Ecstasy of Whodini Dead at 56

Ecstasy of Whodini has died at the age of 56.

Born John Fletcher, the legendary MC was a member of the Brooklyn-based hip-hop group that also consisted of lyricist Jalil Hutchins and turntable artist DJ Drew Carter aka Grandmaster Dee. The trio is credited for pioneering new jack swing with hits including “Friends,” “Five Minutes of Funk,” and “Freaks Come Out at Night.”

The hip-hop community took to social media to pay their respects including Questlove. “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,” wrote The Roots drummer.

Q-Tip added, “RIP to Ecstasy from Whodini. One of the most under appreciated voices in hip hop. Too many hits! Condolences to his fam.”

Jermaine Dupri, who was a breakdancer for Whodini and signed the group to So So Def/Columbia in 1996, also mourned the rap icon. “My God, this one hurts me so bad,I can’t even believe I’m posting this,” he tweeted. “Ex you know I love you 🙏🏾🙏🏾 thank you for every word, every conversation every good time,may your soul Rest In Power.”

The group, whose self-titled debut album was released in 1983, released six studio albums throughout their careers, four of which were certified platinum. Their most recent album was 1996’s Six.

The circumstances surrounding Fletcher’s death are currently unknown.