The group's single "Groove Is in the Heart," which was released in 1990 from their debut studio album, World Clique (1990), was a top-ten hit in multiple countries.

[11] Collins introduced the trio to The Horny Horns, Fred Wesley, Maceo Parker, Mudbone Cooper, and Bernie Worrell, and also helped assemble their touring ensemble.

In 1990, the group released their first album, World Clique, preceded by the debut single "Groove Is in the Heart", which became a hit in many countries, including No.

Towa ultimately did not join the group on their world tours, for which they had assembled a nine-piece band, as he had desired to start working on the second Deee-Lite album (Infinity Within) from the comfort of his own home, where his records and samples were kept.

Speaking again to MTV News, Towa explained: "When I made a big decision to take a break, I started to listen to different types of music again—bossa nova, soundtracks.

"[14] Prior to the release of Dewdrops in the Garden, Towa abruptly left the band (appearing only on the track "Call Me"), and was replaced by DJ Ani.

In the years since the band's dissolution, financial problems due to bad management[6] impacted both Kier and Dmitry; however, they persevered and are both still in-business as writers, producers and DJs.

Dmitry continued working as a DJ, everywhere from Hong Kong to Jerusalem, from Berlin's Love Parade to Brazil's Rock In Rio.

He was given the "DJ of the year" award in Ibiza, and has remixed with post-editing by Marty Munsch on several versions,[citation needed] for many artists including Arthur Russell, Jungle Brothers, Sinéad O'Connor, Ziggy Marley, Nina Hagen, Ultra Naté, and others.

In a 2011 interview, Tei denied the possibility of Deee-Lite reuniting, even fleetingly, citing the creative and personal differences that prompted him to depart in the first place.