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{{Short description|Belgian/Dutch Eurodance group}}
{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Misplaced Pages:WikiProject Musicians -->
{{About|the Belgian-Dutch music act|the album by French metal band Pin-Up Went Down|2&nbsp;Unlimited (album)}}
| Name = 2 Unlimited
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2022}}
| Img = 2uhig.jpg
{{Infobox musical artist
| Img_capt =
| background = group_or_band
| Img_size = <!-- Only for images narrower than 220 pixels -->
| Landscape = | name = 2 Unlimited
| image = {{photomontage |photo1a=2unlimited-logo.svg |photo2a=2U Live Photo NEWCUT.jpg |size=250 |spacing=2 |color=#FFFFFF |border=0 |text_background=#FFFFFF) }}
| Background = group_or_band
| Alias = | caption = 2 Unlimited performing in 1994
| Origin = {{Flagicon|Netherlands}} ], ] | origin = ], Belgium
| genre = {{hlist|]<ref name="Jimenéz">{{cite magazine|first= Maria |last= Jiménez |title= Music From Holland: An All Encompassing Phrase |magazine= ] |date= 28 January 1995 |page= 58 |volume= 107 |issue= 4 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=sgsEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA58 |issn= 0006-2510}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title= Whatever happened to: 2&nbsp;Unlimited |website= ] |date= 27 July 2011 |url= http://hangout.altsounds.com/features/132250-happened-2-unlimited.html |archive-date= 28 October 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141028192259/http://hangout.altsounds.com/features/132250-happened-2-unlimited.html}}</ref>|]<ref name="Allmusic"/>|]<ref name="Allmusic"/>}}
| Genre = ]<br/>]<br/>]<br/>]<br/>]
| years_active = 1991–1996, 1998–1999, 2001–2006, 2012–present
| Years_active = ]&ndash;] and ] &ndash;]
| Label = ]<br/>]<br>] | label = {{hlist|]|]|]|]|]}}
| Associated_acts = | spinoffs = ]
| spinoff_of =
| URL = http://www.the2unlimited.com/
| website = {{URL|2unlimitedlive.com}}
| Current_members =
| current_members = {{Plainlist|
| Past_members = ] (1991&ndash;1996)<br>] (1991&ndash;1996)<br>] (1998&ndash;1999)<br>] (1998&ndash;1999)
* ]
| Notable_instruments =
* Michèle Karamat Ali
}}
| past_members = {{ubl|]|Kim Vergouwen|Romy van Ooijen|Marjon van Iwaarden}}
}} }}


'''2 Unlimited''' are a Belgian-Dutch ] act, founded by Belgian producers/songwriters Jean-Paul De Coster and Phil Wilde in 1991 in Antwerp, Belgium.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|date=2 October 2012|title=2&nbsp;Unlimited - eNotes.com|url=http://www.enotes.com/2-unlimited-reference/2-unlimited|access-date=23 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002061310/http://www.enotes.com/2-unlimited-reference/2-unlimited|archive-date=2 October 2012}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TA8EAAAAMBAJ&dq=2+unlimited&pg=PA29|title=Billboard|date=9 March 1996|publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc.|language=en|access-date=23 December 2021|archive-date=8 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240608213321/https://books.google.com/books?id=TA8EAAAAMBAJ&dq=2+unlimited&pg=PA29#v=onepage&q=2%20unlimited&f=false|url-status=live}}</ref> From 1991 to 1996, Dutch rapper ] and Dutch vocalist ] fronted the act. During these five years, 2&nbsp;Unlimited enjoyed worldwide mainstream success. They scored a total of sixteen international chart hits, including "]", "]", "]", and "]".<ref name="Allmusic">{{cite web |first= John |last= Bush |title= 2&nbsp;Unlimited – Artist Biography |website= ] |url= http://www.allmusic.com/artist/2-unlimited-mn0000431439/biography |access-date= 6 May 2012 |archive-date= 20 March 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150320095830/http://www.allmusic.com/artist/2-unlimited-mn0000431439/biography |url-status= live }}</ref> The act has sold eighteen million records worldwide.<ref name="Allmusic"/> Although they enjoyed less mainstream recognition in the United States than in Europe, several of their tracks became popular themes in American sporting series, mainly in the ] and ].
'''2 Unlimited''' was a ] act formed in ]. The project was the brainchild of ] producers ] and ], and was fronted by a ] duo, ] ] and singer ]. During five years of enormous worldwide success, the act sold more than 18 million records.<ref>http://www.artistdirect.com/nad/music/artist/bio/0,,394924,00.html#bio</ref>
==Formation==


==History==
Phil Wilde and Jean-Paul de Coster met in their hometown of ],<ref>http://arts.enotes.com/contemporary-musicians/2-unlimited-biography</ref> Belgium, and their first collaboration under the name of ], ''Don't Miss the Party Line'' <ref>http://www.discogs.com/artist/Bizz+Nizz</ref>, was a substantional hit across ], including in the ] where it reached no. 7 in the ] in April ].<ref>http://www.polyhex.com</ref> Its success came as a great surprise to the duo and encouraged them to continue working together.
===Formation===
Jean-Paul De Coster and Phil Wilde met in their hometown of ], Belgium, and created 2&nbsp;Unlimited in their studio, initially without any performers or vocalists.<ref name=":3" /> Their first collaboration under the name of ] resulted in a single called "Don't Miss The Party Line" which entered the top 10 in the UK.<ref name="Chartbusters">{{cite magazine|first= Robbert |last= Tilli |title= 2 Unlimited: Common Market Chartbusters |magazine= Billboard |date= 9 March 1996 |volume= 108 |issue= 10 |page= 29 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=TA8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA29 |issn= 0006-2510}}</ref><ref name="eNotes">{{cite web|title= 2&nbsp;Unlimited |website= ] |url= http://www.enotes.com/2-unlimited-reference/2-unlimited |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121002061310/http://www.enotes.com/2-unlimited-reference/2-unlimited |archive-date= 2 October 2012}}</ref> The two then decided to continue to work together.


De Coster and Wilde had initially created an instrumental track called "]" in May 1991, but they wanted to try out some ] on it. De Coster recalls:
In early ], a 19-year-old Ray Slijngaard was working as a ] at ] in ] <ref>http://users.bigpond.net.au/gambit/2unlimited.html</ref>. Ray was a friend of ] rapper Marvin D <ref>http://funksoul.discogs.com/artist/Quadrophonia?anv=Quadraphonia</ref>, and whilst attending one of their gigs he took a microphone and started to rap in order to hype up the unenthusiastic crowd. Marvin was impressed and introduced him to Wilde and de Coster, who got him to record a rap for ''Money Money'', a track that was being planned as a future Bizz Nizz single. <ref>http://arts.enotes.com/contemporary-musicians/2-unlimited-biography</ref> Meanwhile, Anita Dels (Doth is her stage name), also 19, was an ] in the ] division of an Amsterdam police station. In her spare time she performed in a female rap group called Trouble Sisters and she was spotted by Marvin, who asked her to be a backing singer for him. Ray and Anita became good friends, and some people believe that they had a relationship. The duo always maintained at the time that their relationship was like "brother and sister" but in a ] interview, when asked by a ] reporter as to whether they had ever had a relationship, Ray replied that when a boy and a girl are on the road together "things happen".


{{cquote|That 12-inch single became a club hit, and we invited ] to have a go at it. We had worked with him on "Money Money", an unreleased single by Bizz Nizz. By September he returned the tape to us. To our surprise, he had also added the female vocals of a certain ], a traffic warden from Amsterdam. He told us she was a good friend of his out of the city's nightlife. Ray discussed the possibility of forming a duo to front the project.<ref name="Chartbusters"/>}}
Wilde and de Coster created an instrumental track called '']'' and they decided that it needed some vocals. They asked Ray for his input and he duly recorded a rap for it. The band was initially meant to be a solo project with Ray fronting the act but what they didn't expect were added female vocals from Anita. They were so pleased with the result that they agreed to work with them as a duo, and thus 2 Unlimited was born.


They were so pleased with the result that they agreed to work with them as a duo, and so 2&nbsp;Unlimited was born.
==Get Ready!==


===''Get Ready!'' (1991–1992)===
They were immediately signed to ] in the ] and were quickly licenced to many other record labels, including ] in the UK, run by ] of ] fame, who had produced dozens of hits for the likes of ] and ]. However Waterman, deciding that the rap was unsuitable for the UK market, where instrumental ] had become extremely popular, removed most of the vocals from the track except for the line "y'all ready for this?", which was sampled from ]'s ''It's Funky Enough''.<ref>http://top40.about.com/od/top10lists/tp/jockjams.htm</ref> ''Get Ready For This'' was an instant hit, peaking at no. 2 in the chart and was the twelfth best-selling single of 1991, earning a silver sales certificate.<ref>]</ref> It went on to reach no. 4 in Belgium, no. 6 in the Netherlands and no. 2 in Australia. It also worked its way up to no. 14 on the ] ] chart.
2 Unlimited were signed to ] (Belgium) and licensed to many other record labels worldwide, including ] in the UK, ZYX in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, Scorpio in France, etc.<ref name="Chartbusters"/> Their first single, "]", was well received in their home markets, peaking at No. 8 in Belgium, and No. 10 in the Netherlands.<ref>{{cite web |title= Top 40: 2&nbsp;Unlimited – Get Ready for This |url= http://www.top40.nl/2-unlimited/2-unlimited-get-ready-for-this_6907 |publisher= ] |access-date= 15 October 2012 |archive-date= 29 October 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131029191703/http://www.top40.nl/2-unlimited/2-unlimited-get-ready-for-this_6907 |url-status= live }}</ref> It became a No. 2 hit record in both Australia and the UK.<ref>{{cite web |title= Ultratop.be – 2&nbsp;Unlimited – Get Ready for This |publisher= ]. Hung Medien |access-date= 15 October 2012 |url= http://www.ultratop.be/nl/song/369e/2-Unlimited-Get-Ready-For-This |language= nl |archive-date= 27 January 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150127035825/http://www.ultratop.be/nl/song/369e/2-Unlimited-Get-Ready-For-This |url-status= live }}</ref><ref name="OCC">{{cite web |title= 2&nbsp;Unlimited |publisher= ] |url= http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/27208/2%20UNLIMITED/ |access-date= 15 October 2012 |archive-date= 4 June 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150604031004/http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/27208/2%20UNLIMITED/ |url-status= live }}</ref> The single worked its way up to No. 38 on the U.S. ] chart, three years after its original release.<ref name="Awards">{{cite web |title= 2 Unlimited – Awards |publisher= ] |access-date= 15 October 2012 |url= http://www.allmusic.com/artist/2-unlimited-mn0000431439/awards |archive-date= 6 March 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160306121544/http://www.allmusic.com/artist/2-unlimited-mn0000431439/awards |url-status= live }}</ref>


A follow-up single, '']'', swiftly followed in January 1992 which also reached no. 2 in the UK, selling 234,000 copies. It went one further in the duo's homeland where it topped the chart and was certified gold, and it was also a hit in the ] where it charted at no.49 on the ]. To capitalise on this immediate and unexpected success, the album '']'', featuring the two singles and seven other brand new tracks including two ballads, was released on February 24. Two further singles were released, '']'' and '']'', which helped the album go on to sell 2.6 million copies worldwide. In December, Ray and Anita were awarded "Best Newcomer" at the ] Pollwinners' Party, ending a very successful 1992. A follow-up single, "]", followed in January 1992, topping the charts in the Netherlands<ref>{{cite web |title= Top 40: 2 Unlimited Twilight Zone |url= http://www.top40.nl/2-unlimited/2-unlimited-twilight-zone_9231 |publisher= Dutch Top 40 |access-date= 15 October 2012 |archive-date= 29 October 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131029193228/http://www.top40.nl/2-unlimited/2-unlimited-twilight-zone_9231 |url-status= live }}</ref> and performing well in many other markets, reaching No. 2 in the UK.<ref name="OCC"/> In the United States, it only reached #49 on the Hot 100 but got to No. 5 on the ]).<ref name="Awards"/> To capitalize on this success, the album '']'' was released on 24 February 1992, featuring the first two singles and seven more new tracks, including two ballads. Two further singles were released from the album: "]" and "]". In the US, the album received a ] for sales of 500,000 units in 1995.<ref>{{cite web |title= RIAA: 2&nbsp;Unlimited |publisher= ] |access-date= 15 October 2012 |url= https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=2+unlimited&ti=get+ready |archive-date= 13 May 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160513123452/http://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=2+unlimited&ti=get+ready |url-status= live }}</ref>


==No Limits== ===''No Limits!'' (1993–1994)===
2 Unlimited's lead single from their second album, the similarly titled "]", was released in January 1993. The repetitive nature of the song helped it become their most successful single to date and by far the best remembered by the general public.{{Citation needed|date=July 2022}} It topped the charts in Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK.<ref name="OCC"/><ref>{{cite web |title= Ultratop.be – 2&nbsp;Unlimited – No Limit |publisher= Ultratop. Hung Medien |access-date= 15 October 2012 |url= http://www.ultratop.be/nl/song/a19/2-Unlimited-No-Limit |language= nl |archive-date= 8 June 2024 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240608213326/https://www.ultratop.be/nl/song/a19/2-Unlimited-No-Limit |url-status= live }}</ref> In Germany, it was certified Platinum for sales of 500,000 units.<ref name="Gcert">{{cite certification|region=Germany|artist=2 Unlimited|access-date=15 October 2012}}</ref> The track received modest airplay on North American radio stations, reaching the top 25 in the US dance charts.<ref name="Awards"/> By 1996, worldwide sales had reached 2.3 million units.<ref name="Chartbusters"/>


"]" was released as a single shortly before the album '']'' hit stores in May 1993. It became a top 5 hit in Austria, Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK.<ref name="OCC"/><ref>{{cite web |title= Ultratop.be – 2&nbsp;Unlimited – Tribal Dance |publisher= Ultratop. Hung Medien |access-date= 15 October 2012 |url= http://www.ultratop.be/nl/song/a37/2-Unlimited-Tribal-Dance |language= nl |archive-date= 12 June 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180612164958/http://www.ultratop.be/nl/song/a37/2-Unlimited-Tribal-Dance |url-status= live }}</ref> In Germany, "Tribal Dance" was certified Gold for sales of over 250,000 units.<ref name="Gcert"/> Three further singles were issued from the second album: "]", which was considerably different in pace to previous releases; "]"; and a re-recorded version of "]". In France, this title was changed to "Let the Bass Control Your Body" to avoid any confusion with the slang word "]" (meaning "penis").{{Citation needed|date=December 2021}}
Although Ray and Anita were sceptical about the track Wilde and de Coster wanted to push as the lead single from the act's second album, '']'' was released in January 1993 and the repetitive nature of the song helped it became their most successful single ever, and by far the best remembered by the general public even now. The single topped the charts in ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and in the ] where it sold 532,000 copies and ended up the fourth best-seller of 1993.


2 Unlimited's second album proved more successful than their first, entering the top five of album charts in Austria, Australia, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland.<ref>{{cite web |title= Ultratop.be – 2&nbsp;Unlimited – No Limits! |publisher= Ultratop. Hung Medien |access-date= 15 October 2012 |url= http://www.ultratop.be/nl/album/64b/2-Unlimited-No-Limits! |language= nl |archive-date= 23 July 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140723031854/http://www.ultratop.be/nl/album/64b/2-Unlimited-No-Limits! |url-status= live }}</ref> In the UK, the album reached the top of the album chart.<ref name="OCC"/> By 1996, its total sales had reached three million units, including 592,000 units in the GSA region (Germany, Switzerland, Austria).<ref name="Chartbusters"/><ref name="Chartbusters2">{{cite magazine|first= Robbert |last= Tilli |title= 2&nbsp;Unlimited: Chartbusters |date= 9 March 1996 |magazine= Billboard |volume= 108 |issue= 10 |page= 34 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=TA8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA34 |issn= 0006-2510}}</ref>
'']'' was released as a single shortly before the album '']'' hit stores in May. Three further singles were issued: '']'', which was considerably different in pace to previous releases, '']'' and a re-recorded version of '']''.


Despite the phenomenal success the duo were enjoying in the UK, they were criticised heavily by the music industry, and the British press dubbed them "2&nbsp;Untalented".<ref name="eNotes"/>
But despite the phenomenal success that the duo were enjoying, they were criticised heavily by the music industry and the British press dubbed them "2 Untalented". Ray and Anita were dismissed as "puppets" and the lyrical depth of their songs was questioned. However, it should be noted that both performers took an active part in writing their material and Ray's raps were cut from the UK album release, being once again deemed, in Jean-Paul de Coster's words, "too clumsy for the British market". Whilst some ] fans also expressed dislike for the commerciality of their sound and the banality of their lyrics, others, such as one music critic in '']'' wrote that whilst they were "juvenile" and "puerile", on the other hand "2 Unlimited stand for energy and excitement. And if you're not thrilled by the lobotomising insistence of ''Workaholic'', ''Contrast'' and the rest you're either dead from the toes up, or too grown-up for your own good."<ref>http://arts.enotes.com/contemporary-musicians/2-unlimited-biography</ref>


===''Real Things'' (1994–1995)===
It was also noted by the band's manager Michel Maartens that 2 Unlimited were launched at a time when "many parents feared that house and techno would damage their children. It was associated with pills and nightly escapades. But Ray and Anita proved to be the acceptable faces of techno. When Mum and Dad saw they were harmless pop stars, all mistrust was over." The band's image and sound were at the same time responsible for both their popularity with the public and their unpopularity with critics, with ''Melody Maker'' describing them as "a crude, bastardized assault on tasteful dance standards."<ref>http://arts.enotes.com/contemporary-musicians/2-unlimited-biography</ref>
In May 1994, the duo's tenth single, "]", was released, and it proved that their fans were still interested, as they sent the single to No. 1 in the Netherlands, as well as the top 5 in Belgium, Germany, and Norway.<ref>{{cite web |title= Ultratop.be – 2 Unlimited – The Real Thing |publisher= Ultratop. Hung Medien |access-date= 15 October 2012 |url= http://www.ultratop.be/nl/song/af5/2-Unlimited-The-Real-Thing |language= nl |archive-date= 27 January 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150127035801/http://www.ultratop.be/nl/song/af5/2-Unlimited-The-Real-Thing |url-status= live }}</ref>


While the duo's third album, '']'', shot to No. 1 in the Netherlands and the UK, it also managed to land in the top 5 in Austria, Germany, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland.<ref name="OCC"/><ref>{{cite web |title= Ultratop.be – 2 Unlimited – Real Things |publisher= Ultratop. Hung Medien |access-date= 15 October 2012 |url= https://www.ultratop.be/nl/album/73d/2-Unlimited-Real-Things |language= nl |archive-date= 28 May 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160528103711/http://www.ultratop.be/nl/album/73d/2-Unlimited-Real-Things |url-status= live }}</ref> The record was certified Gold in the UK for sales of over 100,000 units.<ref>{{cite web |title= Certified Awards |publisher= ] |access-date= 15 October 2012 |url= http://www.bpi.co.uk/certified-awards.aspx |archive-date= 24 January 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130124005813/http://www.bpi.co.uk/certified-awards.aspx |url-status= dead }}</ref>
However, nothing could stop 2 Unlimited going from strength to strength. The ''No Limits'' album was even more successful than the first, selling in excess of 3 million copies. At the ] convention, 2 Unlimited were presented with 80 platinum and gold awards from 26 different countries,<ref>http://music.hyperreal.org/library/publicity/2_unlimited/1995_bio</ref> as well as winning "World's Best-Selling Dutch Act" at the ].


The second single from ''Real Things'', "]", despite being a straightforward pop song, didn't prevent it from reaching No. 2 in the Netherlands' sales chart.<ref>{{cite web |title= Top 40: 2 Unlimited – No One |publisher= Dutch Top 40 |access-date= 15 October 2012 |url= http://www.top40.nl/2-unlimited/2-unlimited-no-one_10779 |archive-date= 29 October 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131029193232/http://www.top40.nl/2-unlimited/2-unlimited-no-one_10779 |url-status= live }}</ref>
==Real Things==


In March 1995, while the follow-up single, "]", was another top 5 hit in the Netherlands,<ref>{{cite web |title= Top 40: 2 Unlimited – Here I Go |publisher= Dutch Top 40 |url= http://www.top40.nl/2-unlimited/2-unlimited-here-i-go_7474 |access-date= 15 October 2012 |archive-date= 28 August 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120828082319/http://www.top40.nl/2-unlimited/2-unlimited-here-i-go_7474 |url-status= live }}</ref> the band's commercial success seemed to be declining elsewhere—the song only made it to the top 20 in Austria, Belgium, and Sweden. The fourth and final single, the ballad "]", was not as successful and was not released in many territories, including the UK.{{Citation needed|date=July 2022}}
In May 1994, the duo's tenth single '']'' was released and it proved that their fans were still interested as they sent the single to no. 1 in the Netherlands and no. 6 in the UK. The title was aimed as a dig at the several other similar sounding eurodance acts who had appeared to copy the 2 Unlimited sound. Their third album, called '']'', was instantly certified gold in the UK and 2 Unlimited became the first dance act to achieve two number one albums. It was also the first one that PWL made no changes to, perhaps because by then rap in dance records had become more common and accepted. '']'' surprised many fans by being a straight-forward pop record and was picked as the second single.


===''Hits Unlimited'' (1995–1996)===
By the end of 1994 they had sold another 322,000 singles in the UK alone <ref>]</ref> and they were still winning more awards than they had room for on their ], as they were presented with Smash Hits' "Best Dance Act" award for the second year running, and the Popprijs award for their services to Dutch music.<ref>http://www.hollandrocks.com/bio/bz163.html</ref> They were also still performing to huge crowds at ] in ] and to 450,000 people at the Parkpop Festival in the Netherlands.<ref>http://www.parkpop.nl/index.php?nodeID=67</ref> At the height of their career, Ray and Anita were thought to be performing around 200 shows a year.
In October 1995, 2 Unlimited released their first compilation album, '']'', prompting rumours that they were about to split up. The first single, "]", entered the top 5 in Finland, and the top 20 in the Netherlands and the UK.<ref name="OCC"/><ref>{{cite web |title= Ultratop.be – 2 Unlimited – Do What's Good for Me |publisher= Ultratop. Hung Medien |access-date= 15 October 2012 |url= http://www.ultratop.be/nl/song/c33/2-Unlimited-Do-What%27s-Good-For-Me |language= nl |archive-date= 27 January 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150127071530/http://www.ultratop.be/nl/song/c33/2-Unlimited-Do-What%27s-Good-For-Me |url-status= live }}</ref> Despite their insistence that they were planning a world tour, in April 1996, shortly after the release of the single "]", both Slijngaard and Doth decided not to extend their five-year contract and left 2 Unlimited.


It later emerged that after having spent so much time together, they were no longer getting on as well as they once had, and there was disagreement about the future sound of the band. They had asked for more creative input and they also felt that they were not getting a fair share of the huge amount of money being earned by the project. As no agreement was reached, they each went their separate ways before a final single, "]", was released in June 1996.
In March 1995, '']'' was another top 5 hit in their homeland but by charting at no. 22 it broke the duo's run of eleven consecutive UK top 20 hits. The fourth and final single was the ballad '']'' which was not quite as successful and did not even receive a UK release.


===''II'' (1998–1999)===
Whilst they were very popular all around the world, major success continued to elude 2 Unlimited in the United States. But three years after it was originally released, ''Get Ready For This'' started getting major radio support and charted at no. 83 on the Hot 100 in October 1994, eventually peaking at number 38.<ref></ref> This helped first album ''Get Ready!'' make its way to the 500,000 mark, earning it a gold certificate despite never climbing higher than no. 197 on the chart. The track has become a firm favourite at arena-based sporting events and is also regularly featured on movie soundtracks.
As they still owned the rights to the name 2 Unlimited, De Coster and Wilde recruited two new (again Dutch) singers, Romy van Ooijen (b. 18 November 1971) and Marjon van Iwaarden (b. 18 June 1974), in order to capitalise on previous success. The first single released under the new lineup, "]", did well in the Netherlands, reaching No. 10. A remix by ], for UK release, reached No. 38.


The album '']'' was released in April 1998. It was not as successful as previous studio albums, nor were the subsequent singles, "Edge of Heaven" and "Never Surrender". In 1999, both van Ooijen and van Iwaarden left 2 Unlimited.
==The End?==


===Remixes (2000–2006)===
In October 1995, 2 Unlimited released their first compilation album '']'', prompting rumours that they were about to split up. The single '']'' was another top 20 hit but the album could only make it to no. 27 in the UK. Following the surprise belated success of ''Get Ready For This'' in the USA, the "best-of" was heavily promoted there but only managed no. 107 on the ]. The rumours continued when Pete Waterman announced that Ray and Anita had split up when in actual fact they hadn't,<ref>http://members.tripod.com/~zivzulander/2unlimited.html</ref> and Ray expressed his aspirations to be a record producer. In February 1996, the band performed at the ] concert in ], topping the bill alongside ]. Despite their insistence that they were planning a world tour, in April 1996, shortly after the release of the single "]", both Ray and Anita announced that 2 Unlimited was over.
In 2000, Byte Records released the remix singles "]" and "]". A remix album was to be released that year, but some master tapes were stolen from Byte and taken to Russia, where they were released as a bootleg compilation. Also that year, 2 Unlimited made their first appearance on the Eurodance compilation '']'' series, specifically its '']'' sub-series, with their song "Twilight Zone", 'B4 Za Beat Mix'.<ref>{{cite web |title= 2 Unlimited Discography |publisher= ] |url= http://www.discogs.com/artist/4057-2-Unlimited |access-date= 26 July 2014 |archive-date= 21 October 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141021231107/http://www.discogs.com/artist/4057-2-Unlimited |url-status= live }}</ref>


In 2001, Byte finally released "]", featuring many new remixes. Some of the tracks from the stolen master tapes released in Russia were not included. The album was released solely in Japan. In 2002, '']'' was released in Japan, featuring many more new remixes not included in the previous compilation.
It later emerged that after having spent so much time together they were no longer getting on as well as they once had, and there was disagreement about the future sound of 2 Unlimited. They had asked for more creative input and they also felt that they were not getting a fair share of the huge amount of money being earned by the project. As no agreement was reached, they each went their separate ways before a final single ('']'') was released in June 1996. Jean-Paul de Coster went on to sue Anita for breaking her contract, but he lost the case as it was considered that he had not paid Anita enough and was ordered to give her the same amount of money he had demanded of her.<ref>http://eurokdj.free.fr/search/eurodb.php?name=2%20Unlimited</ref>


In the following years, many "best of" compilations have been released in various territories, often with new remixes. Most notably, ] released "]" in 2003 and it was a moderate hit, reaching no. 41 in the German singles chart. It was promoted by a new duo, Débora Remagen and James Giscombe.<ref>{{cite web|title= 2 Unlimited existieren nicht mehr |website= Welnet.de |url= http://www.welnet.de/wf/viewtopic.php?t=53&weluser=dancefloor |archive-date= 14 February 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120214052056/http://www.welnet.de/wf/viewtopic.php?t=53&weluser=dancefloor |language= nl}}</ref> They were being lined up as a 2 Unlimited "version 3". They still perform, mainly in Eastern Europe, but are not allowed to use their own voices. This is due to copyright issues.
Anita went on to DJ for Dutch radio station ], recorded a single with reggae artist Mad Cobra and in ] released a solo album called ''Reality''. Ray created his own label called X-Ray Records, which scored a Top 10 hit in the Netherlands with T.O.F.'s ''Funk It Up''. He also released two solo singles in ] which failed to chart but found more success in ] with the group V.I.P. Allstars. Ray now lives in ] with his wife and his son Rayvano, and Anita continues to tour clubs as part of the group ], and performs the hits of 2 Unlimited by herself at universities and holiday camps. An Internet petition to reunite Ray, Anita, Jean-Paul and Phil in ] was unsuccessful.


A new CD and DVD set containing all 2 Unlimited music videos, called '']'', was released in 2004, along with a single, "]" (originally released on 12" vinyl in November 2003 as "Tribal Dance 2.3"). 2005 saw the release of ''The Refreshed Album'' in Mexico, featuring stunning artwork, but the same remixes found on previous remix albums. In 2006, the DVD was re-packaged with a different CD, '']'', and released in Australia. The following years saw this package re-released in ], Denmark, Sweden, Asia, and South Africa.
==II==


===Reunions (2009–2012)===
As they still owned the rights to the name "2 Unlimited", de Coster and Wilde recruited two new (again Dutch) singers, ] (b. ] ]) and ] (b. ] ]), in order to capitalise on previous success. '']'' did well in the Netherlands, reaching no. 10 but the single, which was remixed by ] for UK release, was unsuccessful in the UK, barely scraping the top 40.
Having both continued to perform their old hits separately in nightclubs and university student unions around the world, the original performers Slijngaard and Doth reunited on 11 April 2009, to perform together for the first time in 13 years at the "I Love the 90s" concert in ], Belgium.<ref>{{cite web|title= I love the 90's – The party |website= Ilovethe90s.be |url= http://www.ilovethe90s.be/ |archive-date= 30 March 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100330070842/http://www.ilovethe90s.be/}}</ref> According to a radio interview with Slijngaard, Jean-Paul De Coster did not give permission for the duo to perform under the name 2 Unlimited; however, Phil Wilde attended the gig and provided help with preparing backing tracks.


On 30 April 2009, Slijngaard and Doth performed five songs at the ] Queen's Day concert at Museumplein in Amsterdam. On 8 June, they were awarded "Most Popular Act of the 1990s", based on the number of weeks in the Dutch Top 40; on 25 September, they performed as a support act for ] at the Sportpaleis in Antwerp.
The album '']'', which was decidedly poppier than previous 2 Unlimited albums, was released in April ]. It was a relative failure and subsequent singles '']'' and '']'' couldn't stop the rot. Before long, both Romy and Marjon left the act.


On 29 December 2009, it was announced that the duo would release a new single in 2010, called "In Da Name of Love",<ref>{{cite web |first= Herman |last= Roggeveen |title= Nieuwe single 2 Unlimited heet In Da Name of Love // Nederlandse dj's |publisher= Nlpop |date= 29 December 2009 |access-date= 4 April 2010 |url= http://nlpop.blog.nl/nederlandse-djs/2009/12/29/nieuwe-single-2-unlimited-heet-in-da-name-of-love |language= nl |archive-date= 29 October 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131029191347/http://nlpop.blog.nl/nederlandse-djs/2009/12/29/nieuwe-single-2-unlimited-heet-in-da-name-of-love |url-status= live }}</ref> as ]. It was released as a CD single in the Netherlands through Spinnin' Records on 22 January 2010. It reached No. 6 on the Dutch Top 40 sales chart.<ref>{{cite web |title= Top 40: Ray & Anita - In Da Name Of Love |publisher= Dutch Top 40 |url= http://www.top40.nl/ray-anita/ray-anita-in-da-name-of-love_20943 |access-date= 15 October 2012 |archive-date= 29 October 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131029184303/http://www.top40.nl/ray-anita/ray-anita-in-da-name-of-love_20943 |url-status= live }}</ref> On 30 April 2010, a new single was presented during the Dutch Queen's Day, called "Still Unlimited".
In recent years, many "best-of" compilations have been released in various territories, often with new remixes. Most notably, ] in ] released '']'', and it was a moderate hit, reaching no. 41 in the German singles chart. It was promoted by a new duo, ] and ] <ref>http://www.welnet.de/wf/viewforum.php?f=5&weluser=dancefloor</ref> and it was thought that they were being lined up as a 2 Unlimited "version 3" but they were never heard of again.


In July 2011, Ray & Anita invited fans to be part of the video for "Nothing 2 Lose" in Amsterdam. Fans applied via email and were selected randomly. The video with the fans was shot on 28 July.<ref>{{cite web |title= "Ray & Anita" (2Unlimited) "Nothing 2 Lose" directors cut. |publisher= ] |access-date= 26 July 2014 |url= http://vimeo.com/32842759 |archive-date= 22 October 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131022221145/http://vimeo.com/32842759 |url-status= live }}</ref> The single was released at the end of August 2011. The single is also the lead track for the soundtrack of the film '']''.<ref>{{cite web |title= Payback: The Amsterdam Ultimatum (2011) – "Amsterdam Heavy" (original title) |publisher= ] |access-date= 26 July 2014 |url= https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1740468/ |archive-date= 2 May 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140502190339/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1740468/ |url-status= live }}</ref> In the same month, Ray & Anita headlined the "I Love the 90's" stage at ] in Belgium.
A new CD and DVD set containing all the duo's video-clips called '']'' was released in ] along with a single, '']''. In ], the DVD was re-packaged with a different CD '']'', which was released in ] and ].


===Comeback (2012–2016)===
==Discography==
]
===Albums===
On 11 July 2012, it was announced that Ray & Anita would be working again with Belgian producer De Coster under the name 2 Unlimited.<ref>{{cite news |title= 2 Unlimited herleeft |newspaper= ] |date= 11 July 2012 |access-date= 19 October 2013 |url= http://www.telegraaf.nl/filmenuitgaan/muziek/article20790510.ece |language= nl |archive-date= 3 March 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160303225821/http://www.telegraaf.nl/filmenuitgaan/muziek/article20790510.ece |url-status= live }}</ref>
<gallery>
Image:2u1.jpg|''']'''<br/>*], ]<br/>*{{flagicon|Netherlands}} #17<br/>*{{flagicon|United Kingdom}} #37<br/>*{{flagicon|Australia}} #10<br/>*{{flagicon|United States}} #197<br/>*{{flagicon|Japan}} #85
Image:2u2.jpg|''']'''<br/>*], ]<br/>*{{flagicon|Netherlands}} #1<br/>*{{flagicon|United Kingdom}} #1<br/>*{{flagicon|Australia}} #3<br/>*{{flagicon|Germany}} #4
Image:2u3.jpg|''']'''<br/>*], ]<br/>*{{flagicon|Netherlands}} #1<br/>*{{flagicon|United Kingdom}} #1<br/>*{{flagicon|Australia}} #18<br/>*{{flagicon|Germany}} #3<br/>*{{flagicon|New Zealand}} #19
Image:2u4.jpg|''']'''<br/>*], ]<br/>*{{flagicon|Netherlands}} #6<br/>*{{flagicon|United Kingdom}} #27<br/>*{{flagicon|Australia}} #78<br/>*{{flagicon|United States}} #107<br/>*{{flagicon|New Zealand}} #8
Image:2u5.jpg|''']'''<br/>*], ]<br/>*{{flagicon|Netherlands}} #55
Image:R-158948-1124207561.jpg|''']'''<br/>*, ]
Image:2u6.jpg|''']'''<br/>*], ]
Image:2u7.jpg|''']'''<br/>*], ]
Image:2u8.jpg|''']'''<br/>*], ]
</gallery>


On 30 March 2013, Slijngaard and Doth performed their first full concert as 2 Unlimited with their band in Belgium at ].<ref>{{cite web|title= Breaking News: 2 Unlimited – Live in Concert – World Premiere! |website= 2unlimitedlive.com |date= 30 March 2013 |access-date= 19 October 2013 |url= http://www.2unlimitedlive.com/news/article/breaking-news-2-unlimited-live-in-concert |archive-date= 1 December 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171201033441/http://www.2unlimitedlive.com/news/article/breaking-news-2-unlimited-live-in-concert |url-status= dead}}</ref>
===Singles===
{| class="wikitable"
!align="center"|Year
!align="center"|Single
!align="center" valign="top" width="40"|<small>UK</small>
!align="center" valign="top" width="40"|<small>Netherlands</small>
!align="center" valign="top" width="40"|<small>Germany</small>
!align="center" valign="top" width="40"|<small>Switzerland</small>
!align="center" valign="top" width="40"|<small>Austria</small>
!align="center" valign="top" width="40"|<small>Spain</small>
!align="center" valign="top" width="40"|<small>France</small>
!align="center" valign="top" width="40"|<small>Sweden</small>
!align="center" valign="top" width="40"|<small>Australia</small>
!align="center" valign="top" width="40"|<small>Ireland</small>
!align="center" valign="top" width="40"|<small>USA</small>
!align="center" valign="top" width="40"|<small>Canada</small>
!align="center" valign="top" width="40"|<small>Portugal
!align="center" valign="top" width="40"|<small>]</small>
|-
|align="center"|1991
|align="center"|'''"]"'''
!align="center"|#2
!align="center"|#6
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
!align="center"|#2
|align="center"|&mdash;
!align="center"|#36
!align="center"|#2
!align="center"|#3
!align="center"|#38
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
!align="center"|#50
|-
|align="center"|1992
|align="center"|'''"]"'''
!align="center"|#2
!align="center"|#1
!align="center"|#20
!align="center"|#15
!align="center"|#10
!align="center"|#3
|align="center"|&mdash;
!align="center"|#9
!align="center"|#11
!align="center"|#2
!align="center"|#49
!align="center"|#15
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|-
|align="center"|1992
|align="center"|'''"]"'''
!align="center"|#4
!align="center"|#6
|align="center"|&mdash;
!align="center"|#37
|align="center"|&mdash;
!align="center"|#6
|align="center"|&mdash;
!align="center"|#24
!align="center"|#35
!align="center"|#2
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|-
|align="center"|1992
|align="center"|'''"]"'''
!align="center"|#11
!align="center"|#5
!align="center"|#17
|align="center"|&mdash;
!align="center"|#26
!align="center"|#9
|align="center"|&mdash;
!align="center"|#27
!align="center"|#16
!align="center"|#3
|align="center"|&mdash;
!align="center"|#26
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|-
|align="center"|1993
|align="center"|'''"]"'''
!align="center"|#1
!align="center"|#1
!align="center"|#2
!align="center"|#1
!align="center"|#1
!align="center"|#1
!align="center"|#1
!align="center"|#1
!align="center"|#7
!align="center"|#1
|align="center"|&mdash;
!align="center"|#1
|align="center"|#'''1'''
!align="center"|#40
|-
|align="center"|1993
|align="center"|'''"]"'''
!align="center"|#4
!align="center"|#2
!align="center"|#2
!align="center"|#2
!align="center"|#3
!align="center"|#1
!align="center"|#4
!align="center"|#2
!align="center"|#5
!align="center"|#2
|align="center"|&mdash;
!align="center"|#7
|align="center"|#'''1'''
!align="center"|#38
|-
|align="center"|1993
|align="center"|'''"]"'''
!align="center"|#8
!align="center"|#2
!align="center"|#8
!align="center"|#19
!align="center"|#10
!align="center"|#4
!align="center"|#16
!align="center"|#11
!align="center"|#54
!align="center"|#7
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|-
|align="center"|1993
|align="center"|'''"]"'''
!align="center"|#15
!align="center"|#5
!align="center"|#16
!align="center"|#23
!align="center"|#13
!align="center"|#2
!align="center"|#35
!align="center"|#18
!align="center"|#32
!align="center"|#11
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|-
|align="center"|1994
|align="center"|'''"]"'''
!align="center"|#6
!align="center"|#2
!align="center"|#8
!align="center"|#11
!align="center"|#11
!align="center"|#10
!align="center"|#10
!align="center"|#11
!align="center"|#39
!align="center"|#6
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
!align="center"|#29
|-
|align="center"|1994
|align="center"|'''"]"'''
!align="center"|#6
!align="center"|#1
!align="center"|#4
!align="center"|#2
!align="center"|#7
!align="center"|#3
!align="center"|#10
!align="center"|#2
!align="center"|#39
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
!align="center"|#5
|align="center"|&mdash;
!align="center"|#22
|-
|align="center"|1994
|align="center"|'''"]"'''
!align="center"|#17
!align="center"|#2
!align="center"|#18
!align="center"|#15
!align="center"|#14
!align="center"|#10
!align="center"|#19
!align="center"|#15
!align="center"|#70
!align="center"|#18
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|-
|align="center"|1995
|align="center"|'''"]"'''
!align="center"|#22
!align="center"|#5
!align="center"|#22
!align="center"|#38
!align="center"|#17
!align="center"|#7
!align="center"|#25
!align="center"|#20
!align="center"|#80
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
!align="center"|#22
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|-
|align="center"|1995
|align="center"|'''"]"'''
|align="center"|&mdash;
!align="center"|#6
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
!align="center"|#14
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|-
|align="center"|1995
|align="center"|'''"]"'''
!align="center"|#16
!align="center"|#13
!align="center"|#50
!align="center"|#41
!align="center"|#29
!align="center"|#3
|align="center"|&mdash;
!align="center"|#35
!align="center"|#87
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
!align="center"|#17
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|-
|align="center"|1996
|align="center"|'''"]"'''
|align="center"|&mdash;
!align="center"|#7
!align="center"|#39
|align="center"|&mdash;
!align="center"|#24
!align="center"|#4
|align="center"|&mdash;
!align="center"|#32
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|-
|align="center"|1996
|align="center"|'''"]"'''
|align="center"|&mdash;
!align="center"|#17
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
!align="center"|#10
|align="center"|&mdash;
!align="center"|#45
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|-
|align="center"|1998
|align="center"|'''"]"'''
!align="center"|#38
!align="center"|#10
!align="center"|#88
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
!align="center"|#3
!align="center"|#70
!align="center"|#58
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|-
|align="center"|1998
|align="center"|'''"]"'''
|align="center"|&mdash;
!align="center"|#35
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
!align="center"|#8
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|-
|align="center"|1998
|align="center"|'''"]"'''
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
!align="center"|#5
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|-
|align="center"|2003
|align="center"|'''"]"'''
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
!align="center"|#41
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|-
|align="center"|2004
|align="center"|'''"]"'''
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
!align="center"|#78
|align="center"|&mdash;
!align="center"|#58
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|align="center"|&mdash;
|}


The duo released a remixed version of their very first single, "]", on 28 October 2013.<ref>{{cite web |title= Get Ready (Steve Aoki Edit) |publisher= ] |access-date= 19 October 2013 |url= https://www.amazon.co.uk/Get-Ready-Steve-Aoki-Edit/dp/B00F03FHNC |archive-date= 19 October 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131019220719/http://www.amazon.co.uk/Get-Ready-Steve-Aoki-Edit/dp/B00F03FHNC |url-status= live }}</ref> The song was remixed by DJ ] and was included on their ''Greatest Hits'' album.
==Trivia==


In 2014, 2 Unlimited gave concerts at ten festivals that together made up ], which combined top class car and bike racing with music and entertainment.
* ] and ] are the only artists from mainland Europe with more UK Number 1 albums.
* Ray and Anita performed on ]'s ] twenty-seven times.
* "Let The Beat Control Your Body" was renamed "Let The Bass Control Your Body" in ] to prevent confusion with the offensive slang word (meaning penis).<!-- How do the French call The Beatles? Basses?!? -->
* "Do What's Good For Me" was re-recorded as "Kids Like You And Me" to promote awareness about homeless youth in the ].
* "Get Ready For This" has been featured on several ] ] ]s such as "]", "]" and "]". It also featured famously in the ] TV series episode where the group played an acrimonious game of Thanksgiving American Football.
* "Tribal Dance" contains a uncredited spoken sample by ] from the film ].
* The band encountered trouble when they ran into infamous ] keyboardist/ tough guy ] at a Spanish musical awards ceremony in 1992. Boon, who proclaimed the single No Limits to be "shite novelty rubbish" famously clobbered Ray with a fold-up chair before putting him a headlock and ramming his head into a wall. Security intervened but Boon was not to be stopped. Onlookers described him as "a man possessed."
* 2 Unlimited songs are featured in the ] dance simulation game ] and in the ] game, ], for which they created the entire soundtrack.
* Ray and Anita rejected a big money offer from Razorlight frontman Johnny Borrell to re-unite and support them on their recent European tour.
* Whilst preparing for an appearance on the British television programme ], Ray asked one of the show's runners to get him some marijuana, not realising that it is illegal in the UK.<ref>http://www.ntsc-uk.com/feature.php?featuretype=med&fea=TheMakingOfGamesMaster</ref>
* In 1994, a fan formed an Internet-based fan club called the Unlimited Too Fan Club. At its peak, the club had over 300 members, who were updated via e-mail and the website as to the latest happenings with 2 Unlimited.


On 20 April 2016, 2 Unlimited announced that Doth was leaving the band at the end of 2016 to embark on a solo career.<ref>{{cite news |title= Anita Doth neemt afscheid van 2 Unlimited |publisher= ] |date= 20 April 2016 |access-date= 23 April 2016 |url= http://www.nu.nl/muziek/4250167/anita-doth-neemt-afscheid-van-2-unlimited.html |language= nl |archive-date= 23 April 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160423173702/http://www.nu.nl/muziek/4250167/anita-doth-neemt-afscheid-van-2-unlimited.html |url-status= live }}</ref> Doth was to be replaced by another singer, whose identity was not revealed right away.<ref>{{cite news |title= Anita Doth solo verder |newspaper= ] |date= 23 July 2016 |access-date= 23 July 2016 |url= http://www.telegraaf.nl/prive/26279020/__Anita_Doth_solo_verder__.html |language= nl |archive-date= 19 October 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161019021714/http://www.telegraaf.nl/prive/26279020/__Anita_Doth_solo_verder__.html |url-status= live }}</ref>
==External links==


===Introduction of Kim (2016–present)===
* in The Eurodance Encylopædia
On 13 August 2016, Kim Vergouwen was revealed as Doth's replacement via Slijngaard's Facebook page.<ref>{{cite web|title= Ray Slijngaard |publisher= ] |date= 13 August 2016 |access-date= 19 August 2016 |url= https://www.facebook.com/ray.slijngaard/photos/a.1389227211386107.1073741828.1389207764721385/1571136483195178/?type=3&theater |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/1389207764721385/1571136483195178 |archive-date=26 February 2022 |url-access=limited}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
*

*
On 9 August 2020, 2 Unlimited performed at the third annual Dance Music Festival in Kielce, Poland.<ref>{{cite web |title= III Festiwal Muzyki Tanecznej Telewizji Polskiej Kielce 2020 |website= eBilet.pl |access-date= 9 August 2020 |url= https://www.ebilet.pl/muzyka/festiwale/festiwal-muzyki-tanecznej/ |language= pl |archive-date= 6 August 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200806070500/https://www.ebilet.pl/muzyka/festiwale/festiwal-muzyki-tanecznej/ |url-status= live }}</ref>
*

*
==Band members==
* on ]
'''Current'''
*
* ] – rap (1991–1996, 2012–present)
*
* Michèle Karamat Ali – vocals (2022–present)

'''Former members'''
* ] – vocals (1991–1996, 2012–2016)
* Kim Vergouwen – vocals (2016–2021)
* Romy van Ooijen – vocals (1998–1999)
* Marjon van Iwaarden – vocals (1998–1999)

'''Supporting'''
* Jean-Paul De Coster – music producer
* Phil Wilde – music producer

==Discography==
{{Main|2 Unlimited discography}}

* '']'' (1992)
* '']'' (1993)
* '']'' (1994)
* '']'' (1998)


==References== ==References==
{{reflist|2}} {{Reflist}}

==External links==
*
* on ]


{{2 Unlimited}} {{2 Unlimited}}

{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:2 Unlimited}} {{DEFAULTSORT:2 Unlimited}}

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Latest revision as of 04:30, 11 December 2024

Belgian/Dutch Eurodance group This article is about the Belgian-Dutch music act. For the album by French metal band Pin-Up Went Down, see 2 Unlimited (album).

2 Unlimited
2 Unlimited performing in 1994
Background information
OriginAntwerp, Belgium
Genres
Years active1991–1996, 1998–1999, 2001–2006, 2012–present
Labels
SpinoffsRay & Anita
Members
Past members
  • Anita Doth
  • Kim Vergouwen
  • Romy van Ooijen
  • Marjon van Iwaarden
Website2unlimitedlive.com

2 Unlimited are a Belgian-Dutch dance music act, founded by Belgian producers/songwriters Jean-Paul De Coster and Phil Wilde in 1991 in Antwerp, Belgium. From 1991 to 1996, Dutch rapper Ray Slijngaard and Dutch vocalist Anita Doth fronted the act. During these five years, 2 Unlimited enjoyed worldwide mainstream success. They scored a total of sixteen international chart hits, including "Get Ready for This", "Twilight Zone", "No Limit", and "Tribal Dance". The act has sold eighteen million records worldwide. Although they enjoyed less mainstream recognition in the United States than in Europe, several of their tracks became popular themes in American sporting series, mainly in the NBA and NHL.

History

Formation

Jean-Paul De Coster and Phil Wilde met in their hometown of Antwerp, Belgium, and created 2 Unlimited in their studio, initially without any performers or vocalists. Their first collaboration under the name of Bizz Nizz resulted in a single called "Don't Miss The Party Line" which entered the top 10 in the UK. The two then decided to continue to work together.

De Coster and Wilde had initially created an instrumental track called "Get Ready for This" in May 1991, but they wanted to try out some rap vocals on it. De Coster recalls:

That 12-inch single became a club hit, and we invited Ray Slijngaard to have a go at it. We had worked with him on "Money Money", an unreleased single by Bizz Nizz. By September he returned the tape to us. To our surprise, he had also added the female vocals of a certain Anita Doth, a traffic warden from Amsterdam. He told us she was a good friend of his out of the city's nightlife. Ray discussed the possibility of forming a duo to front the project.

They were so pleased with the result that they agreed to work with them as a duo, and so 2 Unlimited was born.

Get Ready! (1991–1992)

2 Unlimited were signed to Byte Records (Belgium) and licensed to many other record labels worldwide, including PWL Continental in the UK, ZYX in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, Scorpio in France, etc. Their first single, "Get Ready for This", was well received in their home markets, peaking at No. 8 in Belgium, and No. 10 in the Netherlands. It became a No. 2 hit record in both Australia and the UK. The single worked its way up to No. 38 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart, three years after its original release.

A follow-up single, "Twilight Zone", followed in January 1992, topping the charts in the Netherlands and performing well in many other markets, reaching No. 2 in the UK. In the United States, it only reached #49 on the Hot 100 but got to No. 5 on the Hot Dance Club Play chart). To capitalize on this success, the album Get Ready! was released on 24 February 1992, featuring the first two singles and seven more new tracks, including two ballads. Two further singles were released from the album: "Workaholic" and "The Magic Friend". In the US, the album received a Gold certification for sales of 500,000 units in 1995.

No Limits! (1993–1994)

2 Unlimited's lead single from their second album, the similarly titled "No Limit", was released in January 1993. The repetitive nature of the song helped it become their most successful single to date and by far the best remembered by the general public. It topped the charts in Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK. In Germany, it was certified Platinum for sales of 500,000 units. The track received modest airplay on North American radio stations, reaching the top 25 in the US dance charts. By 1996, worldwide sales had reached 2.3 million units.

"Tribal Dance" was released as a single shortly before the album No Limits! hit stores in May 1993. It became a top 5 hit in Austria, Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK. In Germany, "Tribal Dance" was certified Gold for sales of over 250,000 units. Three further singles were issued from the second album: "Faces", which was considerably different in pace to previous releases; "Maximum Overdrive"; and a re-recorded version of "Let the Beat Control Your Body". In France, this title was changed to "Let the Bass Control Your Body" to avoid any confusion with the slang word "bite" (meaning "penis").

2 Unlimited's second album proved more successful than their first, entering the top five of album charts in Austria, Australia, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland. In the UK, the album reached the top of the album chart. By 1996, its total sales had reached three million units, including 592,000 units in the GSA region (Germany, Switzerland, Austria).

Despite the phenomenal success the duo were enjoying in the UK, they were criticised heavily by the music industry, and the British press dubbed them "2 Untalented".

Real Things (1994–1995)

In May 1994, the duo's tenth single, "The Real Thing", was released, and it proved that their fans were still interested, as they sent the single to No. 1 in the Netherlands, as well as the top 5 in Belgium, Germany, and Norway.

While the duo's third album, Real Things, shot to No. 1 in the Netherlands and the UK, it also managed to land in the top 5 in Austria, Germany, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland. The record was certified Gold in the UK for sales of over 100,000 units.

The second single from Real Things, "No One", despite being a straightforward pop song, didn't prevent it from reaching No. 2 in the Netherlands' sales chart.

In March 1995, while the follow-up single, "Here I Go", was another top 5 hit in the Netherlands, the band's commercial success seemed to be declining elsewhere—the song only made it to the top 20 in Austria, Belgium, and Sweden. The fourth and final single, the ballad "Nothing Like the Rain", was not as successful and was not released in many territories, including the UK.

Hits Unlimited (1995–1996)

In October 1995, 2 Unlimited released their first compilation album, Hits Unlimited, prompting rumours that they were about to split up. The first single, "Do What's Good for Me", entered the top 5 in Finland, and the top 20 in the Netherlands and the UK. Despite their insistence that they were planning a world tour, in April 1996, shortly after the release of the single "Jump for Joy", both Slijngaard and Doth decided not to extend their five-year contract and left 2 Unlimited.

It later emerged that after having spent so much time together, they were no longer getting on as well as they once had, and there was disagreement about the future sound of the band. They had asked for more creative input and they also felt that they were not getting a fair share of the huge amount of money being earned by the project. As no agreement was reached, they each went their separate ways before a final single, "Spread Your Love", was released in June 1996.

II (1998–1999)

As they still owned the rights to the name 2 Unlimited, De Coster and Wilde recruited two new (again Dutch) singers, Romy van Ooijen (b. 18 November 1971) and Marjon van Iwaarden (b. 18 June 1974), in order to capitalise on previous success. The first single released under the new lineup, "Wanna Get Up", did well in the Netherlands, reaching No. 10. A remix by Sash!, for UK release, reached No. 38.

The album II was released in April 1998. It was not as successful as previous studio albums, nor were the subsequent singles, "Edge of Heaven" and "Never Surrender". In 1999, both van Ooijen and van Iwaarden left 2 Unlimited.

Remixes (2000–2006)

In 2000, Byte Records released the remix singles "No Limit" and "Twilight Zone". A remix album was to be released that year, but some master tapes were stolen from Byte and taken to Russia, where they were released as a bootleg compilation. Also that year, 2 Unlimited made their first appearance on the Eurodance compilation Dancemania series, specifically its Speed sub-series, with their song "Twilight Zone", 'B4 Za Beat Mix'.

In 2001, Byte finally released "Greatest Hits Remixes", featuring many new remixes. Some of the tracks from the stolen master tapes released in Russia were not included. The album was released solely in Japan. In 2002, Trance Remixes: Special Edition was released in Japan, featuring many more new remixes not included in the previous compilation.

In the following years, many "best of" compilations have been released in various territories, often with new remixes. Most notably, ZYX Records released "No Limit 2.3" in 2003 and it was a moderate hit, reaching no. 41 in the German singles chart. It was promoted by a new duo, Débora Remagen and James Giscombe. They were being lined up as a 2 Unlimited "version 3". They still perform, mainly in Eastern Europe, but are not allowed to use their own voices. This is due to copyright issues.

A new CD and DVD set containing all 2 Unlimited music videos, called The Complete History, was released in 2004, along with a single, "Tribal Dance 2.4" (originally released on 12" vinyl in November 2003 as "Tribal Dance 2.3"). 2005 saw the release of The Refreshed Album in Mexico, featuring stunning artwork, but the same remixes found on previous remix albums. In 2006, the DVD was re-packaged with a different CD, Greatest Remix Hits, and released in Australia. The following years saw this package re-released in Argentina, Denmark, Sweden, Asia, and South Africa.

Reunions (2009–2012)

Having both continued to perform their old hits separately in nightclubs and university student unions around the world, the original performers Slijngaard and Doth reunited on 11 April 2009, to perform together for the first time in 13 years at the "I Love the 90s" concert in Hasselt, Belgium. According to a radio interview with Slijngaard, Jean-Paul De Coster did not give permission for the duo to perform under the name 2 Unlimited; however, Phil Wilde attended the gig and provided help with preparing backing tracks.

On 30 April 2009, Slijngaard and Doth performed five songs at the Radio 538 Queen's Day concert at Museumplein in Amsterdam. On 8 June, they were awarded "Most Popular Act of the 1990s", based on the number of weeks in the Dutch Top 40; on 25 September, they performed as a support act for Milk Inc. at the Sportpaleis in Antwerp.

On 29 December 2009, it was announced that the duo would release a new single in 2010, called "In Da Name of Love", as Ray & Anita. It was released as a CD single in the Netherlands through Spinnin' Records on 22 January 2010. It reached No. 6 on the Dutch Top 40 sales chart. On 30 April 2010, a new single was presented during the Dutch Queen's Day, called "Still Unlimited".

In July 2011, Ray & Anita invited fans to be part of the video for "Nothing 2 Lose" in Amsterdam. Fans applied via email and were selected randomly. The video with the fans was shot on 28 July. The single was released at the end of August 2011. The single is also the lead track for the soundtrack of the film Amsterdam Heavy. In the same month, Ray & Anita headlined the "I Love the 90's" stage at Tomorrowland in Belgium.

Comeback (2012–2016)

Ray & Anita live, 2016

On 11 July 2012, it was announced that Ray & Anita would be working again with Belgian producer De Coster under the name 2 Unlimited.

On 30 March 2013, Slijngaard and Doth performed their first full concert as 2 Unlimited with their band in Belgium at Antwerps Sportpaleis.

The duo released a remixed version of their very first single, "Get Ready for This", on 28 October 2013. The song was remixed by DJ Steve Aoki and was included on their Greatest Hits album.

In 2014, 2 Unlimited gave concerts at ten festivals that together made up Acceleration 2014, which combined top class car and bike racing with music and entertainment.

On 20 April 2016, 2 Unlimited announced that Doth was leaving the band at the end of 2016 to embark on a solo career. Doth was to be replaced by another singer, whose identity was not revealed right away.

Introduction of Kim (2016–present)

On 13 August 2016, Kim Vergouwen was revealed as Doth's replacement via Slijngaard's Facebook page.

On 9 August 2020, 2 Unlimited performed at the third annual Dance Music Festival in Kielce, Poland.

Band members

Current

  • Ray Slijngaard – rap (1991–1996, 2012–present)
  • Michèle Karamat Ali – vocals (2022–present)

Former members

  • Anita Doth – vocals (1991–1996, 2012–2016)
  • Kim Vergouwen – vocals (2016–2021)
  • Romy van Ooijen – vocals (1998–1999)
  • Marjon van Iwaarden – vocals (1998–1999)

Supporting

  • Jean-Paul De Coster – music producer
  • Phil Wilde – music producer

Discography

Main article: 2 Unlimited discography

References

  1. Jiménez, Maria (28 January 1995). "Music From Holland: An All Encompassing Phrase". Billboard. Vol. 107, no. 4. p. 58. ISSN 0006-2510.
  2. "Whatever happened to: 2 Unlimited". AltSounds. 27 July 2011. Archived from the original on 28 October 2014.
  3. ^ Bush, John. "2 Unlimited – Artist Biography". AllMusic. Archived from the original on 20 March 2015. Retrieved 6 May 2012.
  4. ^ "2 Unlimited - eNotes.com". 2 October 2012. Archived from the original on 2 October 2012. Retrieved 23 December 2021.
  5. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 9 March 1996. Archived from the original on 8 June 2024. Retrieved 23 December 2021.
  6. ^ Tilli, Robbert (9 March 1996). "2 Unlimited: Common Market Chartbusters". Billboard. Vol. 108, no. 10. p. 29. ISSN 0006-2510.
  7. ^ "2 Unlimited". eNotes. Archived from the original on 2 October 2012.
  8. "Top 40: 2 Unlimited – Get Ready for This". Dutch Top 40. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 15 October 2012.
  9. "Ultratop.be – 2 Unlimited – Get Ready for This" (in Dutch). Ultratop. Hung Medien. Archived from the original on 27 January 2015. Retrieved 15 October 2012.
  10. ^ "2 Unlimited". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on 4 June 2015. Retrieved 15 October 2012.
  11. ^ "2 Unlimited – Awards". AllMusic. Archived from the original on 6 March 2016. Retrieved 15 October 2012.
  12. "Top 40: 2 Unlimited – Twilight Zone". Dutch Top 40. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 15 October 2012.
  13. "RIAA: 2 Unlimited". Recording Industry Association of America. Archived from the original on 13 May 2016. Retrieved 15 October 2012.
  14. "Ultratop.be – 2 Unlimited – No Limit" (in Dutch). Ultratop. Hung Medien. Archived from the original on 8 June 2024. Retrieved 15 October 2012.
  15. ^ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (2 Unlimited)" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie. Retrieved 15 October 2012.
  16. "Ultratop.be – 2 Unlimited – Tribal Dance" (in Dutch). Ultratop. Hung Medien. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 15 October 2012.
  17. "Ultratop.be – 2 Unlimited – No Limits!" (in Dutch). Ultratop. Hung Medien. Archived from the original on 23 July 2014. Retrieved 15 October 2012.
  18. Tilli, Robbert (9 March 1996). "2 Unlimited: Chartbusters". Billboard. Vol. 108, no. 10. p. 34. ISSN 0006-2510.
  19. "Ultratop.be – 2 Unlimited – The Real Thing" (in Dutch). Ultratop. Hung Medien. Archived from the original on 27 January 2015. Retrieved 15 October 2012.
  20. "Ultratop.be – 2 Unlimited – Real Things" (in Dutch). Ultratop. Hung Medien. Archived from the original on 28 May 2016. Retrieved 15 October 2012.
  21. "Certified Awards". British Phonographic Industry. Archived from the original on 24 January 2013. Retrieved 15 October 2012.
  22. "Top 40: 2 Unlimited – No One". Dutch Top 40. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 15 October 2012.
  23. "Top 40: 2 Unlimited – Here I Go". Dutch Top 40. Archived from the original on 28 August 2012. Retrieved 15 October 2012.
  24. "Ultratop.be – 2 Unlimited – Do What's Good for Me" (in Dutch). Ultratop. Hung Medien. Archived from the original on 27 January 2015. Retrieved 15 October 2012.
  25. "2 Unlimited Discography". Discogs. Archived from the original on 21 October 2014. Retrieved 26 July 2014.
  26. "2 Unlimited existieren nicht mehr". Welnet.de (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 14 February 2012.
  27. "I love the 90's – The party". Ilovethe90s.be. Archived from the original on 30 March 2010.
  28. Roggeveen, Herman (29 December 2009). "Nieuwe single 2 Unlimited heet In Da Name of Love // Nederlandse dj's" (in Dutch). Nlpop. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 4 April 2010.
  29. "Top 40: Ray & Anita - In Da Name Of Love". Dutch Top 40. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 15 October 2012.
  30. ""Ray & Anita" (2Unlimited) "Nothing 2 Lose" directors cut". Vimeo. Archived from the original on 22 October 2013. Retrieved 26 July 2014.
  31. "Payback: The Amsterdam Ultimatum (2011) – "Amsterdam Heavy" (original title)". Internet Movie Database. Archived from the original on 2 May 2014. Retrieved 26 July 2014.
  32. "2 Unlimited herleeft". De Telegraaf (in Dutch). 11 July 2012. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 19 October 2013.
  33. "Breaking News: 2 Unlimited – Live in Concert – World Premiere!". 2unlimitedlive.com. 30 March 2013. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 19 October 2013.
  34. "Get Ready (Steve Aoki Edit)". Amazon.co.uk. Archived from the original on 19 October 2013. Retrieved 19 October 2013.
  35. "Anita Doth neemt afscheid van 2 Unlimited" (in Dutch). NU.nl. 20 April 2016. Archived from the original on 23 April 2016. Retrieved 23 April 2016.
  36. "Anita Doth solo verder". De Telegraaf (in Dutch). 23 July 2016. Archived from the original on 19 October 2016. Retrieved 23 July 2016.
  37. "Ray Slijngaard". Facebook. 13 August 2016. Archived from the original on 26 February 2022. Retrieved 19 August 2016.
  38. "III Festiwal Muzyki Tanecznej Telewizji Polskiej Kielce 2020". eBilet.pl (in Polish). Archived from the original on 6 August 2020. Retrieved 9 August 2020.

External links

2 Unlimited
  • Anita Doth
  • Romy van Ooijen
  • Marjon van Iwaarden
  • Kim Vergouwen
Studio albums
Compilation albums
Remix albums
Singles
Promotional singles
Related articles
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