Whodini back from past to perform classic hits

1/17/2003
BY RHONDA B. SEWELL
BLADE STAFF WRITER

Fading from the music scene in the mid-1990s, the '80s group Whodini has reformed to perform its old hits in concerts across the country.

The group, which consists of Jalil (Jalil Hutchins), Ectasy (John Fletcher), and Grandmaster Dee (Drew Carter), is best known for its 1980s “Escape” album which went platinum and included hits such as “Friends,” “Freaks Come Out at Night,” and “Big Mouth.” At one point, the album was one of the all-time best-selling rap albums.

The threesome is scheduled to perform at 10 tonight at the Top Shelf nightclub, 135 South Bryne Rd.

The group formed in the early 1980s when keyboard wizard Thomas Dolby took a track to Jive Records and someone suggested that it needed the addition of a rapper. The label selected Jalil and Ectasy to record a rap track about radio personality Mister Magic, and the resulting song gained attention in the overseas market.

The group went on to record tracks for producers throughout Europe and eventually went on tour and released its own recordings.

Whodini is credited with being one of the first rap/hip hop groups to include dancers in its show - including Dr. Ice and Kangol Kid of the group UTFO.

The group recorded other songs such as “Funky Beat” and “One Love.” Whodini is scheduled to perform all of its classics tonight.

Advance tickets for Whodini are $10 and can be purchased at Sound Asylum (419-243-1265); Foster's Barber Shop (419-242-7889); and Extra Touch (419-536-2280). Ticket prices will be higher at the door. Information: 419-531-1311.