which he co-wrote with groupmate, Randy Gill.
After the dissipation of their Label, D'Extra went on to Produce a theme song for the sitcom "The Hughleys." He worked with K-ci & Jojo on their album "It's Real." He also produced Queen Latifah's Flava Unit R&B trio F.A.T.E. on the Flave Unit/Warner brother's label. After a being signed by Agency West as an actor, D'Extra landed small roles such as a drummer in Callie's band (The Young and the Restless) and various sitcoms. While a member of NARAS urban committee (Grammy), He helped drafted and implemented the Grammy's "Best Rap/Sung Collaboration" category. He is currently producing a gospel project with his siblings entitled "The Wileys." he does radio consulting, write scripts and screenplays.
Randy Gill
is an R&B singer, songwriter, record producer, and advocate for R&B music.
Gill, along with his brothers Bobby, Jeff, and legendary R&B singer Johnny Gill, began his career singing in a family gospel group called "Wings of Faith". He has also written and performed with a variety of artists, including Teddy Pendergrass, Usher, Shai, and his brother Johnny Gill.
Gill has appeared on Soul Train, Arsenio Hall, and BET. He and his brother Johnny Gill entertained American troops in Bosnia, Kosovo, and Macedonia with the USO Tour.[3]
Currently, Gill is wrapping up a solo recording project, entitled Gillology, as well as a soon-to-be-released CD by the group, II D Extreme.
Jermaine Mickey
Jermaine continued to use his gift performing gospel and background vocals on various projects, including on Randy Gill's upcoming solo cd.
In October 2008, Jermaine released his debut gospel album, "Testimonies.'
Discography
| Album information |
|---|
| II D Extreme II D Extreme (album) II D Extreme is the debut album by hip hop group, II D Extreme. The album was released in 1993 for MCA Records and was produced by D'Extra Wiley and Randy Gill. The album was a mild success, making it to #115 on the Billboard 200 and #22 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart...
|
| From I Extreme II Another From I Extreme II Another From I Extreme II Another is the second album by hip hop group, II D Extreme. The album was released on October 29, 1996 for MCA Records and was produced by D'Extra Wiley, Randy Gill and Jermaine Mickey. The album was met with mixed reviews and was a commercial failure, not making it on any... RIAA certification In the United States, the Recording Industry Association of America awards certification based on the number of albums and singles sold through retail and other ancillary markets. Other countries have similar awards... : Gold |