Along with Run-D.M.C. and Fat Boys, Whodini were among the first rap groups to cultivate a high-profile national following for hip-hop music, and made significant inroads on Urban radio. The Brooklyn, New York-based trio consisted of vocalist/chief lyricist Jalil Hutchens, (one of the few rappers to go by his real name), co-vocalist John Fletcher, aka Ecstasy (so-named before the drug trend), who tended to wear a Zorro-style hat as his trademark; and DJ Drew Carter, aka Grandmaster Dee. Contemporaries of Run DMC, they were managed by Russell Simmons, brother of Joey “Run” Simmons. Signed to NY-based indie Jive Records in 1982, they enjoyed a string of hits, mostly charting on Urban/R&B stations. The bulk of production on their releases was done by Larry Smith, a bass player who also handled much of Run DMC’s early work. In keeping with 80’s trends, Whodini’s cuts tended to be synthesizer driven with a heavy electronic drumbeat. The sampling technology that became identified with rap hadn’t really become prominent during Whodini’s early days, and their works were thoroughly original compositions.
“Haunted House of Rock” was their first single, a whimsical Halloween-themed number. Synth-pop pioneer Thomas Dolby produced another of their early singles, “Magic’s Wand”. Speaking with Songfacts about "Magic's Wand" in a 2011 interview, Dolbyexplained that he hooked up with Whodini after sending his demo tape to the music publisher Zomba, who had launched the label Jive Records. Whodini was one of the acts on the label, and Zomba put Dolby together with the New York rap trio.
The group culled a female audience with such relationship-themed cut as “Friends” and “One Love”. Backstage partying was extolled in the mildly controversial “I’m a Ho”. “Fugitive” was guitar-driven funk. From 1982 - 1986 was the band’s heyday, touring with Run DMC, LL Cool J, the Fat Boys, and other prominent R&B and funk outfits of the 80’s.
Their albums Whodini (1983), Escape (1984), and Back in Black (1986; no relation to AC/DC) were all well-received by rap fans and youthful R&B enthusiasts. The ‘Fresh Fest’ tours were the first arena-sized tours to feature all hip-hop lineups, but full-fledged crossover fame seemed to elude them, however. The group had earned their share of gold singles and albums by 1987, when the hits started to slump. Open Sesame, their release that year, failed to produce any hits. After that point, the band eked out their tenure on Jive by occasionally releasing singles, including “Anyway I Gotta Swing it” for the Nightmare on Elm Street 5 movie soundtrack.
Can't Get Enough
Whodini Lyrics
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[VERSE 1: Peter Gunz]
I put the helmet on my mic and tackle MC's
I break backs of fat tracks and freeze
And get up on these, and hit your knees
Trick, can do what you do, they call me Peter
Oh, you ain't feelin me? I ain't feelin yo ass either
Drop your blunt and your beer
And put your hands up in the air
Then I steer the 600 and flex through your hood
I get your money or girl, I take your car, then I'm good
Call me the rap killer, thriller, loungin in my villa
I'm chocolate inside, but on the outside vanilla
The darker the berry, they say the juice is mo' sweet
But it's 2 dollars more, bitch, if you want white meat
Now I - never lost a battle in my life
God came close, and yo, I beat Jesus twice
I take it to your block, your party, and do my thing
Cause I don't give a shit how you niggas wanna swing
[CHORUS]
You can get touched, cause none wanna mess with us
I call your bluff, cause y'all just be actin tough
You get bust, cause competition talks too much
I know it's rough, but y'all still can't get enough
[VERSE 2: Ecstacy]
You might think I'm one of those men who couldn't keep they woman in check
But all respect to the Ecs passin checks while you're payin for sex
You take her out, you buy her things, you bring her flowers
Come home, and she's with Ecstacy up in the shower
Now picture that, now you wanna get your gat
But I keep a strap, so get your shit exact, I got my shit intact
And it's a fact that Jalil got my back at the face of trouble
Get in that ass on the double, we blown like a bubble
Shovelin and buryin our way up out to rubble, half heart half humble
So all expenses paid as I'm headin up this platinum road
I'm out to get it, you can keep your gold
I got an album full of rocks
Good luck to all the labels on lock
In '96 Whodini's callin the shots
It takes two to play this game, but three makes it better
Master Dee, Jalil and Ecstacy, we here forever
[CHORUS]
[VERSE 3: Lord Tarik]
I can get swift as if I was Mario Andretti
Mastermind, my crime time and rhymes keep steady
But I'm quite ready, rhymes cut like freddy, now
Give me a mic and a crowd, I'm quite deadly, how
Tarik, hypnotizin when I'm comin out your equalizer
Flee me when you see me, that would be wiser
I know you wanna be me, ridin in my coupe
As I ride by I see you sittin on your stoop
Lookin funny with no money, but no cash, no honey
I was told you can pay to make your rainy day sunny
It's the money in my life
Allowin me to get all that honey from your wife
Yeah, she's tall, slim and trife
Sharp like a knife, yet dull like a Sunday
I met her on Monday and fucked her on Monday
That's one way to know that money comes and goes
And so do freaks and hoes, that's why I don't trust em
I lust for them, but I gots no love for them
In the winter, I don't got a glove for them
So I keep a steady pace in this race for these ladies
I got her on tape drinkin Bailey's on gravy
[CHORUS]
[VERSE 4: Jalil]
I'm smooth as a Lexus, yet I ride rugged like a jeep
It's the rapper Jalil, money, that's creepin in your sleep
Call me Freddy, except I'm smooth, black, long and steady
Ecstacy pass the mic, cause my rap time's ready
Now who wanna swing it? Don't even sing it
It's party time, put your hands up, players, bring it
I lounge with the big boys, sippin Crystal
And when the music stops, find me in the hotel
All my dime pieces in the back, where you at?
I got the fatment, plus this rap shit keeps me stacked
Fly me on a plane to Jermaine, good lookin
Atlanta, for representin Brooklyn, you shook, and
I'm So So Def, and yet I'm so so smooth
Give me a mic and a beat, and watch this blackman move
Takin it to another level, flippin my steez
So get up on these and pass them trees if you please
[CHORUS]
And we don't stop
Whodini
'96 y'all
About to do this
And you don't quit
The Whodini song "Can't Get Enough" is a rap song that illustrates the love of money and seduction of women in today's world. The song gives a message that even though money might bring worldly pleasures, it's important to remember that money cannot be trusted, and eventually, it comes and goes. The song features various rappers such as Peter Gunz, Ecstacy, Lord Tarik, and Jalil, who each talk about their experiences in life and their unique perspectives.
Peter Gunz, in the first verse of the song, declares his name and how he is the rap killer and challenger, who has never lost a battle in his life. Ecstacy, in the second verse, talks about his skills at rapping and promotes the Whodini rap group. Lord Tarik, in the third verse, talks about women, money, and how it influences his life. And Jalil, in the fourth and final verse, talks about his love for the big boys, and how he calls himself the smooth black man.
The chorus of the song talks about how nobody can mess with them, and how they're always ready to call the bluff whenever somebody tries to do so. They're on to the game of life, and nobody can stop them from achieving success. The rap song is a blend of various rap styles, and the lyrics are packed with rhymes that highlight the rapper's rich vocabulary.
Line by Line Meaning
I put the helmet on my mic and tackle MC's
I prepare myself and confidently engage in rap battles with other MCs
I break backs of fat tracks and freeze
I excel in creating outstanding music that impresses the listeners and is memorable for a long time
And get up on these, and hit your knees
I deliver powerful and impactful performances that leave the audiences stunned and captivated
You can get touched, cause none wanna mess with us
We are so skilled and talented as a group that no one dares to challenge us or compete with us
I know it's rough, but y'all still can't get enough
Despite the challenges and difficulties we face, our fans and followers continue to support us and admire our work
All expenses paid as I'm headin up this platinum road
I am achieving immense success in my music career, earning a lot of money and going up the ladder of success with ease
Mastermind, my crime time and rhymes keep steady
I have a sharp wit and intellect that helps me create incredible rhymes that never falter or waver
It's the rapper Jalil, money, that's creepin in your sleep
I am a highly successful rapper and my wealth and success are envied and feared by others
Fly me on a plane to Jermaine, good lookin
I am so famous and in demand that I can easily get gigs and offers to perform in different parts of the world
I'm So So Def, and yet I'm so so smooth
Despite being affiliated with a highly competitive music label, I have a calm and smooth demeanor that allows me to tackle challenges with ease and confidence
And we don't stop
Our journey towards success and musical excellence continues
Whodini
A reference to the music group performing the song
'96 y'all
A reference to the year the song was released
About to do this
A confident expression that the group is about to perform at their best
And you don't quit
A confident expression that the group will continue to produce great music and never give up on their dreams and aspirations
Contributed by Lucas N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.