Whodini rapper Ecstasy dead: John Fletcher dies aged 56 The third and fourth studio albums 1986s Back in Black and 1987s Open Sesame peaked at Nos. 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 . This man was legendary and a pivotal member of one of the most legendary groups in hip-hop, the Roots Questlove wrote after news of Fletchers death. I been a fan of Whodini since the group started! Share highlights of John's life. Our Condolences and prayers to the family and friends as they share the best memories and musical talent of their Angel whom will look upon them in their heart and spirit Rest in Power! Always there to reassure with advice and tips.. Our Temptations. 8,750 birth, 1,404 death, 941 marriage, 173 divorce, View 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. Definitely gone be miss. The song peaked at No. One Love to Ecstasy of the Legendary #Whodini, wrote The Roots drummer. Jalil Hutchins (left) and John Fletcher (aka Ecstasy) in 1984 Paul Natkin/Getty Images. Fukui Mortuary is proud to announce 5 generations of experience and guidance when planning a funeral. Hey man you will be well miss love you always I used to imitate you and pretend I was you rapping with Whodini my condolences go out to the family love you man rest in peace. Visit Billboard Pro for music business news, Ed Sheeran Announces Intimate SubtractTour, Selena Gomez Cooks Up a Daytime Emmy Nomination for Selena +Chef, Diddy Says He Pays Sting $5K Every Single Day for Song Sample in Ill Be MissingYou. 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 . I was about 18 then. The family is requesting $20,000 to give the veteran MC a proper send-off. When 2 or more people share their unique perspectives, we begin to show & tell who our loved ones were during particular moments in their lives. I didnt want to go but i did and the entire time i was asking was whodini gonna be there ..i wished that they were..im in the group of millions who 'd these brothers .For all that are in close contact with the family lift them up n comfort them..Gonna miss u trooper. 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. We want to send our condolences to the family of our friend John. John "Ecstasy" Fletcher of Whodini Passes Away at 56 - The Source I will miss you John until I see you again. 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. I love you cuz this is Robert Jr your 1st cousin you will be greatly missed.on behalf of my family.and your aunt Wilma I give my condolences to your familymay Allah be with you.peace ROBERT JR, John was a very nice man we met at his Doctor's office he was a patient of the office l worked at l new who he was l have always been a fan of Whodini as well as Ecstasy. 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. The trio, along with producer Larry Smith, made the first hip-hop records that black radio embraced. One Love to Ecstasy of the Legendary #Whodini, Questlove tweeted. With his trademark Zorro hat, Fletcher was the focal point of the group. or visit Help / Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) to discover more about the community. 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. he. 5-Down, Eight Letters: Show that gave us New New York. The girls might like LL [Cool J] some, but Im talking about a real, honest-to-God sex symbol. Did John finish grade school, get a GED, go to high school, get a college degree or masters? Thank you for the awesome music. John "Ecstasy" Fletcher, rapper and founding member of the pioneering hip-hop group Whodini, has died at . Brooklyn-based Whodini which consisted of Fletcher, vocalist Hutchins and DJ Drew Grandmaster Dee Carter formed in the early 80s. John "Ecstasy" Fletcher, member of the early, influential hip-hop group Whodini, has died at the age of 56, People reports. Freevees new series will determine whos the greatest reality-TV contestant across. The younger generation may not study all the words, but they know that song.. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google All rights reserved. You will be truly missed! Prerna Nambiar. All Rights Reserved.Funeral Home Website by Batesville | Funeral Planning and Grief Resources, Ceremonies as unique as the life you're remembering, Respectfully serving families for generations. Phonte (@phontigallo) December 23, 2020, Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, A daily briefing on what matters in the music industry. The allusion to new styles points toward the emergence of harder street rap in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Pavilion in Chicago, Illinois in January 1985. John Fletcher aka Ex of #whodini has just passed. A cause of death has yet to be revealed. My deep condolences to the Fletcher family and friends. I love you daddy and I wish you enough.. We came up with the name Whodini, threw caution to the wind and watched as these two kids out of Brooklyn conquered the world and set the pace and tone for a generation of rappers that came after them.. It has warmed and healed my heart and soul since before 1986 (I was in junior high school) until now and will forever. See how those in the music industry are remembering the artist below. You will be greatly missed! There will never be another,Jalil of Whodini added. 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. Until then be at peace and thank you for lifelong memories X. What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative? While much is carefree and enjoyable in Whodinis catalog, the group increasingly became less relevant as time went on. We will love you and miss you always. Fletcher was known on stage as Ecstasy and wore a trademark Zorro hat on stage. A Huge Fan. Whodini's John 'Ecstasy' Fletcher Dies at 56 - Variety There were 2 MCS that directly mentored my calm that summer. 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. Rest In Peace, Ecstasy. In 1924, in the year that John Fletcher was born, Macy's department store in New York held its first "Thanksgiving parade" on November 27th at 9a - during church services but leaving plenty of time to attend the big football game between Syracuse and Columbia universities. R.I. P king thanks for making the soundtrack to my youthful summers.. , I grew up listening to everything whodini put out. 11 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart, and was also the first rap song to feature an accompanying video. I met john in Georgia when his daughter and my daughter ran together for track phi track track and field team I knew him to be very pleasant . Because of the realistic nature of the "news," there was a public outcry the next day, calling for regulation by the FCC. A cause of death has not yet been determined. There music brings back great memories living in Detroit. Pavilion in Chicago, Illinois in January 1985. Our Isley Brothers. On December 23, relatives announced the death of John Fletcher, a leading member of the pioneering rap group Whodini. The cause of death was unclear at the time of this a SORELY MISSED! Great great-grandson, Eric Tanaka, and great great-granddaughter, Sarah Fukui, are following the legacy founder Soji Fukui established over 100 years ago. [In] 1987 I entered the Def Jam tour, wrote Chuck D of Public Enemy. It's surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning. We are family friends with Johns son JohnMon and his mother Tammy. Loved the music..80s rap was LEGENDARYJohn was one talented rapperSending love and caring wishes to family and friends.PRAYERS & BLESSINGS. There was really nobody out there making the girls go crazy. John Ecstasy Fletcher was a part of that standard. The 1st to make adult hop hop, w melodic, huge soundscapes & sex appeal 4 the ladies. Whodini Member John 'Ecstasy' Fletcher Dead at 56 - Vulture Condolences to his fam , 1987 I entered the @Defjam tour w PE. You were amazing. Personality, humor and hooks. Invite family and friends to share what they know about John Fletcher. 12/23/2020. They're known for the songs "Friends", "Freaks Come out at . Ecstasy from Whodini performs at the U.I.C. Your music gave me some of the best memories back in my college days. next to their name to remove from the family tree. "This man was legendary and a pivotal member of one of the most legendary groups in hip hop. Friendshow many of us have them? Thanks for the memories. John Fletcher, best known as Ecstasy from the pioneering rap group Whodini, has died, the groups Grand Master Dee has confirmed. His kind words led the tributes dedicated to the Whodini rapper Ecstasy. 02/15/40 - 01/29/23. John Fletcher of hip-hop trio Whodinidied on Wednesday (Dec. 23), Billboardcan confirm. He shot to fame as part of the band Whodini in 1964. Whodinis sound synth-driven with a hook-heavy mix of singing and rapping would influence generations of acts and become prime sample material for Dr. Dre, Kanye West and Nipsey Hussle. Rest in peace Ecstasy. 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. He was a good brother that was at the gym 5 days per week. John Fletcher of hip-hop trio Whodini died on Wednesday (Dec. 23 . Visit Billboard Pro for music business news, Ed Sheeran Announces Intimate SubtractTour, Selena Gomez Cooks Up a Daytime Emmy Nomination for Selena +Chef, Diddy Says He Pays Sting $5K Every Single Day for Song Sample in Ill Be MissingYou. 1987 I entered the @Defjam tour w PE. 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. Whodini rapper John "Ecstasy" Fletcher has died at 56 years old. 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. I loved the John aka Estasy would wear his hats. Another blow in a bad year. Deuteronomy 31:6 Much love to you. But the show made Orson Welles' career. 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. Rap needed some sex symbols, he told The Times in 1987. The group started to make a name for itself with their 1982 single Magics Wand, the lead track off their self-titled debut album. In addition to Whodini songs such as The Freaks Come Out At Night, Five Minutes of Funk and Friends, Smith produced for other well-known figures and groups such as Kurtis Blow (Christmas Rappin, The Breaks) and Run DMC (Rock Box, Sucker M.C.s). God will bind up the broken hearted and comfort all who mourn. Now, the family of the late 56-year-old pioneer has released an official statement about his passing. John 'Ecstasy' Fletcher, member of Whodini, dies at age 56 So many of us in this culture have taken away from him, Jalil, and Grandmaster Dee..from words and lyrics, to the beats. The cause of his death has been shrouded in mystery and yet to be made public. Regardless, Fletcher will be remembered for his musical contributions and the genuine optimism and creativity that abounded in Whodinis numerous albums and songs. John Ecstasy Fletcher was a part of that standard. Phonte (@phontigallo) December 23, 2020, Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, A daily briefing on what matters in the music industry. 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. Always there to reassure with advice and tips., On Instagram, Barry Weiss, the CEO of Jive Records, explained that it all began with a record produced by Thomas Dolby, which was intended for Mr. Magic. When you share a memory, or just show that you care by interacting with the biography, John Fletcher was born on May 28, 1924, and died at age 55 years old in March 1980. You have funeral questions, we have answers. In 1976, when he was 52 years old, The United States celebrated the Bicentennial of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. 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. The Biography section is collaborative, where we work together to present the facts. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. 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. By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive email correspondence from us. Sahara, you were a track teammate of our daughter Royal and you are in our thoughts. R.I.P. Fletcher formed Whodini with singer-rapper Jalil Hutchins in Brooklyn, NY, in 1982 and signed with the influential Jive Records shortly after. We go out of our way to help families consider all their needs: personal, economic and religious. This man was legendary and a pivotal member of one of the most legendary groups in hip hop. When we share what we know, together we discover more. 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. April 29, 2023 (68 years old) View obituary. 35 on the all-genre Billboard 200. April 30, 2023 (63 years old) View obituary. This password will be used to sign into all, John Ecstasy Fletcher of Whodini Is Dead at 56, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky Arrive at the Met Gala Fashionably Late, The Best, Weirdest and Most On Theme Met Gala 2023 Looks, The Best and Wildest Beauty Looks on the 2023 Met Gala Red Carpet, The Best and Wildest Beauty Looks at the 2023 Met Gala. Whodini is primarily known for the string of albums released on Jive Records in the early and mid-1980s. *Sorry, there was a problem signing you up. John Fletcher was a rapper with the influential early rap group Whodini, who went by the name Ecstasy. International Committee of the Fourth International, Kanye West on slavery and Trump: Ignorance and the self-deluding influence of wealth, Rapper Kendrick Lamar wins the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Music, Rap artist Eminem and his popular tirade against Donald Trump. As previously reported, John "Ecstasy" Fletcher passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020, at the age of 56 and a cause . 87. Thinking about the first time I heard One Love and how I use to play it on my pink boom box. how old is jalil hutchins how old is jalil hutchins. John Fletcher Whodini Age. May John rest peacefully. The average age of News of Fletchers passing began circulating on Wednesday (Dec. 23), as luminaries from the music world remembered the artist on social media. Billboard is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Their early collaborators were an eclectic mix of new wave and experimental rock figures such as synth-pop hitmaker Thomas Dolby and Kraftwerk producer Conny Plank, along with Larry Smith, a major figure behind the boards for Run-D.M.C. 35 on the all-genre Billboard 200. 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. Musician and journalist Questlove broke the news on Wednesday . Its so many. One Love Rap Pioneer John 'Ecstasy' Fletcher Of Whodini Dies at 56 Whodini's John 'Ecstasy' Fletcher Has Passed Away | Essence 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. Funeral homes; Help and advice. The group gained commercial success with their second album, 1984s Escape. when he died at the age of 55. Thank you Ecstasy. Dec. 26, 2020. Condolences to his fam , QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 23, 2020. John's immediate relatives including parents, siblings, partnerships and children in the Fletcher family tree. The trio making up Whodini, which included lyricist Jalil Hutchins and Grandmaster . 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. The group debuted with the single , releasing its first single 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 (including production from white electronic music artists Conny Plank and Thomas Dolby) in 83. 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. Whodini rapper Ecstasy - real name John Fletcher - has died and his friends and fans have shared tributes online. We pray that Gods Blessings and His everlasting Peace be upon you and the rest of the family. Thank you for the music and the good time your songs brought to me my friends and others. Thank you for the road you paved for the thousands and thousands of women and men who want to one day call themselves a rapper. AncientFaces is a 100% free and family-friendly community to share memories and connect with others to discover more about Uncovering Our Shared Memories: An Introduction to the Community Standards at AncientFaces Whodinis final album, 1996s Six, was executive produced by Jermaine Dupri, who also posted in remembrance of Fletcher on Wednesday. So many of us in this culture have taken away from him, Jalil, and Grandmaster Dee..from words and lyrics, to the beats. He was born on June 7, 1964. My condolences to the Fletcher family n friends. John Fletcher, who was known by the stage name "Ecstasy" while performing with the early rap group Whodini, has died, according to the group's Grand Master Dee and numerous friends . May God comfort each one of you at this very difficult time. He was 56-years-old at the time of death. To your. One Love to one of Hip Hops Greatest! I met John for the first time in 2018. WGA & AMPTP could not reach an agreement Monday night. You\'ll receive the next newsletter in your inbox. My sincerest condolences to his family and the Whodini Family as a whole. Share what John did for a living or if he had a career or profession. Hip hop pioneer, RIP My Brother. Refresh this page to see various historical events that occurred during John's lifetime. May condolences to his family and close friends this one hurts, he was LOVED by so many. Thats us.. The cause of death was unclear at the time of this article's . Your hard work paid off. The group added Grandmaster Dee to their line-up and adopted the name Whodini in keeping with their mentors magic theme. Marrying the Ghost of Karl Lagerfeld at the 2023 Met Gala. I tended to be nervous looking at 15000 fans in front of me every night. There were 2 MCS that directly mentored my calm that summer. The first to publicly announce the rappers passing, Questlove took to Instagram Wednesday to memorialize Fletcher, who, along with bandmate Jalil Hutchins, founded the group in 1982. Our Four Tops. One Love to one of Hip Hops Greatest! This is sad man.". The latter phenomenon, hardcore and gangsta rap, reflected in part the increasingly dire state of life for wide layers of the younger population, but given the generally reactionary climate of the times, brought with it much that was disoriented and anti-social. Whodini Co-Founder John 'Ecstasy' Fletcher Dead at 56 The first to publicly . 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. We lost one of the greats. Remembering one of fashions most problematic faves, Karl Lagerfeld. Not saying we should start prepping but we should start prepping. This is sad man., 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 andThe Haunted House of Rock.. But it seems that no one else is liking the minty-fresh look. The cause of death was unclear at the time of this articles publication; he was 56. Their final album, 1996s Six, was produced by hitmaker Jermain Dupri, who cited them as a major influence on his own work with Kriss Kross and TLC, and even briefly worked as a dancer for the group early in his career. 810 likes, 25 comments - Unk (@nichebender) on Instagram: "RIP John Fletcher (aka Ecstasy) of Whodini Hip Hop Royalty " Get a daily dose of showbiz gossip direct to your inbox.