2 in a Room: The Rise of Wiggle It and the Evolution of Fulanito
In the early 1990s, the global dance music scene was transformed by high-energy rhythms and infectious hooks. Among the standout acts of this era was 2 in a Room, a group that successfully bridged the gap between underground club culture and mainstream pop success.
The Breakthrough Success of "Wiggle It"
The group is most recognized for their 1990 smash hit, "Wiggle It," which was written and produced by George Morel and Rafael Vargas. The track became a powerhouse on the dance floors, spending two weeks at number one on the US Hot Dance Club Play chart and reaching number three on the UK Singles Chart.
The song's popularity quickly extended beyond the clubs to mainstream radio, eventually climbing to number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a gold single certification.
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Following the success of the single, the group released the album Wiggle It in early 1991. The project received critical praise, with Andrew Martin of Q Magazine describing the work as "intelligent, modern hit-making."
Early Career and Club Influence
Before achieving global stardom, 2 in a Room established their presence in the nightlife hubs of the United States. They gained significant traction with the track "Do What You Want" in 1990, which became a favorite among DJs and club-goers in New York and Chicago.
Their international expansion began in late 1989 with their first UK release, "Somebody in the House Say Yeah!" While they continued to chart several singles on the dance charts throughout the 1990s, their pop presence peaked with "El Trago (The Drink)," which entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number 86.
Evolution into Fulanito and Other Ventures
As the group's artistic direction evolved, they transitioned their name to Fulanito and shifted their musical style toward merengue, a fast-paced, rhythmic dance music originating from the Dominican Republic.
Additionally, Rafael Vargas—who also performed under the name Dose Material—expanded his musical reach by becoming a member of the 740 Boyz starting in 1991.
Key Facts
- Biggest Hit: "Wiggle It" (1990), which reached #1 on the US Hot Dance Club Play chart.
- Chart Performance: "Wiggle It" peaked at #15 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #3 in the UK.
- Key Producers: George Morel and Rafael Vargas.
- Style Shift: Later rebranded as Fulanito, focusing on merengue music.
- Associated Acts: Rafael Vargas was a member of the 740 Boyz from 1991.
| Metric/Release | Detail/Position |
|---|---|
| "Wiggle It" (US Dance Chart) | #1 (2 weeks) |
| "Wiggle It" (UK Singles Chart) | #3 |
| "Wiggle It" (Billboard Hot 100) | #15 |
| "El Trago (The Drink)" (Billboard Hot 100) | #86 |
| First UK Release | "Somebody in the House Say Yeah!" (1989) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who produced the hit song "Wiggle It"?
The song was written and produced by George Morel and Rafael Vargas.
What happened to 2 in a Room after their initial success?
The group eventually changed their name to Fulanito and shifted their musical style to merengue.
Did the group have any other hits on the Billboard Hot 100?
Yes, "El Trago (The Drink)" entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number 86, marking their final pop hit on that specific chart.
What other groups was Rafael Vargas involved with?
In addition to 2 in a Room and Fulanito, Rafael Vargas (also known as Dose Material) was a member of the 740 Boyz starting in 1991.
Which cities helped launch their early club success?
The track "Do What You Want" received significant play from DJs and clubs in New York and Chicago.