5 Reasons Why We Honor The Excellence That Is Whodini
Hip-hop had to say goodbye to another legend today with the news that John “Ecstasy” Fletcher, co-founder of the 80’s rap trio Whodini, has passed away at the age of 56.
True fans remember the group for their intoxicatingly poetic lyrics in hit songs like “Freaks Come Out at Night” and “One Love.” Fletcher, along with Jalil Hutchins and Grandmaster Dee (Drew Carter) represented a new, fly style of rap with a swag and stamina that would later be copied and further popularized by other artists to follow. They are pioneers of the genre who ultimately also became fashion trendsetters — no one wore a black, leather bolero cocked to the side quite like Ecstasy and no one ever will again.
Here are five ways that Whodini truly advanced the art of hip hop all before the modern conveniences of social media, streaming and online concerts ever existed.
RELATED: John 'Ecstasy’ Fletcher Of Legendary Rap Group Whodini Dies At 56
Whodini Paved The Way For Hip-Hop To Go Mainstream
While hip-hop can be heard on nearly every pop radio station in the country, in the 1980s, it was nearly impossible for rap groups to get any mainstream attention. Whodini would change the game. After years of grinding, 1984's "Friends" charted at no. 87 on the Billboard Hot 100 and no. 4 on the R&B charts. The following year, "Freaks Come Out At Night" peaked at no. 104 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, the song blew up when it appeared in the 1985 film Jewel of the Nile, which starred Michael Douglas.
Style
Hip-hop has consistently been a pioneer in fashion and Whodini was no different. John 'Ecstasy’ Fletcher was known for his leather Zorro-style hat, which became a trademark for the group, which was in contrast to the sweatsuits and golden chains that were popular in the 1980s.
Stage Presence
Whodini set one of the highest marks for stage shows in the 1980s. Without troupes of dancers, lighting or pyrotechnics, the group turned live performances into an art form for rap acts.
See their unforgettable performance of the "The Freaks Come Out At Night" in the clip above.
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Whodini Gave Jermaine Dupri His First Big Break
Before Jermaine Dupri became an internationally renowned producer, he got his start in the business as a 12-year old kid, dancing on the 50-city Fresh Fest tour in the mid ’80s. As part of the opening act, Dupri warmed up the crowd before Whodini and other acts like Run DMC, Fat Boys and Kurtis Blow came on to follow. It was his first introduction into the Golden Age of hip-hop and would spark a nearly 30 year career building his So So Def empire.
On Ecstasy’s passing, Dupri took to Twitter to say, “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.”
Longevity
Whodini released six studio albums in a 13-year period. For most rap acts in the 1980s, it was a rarity to survive past a second release. Beginning with 1983's "Ecstasy" and moving all the way to "Six" in 1996, they kept crowds coming back for years after, still performing live at old school hip hop shows.
