Hip-hop has lost one of its pioneers. John Fletcher, a.k.a “Ecstasy” from the group Whodini, has passed away at age 56.
RIP To Whodini’s Ecstasy
New York native Ecstasy was reportedly living in the Atlanta area at the time he passed. So far, no official cause of death has been revealed. LL Cool J, Chuck D, Jermaine Dupri and Questlove are among many in the hip-hop family who have been paying homage on social media.
Today we lost a member of our Hip-Hop family whose vocals were unmistakable and whose presence is irreplaceable. Our thoughts & prayers are with friends & family of John “Ecstasy” Fletcher of Whodini. #RIP ??
Social media has come forward to pay respect and homage to Ecstasy’s legacy.
NEWSBig Sean Names 2 Things He Wanted To Be Growing Up: “Crazy How Life Works”Whodini Blazed A Trail In Hip-Hop
Ecstasy was part of one of rap’s biggest acts of the 1980s. Whodini dropped three straight albums — Escape, Back in Black, and Open Sesame — between 1984 and 1987 that went platinum or gold during the genre’s early days. Their hits include “Freaks Come Out at Night,” “Friends” and “One Love.”
NEWSOffset + Cardi B Add Insane Twist To Their Christmas TreeBiz Markie Serious Health Issues Revealed
Another New York rap legend, Biz Markie, is reportedly recovering from a stroke that he suffered while he was in a diabetic coma. The 56-year-old has been having serious health problems for at least the last six months.
Fans and the hip hop community poured support and love, sending Biz well wishes. In the latest report, Hip Hop DX said the 56-year-old rapper suffered a stroke while in the hospital recovering from a diabetic episode. A source told the publication, “He’s not doing great, but it’s not as scandalous as it felt in the beginning. Short story is Biz is diabetic, he had slipped into a diabetic coma, but that has happened to him in the past and it would only last a little while. He would go to the hospital, get discharged and get his meds under control. This particular time, he had a stroke while he was in the middle of the coma.” (Hot 97)
Fat Joe Shares Biz Markie Memories
Back in July, it was reported that Biz Markie was hospitalized and in bad shape. New York rap veteran Fat Joe showed Biz some love on social media while wishing him well.
“I met @officialbizmarkiewhen i was a teenager he was the first super star to tell me he believed in me and I’ll make it. This is so inspirational to me knowing someone who made it to tell me I’ll make it. Biz also made my favorite hip hop song ever the “vapors” when i grew up i had nothing and i told them all i was going to Get rich or die trying. I love you Biz thank you for always bringing joy to this world I’m praying you get better everyone let’s pray for my brother and always remember “NOBODY BEATS THE BIZ “?????????????? @weworking” -Fat Joe’s Instagram
