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. The duo has earned one platinum album and four gold albums.^[1] They also have starred in their own feature film and formed their own wrestling federation JCW, Juggalo Championship Wrestling. ICP has dedicated followers, known as Juggalos and/or Juggalettes.

History

ICP began in the late 1980s, when a small group of gangsta rappers known as the Inner City Posse were performing locally in Detroit. In 1990 Joseph Bruce ("Violent J") released "Intelligence and Violence" along with D-Lyrical. Then he, along with Joseph Ustler ("Shaggy 2 Dope") and Ustler's brother John ("John Kickchazz"), released "Bass-ment Cuts" in 1991.

The first release that gained them local attention was Dog Beats in 1991. This album led to the beginning of a long lasting relationship with their manager, Alex Abbiss. During the recording of Carnival of Carnage however, John Kickchazz dropped out. After gaining a certain level of attention as the Inner City Posse, the group decided they wanted to be something more original. Then one night in late 1991 Violent J had a strange dream "of a clown, a carnival spirit, with six jokers cards in his hands". That marked the beginning of the Insane Clown Posse. ICP would release 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, ICP began their "Journey of the Dark Carnival" by starting work on the first Joker's Card titled Carnival Of Carnage. This also began their longtime friendship with producer Mike E. Clark, who would produce their music up until 2001 and again in 2006.

Carnival of Carnage era (1992 - 1993)

In 1991 ICP began recording Carnival of Carnage. After finding a producer named Chuck Miller, They recorded only 3 songs "Red Neck Hoe","Your Rebel Flag" and "Psychopathic". ICP realized Chuck Miller was scamming them since ICP didn't have much knowledge of producing tactics so they decided it was time to look for a new producer. Then they found Mike Clark who along with Esham helped them record and produce the rest of Carnival of Carnage. After a strenuous amount of time promoting and their third member John Kickjazz dropping out they finally released their first joker's card, Carnival of Carnage in October 1992, on their independent label Psychopathic Records. 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 sideshow EP 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)

In March 1994, ICP released the second Joker's Card, The Ringmaster on Psychopathic Records. The Ringmaster gained ICP a strong local following and with strong promoting and performing The Ringmaster sold 100,000 copies. They began to sell out much larger clubs like St. Andrew's Hall and the State Theater and began playing in neighboring states such as Ohio. In August 1994 ICP released The Terror Wheel EP and gained local radio play with the song "Dead Body Man". 1994 continued to be a big year for ICP with the first Hallowicked show in Detroit along with a Christmas album "Carnival X-Mas" and a solo album titled "Fuck Off." by Shaggy 2 Dope. After selling big locally and gaining attention they signed with Jive in 1995. In October 1995 The Riddlebox was released on Jive Records.

"Riddle Box" was the first Insane Clown posse album to be released outside of Detroit, due to ICP's strong promoting tactics throughout the Midwest. In between Hollywood Records buying ICP's contract from Jive in 1996 they released the "Tunnel of Love" EP.

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]

The Great Milenko/Amazing Jekel Brothers era (1997 - 1999)

In 1997, the duo released the 4th Joker Card, The Great Milenko.

The album was recorded at the studios of Hollywood Records, a Disney-owned record label. After the recording was completed, a board of Disney representatives threatened to halt the release of the album unless significant changes were made to its content. To ensure that their major-label debut would see the light of day, ICP obliged and removed three songs from the album and altered the content of others. However, just six hours after the album's initial release, it was unexpectedly pulled from the shelves. ICP's upcoming tour was canceled, and they were dropped from Hollywood Records. It was later revealed that Disney had received a flood criticism from religious organizations, and, in fear of tarnishing their reputation, had forced Hollywood Records to drop ICP.

A minor media frenzy followed, fueled by ICP appearances on MTV to express outrage over being dropped by Hollywood Records. Originally unwilling to nullify ICP's recording contract and relinquish ownership of the album, Hollywood eventually agreed to allow Island Records to release the album in its uncut form. The controversy turned out to be a blessing in disguise for ICP; the high-profile debacle had created public interest in the duo and their music. The first single, "Halls of Illusions," and the second, "Hokus Pokus," both received airplay on MTV.

The Great Milenko has been certified platinum.^[1]

Four songs from the album were made into music videos: "Piggy Pie", "Halls Of Illusions", "Hokus Pokus (although it should be noted that the version in the video is actually the 'Headhunta'z Remix' found on Forgotten Freshness Volumes 1 & 2)", and "How Many Times,"

In 1998, the group released the first of a series of compilation albums, titled Forgotten Freshness Volumes 1 & 2. This album has been certified gold, and is their only non-studio album to have been so certified.

In 1999, the 5th Joker Card, The Amazing Jeckel Brothers, was released.

"The Amazing Jeckel Brothers" debuted at number four on the Billboard charts, just beneath The Backstreet Boys during the boy band craze, and two years after the Disney scandal. The single, "Another Love Song," was made into a video and put in MTV's regular rotation. The duo also made an appearance at the Woodstock '99 festival. The Amazing Jeckel Brothers would prove to be ICP's biggest mainstream success.

The Amazing Jeckel Brothers has been certified gold by the RIAA,^[1] although Insane Clown Posse press materials claim the album has achieved platinum status.^[2]

Big Money Hustlas (2000)

Insane 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.

The Bizaar/Bizzar era (2000 - 2001)

In 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)

When 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.

In 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)

With 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.^[3] However, the Juggalo fanbase hated the new approach, and "The Calm" is widely regarded as Insane Clown Posse's worst album.

In 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)

In 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 Storm EP. 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.

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
• Fink Da Eastside G
• Jumpsteady
• Kid Rock
• Kottonmouth Kings
• La The Darkman
• L.A.V.E.L.
• Marz
• MC Breed
• Mike E. Clark
• Motown Rage
• Myzery
• Ol' Dirty Bastard
• Perpetual Hype Engine
• Project Born
• Prozak
• Slash
• Snoop Dogg
• Steve Jones
• Tech N9ne
• The R.O.C.
• Three 6 Mafia
• Twiztid
• V-Sinizter
• Vampiro
• Vanilla Ice
• Zug Izland

Fan base

Fans of ICP are called Juggalos (female fans may be alternately referred to as Juggalettes or simply Lettes). 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.^[4] Rolling Stone referred to them as "the ultimate wack MCs."^[5] 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.^[6][7]

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.^[8] 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.^[9]

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.^[10]

ICP is ranked first on Blender's "50 Worst Artists in Music History" list.^[11] Shortly after the article was released, ICP made a guest appearance on The Howard Stern Show where they confronted Blender editor Andy Pemberton about their ranking on the phone. They asked Pemberton if, before becoming a music journalist, he had been in a failed band, which Pemberton admitted to. ICP is also consistently nominated for "Worst Band" and "Worst Album of the Year", as well as "Worst Single" in the NME Awards, and wins almost every time they are nominated.

In 2006, indie rapper Chino XL referred to ICP on "Nunca", a bonus track on his album "Poison Pen", accusing ICP of making a mockery of rap.^[12]

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

Major EPs

Compilations, remixes, etc.

Singles

Hallowicked give-aways

1. "Dead Pumpkins" (1994)
2. "Mr. Rotten Treats" (1995)
3. "Witches & Warlocks" (1996)
4. "Mr. Johnson's Head (Remix)" (1997)
5. "Pumpkin Carvers" (with Twiztid & Kottonmouth Kings) (1998)
6. "Sleepwalker" (1999)
7. "Hallowicked 2000 Box Set" (Includes Bizaar, Bizzar, Freek Show, Hallowicked 2000 EP, Hallowicked shirt, Hallowicked sticker, Hallowicked flier, certificate of authenticity) (2000)
8. "Every Halloween" (2001)
9. "Children of the Wasteland" (Blaze Ya Dead Homie) (2001)
10. "Waited Till Halloween" (Twiztid) (2001)
11. "Silence of the Hams" (Violent J & Esham) (2002)
12. "Dead Body Man 2002" (Blaze Ya Dead Homie) (2002)
13. "Thug Pit" (with Krayzie Bone, Layzie Bone, Kottonmouth Kings, Tech N9ne, & Esham) (2003)
14. "Murda Cloak" (with Anybody Killa) (2004)
15. "Wicked Hellaween" (2005)
16. "Blood Red Rum" (2006)
17. "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 Championship 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

External links

• Insane Clown Posse official site
• Psychopathic Records official site (portal)
• An Intelligent Look at the Insane Clown Posse
• Behind the Paint, Violent J with Hobey Echlin. (ISBN 0-9741846-0-8)