Nelson George (@nelsongeorge) December 23, 2020, #RIPecstasy to the family & friends of the legendary Ecstasy from the landmark hiphop crew #Whodini. Rest in peace.. John "Ectasy" Fletcher and Whodini were my favorite rap artists of all time. 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. I cant believe he us no longer here on earth but has taken on an heavenly place you will always be remembered you touched so many lives with your music. 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. Love Mrs. Denise, Tre, Janae, Jasmine. They were off the chain. 35 and 30, respectively. I had the chance to spend time with John, Jalil, doc ice and Deltonia last year in North Carolina we stayed at the same hotel. John Fletcher was a rapper with the influential early rap group Whodini, who went by the name Ecstasy. 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. He died on December 23, 2020. Whodunit forever. 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 . Friends can be as close as family. 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. Thank you Ecstasy. Job welldone! 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 . "The African and Native American ancestors have gathered around and chosen this . John "Ecstasy" Fletcher, who co-founded the legendary hip-hop group Whodini and was known for rocking a Zorro hat like no other, has died. Great great-grandson, Eric Tanaka, and great great-granddaughter, Sarah Fukui, are following the legacy founder Soji Fukui established over 100 years ago.Gerald T FukuiPresident, Copyright 2004 - 23 Fukui Mortuary. The average age of Plant trees. Aside from the Bible, it became the best selling book of the 20th century. 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. John (Ecstasy) Fletcher may you rest in sweet peace., I lived at 272 Wyckoff a few floors below his dad and remember having such a crush on him. John Fletcher, best known as Ecstasy from the pioneering rap group Whodini, has died, the group's Grand Master Dee has confirmed. See What AncientFaces Does, I tended to be nervous, looking at 15,000 fans in front of me every night. 11 on Billboards Dance Club charts. When 2 or more people share their unique perspectives, 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. 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. I met John for the first time in 2018. We conduct funerals in the Buddhist, Christian, Catholic, and other religious traditions. a So sorry for your loss. Likewise, the group was the first to tour the United Kingdom and the European continent to sell-out crowds, complete with a break dancer backup act. 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. Biographies are our place to remember and discover more about the people important to us. RIP Ecstasy, your songs and legacy live on. 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 and more than 150 others. They not only had songs that shaped our culture, but lyrics that became sayings. I tended to be nervous, looking at 15,000 fans in front of me every night. John Fletcher Whodini Age. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Their final album, 1996s Six, was produced by hitmaker Jermaine Dupri, who cited them as a major influence on his own work with KrissKross and TLC, and even briefly worked as a dancer for the group early in his career. 11 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart, and was also the first rap song to feature an accompanying video. The first hip hop show I ever attended was the Fresh Fest at the Greensboro Coliseum with Run DMC, Fat Boys, and Whodini. I quick lil story..im from jerz and abt 10yrs ago a friend of mine invited to this venue over in pennsylvania and they had cover bands. Ecstasy was part of the Brooklyn rap trio Whodini . Michael Thomas Dooley. What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative? 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. 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. Roots drummer . Ex you know I love you thank you for every word, every conversation every good time, may your soul Rest In Power.. We'll connect you with others who know the person you follow. We want to send our condolences to the family of our friend John. Did John serve in the military or did a war or conflict interfere with his life? 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. There were 2 MCS that directly mentored my calm that summer. One love. Condolences to his fam , 1987 I entered the @Defjam tour w PE. May God comfort each one of you at this very difficult time. 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. Fletcher cofounded Whodini in Brooklyn in 1982 with singer-rapper Hutchins (DJ Drew Grandmaster Dee Carter joined later). The cause of death was unclear at the time of this articles publication; he was 56. The group signed to the influential London-based label Jive and released what was arguably the first-ever hip-hop music video for its single Magics Wand, which hit No. Thanks for showing me how to party and groove with the rhythm of beat and introducing another kind of musical genre. But the show made Orson Welles' career. Condolences and prayers to the family and friends John "Ecstasy" Fletcher. 1 was @RealDougEFresh the other was Ecstacy of Whodini. Ecstasy from Whodini performs at the U.I.C. The attempt failed and 8 US servicemen were killed. BY ANCESTRY.COM. RIP. My deepset condolences to your family. It was an honor meeting you and becoming your friend. 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. 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. Watch the video of workers internationally explain why you should donate to the WSWS. I loved the John aka Estasy would wear his hats. 35 on the all-genre Billboard 200. Mr. Respect to you good brother. 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. Giving to charity is a meaningful way to honor someone who has died. If you love (ruled the world by Nas) and other classics, THANK WHODINI , ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT (@ADtheBand) December 23, 2020, https://twitter.com/DanteRoss/status/1341855971111419904 Play his music if it moves you, and know hell be hearing you on his way home this day, Dec 23rd.. Pavilion in Chicago, Illinois in January 1985. Rest In Peace, Ecstasy. The band was a three-piece starring Esctasy, Drew "Grandmaster Dee" Carter and Jalil Hutchins. There music brings back great memories living in Detroit. There were 2 MCS that directly mentored my calm that summer. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Grief researchers say holding that missing funeral service, even a year or more later, can still help us heal. I love all 3 members of Whodini. The trio, along with producer Larry Smith, made the first hip-hop records that black radio embraced. This email will be used to sign into all New York sites. I have just heard of his passing. Jalil Hutchins (left) and John Fletcher (aka Ecstasy) in 1984 Paul Natkin/Getty Images. Get a daily dose of showbiz gossip direct to your inbox. While much is carefree and enjoyable in Whodinis catalog, the group increasingly became less relevant as time went on. John Fletcher aka Ex of #whodini has just passed. We go out of our way to help families consider all their needs: personal, economic and religious. Consider offering these words of comfort if you're not sure what's appropriate. Musician and journalist Questlove broke the news on Wednesday . Condolences to his fam , QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 23, 2020. The first hip hop show I ever attended was the Fresh Fest at the Greensboro Coliseum with Run DMC, Fat Boys, and Whodini. John you have closed your eyes to rest, may you Rest In Peace and LovePrayers to family & friends. Fletcher (born June 7, 1964 in Brooklyn, New York) represented one-third of the groundbreaking hip hop group Whodini. I am so sorry for your loss. John Fletcher Whodini Death. 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I am so sorry for your loss , may God comfort and strengthen you during your time of grief. John "Ectasy" and Fletcher and Whodini is my favorite rap artist of all time. 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. how old is jalil hutchins how old is jalil hutchins. 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. All Rights Reserved. The third and fourth studio albums 1986s Back in Black and 1987s Open Sesame peaked at Nos. April 29, 2023 (68 years old) View obituary. 12/10/1959 - 4/22/2023 Born on December 10, 1959, Michael lived in Milwaukee and died at his home on April 22, 2023. Personality, humor and hooks. Great great-grandson, Eric Tanaka, and great great-granddaughter, Sarah Fukui, are following the legacy founder Soji Fukui established over 100 years ago. 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. By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive email correspondence from us. I loved the song when freaks come out at night. Duane Brorson Spring Valley, Wisconsin. Rest In Peace And Heaven " One Love", RIP one of my favorite all time hip hop groups. He died on December 23, 2020, at the age of 56, the group's Grand Master Dee confirmed to Variety.His family confirmed his death in a statement to Billboard: "The African and Native American ancestors have gathered around and chosen this day, during the . Rap needed some sex symbols, he told The Times in 1987. Because of the realistic nature of the "news," there was a public outcry the next day, calling for regulation by the FCC. Blogs; Online will; Shop. Whodinis Jalil Hutchins (L) and John Fletcher backstage at an October 20, 1984 show at Chicagos UIC Pavilion. We will love you and miss you always. Your music gave me some of the best memories back in my college days. 11 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart, and was also the first rap song to feature an accompanying video. R.I. P king thanks for making the soundtrack to my youthful summers.. , I grew up listening to everything whodini put out. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. On December 23, relatives announced the death of John Fletcher, a leading member of the pioneering rap group Whodini. 8,750 birth records, View Upon leaving, a helicopter collided with a transport plane and the men were killed. One Love to one of Hip Hops Greatest! I tended to be nervous, looking at 15,000 fans in front of me every night. Thats us.. It saddens me to learn of his death while I was listening to some of their music. Rest in paradise my brother, I was sad to hear of the lost of one of my favorite all time performers. Rest in peace Ecstasy. Whodini set a hip-hop course of legendary status that we are all sure to pass on to our grandchildren. The group gained commercial success with their second album, 1984s Escape. With his trademark Zorro hat, Fletcher was the focal point of the group. There will never be another, his bandmate Jalil Hutchins added. 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. Rest In Peace, Ecstasy. Whodinis final album, 1996s Six, was executive produced by Jermaine Dupri, who also posted in remembrance of Fletcher on Wednesday. Roots drummer Questlove was the first to break the news on Wednesday via a social-media post paying tribute to the veteran rapper. Unless you are experienced as an estate executor, you probably should hire an attorney. God will bind up the broken hearted and comfort all who mourn. Select " [relationship]" *Sorry, there was a problem signing you up. Personality, humor and hooks. Whodini set a hip-hop course of legendary status that we are all sure to pass on to our grandchildren. My heart and prayers go out to his family and friends who knew and loved him best. You have funeral questions, we have answers. Our Four Tops. I said to him that Five Minutes Of Funk was my all time ! SORELY MISSED! John Fletcher was born on May 28, 1924, and died at age 55 years old in March 1980. Too many hits! There were two MCS that directly mentored my calm that summer. Another blow in a bad year. Ecstasy, thanks for all the memories and for sharing a part of your life with us. I have known Ecstasy since 1991 and this was such a real shocker to hear of his passing. 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. If youre in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist. We go out of our way to help families consider all their needs: personal, economic and religious. He was 56-years-old at the time of death. 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.. 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. Thank you for the music and the good time your songs brought to me my friends and others. Recently I overheard a father and daughter in their last moments together at the airport. The third and fourth studio albums 1986s Back in Black and 1987s Open Sesame peaked at Nos. FROM: PATRICIA G. DILLAHUNT (Deltonia's Aunt). Too many hits! From being a fan of Whodini as a young man to meeting Ecstasy, Jahlil & Drew later in my life and then becoming friends. My prayers are with his family! May condolences to his family and close friends this one hurts, he was LOVED by so many. [Jive] had no money and no contract for him, but [we] threw the rule book out the window when we heard his verse and his voice, wrote Barry Weiss, the Jive executive who signed them. Roots drummer Questlove was the first to break the news on Wednesday (Dec. 23) via a social-media post paying tribute to the veteran rapper. Mr. In his trademark wide-brimmed hat, Fletcher was the immediately recognizable face of the trio. Billboard is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Where we share what we remember to make discoveries and meaningful connections with others. 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. Phonte (@phontigallo) December 23, 2020, Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, A daily briefing on what matters in the music industry. next to their name to remove from the family tree. This is sad man. DJ Drew Carter, also known as Grandmaster Dee, who joined the group in 1986, confirmed the rappers passing to Variety. Our Temptations. Expand the Memories and Condolences form. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. UPDATED: John Fletcher, best known as Ecstasy from the pioneering rap group Whodini, has died, the group's Grand Master Dee has confirmed. Dressed as Karl Lagerfelds beloved cat, Choupette. We are committed to doing everything we can to provide the most meaningful memorial experience possible. RIP to Ecstasy from https://t.co/MiqnKeBFeK of the most under appreciated voices in hip hop. Published by Herald And News on Dec. 28, 2020. 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. Thank you for every word, every conversation, every good time, may your soul Rest In Power.. The Biography section is collaborative, where we work together to present the facts. Ecstasy from Whodini performs at the U.I.C. While sometimes presented as more commercial-friendly than their contemporaries, Whodini created music that often visited serious topics in a fairly nuanced manner. 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. 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. John Fletcher of hip-hop group Whodini has passed away, Billboard reports. My condolences to your family, Jalil, and Master D. You will be missed. R.I.P to my man Ecstacy. 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. John Fletcher, best known as Ecstasy from the pioneering rap group Whodini, has died, the group's Grand Master Dee has confirmed. Where was John born and where did he live? On the aforementioned Friends, Fletcher raps: Some are ok, and they treat you real cool/ But some mistake kindness for being a fool. Rhyme partner Jalil recalls a relationship with a woman that went sour, besides making love, we had nothin in common!, In a 2013 interview on AL.com, Hutchins spoke to the themes in Whodinis music: Friends is one of the realest general songs that weve ever made out of hip-hop, as far as telling the story of whats happening, giving it a light edge but making it effective and staying in the clubs for 30 years, he declares. We are the same age, so i really felt this painfully. Share memories and family stories, photos, or ask questions. onenote fill box with color, who bought conseco finance,