The Dells grew up in Harvey, Illinois and began singing together while attending Thornton Township High School. Forming in 1952 under the name the El-Rays, the group initially consisted of Marvin Junior, Mickey McGill, Lucius McGill, Verne Allison, Chuck Barksdale, and Johnny Funches. Lucius soon left the group and the remaining quintet signed with Checker Records, releasing their first single, "Darling I Know," which flopped.
In 1955, the group renamed themselves the Dells and signed with Vee-Jay Records. In 1956, they recorded their first hit, "Oh, What a Nite" (a song co-written by Johnny Funches, who also sang lead on the recording alongside Marvin Junior), which hit the Top 5 of the R&B singles chart. It sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc. The song is ranked #260 on the Rolling Stone magazine's list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. In November 1958, the Dells suffered a car accident that left McGill in a hospital in Ohio for six months. The group temporarily disbanded and Barksdale sang as a member of Harvey Fuqua's spinoff Moonglows act, Harvey and the Moonglows, which included a young Marvin Gaye. In 1961, the Dells reunited and auditioned for Dinah Washington. After Washington agreed to hire them, Johnny Funches left the group to take care of his family. Funches was replaced by Flamingos founding member Johnny Carter and sang background for Washington for two years. In 1966, they were hired to open for Ray Charles, only to be fired after a performance resulted in several standing ovations. The group would also sing background for Barbara Lewis, mainly on Lewis' 1963 hit, "Hello Stranger", while also working with Quincy Jones, who helped to fine-tune their vocals for standards and jazz material.
In 1966, the Dells returned to Chess under the label's Cadet subsidiary working with Bobby Miller and future Earth, Wind & Fire arranger Charles Stepney. In 1967, the Dells issued the album There Is which included their first R&B chart-topper in years with the title track, which showcased the sharp baritone of Marvin Junior and the harmonies with the four other Dells. The song was also their first top 20 pop hit.
Subsequent R&B hits included "Wear It on Our Face," "Always Together" (Top 20 Pop, "I Can Sing a Rainbow - Love is Blue (medley)" (UK #15), and their first #1 R&B hit and first Top Ten pop hit, 1968's "Stay in My Corner," which reached #10 on the pop chart and showcased both Carter and Marvin in lead vocals. In the following year, 1969, The Dells' soulful remake of their debut hit, "Oh What a Night" gave the group their second chart-topping R&B single and also reached the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100. For a second time, the song sold over a million copies. Subsequent hits included "Open Up My Heart," "Oh What A Day," and "On the Dock of the Bay." In 1971, the Dells' "The Love We Had Stays on My Mind" became another Top Ten hit on the R&B charts, also reaching the pop Top 30. By this time Charles Stepney had taken over production duties from Bobby Miller. 1973's "Give Your Baby a Standing Ovation" was their third certified gold record. The song was written by L.V. Johnson and produced by Don Davis.
Leaving Cadet around the end of 1974 with the parent company in financial difficulties, the group would continue recording in order under the Mercury, ABC, and Virgin labels finding some hits, including 1980's "I Touched a Dream", which returned the group to the top 40 on the R&B charts. The Dells were confined mostly to the oldies market afterwards until they were asked to be creative consultants to Robert Townsend's acclaimed 1991 film, The Five Heartbeats, which was loosely based on the lives of The Dells and other groups of its era. The group recorded a composition titled "A Heart Is a House for Love". The song reached number 13 on the Billboard R&B chart, making them only one of two groups to have hit singles in five decades. The following year, signing with PIR, they released the album, I Salute You. The Dells continued performing and recording sporadically in the early years of the new millennium. In 2004, the group were inducted to both the Vocal Group Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The group continued performing until 2012.
Original Dells vocalist Johnny Funches died of pneumonia on January 23, 1998, at the age of 62.
Johnny Carter died of cancer on August 21, 2009, at the age of 75. Carter is one of the few artists to be a double Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, having been inducted with The Flamingos in 2001, and the Dells in 2004.
On May 29, 2013, founding member Marvin Junior died in his sleep at his home in Harvey, Illinois, succumbing to complications of kidney failure and a weak heart at the age of 77.
Chuck Barksdale died on 15 May 2019, at the age of 83.
Members
Marvin Junior (born Marvin Curtis Junior, January 31, 1936, Harrell, Arkansas ā May 29, 2013) - lead baritone, lead vocals (1952-1958, 1960ā2012)
Verne Allison (b. June 22, 1936, Chicago) - second tenor, background vocals (1952-1958, 1960-2012)
Mickey McGill (b. February 17, 1937, Chicago) - baritone, background vocals (1952ā1958, 1960-2012)
Chuck Barksdale (January 11, 1935 - May 15, 2019) - bass, background vocals (1952ā1958, 1960-2012)
Johnny Funches (July 18, 1935, Chicago ā January 23, 1998) - first tenor, lead vocals (1952ā58, 1960-1961)
Lucius McGill (b. 1935, Chicago) - second tenor, background vocals (1952ā54)
Johnny Carter (June 2, 1934, Chicago ā August 21, 2009) - first tenor/falsetto, lead vocals (1961ā2009)
I Can
The Dells Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
While Iām digital dashing
Swerving but never crashing
Heard this shit and knew it was classic
Ferrari horses gallop
Riding through the city vamping
Posted with my lawyer bitch
Whoās looking like an exotic dancer
These rappers poison
Dropping audio cancer
Saucing on the track
My linguine fancy
Fettuccini branded
Single handed
Grinding up indica
In a bleached bambi
Add the funnel just to enhance it
Bout to set the standard
Tucking money just to expand it
I use words as weapons
It should be expected
When I come
And take over your section
Not the one to mess with
Only godly cuz of all his blessings
You too busy texting these bitches
They still donāt feel your message
When I rap to hoes
It be silk sheets and linen textures
That should let you know whoās better
In any weather Iām dripping
And even sunny
Sheās getting wetter
Flyer than helicopters
With 20 propellers
Stacking lettuce
You aināt really bout your money nigga
I can tell, I can tell
Said you aint really bout your money nigga
I can tell, I can tell
I had the fendi button up
But I decided to cash it
These niggas think
They got the swag
Aināt ever seen em swag shit
Pull up with a bad bitch
It makes these bitches mad quick
Same time when
You with the squad
You know they on your dick
Just the life that we leading
Some fly niggas
Thatās incredibly genius
You know they seen it
Cuz the aura gleaming
I been with the same team
Other niggas switch they squads Up
For different reasons
Changing up bros
Like the seasons
Get it by any means
I feel you nigga
But staying down just
Makes the come up
Even sweeter nigga
Life comes back
When you come up
Off leaching nigga
End up prematurely deceased
And six feet deep my nigga
I know how it is in them streets
We all can eat my nigga
Rapping heavy plates
You can feast my nigga
Letās spread the wealth
If you apply yourself
Than you should know
That Iām willing to help
But if you lazy
I canāt fuck with you
Cuz you wonāt help yourself
You aināt bout ya paper
You can step round somewhere else
You aināt really bout your money nigga
I can tell, I can tell
Said you aint really bout your money nigga
I can tell, I can tell
Sayless Shit, Shwealth Shit
The Dells's song "I Can" is musically captivating as it blends modern and old school hip hop elements. The first verse of the song is about living the high life and being in control. The lyrics describe driving expensive cars like a Maserati and a Ferrari, while also having a beautiful woman by his side. The artist is aware of his advantage in the rap game, stating that other rappers are like "audio cancer," and that he takes over any section he's in. He also uses metaphors like "linguine fancy" and "stacking lettuce" to showcase his wealth.
The second verse is more introspective and aims to inspire the listener to go after their dreams. The artist discusses being true to oneself while on the come-up and advises that switching up friends for the wrong reasons is not beneficial. Additionally, he encourages sharing the wealth and helping others who apply themselves, but warns against people who lack drive and determination.
"I Can" is more than just a song that reflects on wealth and success. Its powerful message goes beyond material possessions, urging listeners to stay true to themselves and help others in need. The song also shows how one should keep striving for success while being aware of the company they keep and the motives behind their actions.
Line by Line Meaning
Maserati petal mashing
Driving fast in a Maserati with the gas pedal pushed all the way down
While Iām digital dashing
Moving through the city quickly and efficiently
Swerving but never crashing
Navigating tricky situations skillfully without making any mistakes
Heard this shit and knew it was classic
Recognizing the timeless quality of the music immediately upon hearing it
Ferrari horses gallop
Driving a Ferrari at high speeds
Riding through the city vamping
Cruising through the streets with swag and confidence
Posted with my lawyer bitch
Spending time with a gorgeous, powerful woman who happens to be a lawyer
Whoās looking like an exotic dancer
A stunningly beautiful and strikingly unique woman who resembles a dancer from a different culture
I got the advantage
Having an upper hand in any situation
These rappers poison
Other musicians spreading negative influence through their work
Dropping audio cancer
Creating music that negatively impacts the listener's mental or emotional health
Saucing on the track
Performing with immense style and skill on a musical recording
My linguine fancy
Indulging in expensive or exotic tastes and preferences
Fettuccini branded
Being associated with a recognizable and respected brand or identity
Single handed
Accomplishing something alone or without assistance
Grinding up indica
Preparing marijuana in a specific way
In a bleached bambi
Using a specific kind of smoking apparatus
Add the funnel just to enhance it
Taking additional steps to optimize the smoking experience
Bout to set the standard
Paving the way for others to follow and emulate the example set
Tucking money just to expand it
Saving money in order to use it wisely later on
I use words as weapons
Harnessing the power of language to make an impact or affect change
It should be expected
Others should anticipate this behavior due to the artist's reputation or history
When I come
When the artist makes their presence known or performs in any capacity
And take over your section
Dominating or impressing an audience, crowd, or social setting
Not the one to mess with
Should not be challenged or opposed, as they can hold their own in any confrontation
Only godly cuz of all his blessings
Recognizing the higher power that informs and guides their work
You too busy texting these bitches
Distracted or preoccupied with insignificant or trivial matters
They still donāt feel your message
The intended audience does not respond to or appreciate the artist's work
When I rap to hoes
Addressing or performing for women in a smooth, seductive way
It be silk sheets and linen textures
Creating a luxurious, indulgent atmosphere for conversation or intimacy
That should let you know whoās better
Their impressive lyrical and performance skills should be proof of their superiority over other artists in their field
In any weather Iām dripping
Always exuding style, confidence, and poise in every situation or environment
And even sunny
Thriving and flourishing even in positive or ideal circumstances
Sheās getting wetter
Causing arousal or excitement in a woman
Flyer than helicopters
More stylish and impressive than even the most advanced and iconic aircraft
With 20 propellers
Overcompensating or exaggerating their impressive qualities
Stacking lettuce
Accumulating wealth and success
You aināt really bout your money nigga
You are not truly committed to or capable of earning or managing your finances
I can tell, I can tell
Able to perceive or intuit this truth through observation or evidence
Said you aint really bout your money nigga
Reiterating the previous observation or judgement
I had the fendi button up
Owning and wearing high-end, expensive clothing
But I decided to cash it
Opting for short-term financial gain over long-term ostentation or status
These niggas think
Other people have misguided or flawed beliefs or opinions
They got the swag
Believing that they possess or exude immense style and confidence
Aināt ever seen em swag shit
Demonstrating that these assertions are unfounded or untrue
Pull up with a bad bitch
Arriving or traveling with an attractive woman
It makes these bitches mad quick
Other women become jealous or envious when in the presence of such a woman
Same time when
Simultaneously with or in conjunction with something else
You with the squad
Being among a group of friends, associates, or allies
You know they on your dick
Others are paying close attention to, admiring, or seeking to emulate one's behavior or style
Just the life that we leading
Reflecting on the unique and exciting lifestyle the artist is living
Some fly niggas
A group of stylish, charismatic men
Thatās incredibly genius
Remarkably intelligent, creative, and resourceful
You know they seen it
Acknowledging others' awareness of the artist's impressive qualities or accomplishments
Cuz the aura gleaming
Radiating confidence, energy, and positivity
I been with the same team
Been loyal to and working with the same group of people for an extended period of time
Other niggas switch they squads Up
Other artists change their collaborators or team members frequently
For different reasons
Having varying motivations or intentions when making such changes
Changing up bros
Altering the composition of one's male friends or partners
Like the seasons
Frequently and predictably, in a cyclical or patterned way
Get it by any means
Achieving success or wealth by any necessary method or strategy
I feel you nigga
Expressing empathy or understanding towards someone
But staying down just
Persisting or persevering in difficult circumstances
Makes the come up
Creating the foundation for and amplifying one's future success
Even sweeter nigga
More satisfying or rewarding because of one's previous struggles or setbacks
Life comes back
The benefits and rewards of one's hard work and persistence eventually materialize
When you come up
Achieving success or wealth, particularly after a period of adversity or hardship
Off leaching nigga
Making progress by exploiting or manipulating others, often at their expense
End up prematurely deceased
Dying before one's time or potential can be fully realized
And six feet deep my nigga
Being interred in a coffin at a depth of six feet underground
I know how it is in them streets
Understanding the challenges and dangers of living in a challenging urban environment
We all can eat my nigga
Everyone can enjoy success or wealth together, as long as they work hard and support one another
Rapping heavy plates
Creating impressive or high-quality music
You can feast my nigga
Enjoying the benefits and rewards of one's hard work or success
Letās spread the wealth
Sharing resources and opportunities among a group of people
If you apply yourself
Working hard and demonstrating effort towards a goal or objective
Than you should know
Believing that the outcome is predictable or achievable
That Iām willing to help
Offering support, advice, or assistance to those who need it
But if you lazy
Not being motivated or productive in one's efforts or activities
I canāt fuck with you
Not wanting to associate or collaborate with someone who lacks motivation or drive
Cuz you wonāt help yourself
Preventing one's own success or progress due to a lack of effort or ambition
Lyrics Ā© DistroKid
Written by: Randall Chandler
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind