Whodini’s “Five Minutes Of Funk” was recorded for their 1984 sophomore album, Escape. They were inspired by The Isley Brothers’ rock output, but when they couldn’t find a Minimoog synthesizer, Run DMC’s “Rock Box” pushed them in the direction of an R&B sound. Jalil and Ecstasy rapped to a generalContinue Reading
John “Ecstasy” Fletcher of the ’80s group Whodini died today at the age of 56. Fletcher and Jalil Hutchins formed the Brooklyn-based Whodini in 1982 before Drew “Grandmaster Dee” Carter became their DJ. Thomas Dolby helped produced their debut single “Magic Wand” which was dedicated to DJ Magic Mike andContinue Reading
[youtube id=”5Y7Qy7VrWxk”] “King Holiday” was recorded and released in 1986 and it happened because Dexter King called Kurtis Blow to ask for him help raising money for the King Foundation. Blow wrote the song with Phil Barnes and Melle Mel. Together they were able to organize a diverse group ofContinue Reading
The electronic drums and ’80’s synthesizers of the pre-sampledelic Whodini are indelible rhythms that have survived and transcended hip-hop’s fickle and commercially affected body. Ecstasy, Jalil and Grandmaster Dee’s foundational work continues to breath e a funky pulse through hip-hop’s musical aspirations being referenced by people like Nas, MF Doom,Continue Reading