John Fletcher, better known as Ecstasy from the pioneering rap group Whodini, has reportedly passed away. Questlove broke the news on Wednesday (Dec. 23) in an Instagram tribute to the hip hop legend.
“One love to Ecstasy of the legendary #Whodini,” he said. “This man was legendary and a pivotal member of one of the most legendary groups in hip hop. This is sad, man.”
Fletcher was apart of the golden years of hip-hop that brought us hits like “One Love” and “Freaks Come Out at Night.” Fletcher was known for his infectious smile, sleepy eyes, and signature hat.
Ecstasy, born on June 7, 1964, formed Whodini with Jalil Hutchins in Brooklyn, N.Y. in 1982. DJ Grandmaster Dee later joined the group in 1986.
John had been living in the Atlanta area, and his passing has come as a huge shock to close friends. So far, no cause of death has been announced by the family.
The group made its name with good-humored songs such as “Magic’s Wand” (the first rap song accompanied by a video), “The Haunted House of Rock”, “Friends”, “Five Minutes Of Funk” and “Freaks Come Out at Night”. Live performances of the group were the first rap concerts with the participation of breakdance dancers from the group UTFO. Russell Simmons was the manager of the group in the 80s.
From 1982 to 1986, the group was at its most productive; they toured with more successful bands such as Run-D.M.C., LL Cool J, The Fat Boys, and other prominent hip-hop, R&B, and funk bands.
The group was involved in the first Fresh Fest tour, which was the first hip hop tour to play large coliseums nationwide.In July 1986, they appeared at Philadelphia’s Spectrum Stadium in front of an audience of 18,000. They were the first Rap Act and Break Dance troop to Tour in the UK and Europe, with UTFO also appearing with them as their breakdance act.
They played sold-out venues all over Europe as no one had seen this kind of music before.
In October 2007, Whodini was an honoree at the 4th Vh1 Hip Hop Honors.
The group earned the Hip Hop Icon Award at the 3rd Annual Black Music Honors in 2018 … and Ice Cube’s “Friday” movies often referenced Whodini songs like ‘Friends’ and ‘Freaks.’
Following the news of Ecstasy’s death, Jermaine Dupri penned a heartfelt caption to the hip hop icon. “My God, this one hurts me so bad. I can’t even believe I’m posting this,” he said. “Ex, you know I love you. Thank you for every word, every conversation, every good time. May your soul rest in power.”
One love to the Fletcher family. Rest in peace our brother.
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