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Quad City DJ's
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Quad City DJ's is an American music group originally consisting of Jay Ski (Johnny McGowan), C.C. Lemonhead (Nathaniel Orange), and JeLanna LaFleur who recorded the 1996 hit "C'mon N' Ride It (The Train)", a rap-remix of Barry White's 1974 "Theme from Together Brothers". They are also known for writing and performing the theme song to the 1996 live-action/animated basketball film Space Jam.
Key Information
Background
[edit]1988–1995: Early years
[edit]Ski and Lemonhead first partnered in 1988 in Jacksonville, Florida. They first were in a group known as Chill Deal. During this time they produced fellow acts Three Grand and Icey J, the latter being famous for the female answer rap to Rob Base's "It Takes Two" entitled "It Takes a Real Man". After Chill Deal dissolved, they reformed as 95 South to create the triple platinum hit "Whoot, There It Is".[1] Their success led to work with Dis-n-Dat producing "Freak Me Baby" and 69 Boyz producing the double platinum single "Tootsee Roll".
1996–1997: Formation and Get On Up and Dance
[edit]In 1996, Ski and Lemonhead enlisted singer JeLanna “Lana” LaFleur and formed Quad City DJ's; the term "Quad" in the group's name is a local reference to bass.[2][3] In February 1996, they released the single "C'mon N' Ride It (The Train)". The song was a success, peaking at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified platinum.[4] Following its release, Lemonhead opted to take a step back from the limelight and instead the group was marketed as a duo.[5]
As a duo, Quad City DJ's released their debut album Get On Up and Dance in June 1996. It peaked at number 31 on the Billboard Hot 200 and was certified platinum.[6] Along with "C'mon N' Ride It (The Train)", the album also included the minor hit "Summer Jam" which was released as a single the following year and peaked at #27 on the Billboard Hot Rap Singles chart.
Later in 1996, the duo contributed to the Space Jam soundtrack, performing its titular theme song. The song peaked at number 37 on the Billboard Hot 100.[7]
In the summer of 1997, the duo co-headlined the Dance Across America tour with La Bouche.[8]
2015–present: Later releases and new members
[edit]In 2015, Quad City DJ's released the single "4 Minute TwerkOut"; the release was credited to Jay Ski and the Quad City DJ's.[9] Another single, "What Happens Here Stays Here", was released in 2017.[10]
In 2021, the group began touring occasionally across the United States with a new line-up featuring original member C.C. Lemonhead alongside new members Tony WHOA! (Anthony Wallace II) and Tamara Wallace (formerly of the Funky Green Dogs).[11][12] A year prior, this line-up recorded "Brand New Jam" for the soundtrack to Space Jam: A New Legacy, but it ended up not being included on the soundtrack.[13]
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]| Title | Details | Peak chart positions | Certifications | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | US R&B | |||
| Get On Up and Dance |
|
31 | 23 | |
Singles
[edit]| Year | Single | Chart positions | Certifications | Album | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | US R&B |
US Rap |
AUS [15] |
CAN [16] |
CAN Dan. [17] |
GER | NLD | NZ | UK | ||||
| 1996 | "C'mon N' Ride It (The Train)" | 3 | 15 | 4 | 13 | 76 | 14 | — | — | 30 | 95 | Get On Up and Dance | |
| "Space Jam" | 37 | 49 | 11 | 97 | — | — | 71 | 67 | 24 | 57 | Space Jam: Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture | ||
| 1997 | "Summer Jam" | 105 | 95 | 27 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Get On Up and Dance | |
| "Let's Do It" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||
References
[edit]- ^ http://www.discogs.com/95-South-Whoot-There-It-Is-Ultimix/master/170533[permanent dead link]
- ^ Tony Green (September 1996). "Quad City DJ's: Basic Instinct". Vibe. Retrieved May 16, 2020.[dead link]
- ^ Tony Green (September 1996). "Quad City DJ's: Basic Instinct". Vibe. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
- ^ "Quad City DJ's, 'C'Mon N' Ride It (The Train)' (1996)". Rolling Stone Australia. July 25, 2022. Retrieved June 15, 2023.
- ^ "Hoop There It Is: How a Band With One Album Became the Sound of 'Space Jam'". www.theringer.com. July 14, 2021. Retrieved June 15, 2023.
- ^ Cabison, Rosalie (January 2, 2013). "Billboard 200". Billboard. Retrieved June 15, 2023.
- ^ Kelley, Caitlin (July 16, 2021). "Come On and Slam: How Quad City DJ's' 'Space Jam' Became the Theme of Online Mashups". Billboard. Retrieved June 15, 2023.
- ^ "Quad City DJs, La Bouche Start To Dance Across America". MTV. Archived from the original on June 15, 2023. Retrieved June 15, 2023.
- ^ 4 Minute TwerkOut, August 14, 2015, retrieved June 15, 2023
- ^ What Happens Here Stays Here, May 15, 2017, retrieved June 15, 2023
- ^ "The Original 'Space Jam' Theme Song is Being Offered up as an NFT". July 13, 2021.
- ^ DJ's, Quad City. ""C'mon N Ride It (The Train)", "Space Jam", "Tootsee Roll", "Whoot!"". Quad City DJ's. Retrieved June 15, 2023.
- ^ "Brand New Jam - Instagram preview". Retrieved July 14, 2022.
- ^ "American album certifications – Quad City DJ's – Get On Up and Dance". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved September 5, 2022.
- ^ Peaks in Australia:
- "C'mon n' Ride It (The Train)": "Discography Quad City DJ's". australian-charts.com. Retrieved September 5, 2022.
- "Space Jam": Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010 (PDF ed.). Mt Martha, Victoria, Australia: Moonlight Publishing. p. 227.
- ^ Item Display - RPM - Library and Archives Canada
- ^ "Item Display - RPM - Library and Archives Canada". Archived from the original on March 15, 2016. Retrieved October 2, 2011.
- ^ "American single certifications – Quad City DJ's – C'mon n' Ride It (The Train)". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved September 5, 2022.
- ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 1997 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved September 5, 2022.
See also
[edit]Quad City DJ's
View on GrokipediaHistory
Origins and early influences (1988–1995)
In 1988, producer Johnny McGowan, known professionally as Jay Ski, formed the production team Chill Deal in Jacksonville, Florida, focusing on bass music rooted in the emerging Miami bass scene.[7] This early venture marked the beginning of collaborative efforts in the Southeast U.S., where Jay Ski began producing local tracks emphasizing heavy basslines and rhythmic patterns characteristic of late-1980s Miami bass.[8] During this period, Jay Ski's work included collaborations on regional bass projects, laying the groundwork for high-energy, dance-oriented productions that would influence Florida's hip-hop landscape.[9] By the early 1990s, Jay Ski partnered with Nathaniel Orange, known as C.C. Lemonhead, a fellow Jacksonville native and key collaborator in bass music production.[9] Together, they transitioned from Chill Deal—releasing a 1991 EP under the Chill Deal Boyz moniker—to the project 95 South around 1993.[9] As producers for 95 South, Jay Ski and C.C. Lemonhead crafted the hit single "Whoot, There It Is," released in March 1993 on Wrap Records, which became a cornerstone of their early success.[10] The track, written and produced by the duo, achieved platinum certification from the RIAA on July 28, 1993, for sales exceeding one million copies, marking the first major crossover for a bass music single.[10][11] The signing with Wrap Records facilitated 95 South's initial regional breakthrough in the Southeast U.S. bass scene, where "Whoot, There It Is" gained traction through club play and radio airplay, peaking at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and resonating in Black communities across Florida and beyond.[12] This period from 1993 to 1995 solidified Jay Ski and C.C. Lemonhead's reputation as innovative producers in Miami bass, with their toned-down lyrics and polished beats contributing to the genre's growing popularity before evolving into broader projects.[13]Formation and breakthrough (1996–1997)
Quad City DJ's was officially formed in 1996 in Jacksonville, Florida, by producers Jay Ski (Johnny McGowan) and C.C. Lemonhead (Nathaniel Orange), along with vocalist JeLanna LaFleur. Building on the success of their earlier Miami bass project 95 South, the trio signed with Atlantic Records and focused on creating high-energy party anthems.[14][1] The group's debut album, Get On Up and Dance, was released on June 25, 1996, via Atlantic's Big Beat imprint, featuring a mix of bass-heavy tracks and rap hooks designed for club and radio play. The album peaked at number 31 on the Billboard 200 and number 23 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, establishing the group as rising stars in the Southern rap scene.[15][16] The breakthrough single "C'mon N' Ride It (The Train)" propelled the group to national prominence, reaching number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in August 1996 after 23 weeks on the chart. This infectious track, with its train whistle samples and call-to-action lyrics, played a key role in popularizing party rap by blending Miami bass elements with accessible, dance-floor-ready hooks.[17] Subsequent singles further solidified their momentum: "Space Jam," the theme for the 1996 Warner Bros. film soundtrack, peaked at number 37 on the Hot 100, while "Summer Jam" reached number 27 on the Hot Rap Songs chart in 1997. During this period, Quad City DJ's dynamics centered on collaborative production and live energy, performing at events like the 1996 Gathering of the Ghouls festival and the 1997 KBOS Spring Jam, alongside media appearances on shows and radio tied to their hits.[18]Hiatus and reformation (1998–2014)
Following the release of their debut album Get on Up and Dance in 1996 and the success of singles through 1997, Quad City DJ's effectively ceased active collaboration around 1997-1998 amid internal tensions and the waning popularity of Miami bass music. The group's core producers, Jay Ski and C.C. Lemonhead, experienced a significant fallout during the album's recording sessions, with creative differences leading to Jay Ski's reduced involvement and eventual departure from active collaboration.[19] This rift, combined with broader industry shifts away from the high-energy, bass-heavy sound that defined their breakthrough, contributed to the hiatus, as hip-hop evolved toward gangsta rap and more introspective styles in the late 1990s.[20] During the ensuing years of inactivity, the original members pursued separate paths with limited public visibility. Jay Ski focused on solo production, contributing beats and tracks to film soundtracks, including the 2001 comedy The Animal.[21] C.C. Lemonhead maintained a lower profile, occasionally featuring on bass music compilations and collaborating sporadically with affiliated acts from the Jacksonville scene, though without major solo releases. JeLanna LaFleur, the group's vocalist, largely stepped back from the spotlight, with no notable recordings or performances attributed to her in the music industry during this period. From 1998 to 2014, Quad City DJ's issued no new music or undertook any tours, allowing the group to fade from active production while their early hits endured through radio play and media licensing. Tracks like "Space Jam" and "C'mon N' Ride It (The Train)" continued to appear in films, commercials, and sports events, sustaining cultural relevance amid the nostalgia for 1990s party rap.[22] By the early 2010s, growing interest in retro bass music revivals—fueled by online forums, throwback playlists, and '90s-themed festivals—signaled potential for a comeback, though internal challenges, including Jay Ski's ongoing disengagement, delayed any formal reunion until later efforts.[20]Recent activities (2015–present)
In 2015, Quad City DJ's reformed with the release of the single "4 Minute TwerkOut," credited to Jay Ski and the group, which incorporated their energetic Miami bass style into the rising popularity of twerk-oriented dance music.[23] The track, lasting four minutes, served as a workout anthem and marked a revival effort following years of inactivity.[24] By 2017, the group issued another single, "What Happens Here Stays Here," again under Jay Ski and Quad City DJ's, while resuming live touring with an updated lineup that included original member C.C. Lemonhead and new performers.[25] This release aligned with increased performance bookings, emphasizing their classic hits in live settings. In 2020, they recorded "Brand New Jam" specifically for the soundtrack of the film Space Jam: A New Legacy, though the track was not included in the final version.[26] Since 2021, Quad City DJ's have focused on live performances, including halftime shows at major sporting events, appearances at state fairs, and corporate events across the United States.[6] That year, they announced plans for new studio recordings, but output has remained limited, with sporadic singles released by 2025, including "What You Want for Christmas (Sped Up & Slowed Down)" in 2025.[27][28] As of November 2025, no major tour dates have been announced, though individual gigs continue to highlight their legacy catalog.[29]Members
Original lineup
The original lineup of Quad City DJ's consisted of three key members who formed the group in 1996 in Jacksonville, Florida: producer and songwriter Jay Ski (born Johnny McGowan), rapper and vocalist C.C. Lemonhead (born Nathaniel Orange), and female vocalist JeLanna LaFleur.[30] These individuals came together through the local music scene, where McGowan and Orange had initially connected as high school friends in 1992, collaborating on early projects that laid the groundwork for their partnership.[14] Their meeting was facilitated by Jacksonville's burgeoning hip-hop and bass music community, which emphasized energetic, party-oriented sounds and provided opportunities for aspiring producers and artists to network at local events and studios.[9] Jay Ski served as the primary producer and beat creator for the group, drawing from his prior experience in the Jacksonville scene with groups like Chill Deal and 95 South, where he honed his skills in crafting infectious bass-heavy tracks.[30] He was instrumental in developing the core sound of Quad City DJ's debut material, including producing the hit single "C'mon N' Ride It (The Train)," which sampled Barry White's "Theme from Together Brothers" and became a defining track for the group in 1996.[31] C.C. Lemonhead handled rapping, lead vocals, and hype man duties, contributing energetic lyrics that captured the playful, anthemic spirit of party rap during the 1996–1997 era; his delivery on tracks like "C'mon N' Ride It" helped drive the song's call-and-response energy. JeLanna LaFleur provided the female vocals, hooks, and ad-libs that added an R&B-infused layer to the group's output, enhancing the danceable appeal of their songs.[32] She notably sang the memorable chorus on "C'mon N' Ride It (The Train)," which helped propel the track to commercial success and exemplified the collaborative dynamic of the original trio on album cuts from their 1996 debut Get on Up and Dance.[33] Together, the three members' combined talents focused on creating high-energy collaborations that defined Quad City DJ's breakthrough period, with each contributing to the songwriting and performance elements of their early releases.[34]Current and past members
Following the original trio's formation in 1996, the Quad City DJ's experienced lineup shifts after their initial run ended in 1997. JeLanna LaFleur, the group's founding vocalist, is listed as a past member and did not participate in the reformation.[35] Jay Ski maintained involvement through the 2015 single "4 Minute TwerkOut," credited jointly with the group, but his role diminished thereafter, resulting in his classification as a past member by 2025.[35] As of 2025, the current lineup features C.C. Lemonhead as the co-founding DJ and rapper, alongside rapper Tony WHOA! and vocalist Tamara Wallace (formerly of the Funky Green Dogs), both of whom joined following the 2015 reformation to support production, performances, and live shows, including halftime events at major sporting venues.[27][35][6]Musical style and influences
Genre and sound characteristics
Quad City DJ's music is primarily rooted in Miami bass-influenced hip-hop and rap, with a strong emphasis on crafting infectious party anthems designed for high-energy environments.[1] This subgenre draws from the Southern rap tradition, blending rhythmic funk elements with bass-heavy production to create tracks that prioritize crowd engagement over complex narratives.[15] Their work exemplifies the late-1990s boom in bass music, focusing on escapist, celebratory vibes that resonated in clubs and on radio.[22] The hallmark sound of Quad City DJ's features prominent heavy basslines that deliver a "trunk-rattling" impact, paired with call-and-response hooks to encourage audience participation.[22] Upbeat tempos, typically around 130–140 BPM, drive the energetic pulse, while simple, repetitive lyrics revolve around dance instructions and playful themes to keep listeners moving on the dance floor.[36] This formula results in high-octane, propulsive tracks that blend raw bass aggression with accessible, shout-along vocals for broad appeal.[22] Over time, their style evolved while retaining core Miami bass foundations; 1990s output stressed fun, lighthearted escapism, whereas later releases like the 2015 single "4 Minute TwerkOut" aligned with contemporary twerk and club trends. This shift maintained the group's party-centric ethos but adapted to evolving dance music landscapes. Recent remixes, such as the 2024 "Space Jam (Jay Pryor Remix)" and 2025 sped-up versions of "What You Want for Christmas," continue to apply their bass-heavy sound to modern electronic dance contexts as of November 2025.[1][37] Compared to pioneers like 2 Live Crew, Quad City DJ's shared the Miami bass lineage of bold, bass-driven hip-hop but distinguished themselves through a more polished, pop-oriented accessibility that facilitated mainstream crossover success.[22] Their sampling approach drew influences such as Barry White, adding soulful undertones to the high-energy rap framework.[38]Production techniques and inspirations
Quad City DJ's production techniques centered on creating high-energy, bass-driven tracks through the use of the Roland TR-808 drum machine for prominent bass drums, which provided a thick, sustained low-end sound tuned with slow decay to linger and drive the rhythm.[39] Producer Jay Ski employed multi-instrumental layering, incorporating hissing hi-hats for dynamic contrast and maintaining tempos around 132 BPM to ensure accessibility for commercial radio and dancefloors.[39] Sampling was a core method, drawing from funk, disco, and soul records to infuse nostalgic grooves; for instance, they sampled Barry White's "Theme from Together Brothers" (1974) and Tom Browne's "Funkin' for Jamaica (N.Y.)" (1980) to build infectious hooks and party atmospheres.[38] Their inspirations were rooted in the Miami bass scene, pioneered by acts like 2 Live Crew and DJ Magic Mike, whose emphasis on heavy bass lines and upbeat party anthems shaped Quad City DJ's sound while adapting it with cleaner, more radio-friendly elements to broaden appeal.[39][9] Soul samples, such as those from Barry White, added a smooth, emotive layer reminiscent of 1970s funk and disco, while the regional Florida club scene—influenced by Jacksonville's skate rinks and local gatherings—infused their work with communal, high-energy vibes.[38][9] The recording process involved quick, collaborative sessions in Jacksonville studios, prioritizing live energy over polished perfection by incorporating crowd vocals from local friends and participants, which were often pitched down and layered with effects like whistles to evoke a stadium or club setting.[39][40] In the 2010s, they adapted to evolving dance trends by producing twerk-era beats, as heard in tracks like "4 Minute TwerkOut" (2015), maintaining their bass-heavy core while aligning with contemporary club demands.Discography
Studio albums
Quad City DJ's released their sole studio album, Get On Up and Dance, on June 25, 1996, via Big Beat Records and Atlantic Records.[41] Produced primarily by Jay Ski (credited as "Jayski" McGowan), the album targeted club audiences and soundtrack placements with its high-energy Miami bass sound, blending hip-hop, funk samples, and party anthems.[16] Featuring 13 tracks, it showcased the group's signature call-and-response hooks and bass-heavy production, with collaborations including 69 Boyz on select cuts.[42] The album debuted on the Billboard 200 at number 62 in July 1996 and ultimately peaked at number 31, spending 12 weeks on the chart.[43] It also reached number 23 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and was certified platinum by the RIAA.[44] Led by the hit single "C'mon N' Ride It (The Train)," the project emphasized dancefloor accessibility over narrative depth, with non-single highlights like "Quad City Funk" and "Party Over Here" exemplifying its upbeat, rhythmic style.[16] No further studio albums followed from Quad City DJ's, with their later output in the 2010s and 2020s consisting primarily of singles rather than full-length releases.[3]| Track | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | C'mon N' Ride It (The Train) | 7:31 |
| 2 | Work Baby Work (The Prep) | 5:34 |
| 3 | Let's Do It | 4:37 |
| 4 | Quad City Funk | 3:27 |
| 5 | Hey DJ | 2:10 |
| 6 | Stomp-N-Grind (feat. 69 Boyz) | 3:58 |
| 7 | Get On Up and Dance | 1:05 |
| 8 | Summer Jam | 3:22 |
| 9 | Party Over Here | 3:14 |
| 10 | The Bass | 3:58 |
| 11 | Move To This | 3:21 |
| 12 | Ride That Bass (feat. 69 Boyz) | 4:07 |
| 13 | C'mon N' Ride It (The Train) (Dance Remix) | 8:05 |

