Whodini Biography

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Years Active: 1986-1998
Band Members: John "Ecstasy" Fletcher, Jalil Hutchins, Grandmaster Dee
Genre: Hip-Hop
Followed By: Jay Dee, Biscuit, Kool Moe Dee, Will Smith, Masta Ace, Run-D.M.C., Phat Kat, Ugly Duckling, Big Daddy Kane, Terrence Parker, DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince, Freestylers, Jungle Brothers, The Fat Boys
Similar Artists: Kurtis Blow, The Egyptian Lover, The Fat Boys, MC Hammer, Heavy D & the Boyz, Kool Moe Dee, The Real Roxanne, Roxanne Shanté, The Sugarhill Gang, U.T.F.O., Prince Charles, Trouble Funk, Dee Dee King, The World Class Wreckin' Cru, Boogie Boys, DJ Red Alert, Timex Social Club, Captain Rock, Grandmaster Flash, Spoonie Gee, L.A. Dream Team, LL Cool J, Grandmaster Melle Mel, Run-D.M.C., Jimmy Spicer

Coming out of the fertile early-'80s New York rap scene, Whodini were one of the first rap groups to add a straight R&B twist to their music, thus laying the groundwork for the new jack swing movement. The group consisted of rappers Jalil Hutchins and John "Ecstasy" Fletcher, adding legendary DJ Drew "Grandmaster Dee" Carter, known for being able to scratch records with nearly every part of his body, in 1986. Whodini made its name with good-humored songs like "Magic's Wand" (the first rap song to feature an accompanying video), "The Haunted House of Rock" (a rewrite of "Monster Mash"), and "Freaks Come Out at Night," and their live shows were the first rap concerts to feature official dancers (U.T.F.O. members Doctor Ice and Kangol Kid). Following 1987's Open Sesame, Whodini went on hiatus due to problems with their record company, as well as to concentrate on new families. The group attempted a comeback in 1991 with Bag-a-Trix without much success, despite receiving their due as rap innovators. Five years later, Whodini returned with their sixth album, appropriately titled Six. The album disappeared shortly after its release. ~ Steve Huey, All Music Guide