The Tragic Timeline Of "Teach Me How To Dougie": Where Are Cali Swag District Now?

The Dougie. It was more than just a dance; it was a cultural phenomenon that swept the globe in 2010, transforming the Inglewood, California, hip-hop group Cali Swag District (CSD) into overnight superstars. The song, "Teach Me How to Dougie," became the undisputed anthem of the Jerk Rap movement, reaching the Billboard Hot 100 and embedding itself into the fabric of 21st-century dance history.

But the story behind the viral sensation is far more complex—and tragically short-lived—than most fans realize. As of December 15, 2025, the group has faced devastating personal losses, including the deaths of two core members, and has recently been embroiled in a high-stakes legal battle over the very royalties that their global hit generated. This is the definitive, updated timeline of the Dougie, the group that made it famous, and the surprising controversies that continue to follow their legacy.

The Complete Biography of Cali Swag District (CSD)

Cali Swag District was founded in Inglewood, California, by former Death Row Records artist Big Wy and Dairold Potts. The original lineup consisted of four young members, each bringing a distinct role to the group.

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• C-Smoove (Corey Fowler): Born in 1990. Role: Rapper and DJ. He is one of the two surviving members of the original group and has continued to pursue music projects.
• Yung (Chanti Glee): Role: Rapper. He is the second surviving member. Yung was instrumental in the group's songwriting and performance, continuing to carry the CSD name.
• M-Bone (Montae Talbert): Born June 17, 1991. Role: The group's resident dancer, who was the face of the Dougie dance in the music video and live performances. He tragically passed away in 2011.
• JayAre (Cahron Childs): Role: Rapper. Known for his smooth delivery and presence in the group's music. He passed away three years after M-Bone in 2014.

From Dallas Roots to Inglewood's Global Phenomenon

The "Dougie" dance did not originate with Cali Swag District, a fact often misunderstood by the public. The dance's history is a fascinating journey that spans two decades and multiple cities, demonstrating how hip-hop culture evolves through regional styles.

The Real History of the Dougie Dance

The Dougie's lineage traces back to the 1980s, where it took its name from legendary hip-hop artist Doug E. Fresh, known as the "Human Beat Box." Doug E. Fresh was famous for his smooth, swaggy dance moves while performing on stage.

The dance was officially codified and popularized in Dallas, Texas, where it became a regional street dance. Rapper Lil' Wil released his own track, "My Dougie," in 2007, which brought the dance to a wider audience within the Southern hip-hop scene.

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Cali Swag District, hailing from Inglewood, California, fused the Dallas-born dance with the emerging West Coast "Jerk Rap" sound. Their 2010 hit single, "Teach Me How to Dougie," became the definitive global version. The song's simple, catchy hook and the smooth, head-bobbing, hand-waving motion of the dance made it an instant viral sensation, transcending regional boundaries and becoming a staple at parties and sporting events worldwide.

Tragedy and Controversy: The Unpaid Legacy of CSD

Just as Cali Swag District was riding the wave of their breakthrough success with their debut album, The Kickback, a series of devastating events struck the group, forever changing their trajectory.

The Double Tragedy: M-Bone and JayAre

The first blow came on May 15, 2011. Montae "M-Bone" Talbert, the group's energetic resident dancer, was tragically murdered. He was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting in Inglewood, California, outside a liquor store. M-Bone was only 20 years old. His death was a profound shock to the group and the hip-hop community, robbing the world of the dancer who literally taught millions "how to dougie."

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Three years later, the group was hit with a second, equally devastating loss. On June 3, 2014, rapper Cahron "JayAre" Childs passed away at the age of 25. His death was attributed to complications from Sickle Cell Anemia, a hereditary blood disorder. The loss of two members in three years effectively halted the group's momentum and turned their story into one of both triumph and profound sadness.

The Fight for Royalties: The BMI Lawsuit

Despite the global success of "Teach Me How to Dougie," the surviving members, C-Smoove and Yung, have been forced to fight a legal battle for the financial rewards of their hit song. In a recent development that brings their story into the present day, Cali Swag District filed a lawsuit against the performing rights organization BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.).

The lawsuit claims that the group has not received the royalties they were promised from their 2010 smash hit. The amount sought in the suit is at least $187,000 in unpaid earnings.

Adding a layer of celebrity intrigue to the case, the group also alleged that the brother of legendary rapper MC Hammer may have been involved in the issue of the missing royalties. While they reportedly were not immediately suing MC Hammer's brother, the focus of the legal action remains against BMI for failing to properly distribute the performance royalties they were owed. This ongoing controversy highlights the complex and often predatory nature of the music industry, even for artists who achieve massive, undeniable success.

The Enduring Legacy of the Dougie

Today, "Teach Me How to Dougie" remains a touchstone of early 2010s pop culture. The song and the dance are frequently referenced in social media challenges, throwback playlists, and even in professional sports, with athletes often performing the Dougie as a touchdown or celebration dance. The simplicity of the move—a relaxed, rhythmic shoulder and head sway—ensures its longevity.

The Dougie is a perfect example of a viral dance that allows for personal "swag" and interpretation, as C-Smoove himself noted, making it accessible to everyone from beginners to seasoned dancers.

For C-Smoove and Yung, the surviving members of Cali Swag District, the legacy is bittersweet. They continue to represent CSD, honoring the memory of M-Bone and JayAre while fighting for the financial justice that their global hit deserves. The song's iconic status ensures that the names Montae Talbert and Cahron Childs will forever be linked to the dance they helped teach the world. The story of Cali Swag District is a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of fame and the real-life struggles that continue long after the music fades.