Whodini: Biography

• Overview
• Discography
• Biography
• Related Artists

• Videos
• Photos
• Groups/Boards
• Fan Sites

• Grandmaster Flash
• LL Cool J
• Run-D.M.C.
• Kool Moe Dee
• Heavy D & the Boyz
• The Egyptian Lover
• MC Hammer

• Parliament
• Kurtis Blow
• James Brown/The JB's
• The Sugarhill Gang
• Afrika Bambaataa

• Big Daddy Kane
• The Fat Boys
• Kool Moe Dee
• Run-D.M.C.
• DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince
• Terrence Parker
• Will Smith

• Tashan
• Pete Harris

• Larry Smith
• Jalil Hutchins

Formed:

Jan 1, 1981 in New York, NY

Genres:

Rap & Hip-Hop Music, Old School Rap Music

Decades Active:

1980's|1990's|2000's

Artistic Quality

High

Cultural Impact

High

Popularity

High

Ratings Guide

Coming out of the fertile early-'80s New York rap scene, Whodini were one of the first rap groups to add a straight RB 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