John ‘Ecstasy’ Fletcher, Whodini Rapper Of Famous Hip-Hop Team, Dies

John Fletcher, the rapper better acknowledged as “Ecstasy” from the pioneering hip-hop group Whodini, has reportedly died. His induce of demise is unidentified. Fletcher was 56-many years-previous.

Questlove of The Roots shared the information Wednesday in an Instagram write-up, having to pay homage from a single legend to yet another.

“One Love to Ecstasy of the Legendary #Whodini. This male was legendary and a pivotal member of one of the most legendary teams in hip hop. This is unfortunate guy,” he wrote.

In 1982, Fletcher served forge hip-hop into the mainstream as one-3rd of the group along with lyricist Jalil Hutchins, and DJ Crew Carter, also acknowledged as “Grandmaster Dee.” In the group’s formative days, they had been managed by Russell Simmons who went on to produce Def Jam. Fletcher was known for his eccentric model and generally wore hats fashioned following Zorro.

The trio, who hails from Brooklyn, aided fuse R&B with hip-hop, and are attributed as just one of the foundational leaders of the New Jack Swing motion. They are most effective identified for their hits, “Friends,” “The Freaks Appear Out at Night time,” “Magic’s Wand,” “The Haunted Household of Rock” and “Five Minutes Of Funk.”

Whodini touched the cornerstones of hip-hop which was centered on the seem coming out of New York Metropolis in the 70s and 80s. Their contemporaries are other hip-hop notables which includes Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five, Afrika Bambaataa, Operate-D.M.C., The Fats Boys and Warp 9.

Whodini’s affect spanned a long time and aided cultivate the visions of other hip-hop groups like A Tribe Referred to as Quest, Busta Rhymes and The Roots.

Jermaine Dupri was just one of the stars they took under their wing, as the potential mogul would star as a dancer on their tour circuits in his early times in the songs sector.

Dupri also wrote a grief-stuffed tribute on Instagram.

 

“My God, this a single hurts me so poor, I can not even believe I’m submitting this, Ex you know I like you thank you for each term, just about every dialogue each superior time, may perhaps your soul Relaxation In Power,” Dupri posted.

Many hip-hop aficionados, such as rappers and entertainers, also shared their grief on social media.

A different blow in a undesirable yr. John Fletcher aka Ex of #whodini has just handed. The trio, alongside with producer Larry Smith, designed the 1st hip-hop documents that black radio embraced. Identity, humor and hooks.

— Nelson George (@nelsongeorge) December 23, 2020

RIP to Ecstasy from https://t.co/MiqnKeBFeK of the most under appreciated voices in hip hop. Much too a lot of hits! Condolences to his fam ✨🙏🏾✨

— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 23, 2020

The to start with hip hop display I ever attended was the Contemporary Fest at the Greensboro Coliseum with Operate DMC, Extra fat Boys, and Whodini. Relaxation In Peace, Ecstasy. A person enjoy.

— Phonte (@phontigallo) December 23, 2020

“To have dropped like was a hurtin’ lesson
But to have had like was a definite blessing
And I know what the Beatles had been pondering of
When they reported that cash cannot acquire me love…”–Ecstasy of Whodini, RIP. pic.twitter.com/HxeRBUHq97

— Keith Murphy (@murphdogg29) December 23, 2020

Whodini launched six studio albums around the system of their job, with 14 singles charting on the Billboard. Four albums were certified Platinum and their most identified hit, “Friends,” charted on the Billboard Warm 100. In 2012, the group was highlighted on an episode of Tv One’s “Unsung,” where they looked again on their affect which nevertheless life in hearts of hip hop enthusiasts nowadays.

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