Roots drummer . 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. My deep condolences to the Fletcher family and friends. I always have been a fan!! The first to publicly . https://twitter.com/Kingjamesworthy/status/1341859401095925765. Whodini rapper John 'Ecstasy' Fletcher dead at 56 - New York Post The group added Grandmaster Dee to their line-up and adopted the name Whodini in keeping with their mentors magic theme. 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. The artist, known by his stage name Ecstasy and recognizable from his signature Zorro hat, was 56. 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. Respect to you good brother. RIP Ecstasy, your songs and legacy live on. Whodini rapper Ecstasy - real name John Fletcher - has died. 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. On December 23, relatives announced the death of John Fletcher, a leading member of the pioneering rap group Whodini. Pavilion in Chicago, Illinois in January 1985. Jalil showed up with some guy named Ecstasy. Fletcher cofounded Whodini in Brooklyn in 1982 with singer-rapper Hutchins (DJ Drew Grandmaster Dee Carter joined later). Mr. We lost one of the greats. It's surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning. Add John's family friends, and his friends from childhood through adulthood. Greg Warren dared to go where no comedian has gone before. 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. 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. Refresh this page to see various historical events that occurred during John's lifetime. Ecstasy, thanks for all the memories and for sharing a part of your life with us. God will bind up the broken hearted and comfort all who mourn. We conduct funerals in the Buddhist, Christian, Catholic, and other religious traditions. I figured it out., Baseball, softball and girls soccer scores for Aurora, Elgin, Naperville and Lake County, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google 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. Whodinis sophomore album, 1984s Escape, was certified platinum in 1987, and also peaked at No. They were off the chain. John Ecstasy Fletcher, member of the early, influential hip-hop group Whodini, has died at the age of 56, People reports. 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. As previously reported, John "Ecstasy" Fletcher passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020, at the age of 56 and a cause . I will miss you John until I see you again. The band was a three-piece starring Esctasy, Drew "Grandmaster Dee" Carter and Jalil Hutchins. 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. It sold half a million copies in the first six months. A standard. 1,404 death records. Thank you for all the wonderful music you made! Who were the people in John's life? Share what John did for a living or if he had a career or profession. This man was legendary and a pivotal member of one of the most legendary groups in hip hop. In 1980, in the year of John Fletcher's passing, on April 24th, a rescue attempt was begun in the Iranian Hostage Crisis. He was born on June 7, 1964. There music brings back great memories living in Detroit. 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. If youre in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist. He will be missed. Thats what Whodini was and is to us, producer 9th Wonder mirrored. So many of us in this culture have taken away from him, Jalil, and Grandmaster Dee..from words and lyrics, to the beats. I tended to be nervous, looking at 15,000 fans in front of me every night. 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. FROM: PATRICIA G. DILLAHUNT (Deltonia's Aunt). Thank you for every word, every conversation, every good time, may your soul Rest In Power.. So sad to see people go so young. 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. 35 on the all-genre Billboard 200. Bookmark. You will be truly missed! May condolences to his family and close friends this one hurts, he was LOVED by so many. 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. UPDATED: John Fletcher, best known as Ecstasy from the pioneering rap group Whodini, has died, the group's Grand . Rest in peace Ecstasy. 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. Fletcher was born in Brooklyn and grew up in the neighborhoods Wyckoff projects. Share memories and family stories, photos, or ask questions. 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. I would like to send. Obituaries in Milwaukee, WI | Milwaukee Journal Sentinel John "Ecstasy" Fletcher obituary: rapper with Whodini dies at 56 Terms of Service apply. 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. Add family and friends whose lives he impacted. from The Smith Family Grace, Peace and Comfort to all of the family . Thank you for the awesome live performances as well at all your concerts!! John Fletcher, best known as Ecstasy from the pioneering rap group Whodini, has died, the groups Grand Master Dee has confirmed. Ex you know I love you thank you for every word, every conversation every good time, may your soul Rest In Power.. We are sorry for your loss, and we love you. Rest In Paradise John "Ecstasy" Fletcher. Wisconsin Obituaries - Latest Obituaries in Wisconsin - Echovita My condolences go out to the family of John Fletcher. One of our foundational pieces. Rest in Peace Mr. Fletcher. Hip-Hop pioneer Ecstasy (John Fletcher) of the rap group Whodini passed away today at age 56. I grew up to his music because of my older BIOLOGICAL brothers and I appreciate everything I learned and am still learning. Whodini Rapper John 'Ecstasy' Fletcher Dead at 56 - TMZ Upon leaving, a helicopter collided with a transport plane and the men were killed. Early on, songs such as The Haunted House of Rock (1983) showcased the rappers lighter side. Ecstasy "aka" John Fletcher! His kind words led the tributes dedicated to the Whodini rapper Ecstasy. or visit Help / Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) to discover more about the community. Ex you know I love you thank you for every word, every conversation every good time, may your soul Rest In Power.. Get a daily dose of showbiz gossip direct to your inbox. Grief researchers say holding that missing funeral service, even a year or more later, can still help us heal. RIP John "Ecstasy" Fletcher. Whodunit forever. Sahara, you were a track teammate of our daughter Royal and you are in our thoughts. Until then be at peace and thank you for lifelong memories X. I will always remember dancing to "Freaks Come Out At Night" at my prom, it was and always will be a classic. Welcome to AncientFaces, a com "Thank you for helping me find my family & friends again so many years after I lost them. 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. Ways to honor John Fletcher's life and legacy. View all categories; . Whodini rapper John "Ecstasy" Fletcher has died at 56 years old. 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. My deepest condolences. 1 was @RealDougEFresh the other was Ecstacy of Whodini. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. 5-Down, Eight Letters: Show that gave us New New York. To the family and friends of John Ecstasy Fletcher. 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. LEGENDARY R&B HIP HOP MUSIC TV on Instagram: "Whodini hip hop group ONE LOVE!!! One was Doug E. Fresh and the other was Ecstacy of Whodini. John "Ecstasy" Fletcher, the legendary MC of the group Whodini, died in Atlanta on December 23 at age 56.. Personality, humor and hooks. The group started to make a name for itself with their 1982 single Magics Wand, the lead track off their self-titled debut album. Condolences to his fam , QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 23, 2020. 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. 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. Thank you for John's contribution to the hip-hop music industry. Prerna Nambiar. Too many hits! Thats us.. Our Isley Brothers. So many of us in this culture have taken away from him, Jalil, and Grandmaster Dee..from words and lyrics, to the beats. 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. Whodini rapper John 'Ecstasy' Fletcher dies at 56 Raymond Boyd/Getty Images. The cause of his death has been shrouded in mystery and yet to be made public. 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. Nelson George (@nelsongeorge) December 23, 2020, #RIPecstasy to the family & friends of the legendary Ecstasy from the landmark hiphop crew #Whodini. We will love you and miss you always. Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. John Fletcher of hip-hop trio Whodini died on Wednesday (Dec. 23 . Dansby Swanson, bloodied by his own helmet, helps the Chicago Cubs shake off a weekend sweep with a 5-1 win, Discovery channeled. 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 One of our foundational pieces. John you have closed your eyes to rest, may you Rest In Peace and LovePrayers to family & friends. Raymond Boyd/Getty Images. Not only one of the hip hop GOATS but just a great person. They were off the chain. John Ecstasy Fletcher was a part of that standard. From being a fan of Whodini as a young man to meeting Ecstasy, Jahlil & Drew later in my life and then becoming friends. 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. AncientFaces is a 100% free and family-friendly community to share memories and connect with others to discover more about Uncovering Our Shared Memories: An Introduction to the Community Standards at AncientFaces The song peaked at No. R.I.P. Among the many tributes on social media, Questlove shared a heartwarming few words. Rest In Peace And Heaven " One Love", RIP one of my favorite all time hip hop groups. Play his music if it moves you, and know hell be hearing you on his way home this day, Dec 23rd.. My prayers are with you. 1987 I entered the @Defjam tour w PE. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. 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 John Fletcher of hip-hop trio Whodini died on Wednesday (Dec. 23 . 11 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart, and was also the first rap song to feature an accompanying video. Whodini's John 'Ecstasy' Fletcher Has Passed Away | Essence See how those in the music industry are remembering the artist below. Refresh this page to see various historical events that occurred during John's lifetime. 12/23/2020. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. The rap world has lost one of the greats. Remembering one of fashions most problematic faves, Karl Lagerfeld. 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. Billboard is a part of Penske Media Corporation. We go out of our way to help families consider all their needs: personal . One Love to one of Hip Hops Greatest! One love. Was truly loved. 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. While much is carefree and enjoyable in Whodinis catalog, the group increasingly became less relevant as time went on. We are committed to doing everything we can to provide the most meaningful memorial experience possible. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Its so many. 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. Im totally shocked of his passing because he was in great shape and stayed healthy! 8,750 birth, 1,404 death, 941 marriage, 173 divorce, View 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. Recently I overheard a father and daughter in their last moments together at the airport. Ecstasy of 'Whodini' dies at age 56 | Hot Sheet | stlamerican.com May Almighty God in the Heavens comfort your hearts with peace and loving kindness as you cope with this precious loss in your lives. 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. Whodini rapper John 'Ecstasy' Fletcher dies at 56 - Los Angeles Times 2023 Vox Media, LLC. This man was legendary and a pivotal member of one of the most legendary groups in hip hop. Fletcher formed Whodini with singer-rapper Jalil Hutchins in Brooklyn, NY, in 1982 and signed with the influential Jive Records shortly after. 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. The group participated in the first inaugural Fresh Fest hip hop national tour, performing in front of sold-out stadium crowds. Jalil Hutchins (left) and John Fletcher (aka Ecstasy) in 1984 Paul Natkin/Getty Images. 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 . 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. One Love to one of Hip Hops Greatest! Marrying the Ghost of Karl Lagerfeld at the 2023 Met Gala. The cause of death was unclear at the time of this a 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. Fletcher formed Whodini with singer-rapper Jalil Hutchins in Brooklyn, NY in 1982 and signed with the influential Jive Records shortly after. Following Fletchers recent death, tributes from fans and fellow artists abounded on social media. Hip-hop legend Ecstasy of rap group Whodini dead at 56 RIH they are receiving another icon. 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. Ecstasy was part of the Brooklyn rap trio Whodini . John 'Ecstasy' Fletcher, of the Pioneering Rap Group Whodini, Dies at 56. Luke Stulga breaks slump, hits for cycle as St. Laurence stymies Mount Carmel. One love to his family Deltonia and Jalil. "One Love" and "Friends" were two of my favorite songs ever. 11 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart, and was also the first rap song to feature an accompanying video. Michael attended Dominican High School, graduating in . Our Four Tops. A standard. Your music gave me some of the best memories back in my college days. May he RIP. 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. In 1976, when he was 52 years old, The United States celebrated the Bicentennial of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Condolences to his fam , 1987 I entered the @Defjam tour w PE. Musician and journalist Questlove broke the news on Wednesday . Hip hop pioneer, RIP My Brother. We go out of our way to help families consider all their needs: personal, economic and religious. Read Full Obituary. AncientFaces is a place where our memories & family stories live. The most distinct voice in hip hop history. Giving to charity is a meaningful way to honor someone who has died. The artist, known by his stage name Ecstasy and recognizable from his signature Zorro hat, was 56. Brooklyn-based Whodini which consisted of Fletcher, vocalist Hutchins and DJ Drew Grandmaster Dee Carter formed in the early 80s. John Fletcher was born on May 28, 1924, and died at age 55 years old in March 1980. Hutchins and Fletcher rapped the song instead. Whodini is primarily known for the string of albums released on Jive Records in the early and mid-1980s. S.I.p. They're known for the songs "Friends", "Freaks Come out at . This is sad man. DJ Drew Carter, also known as Grandmaster Dee, who joined the group in 1986, confirmed the rappers passing to Variety. Kelly Clarkson admits she once 'blacked out' on pain meds. The third and fourth studio albums 1986s Back in Black and 1987s Open Sesame peaked at Nos. Thanks for showing me how to party and groove with the rhythm of beat and introducing another kind of musical genre. John "Ecstasy" Fletcher, cofounder 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 . John "Ecstasy" Fletcher of Whodini Passes Away at 56 - The Source 35 and 30, respectively. 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. Whodinis final album Six (So So Def, 1996) sought to adapt itself to this harder style, with generally weak results. John Fletcher (Ecstasy), member of pioneering rap group Whodini, dies So, I say to you, "Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraidHe is the one who goes with you. Published by Herald And News on Dec. 28, 2020. See What AncientFaces Does, My deepest condolences to the Fletcher family! 11 on Billboards Dance Club charts. Another blow in a bad year. To the family my condolences and prayers of comfort and peace. They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel. The band have become the very thing their critics accuse them of. 810 likes, 25 comments - Unk (@nichebender) on Instagram: "RIP John Fletcher (aka Ecstasy) of Whodini Hip Hop Royalty " May God bless his family- twin brother; and rest his soul.. RIP John Fletcher! John Fletcher was a rapper with the influential early rap group Whodini, who went by the name Ecstasy. You\'ll receive the next newsletter in your inbox. They not only had songs that shaped our culture, but lyrics that became sayings. 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. He admitted Thinking Out Loud was actually inspired by Van Morrison, not Marvin Gaye. You are a hip hop pioneer legend. 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. Fletcher family member is 70. Who is John Fletcher to you? A clever take on H.G. Select the next to any field to update. Now, the family of the late 56-year-old pioneer has released an official statement about his passing. when he died at the age of 55. 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. He was a good brother that was at the gym 5 days per week. Their hit songs garnering attention were The Haunted House of Rock, Friends, Freaks Come Out at Night. Your culture and entertainment cheat-sheet. April 30, 2023 (63 years old) View obituary. Things you buy through our links may earnVox Mediaa commission. We want to send our condolences to the family of our friend John. Too many hits! 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. The album features the two vocalists trading verses over catchy electro-influenced production provided by Larry Smith. Vocalist and co-founder of the hip hop group Whodini which formed in Brooklyn, New York 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. This password will be used to sign into all, John Ecstasy Fletcher of Whodini Is Dead at 56, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky Arrive at the Met Gala Fashionably Late, The Best, Weirdest and Most On Theme Met Gala 2023 Looks, The Best and Wildest Beauty Looks on the 2023 Met Gala Red Carpet, The Best and Wildest Beauty Looks at the 2023 Met Gala. The third and fourth studio albums 1986s Back in Black and 1987s Open Sesame peaked at Nos. I been a fan of Whodini since the group started! You were always kind to me and I will never forget that. Whodini was one of the first rap groups to add R&B twist to their music, thus laying the foundation for a new genre. John's death was announced Wednesday by Questlove, who . May John rest peacefully. The 1st to make adult hop hop, w melodic, huge soundscapes & sex appeal 4 the ladies. John "Ectasy" and Fletcher and Whodini is my favorite rap artist of all time. he. 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. What schools or universities did John attend? 12/10/1959 - 4/22/2023 Born on December 10, 1959, Michael lived in Milwaukee and died at his home on April 22, 2023. Make a life-giving gesture. I loved the song when freaks come out at night. Whodini was a big influence on me in the 80s. One Love to Ecstasy of the Legendary #Whodini, Questlove tweeted. 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's family releases official - REVOLT John. When we share what we know, together we discover more. May God comfort each one of you at this very difficult time. 1987 I entered the @Defjam tour w PE. Whodinis sophomore album, 1984s Escape, was certified platinum in 1987, and also peaked at No. One love. we begin to show & tell who our loved ones were during particular moments in their lives. 12/23/2020. 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. 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. Consider offering these words of comfort if you're not sure what's appropriate. Fukui Mortuary is proud to announce 5 generations of experience and guidance when planning a funeral.