Roots drummer Questlove was the first to break the news on Wednesday via a social-media post paying tribute to the veteran rapper. News of Fletchers passing began circulating on Wednesday (Dec. 23), as luminaries from the music world remembered the artist on social media. Privacy Policy and RIH they are receiving another icon. So, I say to you, "Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraidHe is the one who goes with you. 1 was @RealDougEFresh the other was Ecstacy of Whodini. Remembering one of fashions most problematic faves, Karl Lagerfeld. Share memories and family stories, photos, or ask questions. So many of us in this culture have taken away from him, Jalil, and Grandmaster Dee..from words and lyrics, to the beats. A clever take on H.G. The group participated in the first inaugural Fresh Fest hip hop national tour, performing in front of sold-out stadium crowds. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. There will never be another, his bandmate Jalil Hutchins added. RIP. I been a fan of Whodini since the group started! 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. 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. A pillar. John Fletcher of hip-hop trio Whodini died on Wednesday (Dec. 23 . 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. May your spirit live on, forever.. 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. To the family and friends of John Ecstasy Fletcher. John "Ecstasy" Fletcher, rapper and founding member of the pioneering hip-hop group Whodini, has died at . in the family tree section to add relatives, or press the "X" Their final album arrived in 1996, but the group continued appearing at reunion shows, writes Deadlines Bruce Waring of the groups decline. John Fletcher aka Ex of #whodini has just passed. He was the one that wore the Zorro hat. Rest In Paradise John "Ecstasy" Fletcher. 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. Add family and friends whose lives he impacted. Whodini rapper Ecstasy - real name John Fletcher - has died and his friends and fans have shared tributes online. It saddens me to learn of his death while I was listening to some of their music. My condolences go out to the family of John Fletcher. Fletcher, who went by the stage name "Ecstasy," was 56 years old. I remember seeing them at the gso coliseum in 1985 nothing but real authenic talent. This man was legendary and a pivotal member of one of the most legendary groups in hip hop. 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. One love to Ecstasy of the legendary #Whodini, he wrote. 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. John Fletcher Whodini Death. John Fletcher aka Ex of #whodini has just passed. Refresh this page to see various historical events that occurred during John's lifetime. I figured it out., Baseball, softball and girls soccer scores for Aurora, Elgin, Naperville and Lake County, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. 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. This is sad man.. They're known for the songs "Friends", "Freaks Come out at . Pavilion in Chicago, Illinois in January 1985. Thats us.. I grew up on Whodini! Although the current story is that many were fooled and panicked, in reality very few people were fooled. 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. Once Weiss heard the record, he wrote, we threw the rule book out the window when we heard his [Fletchers] verse and his voice. Your hard work paid off. 35 and 30, respectively. I love you daddy and I wish you enough.. 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. I grew up to his music because of my older BIOLOGICAL brothers and I appreciate everything I learned and am still learning. 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. Job well done!. Rest in power. 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. Fletcher co-founded Whodini alongside Jalil Hutchins in 1982 four years prior to when the hip-hop duo transformed into a trio with the help of DJ Grandmaster Dee.. Brooklyn-based Whodini which consisted of Fletcher, vocalist Hutchins and DJ Drew Grandmaster Dee Carter formed in the early 80s. Caring: It's Our Way of Life. It was a year long celebration, with the biggest events taking place on July 4th. Another blow in a bad year. 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. John Ecstasy Fletcher was a part of that standard. The news of his death was confirmed by the group's Grand Master Dee . 1 was @RealDougEFresh the other was Ecstacy of Whodini. John Fletcher of hip-hop trio Whodinidied on Wednesday (Dec. 23), Billboardcan confirm. Rest in peace Ecstasy. Fukui Mortuary is proud to announce 5 generations of experience and guidance when planning a funeral. There will never be another,Jalil of Whodini added. A tru MC May Allah help heal your family . Watch the video of workers internationally explain why you should donate to the WSWS. God Bless the family and see you one day in Heaven. Get a daily dose of showbiz gossip direct to your inbox. The cause of death was unclear at the time of this articles publication; he was 56. Friends can be as close as family. Pavilion in Chicago, Illinois in January 1985. May you find comfort in your wealth of fond memories together. Giving to charity is a meaningful way to honor someone who has died. 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. Please send love and prayers to our family, and with open hearts we ask the ancestors to cover his soul in peace and tranquility. Michael Thomas Dooley. John Fletcher lived One Love. 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. 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.. Sahara, you were a track teammate of our daughter Royal and you are in our thoughts. John's immediate relatives including parents, siblings, partnerships and children in the Fletcher family tree. May God comfort each one of you at this very difficult time. Condolences and prayers to the family and friends John "Ecstasy" Fletcher. John Fletcher, also known as hip-hop trio Whodini's Ecstasy, has died. 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. 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. Whodinis Jalil Hutchins (L) and John Fletcher backstage at an October 20, 1984 show at Chicagos UIC Pavilion. We are committed to doing everything we can to provide the most meaningful memorial experience possible. Select "Add Memory" to share stories and photos. Thank you for the music and the good time your songs brought to me my friends and others. Fletcher formed Whodini with singer-rapper Jalil Hutchins in Brooklyn, NY, in 1982 and signed with the influential Jive Records shortly after. Friends and fans flooded tributes for the late star on social media on Wednesday. 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. *Sorry, there was a problem signing you up. You will be truly missed! Bookmark. RIP John "Ecstasy" Fletcher. Everett. We share yesterday, to build meaningful connections today, and preserve for tomorrow. We will love you and miss you always. We conduct funerals in the Buddhist, Christian, Catholic, and other religious traditions. My prayers are with you. 2023 Vox Media, LLC. To my niece Deltonia and the Family, he was a loving person to know and having the opportunity to meet him and share a beautiful seafood dinner together in January 2020 was off the chain. Our Four Tops. These books give us a record of our times via the moments best comic minds. 87. 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. I am so sorry for your loss. This is sad man. DJ Drew Carter, also known as Grandmaster Dee, who joined the group in 1986, confirmed the rappers passing to Variety. This section is to introduce John Fletcher with highlights of his life and how he is remembered. A bassist by trade, Smith provided the backing music to a number of early rap musics most memorable songs. 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. Mr. The album features the two vocalists trading verses over catchy electro-influenced production provided by Larry Smith. We go out of our way to help families consider all their needs: personal . Until then be at peace and thank you for lifelong memories X. Fletcher was born in Brooklyn and grew up in the neighborhoods Wyckoff projects. From the haunted house to my favorite one love. I tended to be nervous, looking at 15,000 fans in front of me every night. John Fletcher of hip-hop group Whodini has passed away, Billboard reports. 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. He admitted Thinking Out Loud was actually inspired by Van Morrison, not Marvin Gaye. Condolences to his fam , 1987 I entered the @Defjam tour w PE. John Fletcher was born on May 28, 1924, and died at age 55 years old in March 1980. 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. Fletcher cofounded Whodini in Brooklyn in 1982 with singer-rapper Hutchins (DJ Drew Grandmaster Dee Carter joined later). My teens and 20's idol of voice and lyrics- Whodini's music helped me through trying times in my early life. Im totally shocked of his passing because he was in great shape and stayed healthy! Whodinis final album, 1996s Six, was executive produced by Jermaine Dupri, who also posted in remembrance of Fletcher on Wednesday. There was really nobody out there making the girls go crazy. Brooklyn-based Whodini which consisted of Fletcher, vocalist Hutchins and DJ Drew Grandmaster Dee Carter formed in the early 80s. Bless your family you leave behind. Industry professionals are tweeting their support of guild members. Rest In Peace, Ecstasy. Deuteronomy 31:6 Much love to you. Rest in paradise my brother, I was sad to hear of the lost of one of my favorite all time performers. We are sorry for your loss, and we love you. Vocalist and co-founder of the hip hop group Whodini which formed in Brooklyn, New York in 1982. or visit Help / Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) to discover more about the community. If youre in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist. Condolences to his fam , QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 23, 2020. 8,750 birth records, View Thats what Whodini was and is to us, producer 9th Wonder mirrored. Deepest condolences to the Fletcher family , may you find peace from family and friends , may you find comfort from the words of Isaiah 51:12 in this time of your dear loss. 35 and 30, respectively. He will truly be missed. Whodunit forever. It's surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning. The cause of death was unclear at the time of this articles publication; he was 56. They were off the chain. The artist, known by his stage name Ecstasy and recognizable from his signature Zorro hat, was 56. Thank you for John's contribution to the hip-hop music industry. Whodini rapper John "Ecstasy" Fletcher has died at 56 years old. Job welldone! Fletcher formed Whodini with singer-rapper Jalil Hutchins in Brooklyn, NY in 1982 and signed with the influential Jive Records shortly after. Friendshow many of us have them? "The African and Native American ancestors have gathered around and chosen this . While sometimes presented as more commercial-friendly than their contemporaries, Whodini created music that often visited serious topics in a fairly nuanced manner. They not only had songs that shaped our culture, but lyrics that became sayings. Published by Herald And News on Dec. 28, 2020. The song peaked at No. 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). With his trademark Zorro hat, Fletcher was the focal point of the group. 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. Whodini set a hip-hop course of legendary status that we are all sure to pass on to our grandchildren. 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 Ecstasy Fletcher was a part of that standard. 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. A standard. John. Want to know what everyone in the music business is talking about. Thank you for all the music, you'll be missed!!! 810 likes, 25 comments - Unk (@nichebender) on Instagram: "RIP John Fletcher (aka Ecstasy) of Whodini Hip Hop Royalty " Their songs include Magic's Wand (the first rap song accompanied by a video), The Haunted House of. John "Ecstasy" Fletcher, member of the early, influential hip-hop group Whodini, has died at the age of 56, People reports. The cause of his death has been shrouded in mystery and yet to be made public. To the family my condolences and prayers of comfort and peace. Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. 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. Personality, humor and hooks. When we share what we know, together we discover more. One of the nicest people you would ever meet. Rest in Peace Mr. Fletcher. One love to his family Deltonia and Jalil. Too many hits! Refresh this page to see various historical events that occurred during John's lifetime. 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 . Ecstasy was the lead vocalist on most Whodini songs because anything that we could play he could rap right to it in key, said Hutchins in a recent interview on the hip hop website the Foundation. Select the next to any field to update. Rest in Peace! UPDATED: John Fletcher, best known as Ecstasy from the pioneering rap group Whodini, has died, the group's Grand Master Dee has confirmed. 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! Pavilion in Chicago, Illinois in January 1985. 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. A cause of death has not yet been determined. 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. The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards. Another blow in a bad year. 15 years shorter than The Biography section is collaborative, where we work together to present the facts. 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. Rest in paradise John Fletcher, With a heavy heart sending sincere condolences to the family of one of the greatest that ever graced many stages,arena's all around the world. I saw them perform at a concert in October, 1986. I will miss you John until I see you again. Plant trees. A cause of death has not yet been determined. 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. Thank you Ecstasy. My prayers are with his family! Welcome to AncientFaces, a com "Thank you for helping me find my family & friends again so many years after I lost them. Rapper. AWESOME DUDE, VERY INTELLIGENT, LYRICS WAS TIGHT, ANOTHER LEGEND GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN, OLD SCHOOL ALL DAY, BALTIMORE SWAGGER IN THE BUILDING, MY DEEP CONDOLENCES TO THE FLETCHER FAMILY, GOD BLESSED PEOPLES.. Much love Bianca, Sahara and Faye. 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. RIP Ecstasy, your songs and legacy live on. ONE LOVE!!! Thinking about the first time I heard One Love and how I use to play it on my pink boom box. Read Full Obituary. One was Doug E. Fresh and the other was Ecstacy of Whodini. https://twitter.com/Kingjamesworthy/status/1341859401095925765. So sad to see people go so young. John Fletcher of hip-hop trio Whodini died on Wednesday (Dec. 23 . The third and fourth studio albums 1986s Back in Black and 1987s Open Sesame peaked at Nos. He will truly be missed and it was a pleasure to meet him. My condolences to the Fletcher family n friends. Want to know what everyone in the music business is talking about. The third and fourth studio albums 1986s Back in Black and 1987s Open Sesame peaked at Nos. 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. 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. "One Love to Ecstasy of the Legendary #Whodini," he wrote. My deepest condolences to the Fletcher family! They not only had songs that shaped our culture, but lyrics that became sayings. John 'Ecstasy' Fletcher, of the Pioneering Rap Group Whodini, Dies at 56. As previously reported, John "Ecstasy" Fletcher passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020, at the age of 56 and a cause . Comprised of rappers Jalil Hutchins and Drew DJ Grandmaster Dee Carter, along with Fletcher-Ecstasy, the group and its contemporaries are credited with helping to establish the popular basis of hip hop music today. There were two MCS that directly mentored my calm that summer. Now, the family of the late 56-year-old pioneer has released an official statement about his passing. When 2 or more people share their unique perspectives, Santa Claus, of course, brought up the rear - opening the Christmas shopping season for Macy's. Being the biggest whodini fan ever this one really hurts. Copyright 1999-2023 AncientFaces, Inc. All Rights Reserved. You are a hip hop pioneer legend. You were always kind to me and I will never forget that. Fukui Mortuary is proud to announce 5 generations of experience and guidance when planning a funeral. next to their name to remove from the family tree. 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. Our Temptations. To your. I was on the treadmill and he was at the opposite end when I looked over and recognized him in 2018. 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. Melanie Lynskey, Seth Meyers, and More Support WGA Amid Negotiations. I saw the group perform in concert in October, 1986. Nelson George (@nelsongeorge) December 23, 2020, #RIPecstasy to the family & friends of the legendary Ecstasy from the landmark hiphop crew #Whodini. Whodini rapper Ecstasy - real name John Fletcher - has died. Whodini my favorite rap group for years and I never could find that zorro hat ! Our Temptations. Definitely gone be miss. Share highlights of John's life. 11 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart, and was also the first rap song to feature an accompanying video. In 1938, John was just 14 years old when on October 30th, a Sunday, The Mercury Theatre on the Air broadcast Orson Welles' special Halloween show The War of the World's. You have funeral questions, we have answers. Not saying we should start prepping but we should start prepping. https://twitter.com/Kingjamesworthy/status/1341859401095925765. The younger generation may not study all the words, but they know that song.. John you have closed your eyes to rest, may you Rest In Peace and LovePrayers to family & friends. Ecstasy "aka" John Fletcher! In loving memory of a wonderful person. God is a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the family's..My heartfelt condolences to the family's.. 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. 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. A generation of Baby Boomers were raised by the advice of Dr. Spock. He was 56 years old. Musician and journalist Questlove broke the news on Wednesday .