Share highlights of John's life. Once Weiss heard the record, he wrote, we threw the rule book out the window when we heard his [Fletchers] verse and his voice. We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Raymond Boyd/Getty Images. 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.. Whodini rapper Ecstasy dead: John Fletcher dies aged 56 Nelson George (@nelsongeorge) December 23, 2020, #RIPecstasy to the family & friends of the legendary Ecstasy from the landmark hiphop crew #Whodini. In his trademark wide-brimmed hat, Fletcher was the immediately recognizable face of the trio. He died on December 23, 2020. Help paint a picture of John so that he is always remembered. You were amazing. We conduct funerals in the Buddhist, Christian, Catholic, and other religious traditions. Select " [relationship]" Deuteronomy 31:6 Much love to you. John "Ecstasy" Fletcher of Whodini Passes Away at 56 - The Source To the family and friends of John Ecstasy Fletcher. Standing near the security gate, they hugged and the father said, I love you, and I wish you enough. The daughter said, You have been the greatest father a daughter could ever ask for. My condolences go out to the family of John Fletcher. He admitted Thinking Out Loud was actually inspired by Van Morrison, not Marvin Gaye. 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. Fletcher, who went by the stage name "Ecstasy," was 56 years old. 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. Santa Claus, of course, brought up the rear - opening the Christmas shopping season for Macy's. Whodini rapper Ecstasy - real name John Fletcher - has died. Share memories and family stories, photos, or ask questions. 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. 35 on the all-genre Billboard 200. It has warmed and healed my heart and soul since before 1986 (I was in junior high school) until now and will forever. Fletcher was known on stage as Ecstasy and wore a trademark Zorro hat on stage. 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 'Ecstasy' Fletcher, of the Pioneering Rap Group Whodini, Dies at 56. News of Fletchers passing began circulating on Wednesday (Dec. 23), as luminaries from the music world remembered the artist on social media. My deepest condolences to the Fletcher family! 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. 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. 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 yet to be revealed. Watch the video of workers internationally explain why you should donate to the WSWS. A standard. We share yesterday, to build meaningful connections today, and preserve for tomorrow. One love to Ecstasy of the legendary #Whodini, he wrote. Whodinis sophomore album, 1984s Escape, was certified platinum in 1987, and also peaked at No. Don't miss a beat. Family may he. With his trademark Zorro hat, Fletcher was the focal point of the group. The parade was held as a way to promote the opening of the Worlds Largest Store and its 1 million square feet of retail space in Manhattans Herald Square. I was about 18 then. God is a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the family's..My heartfelt condolences to the family's.. Too many hits! Blogs; Online will; Shop. [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. The group started to make a name for itself with their 1982 single Magics Wand, the lead track off their self-titled debut album. we begin to show & tell who our loved ones were during particular moments in their lives. John 'Ecstasy' Fletcher, of the pioneering rap group Whodini, dies at 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. Fletcher formed Whodini with singer-rapper Jalil Hutchins in Brooklyn, NY, in 1982 and signed with the influential Jive Records shortly after. Ecstasy from Whodini performs at the U.I.C. I have just heard of his passing. John Fletcher, also known as hip-hop trio Whodini's Ecstasy, has died. Job well done!. Ways to honor John Fletcher's life and legacy. Thanks for the memories. They're known for the songs "Friends", "Freaks Come out at . Ecstasy of 'Whodini' dies at age 56 | Hot Sheet | stlamerican.com 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. Ex you know I love you thank you for every word, every conversation every good time, may your soul Rest In Power.. John Fletcher aka Ex of #whodini has just passed. The Brooklyn-based rapper's death was announced Wednesday by Questlove who took to Instagram to share just how important his impact was to the hip-hop community. My prayers are with you. The average age of My sincerest condolences to the Fletcher family. Whodini rapper Ecstasy - real name John Fletcher - has died and his friends and fans have shared tributes online. We'll connect you with others who know the person you follow. 1 was @RealDougEFresh the other was Ecstacy of Whodini. Whodini's John 'Ecstasy' Fletcher Dies at 56 - Variety John Fletcher, best known as Ecstasy from the pioneering rap group Whodini, has died, the groups Grand Master Dee has confirmed. Thank you Ecstasy. Whodini is primarily known for the string of albums released on Jive Records in the early and mid-1980s. RIH they are receiving another icon. The most distinct voice in hip hop history. What If a Whole Stand-up Special Were About Peanut Butter? Job well done Rest in peace KING. Everett. From being a fan of Whodini as a young man to meeting Ecstasy, Jahlil & Drew later in my life and then becoming friends. Thank you Ecstasy. 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. The artist, known by his stage name Ecstasy and recognizable from his signature Zorro hat, was 56. Early on, songs such as The Haunted House of Rock (1983) showcased the rappers lighter side. peter brookes crossroads; coventry telegraph death notices John "Ecstasy" Fletcher, rapper and founding member of the pioneering hip-hop group Whodini, has died at . 35 and 30, respectively. What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative? Recently I overheard a father and daughter in their last moments together at the airport. I am so sorry for your loss. Was truly loved. We invite you to share condolences for John Fletcher in our Guest Book. 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. Roots drummer Questlove was the first to break the news on Wednesday via a social-media post paying tribute to the veteran rapper. Rest In Peace And Heaven " One Love", RIP one of my favorite all time hip hop groups. Welcome to AncientFaces, a com "Thank you for helping me find my family & friends again so many years after I lost them. *Sorry, there was a problem signing you up. Rapper. 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. 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. Because of the realistic nature of the "news," there was a public outcry the next day, calling for regulation by the FCC. Friendshow many of us have them? Definitely gone be miss. A Huge Fan. Dressed as Karl Lagerfelds beloved cat, Choupette. Fletcher formed Whodini with singer-rapper Jalil Hutchins in Brooklyn, NY in 1982 and signed with the influential Jive Records shortly after. 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. Respect to you good brother. While much is carefree and enjoyable in Whodinis catalog, the group increasingly became less relevant as time went on. Whodinis final album Six (So So Def, 1996) sought to adapt itself to this harder style, with generally weak results. My deep condolences to the Fletcher family and friends. Aside from the Bible, it became the best selling book of the 20th century. Your music gave me some of the best memories back in my college days. John Fletcher (1924 - 1980) - Biography and Family Tree Remembering one of fashions most problematic faves, Karl Lagerfeld. Fletcher, who went by the stage name Ecstasy, was 56 years old. RIP Ecstasy, your songs and legacy live on. Friendshow many of us have them? Portrait of members of the American Hip-hop group Whodini, Jalil Hutchins (left) and John Fletcher (aka Ecstasy) as they pose backstage at the UIC Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois, October 20, 1984. Unless you are experienced as an estate executor, you probably should hire an attorney. Friends and fans flooded tributes for the late star on social media on Wednesday. He was born on June 7, 1964. Whodini's John Fletcher, also known as Ecstasy, has passed away at 56. Michael attended Dominican High School, graduating in . Until then be at peace and thank you for lifelong memories X. Whodini's Ecstasy Dead: Rap Group's Co-founder John Fletcher Was 56 They not only had songs that shaped our culture, but lyrics that became sayings. This man was legendary and a pivotal member of one of the most legendary groups in hip hop. I said to him that Five Minutes Of Funk was my all time ! Jalil Hutchins (left) and John Fletcher (aka Ecstasy) in 1984 Paul Natkin/Getty Images. John Fletcher (Ecstasy), member of pioneering rap group Whodini, dies My deepest condolences. The attempt failed and 8 US servicemen were killed. 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 . They were off the chain. https://twitter.com/Kingjamesworthy/status/1341859401095925765. Im totally shocked of his passing because he was in great shape and stayed healthy! It's surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning. The parade was 6 miles long and included floats, Macy's employees dressed as clowns, cowboys, and sword-wielding knights, and animals from Central Park Zoo. Grief researchers say holding that missing funeral service, even a year or more later, can still help us heal. But the show made Orson Welles' career. 1 was @RealDougEFresh the other was Ecstacy of Whodini. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Whodini rapper John 'Ecstasy' Fletcher dies at 56 You were always kind to me and I will never forget that. Part of HuffPost Entertainment. Ecstasy, real name John Fletcher, a third of the pioneering hip-hop trio that includes Drew " Grandmaster Dee " Carter and Jalil Hutchins, was known to fans for his resonant voice and . The album features the two vocalists trading verses over catchy electro-influenced production provided by Larry Smith. UPDATED: John Fletcher, best known as Ecstasy from the pioneering rap group Whodini, has died, the group's Grand . Greatest rapper of all time with his zorro hat You will be truly miss Prayers to the family. Condolences to his fam , 1987 I entered the @Defjam tour w PE. View all categories; . 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. A pillar. Want to know what everyone in the music business is talking about. ", Celeb obsessed? 1987 I entered the @Defjam tour w PE. from The Smith Family Grace, Peace and Comfort to all of the family . John Fletcher of hip-hop trio Whodini died on Wednesday (Dec. 23 . 'Freaks' and 'friends' pay tribute to Whodini rapper John 'Ecstasy Whodinis final album, 1996s Six, was executive produced by Jermaine Dupri, who also posted in remembrance of Fletcher on Wednesday. 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. 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 . Always there to reassure w advice tips #RestInBeats pic.twitter.com/UzCj5RN4ve, In separate testimonials to Whodinis influence, 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: [In] 1987 I entered the Def Jam tour. Funeral homes; Help and advice. 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. May your spirit live on, forever.. 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. I am fifty years old, so this is shocking. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember John Fletcher. 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. Rap needed some sex symbols, he told The Times in 1987. Ecstasy was part of the Brooklyn rap trio Whodini . There were two MCS that directly mentored my calm that summer. Condolences and prayers to the family and friends John "Ecstasy" Fletcher. When you share a memory, or just show that you care by interacting with the biography, Get a daily dose of showbiz gossip direct to your inbox. WGA & AMPTP could not reach an agreement Monday night. This section is to introduce John Fletcher with highlights of his life and how he is remembered. Rest easy sir. Whodini Co-Founder John 'Ecstasy' Fletcher Dead at 56 To the family my condolences and prayers of comfort and peace. 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 . This man was legendary and a pivotal member of one of the most legendary groups in hip hop. A tru MC May Allah help heal your family . By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. Want to know what everyone in the music business is talking about. AncientFaces is a place where our memories & family stories live. A cause of death has yet to be revealed. Roots drummer . next to their name to remove from the family tree. 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. 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. One of our foundational pieces. A standard. My sincere condolences go out to the family Rest In Peace my friend!!!! In 1976, when he was 52 years old, The United States celebrated the Bicentennial of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google. Pavilion in Chicago, Illinois in January 1985. May your spirit live on, forever.. You'll be missed rest in peace. It was a year long celebration, with the biggest events taking place on July 4th. 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. when he died at the age of 55. While sometimes presented as more commercial-friendly than their contemporaries, Whodini created music that often visited serious topics in a fairly nuanced manner. Thats what Whodini was and is to us, producer 9th Wonder mirrored. 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. My sincerest condolences to his family and the Whodini Family as a whole. Whodini is a legendary group who I grew up with. One Love. This man was legendary and a pivotal member of one of the most legendary groups in hip hop. John Fletcher Whodini Death. Wells' novel, the show began with simulated "breaking news" of an invasion by Martians. The cause of death was unclear at the time of this articles publication; he was 56. They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel. Thank you for every word, every conversation, every good time, may your soul Rest In Power.. One of the best that ever did it and always polite. I tended to be nervous, looking at 15,000 fans in front of me every night. S.I.p. Being the biggest whodini fan ever this one really hurts. Luke Stulga breaks slump, hits for cycle as St. Laurence stymies Mount Carmel. Thank you for the awesome live performances as well at all your concerts!! 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. 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. One Love to one of Hip Hops Greatest! Where was John born and where did he live? There were two MCS that directly mentored my calm that summer. One love to Ecstasy of the legendary #Whodini, he wrote. Your culture and entertainment cheat-sheet. Another blow in a bad year. When 2 or more people share their unique perspectives, My condolences to the Fletcher family n friends. Hutchins and Fletcher rapped the song instead. Whodini's John 'Ecstasy' Fletcher Has Passed Away | Essence 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 Fletcher of hip-hop trio Whodinidied on Wednesday (Dec. 23), Billboardcan confirm. John "Ecstasy" Fletcher (1964-2020) - Find a Grave Memorial Hip-hop legend Ecstasy of rap group Whodini dead at 56 "The African and Native American ancestors have gathered around and chosen this . 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. Rest in peace.. John "Ectasy" Fletcher and Whodini were my favorite rap artists of all time. Things you buy through our links may earnVox Mediaa commission. We are the same age, so i really felt this painfully. My condolences to the love ones, family, and friends of John Fletcher. Condolences to his fam , QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 23, 2020. 11 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart, and was also the first rap song to feature an accompanying video. He was 56-years-old at the time of death. Please send love and prayers to our family, and with open hearts we ask the ancestors to cover his soul in peace and tranquility. So sorry for your loss. Its so many. I tended to be nervous looking at 15000 fans in front of me every night. Raymond Boyd/Getty Images. He was the one that wore the Zorro hat. 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 are committed to doing everything we can to provide the most meaningful memorial experience possible. One was Doug E. Fresh and the other was Ecstasy of Whodini. Fletcher (born June 7, 1964 in Brooklyn, New York) represented one-third of the groundbreaking hip hop group Whodini. John Fletcher, a.k.a. Ecstasy of the Group Whodini, Dies at 56 A pillar. SORELY MISSED! John Ecstasy Fletcher, member of the early, influential hip-hop group Whodini, has died at the age of 56, People reports. It was an honor meeting you and becoming your friend. The song peaked at No. LEGENDARY R&B HIP HOP MUSIC TV on Instagram: "Whodini hip hop group 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. Published by Herald And News on Dec. 28, 2020. Ecstasy from Whodini performs at the U.I.C. John Fletcher aka Ex of #whodini has just passed. Refresh this page to see various historical events that occurred during John's lifetime. 1987 I entered the @Defjam tour w PE. God Bless the family and see you one day in Heaven. He would visit his father and Id see him in the elevator. One was Doug E. Fresh and the other was Ecstacy of Whodini. 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.. From the haunted house to my favorite one love. Did John finish grade school, get a GED, go to high school, get a college degree or masters? 02/15/40 - 01/29/23. Rap Pioneer John 'Ecstasy' Fletcher Of Whodini Dies at 56 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, Fletchers daughter Jonnelle wrote in a statement. In 1946, by the time he was 22 years old, pediatrician Dr. Benjamin Spock's book "The Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care" was published. So many of us in this culture have taken away from him, Jalil, and Grandmaster Dee..from words and lyrics, to the beats. I love all 3 members of Whodini. John Fletcher Whodini Wiki, Age, Wife, Net Worth, Cause of Death One Love to Ecstasy of the Legendary #Whodini, Questlove tweeted. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. There will never be another,Jalil of Whodini added. Terms of Service apply. Loved the music..80s rap was LEGENDARYJohn was one talented rapperSending love and caring wishes to family and friends.PRAYERS & BLESSINGS. Rest in Paradise John Esctasy Fletcher. With his trademark Zorro hat, Fletcher was the focal point of the group. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 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 . See how those in the music industry are remembering the artist below. 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. A cause of death has not yet been determined. The blogosphere is weeping over the loss of legendry rap star John "Ecstasy" Fletcher, who was found dead in his Atlanta-area home Dec. 23. I grew up to his music because of my older BIOLOGICAL brothers and I appreciate everything I learned and am still learning.