Mention the name Whodini people begin to recount the lyrics of their favorite songs, and reminisce about where they were when they first heard it. Ask their female fans what they think of when they hear the name Whodini and she might say it was the image of Ecstacy in his black leather outfit wearing his signature hat or Jalil with his intense charm and smooth flow and those who dared to look beyond the turn tables into the mesmerizing green eyes of Master Dee they were hooked. The guys might tell you how they wrote the lyrics out in long hand and gave them to their girlfriends (as if we didn't know) or formed groups in hopes of being the next Whodini whatever the thought, many will agree the combination was magical.

    Songs like One Love, which made you think of the importance of that special someone, Five Minutes of Funk which made you have to get up and get your groove on and Friends made you think twice about your associations. But as significant as they were then they are still on the minds of the present day hip hop as they have been sampled by the likes of Kid Rock, Snoop Dogg, Wil Smith and Scarface and has been featured in films the likes of The Players Club, Drumline, The Wood and The Jewel Of The Nile. The formula though classified and has been documented in the fact that they are celebrating 25 years and the count down still going strong in the legacy that they dare to continue.

     The idea of attending the meet and greet and reporting on Whodini was only surpassed by the invitation to shadow them in an all day media campaign. It was an early day so I had to be up at 5 and in the lobby at 6 and of course Murphy’s Law kicked in so we were were running a little late and tensions were heightened but, that only means its gonna be a successful day and that it was. I had the pleasure of riding in the car with publicist Renee Atkins, Jalil and Romello and our first destination was the Fox 5 television station where the group was set to  perform on  The Good Day Atlanta Show. I quickly learned that Jalil will make you laugh whether you want to or not.  We cracked up all the way. As we arrive and made way to the greenroom  it was evident that in addition to staff some of the other guest were fans of the group. They were gracious in taking pictures and engaging conversation while awaiting their segment. As they were ushered to the set and mid camera flash host Mark Hayes entered the set singing Friends to the track and it was as if we were all transported back in time. After the performance there were additional photo ops, networking and it was a quick jet to the car where we were onto the next location The Dekalb Alternative High School. Met by our escort at the front of the building we were taken to a classroom that reminded me of my English class which was filled with students as well as staff members waiting to hear from the group. Though many of the students did not visually recognize the group they quickly realized how familiar they were with them as they did an impromptu version of Friends and talked about how they came up with the song Big Mouth. They were all in sync as they used the desk to make beats to perform their signature songs. The group spoke collectively and independently to the students encouraging them of the value of education and the importance of keeping God first. Grandmaster Dee advised that although he is still a producer he spends a lot of time doing community service events including speaking at correction facilities while Ecstacy is focused on the future of his family and making sure his legacy continues through them and Jalil is preparing to release a new clothing line that will include sportswear and screen printing.  I was amazed at the difference in the students from when we first arrived and when we were leaving. They asked questions and a few students participated in a bit of trivia and won copies of the Anniversary CD as well as autographed pictures of the group. One of the teachers made it a point to share with the group that he had attended a familiar high school years prior to them.

      In a mad dash we were back on the road headed to local radio station V-103 where they were to go on the air live with Radio Diva Porsha Foxx. Once in the studio the fun once again ensued as Porsha reminisced with the group on times past and quickly played catch up. The studio was packed with her staff in addition to station attorneys who were fans, a station photographer as well as a video film crew which records guest for the new web program which can be viewed through their site. The group responded to questions such as how they feel about hip hop today and the theme of One Love and keeping God First was consistent. Jalil a muslim who accepted Islam after his brother introduced him to the faith and Ecstacy and Grandmaster Dee who are both Christians have no problem relating to each other and maintain that God is Love therefore it is all One Love. The phone lines were going crazy with fans letting the group know how much they appreciate them, there was even one caller who had the opportunity to meet the group some years ago and we all cracked up as she described the green carpet and recollected that “one” of the members eats ketchup on his fried chicken. It’s all love though  because this is consistent with their actions they are very down to earth and humble brothers and to them no one is a stranger.

    The final destination. As we left the radio station we traveled back south to Ray Hamiltons, Over Da Edge restaurant which served as the venue for the media meet and greet. When we arrived there were a few media outlets already waiting and from there it seemed like the flow got steadier and steadier by the minute. Though there were scheduled times set for each outlet everyone was upbeat and excitement was felt throughout. Though there was a set itinerary detailed for the event which included hopefully an opportunity for the group to sample some of the great food prepared for the event and despite the fact that their plates were prepared for them in hopes that they would relax for a few moments they continued to embrace the people as they came in. Signing Album covers , discussing past fellow artist, posing with countless pictures, doing radio drops and countless interviews  when the event concluded their plates were still more than half full and if this is any indication of the future of Whodini their cups will surely overflow.