Ecstasy, of the Legendary Rap Group Whodini, Passed Away

John “Ecstacy” Fletcher, 1/3 of the legendary Rap trio “Whodini,” has died at 56.

The Brooklyn, New York-based trio consisted of vocalist and main lyricist Jalil Hutchins; co-vocalist John Fletcher, a.k.a. Ecstasy; and turntable artist DJ Drew Carter, a.k.a. Grandmaster Dee.

Whodini burst on the scene in the early ’80s as trailblazers of the newly emerging hip hop sound. The group quickly rose to star status thanks to their lyrics and dynamic stage presence and electrifying concert performances.

With hits like “Friends,” “Big Mouth,” “Freaks Come Out At Night,” and the hip hop anthem “One Love,” the groups influence still resonates in generations of hip hop artists who followed in their footsteps and became legends themselves, including Nas, Diddy and Jermaine Dupri.