II D Extreme - Biography

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 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 1950s.

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 The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Arsenio Hall Show, 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. 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.'