With his trademark Zorro hat, Fletcher was the focal point of the group. 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. S.I.p. Fletcher formed Whodini with singer-rapper Jalil Hutchins in Brooklyn, NY, in 1982 and signed with the influential Jive Records shortly after. I been a fan of Whodini since the group started! 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. The song is among their most highly regarded. Another blow in a bad year. Select the next to any field to update. The song peaked at No. Job well done!. The family is requesting $20,000 to give the veteran MC a proper send-off. He would visit his father and Id see him in the elevator. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. Please send love and prayers to our family, and with open hearts we ask the ancestors to cover his soul in peace and tranquility. Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. Doja Cat Becomes an Actual Cat for Met Gala. Melanie Lynskey, Seth Meyers, and More Support WGA Amid Negotiations. His kind words led the tributes dedicated to the Whodini rapper Ecstasy. 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. Whodinis sophomore album, 1984s Escape, was certified platinum in 1987, and also peaked at No. Where was John born and where did he live? A standard. So many of us in this culture have taken away from him, Jalil, and Grandmaster Dee..from words and lyrics, to the beats. 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. 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 . R.I.P to my man Ecstacy. Our Temptations. Musician and journalist Questlove broke the news on Wednesday . When 2 or more people share their unique perspectives, In 1976, when he was 52 years old, The United States celebrated the Bicentennial of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. We'll connect you with others who know the person you follow. John Fletcher was born on May 28, 1924, and died at age 55 years old in March 1980. You were always kind to me and I will never forget that. Nelson George (@nelsongeorge) December 23, 2020, #RIPecstasy to the family & friends of the legendary Ecstasy from the landmark hiphop crew #Whodini. April 29, 2023 (68 years old) View obituary. 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. Im totally shocked of his passing because he was in great shape and stayed healthy! Fletcher formed Whodini with singer-rapper Jalil Hutchins in Brooklyn, NY in 1982 and signed with the influential Jive Records shortly after. Billboard is a part of Penske Media Corporation. The news of his death was confirmed by the group's Grand Master Dee . He was born on June 7, 1964. John Ecstasy Fletcher, member of the early, influential hip-hop group Whodini, has died at the age of 56, People reports. 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. We conduct funerals in the Buddhist, Christian, Catholic, and other religious traditions. 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. See how those in the music industry are remembering the artist below. Hutchins and Fletcher rapped the song instead. In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. We are family friends with Johns son JohnMon and his mother Tammy. the heart becomes full Add family and friends whose lives he impacted. Thanks for showing me how to party and groove with the rhythm of beat and introducing another kind of musical genre. and you'll be alerted when others do the same. Friendshow many of us have them? They not only had songs that shaped our culture, but lyrics that became sayings. Too many hits! He admitted Thinking Out Loud was actually inspired by Van Morrison, not Marvin Gaye. But the show made Orson Welles' career. Whodunit forever. Roots drummer . 11 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart, and was also the first rap song to feature an accompanying 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. One Love to one of Hip Hops Greatest! One love. A pillar. We conduct funerals in the Buddhist, Christian, Catholic, and other religious traditions. Rest in peace Ecstasy. Rest In Peace! The Biography section is collaborative, where we work together to present the facts. April 30, 2023 (63 years old) View obituary. There were 2 MCS that directly mentored my calm that summer. Brooklyn-based Whodini which consisted of Fletcher, vocalist Hutchins and DJ Drew Grandmaster Dee Carter formed in the early 80s. This section is to introduce John Fletcher with highlights of his life and how he is remembered. He was 56-years-old at the time of death. I tended to be nervous looking at 15000 fans in front of me every night. 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 . 11 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart, and was also the first rap song to feature an accompanying video. 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. Help paint a picture of John so that he is always remembered. we begin to show & tell who our loved ones were during particular moments in their lives. Add John's family friends, and his friends from childhood through adulthood. Ecstasy, thanks for all the memories and for sharing a part of your life with us. Who were the people in John's life? A bassist by trade, Smith provided the backing music to a number of early rap musics most memorable songs. R.I. P king thanks for making the soundtrack to my youthful summers.. , I grew up listening to everything whodini put out. Published by Herald And News on Dec. 28, 2020. 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. May your spirit live on, forever.. One Love to one of Hip Hops Greatest! 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 . 02/15/40 - 01/29/23. I always have been a fan!! Read Full Obituary. He will be missed. The trio making up Whodini, which included lyricist Jalil Hutchins and Grandmaster . They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel. Nelson George (@nelsongeorge) December 23, 2020, #RIPecstasy to the family & friends of the legendary Ecstasy from the landmark hiphop crew #Whodini. The most distinct voice in hip hop history. A cause of death has yet to be revealed. A unique and lasting tribute for a loved one. 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. The cause of his death has been shrouded in mystery and yet to be made public. Whodini set a hip-hop course of legendary status that we are all sure to pass on to our grandchildren. The average age of They cemented their status on the hip hop scene. Fukui Mortuary is proud to announce 5 generations of experience and guidance when planning a funeral. Rest in power. 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. RIP John "Ecstasy" Fletcher. Experiences, organizations, & how he spent his time. I love you daddy and I wish you enough.. 8,750 birth, 1,404 death, 941 marriage, 173 divorce, View This is sad man.". 1 was @RealDougEFresh the other was Ecstacy of Whodini. He will truly be missed and it was a pleasure to meet him. The trio, along with producer Larry Smith, made the first hip-hop records that black radio embraced. The group recorded four additional records throughout the course of the 1980s and 90s. He died on December 23, 2020. 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. 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. My teens and 20's idol of voice and lyrics- Whodini's music helped me through trying times in my early life. Now, the family of the late 56-year-old pioneer has released an official statement about his passing. But Whodinis breakthrough came the following year with Escape. Produced by Kurtis Blow associate Larry Smith, it included such smashes as Freaks Come Out at Night and the cynical Friends, which is one of the most sampled songs in hip-hop, appearing in tracks by Kanye West, Dr. Dre, Tupac, Nas and more than 150 others. May John rest peacefully. Their hit songs garnering attention were The Haunted House of Rock, Friends, Freaks Come Out at Night. All rights reserved. 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. Roots drummer Questlove was the first to break the news on Wednesday via a social-media post paying tribute to the veteran rapper. 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. So sad to see people go so young. 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. Many of Whodinis innovations, such as using vocal harmonies in verses and choruses, were attributed in particular to Fletcher. January 15, 2021. I was about 18 then. One of the best that ever did it and always polite. To the family my condolences and prayers of comfort and peace. Koi Sojer / Snap'N U Photos www.SnapNUPhotos.com. The trio, along with producer Larry Smith, made the first hip-hop records that black radio embraced. We are the same age, so i really felt this painfully. 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 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. John you have closed your eyes to rest, may you Rest In Peace and LovePrayers to family & friends. 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. We lost one of the greats. Play his music if it moves you, and know hell be hearing you on his way home this day, Dec 23rd.. 12/23/2020. 11 on Billboards Dance Club charts. The group gained commercial success with their second album, 1984s Escape. 1 was @RealDougEFresh the other was Ecstacy of Whodini. I have known Ecstasy since 1991 and this was such a real shocker to hear of his passing. All Rights Reserved. They had announced the departure. 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. John Fletcher, best known as Ecstasy from the pioneering rap group Whodini, has died, the group's Grand Master Dee has confirmed. RIP to Ecstasy from https://t.co/MiqnKeBFeK of the most under appreciated voices in hip hop. 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. 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. News of Fletchers passing began circulating on Wednesday (Dec. 23), as luminaries from the music world remembered the artist on social media. 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 saw the group perform in concert in October, 1986. It was an honor meeting you and becoming your friend. 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. What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative? Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember John Fletcher. The first hip hop show I ever attended was the Fresh Fest at the Greensboro Coliseum with Run DMC, Fat Boys, and 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.. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google There will never be another,Jalil of Whodini added. One Love to Ecstasy of the Legendary #Whodini, Questlove tweeted. My deep condolences to the Fletcher family and friends. What If a Whole Stand-up Special Were About Peanut Butter? Privacy Policy and Always there to reassure with advice and tips.. Too many hits! Jonnelle Fletcher said in her statement that 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., Final goodbye: Recalling influential people who died in 2022, Depeche Mode founding keyboardist Andy Fletcher dies at 60, MF Doom, masked rapper known for complex lyrics, dies at 49, Director examines early hip-hop on Netflix. But it seems that no one else is liking the minty-fresh look. We miss you already Ecstacy, you were an integral part of the powerful force of rap music and your wise lyrics were a positive influence to all your fansRIP. Did John serve in the military or did a war or conflict interfere with his life? Not saying we should start prepping but we should start prepping. Whodini my favorite rap group for years and I never could find that zorro hat ! Thank you for all the music, you'll be missed!!! John's death was announced Wednesday by Questlove, who . I will always remember dancing to "Freaks Come Out At Night" at my prom, it was and always will be a classic. Ecstasy from Whodini performs at the U.I.C. The cause of death was unclear at the time of this articles publication; he was 56. Because of the realistic nature of the "news," there was a public outcry the next day, calling for regulation by the FCC. Please send love and prayers to our family, and with open hearts we ask the ancestors to cover his soul in peace and tranquility. There were two MCS that directly mentored my calm that summer. Refresh this page to see various historical events that occurred during John's lifetime. Until then be at peace and thank you for lifelong memories X. 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. I grew up on Whodini! In 1980, in the year of John Fletcher's passing, on April 24th, a rescue attempt was begun in the Iranian Hostage Crisis. I am so sorry for your loss. The most gripping TV drama of the year is happening behind closed doors. My heart and prayers go out to his family and friends who knew and loved him best. Thank you for all the good music and memories. Condolences to his fam , QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 23, 2020. Ecstasy from Whodini performs at the U.I.C. 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. Thats what Whodini was and is to us, producer 9th Wonder mirrored. You will truly be missed. Our Four Tops. Rest In Peace And Heaven " One Love", RIP one of my favorite all time hip hop groups. 2023 Met Gala Carpet Is Approved by Your Dentist. 5-Down, Eight Letters: Show that gave us New New York. He was the one that wore the Zorro hat. RIP Ecstasy, your songs and legacy live on. The 1st to make adult hop hop, w melodic, huge soundscapes & sex appeal 4 the ladies. or visit Help / Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) to discover more about the community. 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. Giving to charity is a meaningful way to honor someone who has died. 87. Raymond Boyd/Getty Images. John Fletcher Whodini Death. The artist, known by his stage name Ecstasy and recognizable from his signature Zorro hat, was 56. RIH they are receiving another icon. One was Doug E. Fresh and the other was Ecstacy of Whodini. Fletcher, who went by the stage name Ecstasy, was 56 years old. There music brings back great memories living in Detroit. 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. He was so influential to so many rappers and a wonderful talent!! 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. A tru MC May Allah help heal your family . Ecstasy from Whodini performs at the U.I.C. One was Doug E. Fresh and the other was Ecstacy of Whodini. Hip hop pioneer, RIP My Brother. 1987 I entered the @Defjam tour w PE. 8,750 birth records, View Whodinis Jalil Hutchins (L) and John Fletcher backstage at an October 20, 1984 show at Chicagos UIC Pavilion. Dressed as Karl Lagerfelds beloved cat, Choupette. 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. Pavilion in Chicago, Illinois in January 1985. 35 on the all-genre Billboard 200. We are committed to doing everything we can to provide the most meaningful memorial experience possible. John was truly that guy RIH my friend! 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. There were two MCS that directly mentored my calm that summer. The third and fourth studio albums 1986s Back in Black and 1987s Open Sesame peaked at Nos. from The Smith Family Grace, Peace and Comfort to all of the family . Regardless, Fletcher will be remembered for his musical contributions and the genuine optimism and creativity that abounded in Whodinis numerous albums and songs. Select " [relationship]" 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. 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. Personality, humor and hooks. Michael Thomas Dooley. WGA & AMPTP could not reach an agreement Monday night. If youre in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist. Ecstasy was part of the Brooklyn rap trio Whodini . 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 Isley Brothers. I will miss you John until I see you again. He wrote: "One Love to Ecstasy of the Legendary#Whodini. A cause of death has not yet been determined. The band have become the very thing their critics accuse them of. I tended to be nervous, looking at 15,000 fans in front of me every night. From being a fan of Whodini as a young man to meeting Ecstasy, Jahlil & Drew later in my life and then becoming friends. I went over and asked him if he was Ecstasy from Whodini he smiled and said yes Im him. Get a daily dose of showbiz gossip direct to your inbox. UPDATED: John Fletcher, best known as Ecstasy from the pioneering rap group Whodini, has died, the group's Grand . Thank you for the music and the good time your songs brought to me my friends and others. 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 Photos, memories, family stories & discoveries are unique to you, and only you can control. Condolences and prayers to the family and friends John "Ecstasy" Fletcher. Was truly loved. Thank you for all the wonderful music you made! Following Fletchers recent death, tributes from fans and fellow artists abounded on social media. My condolences to your family, Jalil, and Master D. You will be missed. 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 . 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. Whodini's John Fletcher, also known as Ecstasy, has passed away at 56. The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards. Whodini rapper Ecstasy - real name John Fletcher - has died. Fukui Mortuary is proud to announce 5 generations of experience and guidance when planning a funeral. 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. All Rights Reserved. Expand the Memories and Condolences form. 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. My sincere condolences go out to the family Rest In Peace my friend!!!! 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 album features the two vocalists trading verses over catchy electro-influenced production provided by Larry Smith. You were amazing. Where we share what we remember to make discoveries and meaningful connections with others. A cause of death has not yet been determined. We are committed to doing everything we can to provide the most meaningful memorial experience possible. The group added Grandmaster Dee to their line-up and adopted the name Whodini in keeping with their mentors magic theme. John Fletcher, who as Ecstasy of the foundational hip-hop group Whodini was the engine for some of the genre's first pop successes, wearing a flamboyant Zorroesque hat all the . 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. The group started to make a name for itself with their 1982 single Magics Wand, the lead track off their self-titled debut album.
