John Fletcher, known by his stage name Ecstasy from the pioneering rap group Whodini, died Wednesday at age 56, his family and band mate Grandmaster Dee confirmed to Variety.
Roots drummer Questlove was the first to break the news on Wednesday in a Twitter post, which paid tribute to Ecstasy.
“One love to Ecstasy of the legendary #Whodini,” he wrote. “This man was legendary and a pivotal member of one of the most legendary groups in hip hop. This is sad man.”
His family released an official statement to the media Wednesday evening. The Brooklyn, New York, native had been living in College Park, Georgia, before his death. His cause of death is not known as of Thursday.
Jonnelle Fletcher wrote: “The African and Native American ancestors have gathered around and chosen this day, during the Winter Solstice, Dec 23rd, 2020 to call upon a most endeared, generous, and sincere soul who graced The World’s heart through performance, hip-hop, family, children and grandchildren.
“John ‘Ecstasy’ Fletcher was a beloved man, the life partner to Deltonia and ex-husband to Carla, twin brother to Joseph, artist, friend, and lifetime performing partner to the Legendary Jalil of Whodini,” the statement continues. “Whodini set a Hip Hop course of legendary status that we are all sure to pass on to our grandchildren.
Longtime music journalist Nelson George also paid homage to the rapper, who was known for his signature Zorro hat and influential rhyming style.
“The trio, along with producer Larry Smith, made the first hip-hop records that black radio embraced,” veteran writer Nelson George wrote on Twitter Wednesday.
Whodini was associated with perhaps more well-known rap acts like Kurtis Blow, Furious Five and Grandmaster Flash. The influential music group became known for synth-heavy hits like “The Haunted House of Rock,” “Magic’s Wand” and “Friends.”
Fletcher spoke to the variety 1980s rap offered listeners during that period. In the 2008 interview, he said current rap had become somewhat of a monolith, powered primarily by what radio producers prefer to play.
In numerous testimonials on Whodini’s influence, rappers like Chuck D and Q-Tip, who called Fletcher “one of the most under-appreciated voices in hip-hop,” paid homage to Fletcher.
His family asked that cards, letters and flowers be sent to 3799 Main Street, P.O. Box 87176, College Park, GA 30337.
“Please send love and prayers to our family, and with open hearts we ask the ancestors to cover his soul in peace and tranquility. Play his music if it moves you, and know he’ll be hearing you on his way home this day, Dec 23rd.”
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