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Insane Clown Posse (commonly known as ICP) is an American rap duo originally from Wayne, Michigan but formed in the Detroit neighborhood of Delray. ICP consists of Violent J (Joseph Bruce) and Shaggy 2 Dope (Joseph Utsler). The duo was originally part of a larger group known as Inner City Posse, which broke up in 1992. Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope usually appear in full black and white "evil clown" makeup, reminiscent of that worn by the Seventies rock band KISS. The duo has earned one platinum album (technically two, seeing as how the Ringmaster went gold twice on two different labels) and two and a half gold albums[1] They also have starred in their own feature film and formed their own wrestling federation JCW, Juggalo Championship Wrestling. ICP has a dedicated following of fans, known as Juggalos and/or Juggalettes.
ICP began in the late 1980s, when a small group of gangsta rappers known as the Inner City Posse were performing locally in Detroit. As a teen, Joseph Bruce ("Violent J") released "Intelligence & Violence" along with D-Lyrical. Then he, along with Joseph Ustler ("Shaggy 2 Dope") and Ustler's brother John ("John Kickjazz"), released Bassment Cuts.
The first release that gained them local attention was Dog Beats. This album led to the beginning of a long lasting relationship with their now manager, Alex Abbiss. Before the group progressed any farther, Kickjazz dropped out. After gaining a certain level of attention as the Inner City Posse, the group decided they wanted to be something more original. They chose to keep the initials ICP. J remembered a dream he had "of a clown, a carnival spirit, with six jokers cards in his hands". That marked the beginning of the Insane Clown Posse. ICP released six "Jokers Cards", or albums, warning the world of impending doom. Each Joker's Card album insert featured the cryptic message "After All Six Have Risen The End Of Time Will Consume Us All". Soon, the rapping clowns began their "journey of the Dark Carnival" by starting work on the first Joker's Card, Carnival Of Carnage. This also began their longtime friendship with producer Mike E. Clark, who would produce their music up until 2001.
Carnival of Carnage era (1992 - 1993)
Carnival of CarnageIn 1992, ICP released their first album, Carnival of Carnage, on their independent label Psychopathic Records, which they designated as "The First Joker's Card." They hinted that the next five major-release albums would be numbered in this fashion. They also said that "the end will consume us all" once the Sixth Joker's Card was revealed, and that their fans would know all there is to know about the Dark Carnival (alternately referred to as "The Dead Carnival" on The Riddlebox) - something that the band refers to on every album as a powerful force that has spoken to them. On its release date, "Carnival" sold only 17 copies.
In 1993, the group released an EP titled Beverly Kills 50187 as a filler between the first and second Joker's Cards. This is the only album to feature a third member of ICP called Greez-E.
The Ringmaster/Riddlebox era (1994 - 1996)
The RingmasterIn 1994, ICP released the second Joker's Card, The Ringmaster on Psychopathic Records, followed by The Riddlebox in 1995 on Jive Records.
The Riddlebox"Riddle Box" was the first Insane Clown posse album to be released nationwide. They also released several more EPs between the albums. These included "The Terror Wheel" and "Carnival X-Mas" in 1994, and "Tunnel of Love" in 1996. In 1994, Shaggy 2 Dope also recorded a solo EP, titled "Fuck Off."
Around this time, ICP were frequently seen inside Ultrasound Music in Cleveland, OH handing out demo tapes and flyers for their shows at the Grog Shop. They said Cleveland was like their "second home." They advertised these events by parking a cube truck painted black and parked with various simple clown markings outside the venue.
Both "The Ringmaster" and "The Riddlebox" have been certified gold.[1]
Big Money Hustlas (2000)
Big Money HustlasInsane Clown Posse's self-produced first feature film, Big Money Hustlas, was released in 2000. The film was something of an underground hit. In addition to both Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope, in the lead roles of Big Baby Sweets and Sugar Bear, the film also co-starred Jamie Madrox and Monoxide of Twiztid as Violent J's henchmen; and Big Stank and Lil' Poot, and Harland Williams as Officer Harry Cox. There are also cameo appearances by Mick Foley and The Misfits. The film featured music by both Insane Clown Posse and Twiztid. Most of the ICP material was from The Amazing Jeckel Brothers.
In June 2007, Big Money Hustlas was certified platinum, having sold over 1,000,000 copies since its release.
The Bizaar/Bizzar era (2000 - 2001)
Bizaar
BizzarIn 2000, ICP was disappointed by the way Island Records had been promoting them and didn't want the label to release the final Joker's Card. Since they still had two more records left to release to fulfill their contract with Island, they released Bizaar and Bizzar, as separate albums. Both albums were released on the same day.
Before the release of these albums, Sharon Osbourne, on The Howard Stern Show, bet Insane Clown Posse that their next record wouldn't sell more than 200,000 copies, and that they would be subsequently dropped from their distributor. Violent J claimed the album would sell 500,000. Together, "Bizaar" and "Bizzar" sold over 250,000 each, totaling over 500,000.[citation needed] ICP claims they won the bet, but there is disagreement as to whether Bizaar counts as one release or half of the originally planned release. Violent J also said on a later appearance on Howard Stern that "The Wraith: Shangri-La" was the album the bet was about. "Shangri-La" sold less than "Bizzar Bizaar." Also, ICP was in fact dropped from their distributor after the release of the "Bizaar Bizzar" albums. Violent J claimed that they had forgotten to renew the contract.[citation needed] Regardless, ICP claims to have won the bet and has asked Osbourne to make a donation to charity to honor the bet. Osbourne has not responded.
ICP also clashed with MTV over the release of their videos for "Lets Go All the Way," a cover song from the band Sly Fox, and "Tilt - A - Whirl." MTV agreed to show the videos but broadcast them late at night. Eventually, ICP requested that every Juggalo/Juggalette vote for the video "Lets Go All the Way" on MTV's Daily Top Ten show, TRL. Despite a large number of votes in favor of the video, MTV refused to play it. Although never played on TRL, the "Let's Go All the Way" video continued to be played on MTV late at night or early in the morning.
ICP released an EP with Chaos! comics entitled The Pendulum EP. The EP was originally released as a dozen singles in the ICP comic series from the same company but was later re-release as a EP with the graphic novel version of the comic series.
In 2001, the group released their second compilation album, titled Forgotten Freshness Volume 3.
The Wraith era (2002 - 2004)
The Wraith: Shangri LaWhen the sixth Joker's Card debuted, it was revealed that there would be two versions. While the face of the Sixth Joker's Card was "The Wraith" (or simply Death), The Wraith had two "exhibits" to present to all who will listen: Shangri-La and Hell. Each of the exhibits was given its own album.
In November 2002, ten years after the first Joker's Card was released, The Wraith: Shangri-La was released. The album was panned by most critics and labeled "The Worst Album of All Time" by Blender Magazine. Although reviled by critics, the album spawned a successful single, "Juggalo Homies," which received radio airplay. a music video of the song was played on both MTV2 and Fuse. On the album's final track, it is revealed that the group follows God and that the hidden message of their music was always to follow God and make it to Heaven.
In 2003, Violent J released his first solo album, named Wizard of the Hood. The album is a parody of The Wizard of Oz. A single based on the same idea had been previously released on the "Carnival of Carnage" album.
The Wraith: Hell's PitIn August 2004, the duo released the Wraith's second exhibit, The Wraith: Hell's Pit. The album was better received by critics, but did not receive as much media attention. "Bowling Balls" was released as a radio promo, and a video of the song was released on the bonus disc included with the album.
The Calm era (2005 - 2006)
The CalmWith the release of The Wraith albums, the Jokers Card era ended. In 2005, the band released an EP entitled The Calm, which was to be the prelude to their next album, The Tempest. The ICP produced the album, which featured a new sound.[2] . However, the Juggalo fanbase hated the new approach, and "The Calm" is widely regarded as Insane Clown Posse's worst album.
The Wraith: Remix AlbumsIn November 2005, ICP released their fourth compilation album, Forgotten Freshness Volume 4. Unlike their other compilation albums, "Forgotten Freshness Volume 4" contained several new songs. The album's single, "The People," was made into a music video in 2006. The video features ICP rehearsing the song in their studio, with photos of juggalos and fans flashing on the screen. This marks the first time ICP has made a music video from a non-studio album.
In 2006, Shaggy 2 Dope released his first full-length solo album, Fuck The Fuck Off. It was his first solo work since 1994's Fuck Off EP. Shortly afterwards, Insane Clown Posse released their first remix album, called The Wraith: Remix Albums, which contained remixes of most of the tracks off both "Wraith" albums.
The Tempest era (2007 - present)
The TempestIn February 2007, ICP were featured on a final episode of VH1's The White Rapper Show.
On February 23, 2007 ICP released the first single for "The Tempest," entitled "I Do This." They also announced that Twiztid would join them on their Tempest World Tour. This was quickly followed by a second track, "Haunted Bumps," and a photo, presumably the cover, which features ICP riding a roller coaster and a new logo composed of Insane Clown Posse written in lightning.
After a long delay, The Tempest was finally released on March 20, 2007. It was met with a mixed response from fans. Despite the mixed response, most fans agreed it was much better than The Calm.
An advertisement inside the album announced that the next EP, Eye of the Storm, would be released at the 2007 Gathering of the Juggalos. "The Tempest" debuted at number twenty on the U.S. Billboard 200, selling some 33,000 copies in its first week.[1]As of June 2007, it had sold around 70,000 copies. On their Hallowicked Tour 2007, the ICP announced that they were currently working on a follow-up from their Eye of the StormEP. An album dealing with the "destruction of the world" is due to be released in 2008-2009. The ICP has said the delay is because they are working on a new film and another "Dark Lotus" album.
Big Money Rustlas (2008)
In a recent interview, Violent J revealed that another film, titled Big Money Rustlas is planned. The film will be the second feature-length film the group has made and is scheduled to release in 2008. Violent J said it will be made by the Psychopathic Records video department and will be a prequel to the first film Big Money Hustlas. It will be a parody of a western film.
Complete Devastation era (2008)
After struggling to decide on a new album Violent J finally made the decision to end the storyline of the destruction of Earth. At last, in mid 2008, the end of Earth as we know it is coming to an end. Released by ICP, this album, Complete Devastation will feature over 20 songs and will be full-length.
Collaborations
Key collaborations include, but are not limited to:
2 Live Crew
Alice Cooper
Anybody Killa (ABK)
Axe Murder Boyz (AMB)
Blaze Ya Dead Homie
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
Boondox
Bushwick Bill
Bryan Abrams
DJ Clay
Esham
Jumpsteady
Kid Rock
Kottonmouth Kings
La The Darkman
L.A.V.E.L.
Marz
MC Breed
Myzery
Necro
Ol' Dirty Bastard
Project Born
Prozak
Slash
Snoop Dogg
Steve Jones
Tech N9ne
Three 6 Mafia
Twiztid
V-Sinizter
Vanilla Ice
Zug Izland
Fan base
Main article: Juggalo
Fans of ICP are called Juggalos (female fans may be alternately referred to as Juggalettes). Juggalos that are perceived as fake are referred to by real juggalos as "juggahoes" or "juffalos" or "juffahoes". "Juggalo" is derived from one of Violent J's alter-egos, "The Juggla", a psychotic carnival juggler from the ICP song of the same name. Juggalos often paint their faces in (but the variety seen is never limited to) black-and-white clown face makeup, especially at concerts headlined by Psychopathic Records artists.
Criticism
ICP have been voted the worst band of any genre of music in various magazine polls, including polls by Spin and Blender.[3] Rolling Stone referred to them as "the ultimate wack MCs."[4] The satirical newspaper The Onion ridiculed the perceived immaturity of the musicians and, by extension, their fan base, in an article titled "Insane Clown Posse Gets Ride To Concert From Mom." They have also been criticized for the extremely violent and lyrically dark content of their music.[5][6]
ICP also had a publicized "beef" with Eminem. ICP recorded over one of Eminem's songs (My Name Is into Slim Anus). This satirical song hinted that Dr. Dre and Eminem were gay lovers. Eminem responded in his multi-Platinum album, The Marshall Mathers LP in the song "Marshall Mathers," as well as in a skit on the same album. ICP replied with the original track, "Nothing but a Bitch Thang." Originally released as a free download on ICP's website, the track was later re-released on "Forgotten Freshness Volume III," as well as in the Pendulum comic book series.
On February 1, 2006, self-proclaimed Juggalo Jacob D. Robida attacked people in a gay bar in New Bedford, Massachusetts with a handgun and a hatchet, a weapon featured in the logo of ICP's record label, Psychopathic Records. Robida wore a swastika tattoo and flaunted Nazi insignia and paraphernalia on his website.[7] On February 5, he killed a traffic officer at a routine stop. When police stopped him, he killed his girlfriend Jennifer Bailey of Charleston, WV and opened fire on the police. He was shot twice in the head during the shootout with the police and died later in the hospital.[8]
On February 7, 2006, Insane Clown Posse released a statement on the Robida attacks. Alex Abbiss, ICP's manager, extended ICP's condolences and prayers to the families of the victims. "This guy had problems," said Abbiss, and "anyone going into a bar swinging an axe and shooting a gun ... would clearly have to be insane and out of their mind to do this." He also said, "It's quite obvious that this guy had no clue what being a Juggalo is all about. If anyone knows anything at all about ICP, then you know that they have never, ever been down or will be down with any racist or bigotry bullshit." Abbiss claimed ICP was being scapegoated by the media.[9]
ICP is ranked first on Blender's "50 Worst Artists in Music History" list.[10]
In 2006, indie rapper Chino XL referred to ICP on "Nunca", a bonus track on his album "Poison Pen", accusing ICP of mocking rap. [11]
Professional wrestling
The Insane Clown Posse have been associated with professional wrestling. They wrestled in ECW in 1997, WWE in 1998, and WCW in 1999. In 1998, they produced a television program called Hellfire Wrestling. In 2003, the duo were involved in TNA. They have also begun their own independent promotion, Juggalo Championship Wrestling. The two had a single match in the Ring Of Honor promotion against The Outkast Killahs, but were booed out of the building. They have been in two video games, Backyard Wrestling: Don't Try This At Home and its sequel Backyard Wrestling 2: There Goes the Neighborhood."
Discography
Full-Length Albums
Date of release Title Label U.S. Billboard peak RIAA Certified
October 18, 1992 Carnival of Carnage Psychopathic Records
March 8, 1994 The Ringmaster Psychopathic Records Gold
October 10, 1995 The Riddlebox Jive Records #16 (Heatseekers) Gold
June, 24 1997 The Great Milenko Island Records #63 Platinum
May 25, 1999 The Amazing Jeckel Brothers Island Records #4 Gold
October 31, 2000 Bizaar Island Records #20
October 31, 2000 Bizzar Island Records #21
November 5, 2002 The Wraith: Shangri-La Psychopathic Records #15
August 31, 2004 The Wraith: Hell's Pit Psychopathic Records #12
March 20, 2007 The Tempest Psychopathic Records #20
Major EPs
Date of release Title Label U.S. Billboard peak U.S. sales
1993 Beverly Kills 50187 Psychopathic Records
August 5, 1994 The Terror Wheel EP Psychopathic Records
1996 Tunnel of Love EP Psychopathic Records
May 17, 2005 The Calm Psychopathic Records #32
2007 Eye of the Storm EP Psychopathic Records
Compilations, remixes, etc.
Date of release Title Label U.S. Billboard peak U.S. sales
1996 Mutilation Mix Island Records/Psychopathic Records
August, 18 1998 Forgotten Freshness Volumes 1 & 2 Island records/Psychopathic Records #46 Gold
December, 18 2001 Forgotten Freshness Volume 3 Island Records/Psychopathic Records #10 (Independent Albums)
November, 29 2005 Forgotten Freshness Volume 4 Psychopathic Records #88
November 14, 2006 Wraith: Remix Albums Psychopathic Records #158
October 30, 2007 Jugganauts: The Best Of The Insane Clown Posse Island Records
Singles
Year Title U.S. Hot 100 UK Album
1994 Chicken Huntin The Ringmaster
1995 The Jokers Wild The Riddlebox
1997 Halls of Illusions #56 The Great Milenko
1998 Hokus Pokus #53 The Great Milenko
1997 Santa's a Fat Bitch #67 Forgotten Freshness Volumes 1 & 2
1998 How Many Times? The Great Milenko
1999 Another Love Song The Amazing Jeckel Brothers
1999 Fuck The World The Amazing Jeckel Brothers
1999 Terrible The Amazing Jeckel Brothers
2000 Tilt-A-Whirl Bizaar
2000 Let's Go All The Way Bizzar
2003 Juggalo Homies The Wraith: Shangri-La
2004 Bowling Balls The Wraith: Hell's Pit
2005 The People Forgotten Freshness Volume 4
2007 I Do This The Tempest
Hallowicked give-aways
"Dead Pumpkins" (1994)
"Mr. Rotten Treats" (1995)
"Witches & Warlocks" (1996)
"Mr. Johnson's Head (Remix)" (1997)
"Pumpkin Carvers" (with Twiztid & Kottonmouth Kings) (1998)
"Sleepwalker" (1999)
"Hallowicked 2000 Box Set" (Includes Bizaar, Bizzar, Freek Show, Hallowicked 2000 EP, Hallowicked shirt, Hallowicked sticker, Hallowicked flier, certificate of authenticity) (2000)
"Every Halloween" (2001)
"Children of the Wasteland" (Blaze Ya Dead Homie) (2001)
"Waited Till Halloween" (Twiztid) (2001)
"Silence of the Hams" (Violent J & Esham) (2002)
"Dead Body Man 2002" (Blaze Ya Dead Homie) (2002)
"Thug Pit" (with Krayzie Bone, Layzie Bone, Kottonmouth Kings, Tech N9ne, & Esham) (2003)
"Murda Cloak" (with Anybody Killa) (2004)
"Wicked Hellaween" (2005)
"Blood Red Rum" (2006)
"Evil Is Afraid" (2007)
Filmography
Stranglemania (1997) This VHS tape was the 1995 IWA Japan's King Of The Deathmatch tournament featuring Terry Gordy, Super Leather, Nakimaki, Cactus Jack, Terry Funk, and many more. Violent J and Shaggy dubbed over the Japanese commentary and added their own humorous commentary, similar to those on their JCW tapes. It was re-released on DVD by Psychopathic Records in December 2006. The DVD also contains Stranglemania volume 2.
Juggalo Championshit Wrestling: Volumes 1, 2, and 3
Strangle-Mania 2 (2000)
The Shaggy Show — an internet-based reality show from the road. The concept was taken from an identically-named song on the Amazing Jeckel Brothers album (1999).
Shockumentary (DVD & VHS) — this is ICPs hard-to-find documentary. It features all the flavor of the documentary and five music videos.
Big Money Hustlas (2000) ICP's feature film, features Twzitid, Jumpsteady, Rudy Ray Moore, and Harland Williams.
Bootlegged in L.A. (2003)
Big Money Rustlas (2008) (in pre-production)
Source: RIAA Searchable Database (search for "Insane Clown Posse", not "ICP".)
Notes
^ a b RIAA Gold and Platinum Certification Database
^ Insane Clown Posse - The Calm. Accessed 6 February 2007.
^ The 50 Worst Artists in Music History. Accessed September 2003.
^ Insane Clown Posse: The Amazing Jeckel Brothers: Music Reviews. Accessed 10 June 1999.
^ POP REVIEW; POP REVIEW; A Couple Of Clowns Who Take The Name Seriously. Accessed 10 October 2001.
^ Built To Spew. Accessed 24 August 1999.
^ http://news.bostonherald.com/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=124233
^ http://en.wikinews.org/wiki/Manhunt_on_for_gay_bar_attacker_in_Massachusetts
^ http://www.insaneclownposse.com/page.php?page_id=icp_news&month=2&year=2006#a5
^ http://www.blender.com/guide/articles.aspx?id=466
^ http://www.ohhla.com/anonymous/chino_xl/rm_bside/never.cxl.txt
