2-4 Family are a German hip-hop group formed in 1998, comprising British singer Jo O'Meara and Americans Jay Dogg, Joseph Jazz, and Essence Woods. The group's origins trace back to 1989, when Jay Dogg and Joseph Jazz met in the United States Army and later entered talent competitions as a duo. In 1997, they encountered Essence Woods in Germany, leading to the formation of 2-4 Family with Jo O'Meara joining through her friendship with Essence Woods. The group released their debut single "Stay" in 1998, featuring lead vocals from Jo O'Meara and rapping from the other members. They collaborated on "Hand in Hand for Children - Children of the World" and a cover of Wham!'s "Last Christmas" under the name Rap Allstars. Following Jo O'Meara's departure to join S Club 7, Joanna Biscardine joined the group. Their second single "Lean On Me (With The Family)" was released in January 1999, reaching number 10 in Austria, Switzerland, and Germany, and number 69 on the UK Singles Chart. This was followed by their one and only album Family Business, which included twelve tracks. Their final single "Take Me Home" was released in mid-1999. The group disbanded in early 2000. They briefly returned in 2006 with "Stand Up!"