II D Extreme

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

Their self-titled debut LP was released in 1993.The album contained their biggest hit (the stunning, RIAA gold-certified ballad, "Cry No More") (#6 R&B). Their sophomore LP From I Extreme II Another followed three years later.

1996 If I Knew Then (What I Know Now) Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks # 52

1994 Let Me Love You Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks # 70

1993 Cry No More Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks # 6, # 1 R&R charts and Billboard heat seakers 1993 Cry No More The Billboard Hot 100 #48

1993 Up On The Roof Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks # 33

All songs recorded were written and 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" from the first album and "Shoulders" on the second album which he co-wrote with groupmate, Randy Gill.

D'Extra went on to Produce a theme song for the sitcom "The Hughleys." 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 the band of character Callie (The Young and the Restless). While a member of NARAS urband 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" as well as writing scripts and screenplays.

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II D Extreme, originally a trio comprised of 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 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, MCA, ultimately led to the group's 10-year hiatus as they all pursued their individual interests. But, over the years, fans have constantly tugged at the guys’ heartstrings with the non-stop requests of another II D Extreme cd and live performances. With 2007 marking the group’s 15-year anniversary, it's about that time.

- Shana Johnson for Chameleon Publishing, Dallas TX