On this date in 2020, the Hip Hop world lost one of its most revered pioneers with the death of John “Ecstasy” Fletcher of the legendary Brooklyn rap trio Whodini, who passed away during the coronavirus pandemic. However, reports stated that he was not the cause of his death. Fletcher was 56 years old.
Emerging from Brooklyn’s Albany Projects in the early 1980s, Whodini revolutionized Hip Hop with their innovative blend of rap and R&B, creating a sound that bridged party anthems and introspective storytelling. Comprising co-founders Jalil Hutchins, John “Ecstasy” Fletcher, and turntablist DJ Drew “Grandmaster Dee” Carter, the group became one of the genre’s earliest commercial successes.
Whodini’s hits such as “Friends,” “Freaks Come Out at Night,” and “One Love” remain timeless classics, celebrated for their catchy hooks, relatable themes, and polished production. Their music often explored universal human experiences, setting them apart in an era dominated by …