Legendary rap crew, Whodini, has lost a co-founding member of their group. Ecstasy of the Brooklyn hip-hop trio has died.
According to a report from TMZ on Wednesday (Dec. 23), Ecstasy, born John Fletcher and known to wear a Black Zorro-style wide-brimmed hat, has passed away at 56 years old. The cause of death has not been revealed.
The outlet says that Questlove of The Roots announced the tragic news of Ecstasy's passing via social media this afternoon. "One Love to Ecstasy of the Legendary #Whodini. This man was legendary and a pivotal member of one of the most legendary groups in hip hop. This is sad man," he wrote in an Instagram post.
Pioneering rap group Whodini was formed in 1982 and was comprised of Jalil Hutchins, Ecstasy and Grandmaster Dee. Their renowned sound combined R&B with rap way before its time. Altogether, the New York City-based trio released six studio albums with their debut effort being their self-titled album, which dropped on July 8, 1983. The group's other albums are Escape (1984), Back in Black (1986), Open Sesame (1987), Bag-a-Trix (1991) and Six (1996).
Whodini dropped countless singles as well including "Freaks Come Out at Night," "Friends" and "The Haunted House of Rock."
In the early 1980s, they were managed by Russell Simmons, co-founder of Def Jam Records.
Two years ago, in 2018, Whodini received the Hip-Hop Icon award at the 3rd Annual Black Music Honors. A tribute of the group's most notable songs were performed by Doug E. Fresh, YoYo, Monie Love and DJ Mell Star.
The death of Ecstasy has shocked many members of the hip-hop community, who have paid tribute to the rapper online.
DJ Premier wrote via Twitter, "A TREMENDOUS LOSS OF OUR HEROES… NO ONE DID IT LIKE THIS… THE VOICE, THE ZORRO STYLE HAT, THE ICONIC HIP HOP THAT WHODINI BRINGS TO HIP HOP… [R.I.P. Ecstasy]🙏🏾👑🕊SALUTE JALIL AND GRANDMASTER DEE… LOVE TO THE FLETCHER FAMILY…"
Jermaine Dupri paid his respects as well, writing, "My God, this one hurts me so bad,I can’t even believe I’m 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."
See more reactions to Ecstasy's passing below.
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