John “Ecstasy” Fletcher of the rap group Whodini passes away

John Fletcher, better known as Ecstasy from the legendary rap group Whodini, has reportedly died. Questlove of The Roots broke the news on Wednesday (Dec. 23) in an Instagram tribute to the hip hop legend.

 

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“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, 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.

Together, they went on to record hit singles, “The Haunted House of Rock,” “Friends,” “Freaks Come Out at Night,” becoming a household name in the hip hop music scene.

Between 1982 and 1986, the group released three albums including their self-titled debut in 1983, Escape in 1984 which went platinum and Back In Black in 1986. Fletcher’s signature was a Zorro hat on stage and the group helped introduce producer and songwriter Jermaine Dupri to the business as he starred as a dancer on their tours.

 

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A post shared by Jermaine Dupri (@jermainedupri)

“My God, this one hurts me so bad,I can’t even believe I’m posting this,” Dupri wrote on Instagram. “Ex you know I love you 🙏🏾🙏🏾 thank you for every word,every conversation every good time,may your soul Rest In Power.”

In 2012, Whodini was featured in an episode of Unsung detailing their rise in the music industry.

In 2018, Whodini was recognized at the 3rd Annual Black Music Honors where they were honored with the Hip Hop Icon Award and a tribute from fellow icons Doug E. Fresh, Yo-Yo and Monie Love who took the stage to perform their hit songs.

Fletcher was reportedly 56. An official cause of death has yet to be determined.