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The Insane Clown Posse (ICP) is an American hip hop duo originally from Wayne, Michigan but formed in the Detroit neighborhood of Delray, consisting of Violent J (Joseph Bruce) and Shaggy 2 Dope (Joseph Utsler). The group was originally part of a larger group known as Inner City Posse, who broke up in 1992. They almost always display themselves in character in full black and white "evil clown" makeup, typically in the form of a "happy face." The group has obtained one platinum album and four gold albums, as well as their own feature film, and has a dedicated following of fans, known as Juggalos and/or Juggalettes.

History

Formation

In their early years before Inner City Posse they were known as Intelligence and Violence and before that they were The JJ Boyz with Shaggy's brother John Ushler nicknamed John Kickchass. The group was originally part of a larger street group known as Inner City Posse. The group's rappers included Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope of Insane Clown Posse, as well as Shaggy's older brother, John Kickchass, and several other members who didn't make music. The group formed in 1987 and began to make music in 1989, where the group released their first single, "Party at the Top of the Hill", and their first home-cassette tape, Enter The Ghetto Zone. In 1990, the group released two more tapes, titled Intelligence and Violence, and Bassment Cuts, the latter was their first tape to be released in stores. In 1991, the group was able to produce their first and last professionally-released EP, title Dog Beats. The album did very well in the underground music scene. The group finally split in 1992. Afterwards, members Violent J and Shaggy donned clown makeup and decided to form their own duo called Insane Clown Posse, still keeping the ICP initials.

Carnival of Carnage era (1992 - 1993)

In 1992, ICP released their first album, Carnival of Carnage, on their independent label Psychopathic Records, which they designated as "The First Joker's Card". The group hinted that the next five major-release albums would be numbered in this fashion. They also stated 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 which has spoken to them.

The album everntually went on to be certified gold.

In 1993, the group released an EP titled Beverly Kills 50187 as a filler between the first and second Joker's cards.

The Ringmaster/Riddlebox era (1994 - 1996)

In 1994 the band released the second Joker card, The Ringmaster on Psychopathic Records, as followed by The Riddlebox in 1995 on Jive Records. Riddle Box was the first Insane Clown posse album to be released nationwide. They also released several more EPs between the albums, releasing The Terror Wheel and Carnival X-Mas in 1994, and Tunnel of Love in 1996. During this time, Shaggy 2 Dope also dropped a solo EP, titled Fuck Off, in 1994.

Both The Ringmaster and The Riddlebox have been certified gold.

The Great Milenko/Jeckel 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 recording was completed, a board of Disney representatives threatened to halt the release of the album unless some significant changes were made to its material. 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 hours after the album's initial release, it was unexpectedly pulled from the shelves 6 hours later. ICP's upcoming tour was cancelled, and they were dropped from the record label. It was later revealed that Disney had received much criticism from certain religious organizations, and, in fear of tarnishing their reputation, forced Hollywood Records to drop the act.

A media frenzy soon followed, fueled by ICP appearances on MTV expressing outrage over their plight by Hollywood Records. Originally unwilling to nullify ICP's recording contract and relinquish ownership of the album, a deal was eventually reached with Island Records to promptly release the album in an uncut form. In the end, the controversy turned out to be a blessing in disguise for ICP; the high-profile debacle had created huge public interest in the group and their music. The first single "Halls of Illusions" and the second, "Hokus Pokus" both received some, but very little airplay on MTV.

The Great Milenko has been cetified platinum.

Following that, 4 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. It has gone on to be certified gold, and is their only non-studio album to do so.

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, two years after the Disney scandal. The single "Another Love Song" had a video made and it was put in MTV's reqular rotation. The duo also made an appearance at the Woodstock 99 festival. The Amazing Jeckel Brothers would prove to be ICP's biggest success in the mainstream.

The Amazing Jeckel Brothers has been certified platinum.

The Bizzar/Bizaar era (2000 - 2001)

In 2000, ICP was disappointed by the way Island Records was promoting them. They didn't want to release the final Joker's Card with Island. Since they still had two more records left to release to end 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 if it did she would pay them $50,000. Violent J claimed the album would sell 500,000. Together Bizaar and Bizzar have sold over 200,000, selling over 100,000 copies each.. Since Osbourne refused to pay the money after losing the bet, Insane Clown Posse donated an equal amount to charity in her name.

ICP also clashed with MTV with the release of their videos "Lets Go all the way" (which was a cover song from the band Sly Fox), and "Tilt - A - Whirl". MTV agreed to show the videos, but broadcasted 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 10 show, TRL. Despite the overwhelming amount of votes and the Juggalo attendance at the TRL taping, MTV refused to play the video. ICP was rejected in favor of more "popular" bands. This was also confirmed by Violent J's brother Robert Bruce (A.K.A. Jumpsteady), who was in attendance at the taping. MTV was confronted with this and refused to acknowledge they had any part in it, but that assertion is contradicted in Violent J's biography Behind the Paint.

Insane Clown Posse's feature film, Big Money Hustlas, was also released in 2000. The film has gone on to become a Juggalo classic, as well as an underground hit for both fans and non-fans alike. In addition to both Violent J and Shaggy 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, Big Stank and Lil' Poot, and Harland Williams as Shaggy 2 Dope's sidekick, Officer Harry Cox.

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 was revealed, it was also 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 frowned upon by critics, even to the point where it was somewhat labeled "The Worst Album of All Time" by Blender Magazine. Despite the negativity the album spawned a successful single "Juggalo Homies" which received radio airplay and a music video that was played on networks like MTV2 and Fuse. This album is also ICP's most controversial album fanwise. On the album's final track, it is revealed that the group follows God.

The album has been certified gold.

In 2003, Violent J released his first solo album, named Wizard of the Hood. The name and plot of the album is a parody of The Wizard of Oz. A single song 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 accepted by critics, but did not receive as much media attention. "Bowling Balls" was released as a radio promo, and a video of the same song was released on the bonus disc included with the album.

The Calm era (2005 - 2006)

In 2005, the band released an EP entitled The Calm. The album was considered a change in sound for ICP, who also fully produced the album themselves.

The group also released their fourth compilation album, Forgotten Freshness Volume 4 in Novermber 2005.

In 2006, Shaggy 2 Dope released his first full-length solo album, Fuck The Fuck Off. Shortly afterwards, Insane Clown Posse released their first remix album called The Wraith: Remix 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 sampler and first single for The Tempest entitled "I Do This" as well as an announcement that Twiztid would join them on their Tempest World Tour. This was quickly followed by a second track "Haunted Bumps" and a picture assumed to be the cover which features ICP riding a roller coaster and a new logo comprising of Insane Clown Posse written in lightning.

The group's next album, The Tempest was released on March 20, 2007.

Inside the album, was an advertisement stating the group's next EP, Eye of the Storm, would be released at the 2007 Gathering of the Juggalos.

Collaborations

Key collaborations include, but are not limited to:

• 2 Live Crew
• Alice Cooper
• Anybody Killa
• Axe Murder Boyz
• Blaze Ya Dead Homie
• Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
• Boondox
• Bushwick Bill
• Esham
• Ice T
• Jumpsteady
• Kid Rock
• Kottonmouth Kings
• La The Darkman
• L.A.V.E.L.
• Mack 10
• Marz
• MC Breed
• Ol' Dirty Bastard
• Project Born
• Slash
• Snoop Dogg
• Steve Jones (Sex Pistols)
• Tech N9ne
• Three 6 Mafia
• Twiztid
• V-Sinizter
• Vanilla Ice
• Zug Izland

Fan base

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". "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 Spin and Blender. Rolling Stone referred to them as "the ultimate wack MCs." 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 extreme violent and lyrically dark content of their music.

ICP also had a publicized "beef" with Eminem. Among other actions taken on their side of the feud, ICP recorded over one of Eminem's songs (My Name Is into Slim Anus). This diss song was a shot at Dr. Dre and Eminem as gay lovers; ICP merely replaced certain words in Eminem's song. Eminem responded in his Multi-Platinum album, The Marshall Mathers LP in his song "Marshall Mathers," as well as in a Skit on the same album. ICP finally responded 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 3, as well as in the Pendulum series of comic books. Though ICP addressed certain aspects, many critics regarded the track as derivative, the majority of it consisting of accusations of homosexuality of both Eminem and Dr. Dre; Eminem, however, used the same tactic on "Ken Kaniff" on The Marshall Mathers LP.

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 on the logo of ICP's record label, Psychopathic Records. Robida wore a swastika tattoo and flaunted Nazi insignia and paraphernalia on his website, and was a former teen cadet in the Junior Police Academy. On February 5, he killed a traffic officer at a routine stop. When police stopped him, he killed his girlfriend (Jennifer Bailey, whom he had picked up from 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.

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 went on, "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.

ICP is ranked at number 1 on Blender's "50 Worst Artists in Music History" list.

Professional wrestling

The Insane Clown Posse have also been very involved with professional wrestling. They wrestled in ECW in 1997, WWE in 1998, and WCW in 1999. They ran a show in 1998 called Hellfire wrestling. In 2003, the duo were heavily involved in TNA. They have also run their own independent promotion, Juggalo Championshit 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, have been loosely based on their promotion. Several videos have been released with footage from their events.

Discography

Albums

Album cover	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 Riddle Box	Jive Records	#16 (Heatseekers)	Gold
File:Greatmilenko.jpg	June, 24 1997	The Great Milenko	Island Records	#63	Platinum
File:Jake Jeckel.jpg	May 25, 1999	The Amazing Jeckel Brothers	Island Records	#4	Platinum
	October 31, 2000	Bizaar	Island Records	#20
	October 31, 2000	Bizzar	Island Records	#21
	November 05, 2002	The Wraith: Shangri-La	Psychopathic Records	#15
	August 31, 2004	The Wraith: Hell's Pit	Psychopathic Records	#12
File:ICPtempest.jpg	March 20, 2007	The Tempest	Psychopathic Records	#20

EPs

Album cover	Date of release	Title	Label	U.S. Billboard peak	U.S. sales
File:50187.JPG	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	-

Compilations, remixes, etc.

Album cover	Date of release	Title	Label	U.S. Billboard peak	U.S. sales
	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)	-
File:Icp-forgotten-freshness-vol4.jpg	November, 29 2005	Forgotten Freshness Volume 4	Psychopathic Records	#88	-
	November 14, 2006	Wraith: Remix Albums	Psychopathic Records	#158	-

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)

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

1. Insane Clown Posse and Sharon Osbourne Battle on Howard Stern Radio Show. Accessed 20 August 1999.
2. Insane Clown Posse - The Calm. Accessed 06 February 2007.
3. The 50 Worst Artists in Music History. Accessed September 2003.
4. Insane Clown Posse: The Amazing Jeckel Brothers: Music Reviews. Accessed 10 June 1999.
5. POP REVIEW; POP REVIEW; A Couple Of Clowns Who Take The Name Seriously. Accessed 10 October 2001.
6. Built To Spew. Accessed 24 August 1999.

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)

• Articles with unsourced statements from January 2007
• American hip hop groups
• Duos
• Michigan musical groups
• Professional wrestling teams and stables
• Psychopathic Records
• Horrorcore groups