My sincerest condolences to the Fletcher family. Welcome to AncientFaces, a com "Thank you for helping me find my family & friends again so many years after I lost them. With his trademark Zorro hat, Fletcher was the focal point of the group. There was really nobody out there making the girls go crazy. Whodini is one of my top 3 favorite rap groups of all time Ecstasy was a true Mc everything about him was great,unique not to mention fine. Play his music if it moves you, and know hell be hearing you on his way home this day, Dec 23rd.. The group followed in 1986 with the Smith-helmed Back in Black, and were second on the bill on Run-DMCs Raising Hell Tour that year -- in a reflection of their status, they were billed above LL Cool J and the Beastie Boys. Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. My prayers are with his family! 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. You have funeral questions, we have answers. John Fletcher Dead: Whodini Rapper 'Ecstasy' Dies - Billboard While much is carefree and enjoyable in Whodinis catalog, the group increasingly became less relevant as time went on. See What AncientFaces Does, December 23, 2020 - 22 likes, 3 comments - LEGENDARY R&B HIP HOP MUSIC TV (@legendaryrbhiphopmusictv) on Instagram: "Whodini hip hop group that was formed in 1982 . 1987 I entered the @Defjam tour w PE. Share memories and family stories, photos, or ask questions. One of the nicest people you would ever meet. Whodini's Ecstasy Dead: Rap Group's Co-founder John Fletcher Was 56 The group participated in the first inaugural Fresh Fest hip hop national tour, performing in front of sold-out stadium crowds. John. "This man was legendary," Questlove wrote. The band have become the very thing their critics accuse them of. John Fletcher of hip-hop trio Whodinidied on Wednesday (Dec. 23), Billboardcan confirm. There music brings back great memories living in Detroit. But Whodinis breakthrough came the following year with Escape. Produced by Kurtis Blow associate Larry Smith, it included such smashes as Freaks Come Out at Night and the cynical Friends, which is one of the most sampled songs in hip-hop, appearing in tracks by Kanye West, Dr. Dre, Tupac, Nas and more than 150 others. A unique and lasting tribute for a loved one. A standard. The trio, along with producer Larry Smith, made the first hip-hop records that black radio embraced, veteran writer Nelson George wrote on Twitter Wednesday. Job welldone! We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. In separate testimonials to Whodinis influence, A Tribe Called Quest rapper Q-Tip called Fletcher one of the most under-appreciated voices in hip-hop, and Public Enemys galvanizing MC Chuck D wrote on Twitter: 1987 I entered the Def Jam tour. We lost one of the greats. 11 on Billboards Dance Club charts. Thu 24 December 2020 2:06, UK. You'll be missed rest in peace. Thank you for all the good music and memories. John Fletcher Whodini Wiki, Age, Wife, Net Worth, Cause of Death Wisconsin Obituaries - Latest Obituaries in Wisconsin - Echovita I would like to send. or visit Help / Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) to discover more about the community. The trio, along with producer Larry Smith, made the first hip-hop records that black radio embraced. The 1st to make adult hop hop, w melodic, huge soundscapes & sex appeal 4 the ladies. While not as well-known as early hip-hop pioneers like Kurtis Blow or Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Whodini were among the most popular early rap outfits, via hit singles like Friends, Freaks Come Out at Night, Magics Wand and The Haunted House of Rock. The groups combination of rapping and singing and its synth-heavy sound were a staple in early 80s nightclubs and brought the group one platinum and two gold albums. I will miss you John until I see you again. John Fletcher was born on May 28, 1924, and died at age 55 years old in March 1980. While not primarily a lyricist, Fletcher had a flamboyant persona (complete with his trademark wide-brimmed Zorro hat worn onstage and in videos) and lively vocals that lend an element of personality and musicality to the groups recordings. I will never forget my older brother scolded me and told me YOU DON'T NEED TO BE OUT AT NIGHT BECAUSE THERE ARE NOTHING BUT FREAKS OUT THERE. Thank you for every word, every conversation, every good time, may your soul Rest In Power.. Many of Whodinis innovations, such as using vocal harmonies in verses and choruses, were attributed in particular to Fletcher. He will be missed. Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. I was on the treadmill and he was at the opposite end when I looked over and recognized him in 2018. While Whodini largely remained on the nostalgia circuit in recent decades, they did get well-deserved recognition at several points, at VH1s Hip Hop Honors in 2007 and at the Black Music Honors in 2018, where they received the Hip-Hop Icon Award. Friends can be as close as family. Don't miss a beat. When 2 or more people share their unique perspectives, Michael Thomas Dooley. Plant trees. John Fletcher, who as Ecstasy of the foundational hip-hop group Whodini was the engine for some of the genre's first pop successes, wearing a flamboyant Zorroesque hat all the . We want to send our condolences to the family of our friend John. One Love to Ecstasy of the Legendary #Whodini, wrote The Roots drummer. John Fletcher Dead: Whodini Rapper 'Ecstasy' Dies - Billboard I WAS IN HIGH SCHOOL WHEN FRIENDS CAME OUT, I USE TO BLAST THAT SONG, FIVE MINUTES FUNK, WHO HOT, ANOTHER LEGEND GONE, BUT, NEVER FORGOTTEN, REST EASY JOHN. We both worked out at the same gym in College Park, Ga. La Fitness.. he was very down to earth and a good person all around. My deepset condolences to your family. John you have closed your eyes to rest, may you Rest In Peace and LovePrayers to family & friends. Rest in Peace! Our Temptations. Whodini came of age in the late 70s and early 80s, alongside Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Afrika Bambaataa and Kurtis Blow, some of the first acts to take an emergent hip-hop culture of DJ-driven street parties and gain notice in the wider music industry. One love to his family Deltonia and Jalil. in the family tree section to add relatives, or press the "X" John "Ecstasy" Fletcher, member of the early, influential hip-hop group Whodini, has died at the age of 56, People reports. Roots drummer Questlove was the first to break the news on Wednesday via a social-media post paying tribute to the veteran rapper. John Fletcher lived we begin to show & tell who our loved ones were during particular moments in their lives. Refresh this page to see various historical events that occurred during John's lifetime. From the haunted house to my favorite one love. He wrote: "One Love to Ecstasy of the Legendary#Whodini. The cause of death was not made public. The trio, along with producer Larry Smith, made the first hip-hop records that black radio embraced. There will never be another, his bandmate Jalil Hutchins added. The first hip hop show I ever attended was the Fresh Fest at the Greensboro Coliseum with Run DMC, Fat Boys, and Whodini. He was faithful to the group to this day he'd always be around to be interviewed,when whodini had a live concert to attend I still followed them until this day thats how I know this. 1 was @RealDougEFresh the other was Ecstacy of Whodini. I love all 3 members of Whodini. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Whodunit forever. Bless your family you leave behind. Fletcher formed Whodini with singer-rapper Jalil Hutchins in Brooklyn, NY in 1982 and signed with the influential Jive Records shortly after. What schools or universities did John attend? There were 2 MCS that directly mentored my calm that summer. Until then be at peace and thank you for lifelong memories X. I tended to be nervous looking at 15000 fans in front of me every night. But the show made Orson Welles' career. 87. Thank you for all the music, you'll be missed!!! I figured it out., Baseball, softball and girls soccer scores for Aurora, Elgin, Naperville and Lake County, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. The song peaked at No. By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive email correspondence from us. Ecstasy from Whodini performs at the U.I.C. Vocalist and co-founder of the hip hop group Whodini which formed in Brooklyn, New York in 1982. We are the same age, so i really felt this painfully. The cause of death was unclear at the time of this article's . The group gained commercial success with their second album, 1984s Escape. Job well done Rest in peace KING. This section is to introduce John Fletcher with highlights of his life and how he is remembered. R.I.P. OMG My favorite rap artist of all time the group who taught you what a real friend was. Biographies are our place to remember and discover more about the people important to us. Condolences to his fam , QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 23, 2020. Heres What Will Happen to Your Fave TV Show If Theres a Writers Strike. One Love. One of the best that ever did it and always polite. Friends and fans flooded tributes for the late star on social media on Wednesday. A cause of death has yet to be revealed. Their tune Friends/Five Minutes of Funk off sophomore album Escape, was the only one to enter the Billboard Hot 100, and peaked at No. Thank you for the awesome music. We conduct funerals in the Buddhist, Christian, Catholic, and other religious traditions. Pavilion in Chicago, Illinois in January 1985. The third and fourth studio albums 1986s Back in Black and 1987s Open Sesame peaked at Nos. Billboard is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Sincere condolences to the family, many, many friends, and legions of fans of the rap group Whodini, John "Ecstasy" Fletcher, known for his many hit songs Friends, Five Minutes of Funk, and Freaks Come Out at Night. May the love and the special memory you shared with your father show how your lives was touched by him. On December 23, relatives announced the death of John Fletcher, a leading member of the pioneering rap group Whodini. Once Weiss heard the record, he wrote, we threw the rule book out the window when we heard his [Fletchers] verse and his voice. UPDATED: John Fletcher, best known as Ecstasy from the pioneering rap group Whodini, has died, the group's Grand Master Dee has confirmed. My sincere condolences go out to the family Rest In Peace my friend!!!! Friendshow many of us have them? The allusion to new styles points toward the emergence of harder street rap in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Want to know what everyone in the music business is talking about. The harmonizing and melodic quality of their music influenced later subgenres of pop, such as New Jack Swing, popularized by Teddy Riley, Boyz II Men and others in the early 1990s. Today, under the leadership of fourth generation owner Gerald Fukui, families find a sympathetic hand and a compassionate ear, along with knowledgeable and insightful guidance when planning a funeral for a loved one. The most distinct voice in hip hop history. John Ecstasy Fletcher, co-founder of the early New York hip-hop group Whodini, who used electro-funk and R&B influences to expand the new genre into a commercially potent force, died Dec. 30 at age 56. Formed in 1982, the group released Magics Wand the same year, dedicated to hip hop radio disc jockey Mr. Magic. John's immediate relatives including parents, siblings, partnerships and children in the Fletcher family tree. In the period immediately preceding the emergence of intricate verbal technicians such as Rakim (William Michael Griffin) and Big Daddy Kane (Antonio Hardy), Ecstasy, with his self-assured and cool swagger, provided a boost to the somewhat stiff rhyme patterns of the late 1970s and early 80s. Their final album arrived in 1996, but the group continued appearing at reunion shows, writes Deadlines Bruce Waring of the groups decline. "One Love to Ecstasy of the Legendary #Whodini," he wrote. John Ecstasy Fletcher was a beloved man, the life partner to Deltonia and ex-husband to Carla, twin brother to Joseph, artist, friend, and lifetime performing partner to the Legendary Jalil of Whodini. Thanks for the memories. A generation of Baby Boomers were raised by the advice of Dr. Spock. Your hard work paid off. The family is requesting $20,000 to give the veteran MC a proper send-off. One Love to Ecstasy of the Legendary #Whodini, Questlove tweeted. We go out of our way to help families consider all their needs: personal, economic and religious. We miss you already Ecstacy, you were an integral part of the powerful force of rap music and your wise lyrics were a positive influence to all your fansRIP. A loyal fan, Rest In Peace Ecstacyyou will never be forgottenOne Love, Deepest sympathy to the Family, A big fan and got a chance to see the group several time in new orleans. I tended to be nervous looking at 15000 fans in front of me every night. My God, this one hurts me so bad, I cant even believe Im posting this, Ex you know I love you, Dupri tweeted, alongside a video of a baby-faced Whodini in 1985. Eight helicopters had been sent for the mission, but only 5 arrived in operating condition., Since the military had advised that the mission be aborted if there were fewer than 6 helicopters, President Carter stopped it. GoFundMe account established to pay for Whodini member Ecstasy's funeral Whodinis sophomore album, 1984s Escape, was certified platinum in 1987, and also peaked at No. Family may he. *Sorry, there was a problem signing you up. This is sad man.. Greg Warren dared to go where no comedian has gone before. Always there to reassure w advice tips #RestInBeats pic.twitter.com/UzCj5RN4ve, RIP to Ecstasy from https://t.co/MiqnKeBFeK of the most under appreciated voices in hip hop. Against the official triumphalism of the day, the greed is good ethos on Wall Street, the scrapping of social reform programs and the explosion of American militarism, it isnt surprising that lighter and more carefree music seemed out of its depth. I am so sorry for your loss. Rest in paradise my brother, I was sad to hear of the lost of one of my favorite all time performers. I said to him that Five Minutes Of Funk was my all time ! View all categories; . Jermaine Dupri added: "My God, this one hurts me so bad, I cant even believe Im posting this, Ex you know I love you thank you for every word,every conversation every good time,may your soul Rest In Power #whodini q. Ecstasy was part of the Brooklyn rap trio Whodini . I have known Ecstasy since 1991 and this was such a real shocker to hear of his passing. Roots drummer Questlove was the first to break the news on Wednesday via a social-media post paying tribute to the veteran rapper. I was about 18 then. Rest in Paradise John Esctasy Fletcher. Where was John born and where did he live? Whodini's John 'Ecstasy' Fletcher Has Passed Away | Essence This man was legendary and a pivotal member of one of the most legendary groups in hip hop. Rest in peace Ecstasy. One Love They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel. John Fletcher, known by his stage name Ecstasy from the pioneering rap group Whodini, died Wednesday at age 56, his family and band mate Grandmaster Dee confirmed to Variety. When we share what we know, together we discover more. Privacy Policy and My condolences to you as a dear fan to you. In loving memory of a wonderful person. 12/23/2020. However, the groups popularity had begun to fade, despite their influence on the New Jack Swing style of the early 1990s, and several attempts at a comeback were unsuccessful. You\'ll receive the next newsletter in your inbox. It has warmed and healed my heart and soul since before 1986 (I was in junior high school) until now and will forever. My heart and prayers go out to his family and friends who knew and loved him best. Want to know what everyone in the music business is talking about. Dressed as Karl Lagerfelds beloved cat, Choupette. how old is jalil hutchins how old is jalil hutchins. One love. 35 and 30, respectively. Dansby Swanson, bloodied by his own helmet, helps the Chicago Cubs shake off a weekend sweep with a 5-1 win, Discovery channeled. God Bless the family and see you one day in Heaven. Unk on Instagram: "RIP John Fletcher (aka Ecstasy) of Whodini Hip Hop Among the many tributes on social media, Questlove shared a heartwarming few words. Jalil Hutchins (left) and John Fletcher (aka Ecstasy) in 1984 Paul Natkin/Getty Images. Fletcher, who went by the stage name "Ecstasy," was 56 years old. This is sad man., My God, this one hurts me so bad,I cant even believe Im posting this, Jermaine Dupri tweeted along with a video of a young Ecstasy. May your spirit live on, forever.. The African and Native American ancestors have gathered around and chosen this day, during the Winter Solstice, Dec 23rd, 2020 to call upon a most endeared, generous, and sincere soul who graced The Worlds heart through performance, hip-hop, family, children and grandchildren, his family shared in a statement toBillboard. To be absent the body is to be present with the Lord, so I know I will hear you perform again one day in a better place. The group followed in 1986 with the Smith-helmed Back in Black, and were second on the bill on Run-DMCs Raising Hell Tour that year in a reflection of their status, they were billed above LL Cool J and the Beastie Boys. RIP. See how those in the music industry are remembering the artist below. It was with a heavy heart yesterday (Dec. 23) that we reported on the death of John "Ecstasy" Fletcher founding member of the legendary rap group Whodini. Terms of Service apply. RIH they are receiving another icon. Ecstasy "aka" John Fletcher! The African and Native American ancestors have gathered around and chosen this day, during the Winter Solstice, Dec 23rd, 2020 to call upon a most endeared, generous, and sincere soul, Fletchers daughter Jonnelle wrote in a statement. Whodini rapper Ecstasy dead: John Fletcher dies aged 56 The group added Grandmaster Dee to their line-up and adopted the name Whodini in keeping with their mentors magic theme. The news of his death was confirmed by the group's Grand Master Dee . Whodinis sophomore album, 1984s Escape, was certified platinum in 1987, and also peaked at No. Ecstasy, thanks for all the memories and for sharing a part of your life with us. You will be truly missed! 8,750 birth, 1,404 death, 941 marriage, 173 divorce, View Whodini Rapper John 'Ecstasy' Fletcher Dead at 56 - TMZ Friendshow many of us have them? The group started to make a name for itself with their 1982 single Magics Wand, the lead track off their self-titled debut album. John Fletcher, best known as Ecstasy from the pioneering rap group Whodini, has died, the groups Grand Master Dee has confirmed. Rapper and actor and LL Cool J said Fletcher was "one of the most important people in this culture to me." In 2018, Whodini received the Hip Hop Icon Award at the 3rd Annual Black Music Honors . Please send love and prayers to our family, and with open hearts we ask the ancestors to cover his soul in peace and tranquility. A cause of death has not yet been determined. I grew up on Whodini! Michael attended Dominican High School, graduating in . next to their name to remove from the family tree. S.I.p. Pavilion in Chicago, Illinois in January 1985. Select "Add Memory" to share stories and photos. Pavilion in Chicago, Illinois in January 1985. Select " [relationship]" from The Smith Family Grace, Peace and Comfort to all of the family . My deepest condolences to Mr. Fletcher's family & friends..rip beautiful one. May the words at Isaiah 61:1,2 prove to be comforting to you. Following Fletchers recent death, tributes from fans and fellow artists abounded on social media. Job well done!. 'Freaks' and 'friends' pay tribute to Whodini rapper John 'Ecstasy Today, under the leadership of fourth generation owner Gerald Fukui, families find a sympathetic hand and a compassionate ear, along with knowledgeable and insightful guidance when planning a funeral for a loved one. Your music gave me some of the best memories back in my college days. What If a Whole Stand-up Special Were About Peanut Butter? Our Four Tops. David Kessler's top 4 tips for dealing with holiday grief. I met John for the first time in 2018. The group recorded four additional records throughout the course of the 1980s and 90s. 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May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Whodini was one of the first rap groups to add R&B twist to their music, thus laying the foundation for a new genre. He will truly be missed and it was a pleasure to meet him. But it seems that no one else is liking the minty-fresh look. We'll connect you with others who know the person you follow. Today, under the leadership of fourth generation owner Gerald Fukui, families find a sympathetic hand and a compassionate ear, along with knowledgeable and insightful guidance when planning a funeral for a loved one. Their song, Magics Wand, a tribute to New York DJ Mr. Magic, is credited with being the first hip-hop song with a music video. May God comfort each one of you at this very difficult time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google. This is sad man. DJ Drew Carter, also known as Grandmaster Dee, who joined the group in 1986, confirmed the rappers passing to Variety. Password must be at least 8 characters and contain: As part of your account, youll receive occasional updates and offers from New York, which you can opt out of anytime. 1 was @RealDougEFresh the other was Ecstacy of Whodini. I tended to be nervous, looking at 15,000 fans in front of me every night. 1 was @RealDougEFresh the other was Ecstacy of Whodini. When you share a memory, or just show that you care by interacting with the biography, One love. RIP John "Ecstasy" Fletcher. Rest in power. The group managed by Russell Simmons, who also managed Kurtis Blow and the then-nascent Run-DMC debuted with the single Magics Wand, a savvy tribute to early hip-hop DJ Mr. Magic and followed with a self-titled album in 1983. Recently I overheard a father and daughter in their last moments together at the airport. The cause of death was unclear at the time of this article's publication; he was 56. They were off the chain. The girls might like LL [Cool J] some, but Im talking about a real, honest-to-God sex symbol. 1987 I entered the @Defjam tour w PE. Based out of Brooklyn, Whodini recorded six studio albums in total, producing 14 charting singles including One Love, Friends, Five Minutes of Funk, Freaks Come Out at Night, The Haunted House of Rock, and more, with crossover hit Friends cracking the Billboard Hot 100 in 1984. Hutchins and Fletcher rapped the song instead. Brooklyn-based Whodini which consisted of Fletcher, vocalist Hutchins and DJ Drew Grandmaster Dee Carter formed in the early 80s. The cause of his death has been shrouded in mystery and yet to be made public. There will never be another,Jalil of Whodini added. The groups combination of rapping and singing and its synth-heavy sound were a staple in early80s nightclubs and brought the group one platinum and two gold albums. Whodini rapper Ecstasy - real name John Fletcher - dies aged 56, He shot to fame as part of the band Whodini in 1964 - Pictured are DJ Drew 'Grandmaster Dee' Carter (fore), Jalil Hutchins (rear left) and Ecstasy, Friends and fans flooded tributes for the late star on social media. Wells' novel, the show began with simulated "breaking news" of an invasion by Martians. BY ANCESTRY.COM. One of our foundational pieces. The Biography section is collaborative, where we work together to present the facts. They cemented their status on the hip hop scene. This man was legendary and a pivotal member of one of the most legendary groups in hip hop. Fletcher (born June 7, 1964 in Brooklyn, New York) represented one-third of the groundbreaking hip hop group Whodini. Ecstasy from Whodini performs at the U.I.C. Pavilion in Chicago, Illinois in January 1985. One Love to one of Hip Hops Greatest! Rest easy sir. Mr. Always there to reassure with advice and tips.. We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time. John "Ecstasy" Fletcher of Whodini Passes Away at 56 - The Source John Fletcher, a.k.a. Ecstasy of the Group Whodini, Dies at 56 I remember seeing them at the gso coliseum in 1985 nothing but real authenic talent. Published by Herald And News on Dec. 28, 2020. 11 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart, and was also the first rap song to feature an accompanying video. Whodini set a hip-hop course of legendary status that we are all sure to pass on to our grandchildren. I will always remember dancing to "Freaks Come Out At Night" at my prom, it was and always will be a classic. Condolences to his fam , QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 23, 2020. Invite family and friends to share what they know about John Fletcher. Rap Pioneer John 'Ecstasy' Fletcher Of Whodini Dies at 56 Rest In Paradise John "Ecstasy" Fletcher. He died on December 23, 2020. One was Doug E. Fresh and the other was Ecstasy of Whodini. I always have been a fan!! Rap needed some sex symbols, he told The Times in 1987. All Rights Reserved. I don't remember the time days or weeks but the next thing I remember is hearing the song on the radio the freaks come out at night. The third and fourth studio albums 1986s Back in Black and 1987s Open Sesame peaked at Nos. I been a fan of Whodini since the group started! Whodini rapper Ecstasy - real name John Fletcher - has died. Thats what Whodini was and is to us, producer 9th Wonder mirrored. Whodinis final album, 1996s Six, was executive produced by Jermaine Dupri, who also posted in remembrance of Fletcher on Wednesday. I went over and asked him if he was Ecstasy from Whodini he smiled and said yes Im him.

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