Sad news from the OG hip hop world. John “Ecstasy” Fletcher, co-founder of the group Whodini, died Dec. 23. He was 56 years old. So far, no cause of death has been announced by the family.
Fletcher’s death was announced Wednesday by Roots drummer and DJ, Questlove, who remembers Fletcher as a “legendary and a pivotal member of one of the most legendary groups in hip-hop.”
Fletcher, who sported an iconic Zorro hat during performances, founded New York City-based Whodini in 1982 alongside deejay Drew Carter, better known as Grandmaster Dee, and rapper Jalil Hutchins.
The group quickly caught on with hits such as “Five Minutes of Funk, “Freaks Come Out at Night,” “Friends” and “The Haunted House of Rock.”
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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’s songs.
The group was managed by Russell Simmons during their heyday, was one of the earliest acts to combine rap with rock, which would heavily influence Teddy Riley’s New Jack Swing sound.
Fletcher’s death is sending shockwaves through the music industry, with many artists posting pictures of him and sharing memories. This below from Jermaine Dupri and Ice-T:
Fletcher was living in the Atlanta area, and his passing has come as a huge shock to close friends.
SOURCE: TMZ
