Whodini

by Steve HueyComing 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 Magics 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 1987s 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.