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| {{Infobox Musical artist <!-- See Misplaced Pages:WikiProject_Musicians --> | |||
| icp is dead now so are you | |||
| | Name = Insane Clown Posse | |||
| | Img = Insane Clown Posse.jpg | |||
| | Img_capt = ] (left) and ] (right) of Insane Clown Posse. | |||
| | Img_size = 300px | |||
| | Landscape = ] | |||
| | Background = group_or_band | |||
| | Alias = ICP | |||
| | Origin = ], ], ] | |||
| | Genre = ] | |||
| | Years_active = 1989–present | |||
| | Label = ] (1992–1995; 2000–present)<br />] (1995–1996)<br />] (1996–1997)<br />] (1997–2000) | |||
| | Associated_acts = ]<br />]<br />] | |||
| | URL = | |||
| | Current_members = ] (Joseph Bruce)<br />] (Joseph Utsler) | |||
| | Past_members = John Kickjazz (John Utsler)<br />Greez-E (Kalyn Garcia) | |||
| | Notable_instruments = | |||
| }} | |||
| '''Insane Clown Posse''' is an ] ] ] from ]. The group comprises ] and ], who perform under the respective personas of the ] Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope. Insane Clown Posse performs a style of ] known as '']'' and is known for its elaborate live performances. The duo has earned two ] and three gold albums. According to ], the entire catalog of the group has sold 6.5 million units in the United States and Canada.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/musicNews/idUSN0232707820070402 |title=Insane Clowns prosper even as album sales wane |accessdate=2008-09-24 |publisher=]/'']'' |date=April 2, 2007 }}</ref> | |||
| Originally known as ''Inner City Posse,'' Bruce and Utsler changed the group's name when prompted by a vision in a dream resembling a ]. The dream also inspired the introduction of ]-and ]-themed lyrics. The duo founded the independent ] ] with Alex Abbiss as manager, and produced and starred in the feature film '']''. They formed their own ] federation, ], and later collaborated with many famous hip hop and ] musicians. | |||
| The themes of Insane Clown Posse and other acts on Psychopathic Records center on the mythology of the ], which the duo claim is a spiritual force that has revealed a series of stories known as ''Joker's Cards''. These stories each offer a specific lesson designed to change the "evil ways" of listeners before "the end consumes us all." Insane Clown Posse has a dedicated following, often referred to by the group as ]s and Juggalettes. | |||
| ==Musical career== | |||
| ===Early history (1985–1994)=== | |||
| ====Formation of the group==== | |||
| ] (Violent J) and ] (Shaggy 2 Dope) met in ], a suburb nine miles (fourteen km) north of ]. Along with Utsler's brother, John, and friend, Lacy, they wrestled in ] that they had built themselves.<ref name="BehindthePaint51">{{cite book |last=Bruce |first=Joseph |authorlink=Joseph Bruce |coauthors=Hobey Echlin |editor=Nathan Fostey |title=ICP: Behind the Paint |origdate= |origyear=2003 |origmonth=August |edition=2nd Edition |publisher=Psychopathic Records |location=Royal Oak, Michigan |isbn=09741846083 |pages=51–61 |chapter=JJ Boys and The Royal Oak Township }}</ref> | |||
| In 1989, Joseph Bruce, as Jagged Joe, Joseph Utsler, as Kangol Joe, and John Utsler, as Master J, released the single entitled ''Party at the Top of the Hill'' under the name of '''JJ Boys''', but they did not pursue a serious career in music.<ref name="BehindthePaint539">{{cite book |last=Bruce |first=Joseph |coauthors=Hobey Echlin |editor=Nathan Fostey |title=ICP: Behind the Paint |origdate= |origyear=2003 |origmonth=August |edition=2nd Edition |publisher=Psychopathic Records |location=Royal Oak, Michigan |isbn=09741846083 |pages=539–540 |chapter=Complete Discography }}</ref> Poverty and a difficult home life drove Bruce to move in with Rudy "The Rude Boy" Hill in the ghetto of ], a residential neighborhood in the industrial southwest side of Detroit.<ref name="BehindthePaint108">{{cite book |last=Bruce |first=Joseph |authorlink=Joseph Bruce |coauthors=Hobey Echlin |editor=Nathan Fostey |title=ICP: Behind the Paint |origdate= |origyear=2003 |origmonth=August |edition=2nd Edition |publisher=Psychopathic Records |location=Royal Oak, Michigan |isbn=09741846083 |pages=108–111 |chapter=Rude Boy and the Magical Land of Toxic Waste }}</ref> | |||
| Feeling a sense of home and belonging, Bruce formed a gang called ''Inner City Posse.'' The gang consisted of Joseph Utsler, Rudy Hill, other friends of Bruce, and a number of other connections he had made in Southwest Detroit.<ref name="BehindthePaint108"/> Bruce was jailed for ninety days in 1989–1990 for death threats, robbery, and violating ];<ref name="BehindthePaint125">{{cite book |last=Bruce |first=Joseph |authorlink=Joseph Bruce |coauthors=Hobey Echlin |editor=Nathan Fostey |title=ICP: Behind the Paint |origdate= |origyear=2003 |origmonth=August |edition=2nd Edition |publisher=Psychopathic Records |location=Royal Oak, Michigan |isbn=09741846083 |pages=125–132 |chapter=Intelligence and Violence }}</ref> this experience convinced him to reduce his involvement in gang life.<ref name="BehindthePaint125"/> Bruce began his ] career after getting out of jail, and it was at his first show that he met ] and ], two other first-timers with whom he became very good friends.<ref name="BehindthePaint125"/> During this time Bruce brought Utsler backstage with him, and all four became close friends. | |||
| Bruce became frustrated with the backstage politics of the wrestling business and began searching for another career.<ref name="BehindthePaint125"/> Back on the streets, Bruce began listening to hip hop with Utsler and with Utsler's brother, John. The trio performed at local night clubs, using the stage names Violent J, 2 Dope, and John Kickjazz, under the name of their gang, '''Inner City Posse'''.<ref name="BehindthePaint539"/> Seeing a need for a manager, Bruce's brother ] recommended his friend and record store owner Alex Abbiss, who established the ] record label with the group in 1991. Later that year the group released the self-produced ] entitled '']''.<ref name="AMGHipHop"> | |||
| {{cite book |editor= |others= |title=All Music Guide to Hip-Hop: The Definitive Guide to Rap & Hip-hop |year=2003 |isbn=0879307595 |publisher=Backbeat Books |pages=229–231 }}</ref> Growing popularity in the local music scene turned negative for the group's gang, which became the target of growing violence. After receiving jail sentences, the group members abandoned gang life.<ref name="BehindthePaint125"/> | |||
| In late 1991 the group invested more money into production than was covered by returns. The group decided that its ] style was the cause of the problem: Most rappers at the time used similar styles, making it difficult for Inner City Posse to distinguish itself stylistically.<ref name="BehindthePaint174">{{cite book |last=Bruce |first=Joseph |authorlink=Joseph Bruce |coauthors=Hobey Echlin |editor=Nathan Fostey |title=ICP: Behind the Paint |origdate= |origyear=2003 |origmonth=August |edition=2nd Edition |publisher=Psychopathic Records |location=Royal Oak, Michigan |isbn=09741846083 |pages=174–185 |chapter=The Dark Carnival }}</ref> Referring to local rapper ]'s ] style, Bruce suggested the band adapt this genre, in a bid to have Detroit represent acid rap, much as ] represented gangsta rap. The group agreed, but not to copying the style of Esham closely. Instead, they suggested using horror-themed lyrics as an emotional outlet for all their negative life experiences. They were also unanimous in deciding not to rap openly about ], which Esham often did.<ref name="BehindthePaint174"/> | |||
| After the change in musical style, the group decided it needed a new name. Utsler suggested keeping the "I.C.P." initials to inform the community that Inner City Posse was not defunct, an idea to which the group agreed.<ref name="BehindthePaint174"/> Several names were considered before Bruce recalled his dream of a clown running around in Delray, which became the inspiration for the group's new name: '''Insane Clown Posse'''. The other members agreed, deciding that they would take on this new genre and name, and would all don face paint due to the success of their former clown-painted ] man.<ref name="BehindthePaint174"/> | |||
| Upon returning home that night, Bruce had a dream in which spirits in a ] appeared to him—an image that would become the basis for the Dark Carnival mythology detailed in the group's Joker's Cards series.<ref name="BehindthePaint174"/> | |||
| ====''Carnival of Carnage'' and ''Ringmaster''==== | |||
| The group began recording their debut album, '']'', with producer Chuck Miller. After recording only three songs for US$6,000 with Miller, Alex Abbiss made his first major managerial move by finding another producer, ].<ref name="BehindthePaint198">{{cite book |last=Bruce |first=Joseph |authorlink=Joseph Bruce |coauthors=Hobey Echlin |editor=Nathan Fostey |title=ICP: Behind the Paint |origdate= |origyear=2003 |origmonth=August |edition=2nd Edition |publisher=Psychopathic Records |location=Royal Oak, Michigan |isbn=09741846083 |pages=198–208 |chapter=The Broken Path of a Dream }}</ref> The group finished recording the album with Clark, who continued to work with them throughout their career. The album featured appearances from local rappers, including Esham and ].<ref name="AMGHipHop"> | |||
| {{cite book |editor= |others= |title=All Music Guide to Hip-Hop: The Definitive Guide to Rap & Hip-hop |year=2003 |isbn=0879307595 |publisher=Backbeat Books |pages=229–231 }}</ref> Just weeks prior to the release of their album, John left the group because he felt that it was "taking up too much of life."<ref name="BehindthePaint198"/> When Bruce and Utsler attempted to call a meeting to talk about the issues, John did not attend.<ref name="BehindthePaint198"/> | |||
| {| style="font-size:80%" align="right" border="0" color="black" width=130px | |||
| | | |||
| {{Listen|filename=Ghetto Freak Show.ogg|title="Ghetto Freak Show" (sample)|description="Ghetto Freak Show", from the group's 1992 album '']''.|format=]}} | |||
| |} | |||
| ''Carnival of Carnage'' was released on ], ], with distribution within a {{convert|120|mi|km|adj=on}} radius of Detroit.<ref name="BehindthePaint198"/> ] reviewer ] compared the group's performance on the album to "a third-rate ] supported by a cut-rate ], all tempered with the sensibility that made ] cult heroes—only with more sexism and jokes that wind up sounding racist."<ref name="AMGHipHop"/> The follow-up EP, '']'', sold well and gained a larger audience. During a live performance of the song "The Juggla", Bruce addressed the audience as ''Juggalos'', and the positive response resulted in the group using the word thereafter.<ref name="BehindthePaint231">{{cite book |last=Bruce |first=Joseph |authorlink=Joseph Bruce |coauthors=Hobey Echlin |editor=Nathan Fostey |title=ICP: Behind the Paint |origdate= |origyear=2003 |origmonth=August |edition=2nd Edition |publisher=Psychopathic Records |location=Royal Oak, Michigan |isbn=09741846083 |pages=237–253 |chapter=Ringmaster's Word }}</ref> The word has been the subject of criticism from both ] of '']'' and Allmusic's Erlewine, who suggested the term is similar to the racial slur ''].''<ref name="AMGHipHop"/><ref name="RSAlbumGuide">{{cite book |title=The New Rolling Stone Album Guide |editor=Brackett, Nathan |year=2004 |publisher=] |isbn=0743201698 |pages=405–6 }}</ref> | |||
| The group's second studio album, '']'', was released on ], ], and its popularity enabled the group to sell out larger nightclubs across Detroit.<ref name="BehindthePaint231"> {{cite book |last=Bruce |first=Joseph |authorlink=Joseph Bruce |coauthors=Hobey Echlin |editor=Nathan Fostey |title=ICP: Behind the Paint |origdate= |origyear=2003 |origmonth=August |edition=2nd Edition |publisher=Psychopathic Records |location=Royal Oak, Michigan |isbn=09741846083 |pages=231–253 |chapter=Ringmaster's Word }}</ref> Because Bruce and Utsler made reference to the Detroit-produced soft drink ] in their songs, they "figured it would be cool to have some on stage with ."<ref name="Brant"/> During a concert in 1993, Bruce threw an open bottle of Faygo at a row of concertgoers who were giving them ]. After receiving a positive response, Bruce and Utsler have since continued to spray Faygo onto audiences.<ref name="Brant"/> A subsequent national tour increased sales of the album,<ref name="BehindthePaint231"/> earning ''Ringmaster'' a ].<ref name=RIAA>{{cite web |url=http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH |title=Certification for Insane Clown Posse |accessdate=2008-05-05 |publisher=RIAA Gold and Platinum Certification Database}}</ref> The group's second EP, '']'', was released on ], ]. One of the songs from the EP, "Dead Body Man", received considerable local radio play.<ref name="BehindthePaint231"/> The same year marked their first "Hallowicked" concert, which has since continued annually on ] night in Detroit.<ref name="BehindthePaint231"/> | |||
| <br clear="all" /> | |||
| ===Major releases (1995–1997)=== | |||
| ====''Riddle Box''==== | |||
| In 1995 Bruce and Utsler attempted to obtain a contract with a major record label. They eventually signed a contract with ],<ref name="BehindthePaint231"/> which released the group's third studio album, '']'', on ], ].<ref name="BehindthePaint552"> {{cite book |last=Bruce |first=Joseph |authorlink=Joseph Bruce |coauthors=Hobey Echlin |editor=Nathan Fostey |title=ICP: Behind the Paint |origdate= |origyear=2003 |origmonth=August |edition=2nd Edition |publisher=Psychopathic Records |location=Royal Oak, Michigan |isbn=09741846083 |pages=552 |chapter=Complete Discography }}</ref> After Jive Records showed little interest in promoting the album, Insane Clown Posse funded the promotion of ''Riddle Box'' independently. This effort led the group to ], where they persuaded several music retail stores to stock the album. Sales averaged 1,500 copies per week as a result.<ref name="BehindthePaint268"> {{cite book |last=Bruce |first=Joseph |authorlink=Joseph Bruce |coauthors=Hobey Echlin |editor=Nathan Fostey |title=ICP: Behind the Paint |origdate= |origyear=2003 |origmonth=August |edition=2nd Edition |publisher=Psychopathic Records |location=Royal Oak, Michigan |isbn=09741846083 |pages=268–269 |chapter=Fuck Jive }}</ref> | |||
| ====''The Great Milenko''==== | |||
| Manager Alex Abbiss negotiated a contract with the ]-owned label ], that reportedly paid US$1 million to purchase the Insane Clown Posse contract from Jive Records.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1430332/19970703/i_c_p.jhtml |title=Insane Clowns Point The Finger At Disney |accessdate=2008-05-04 |date=], ] |publisher=]}}</ref> The group started recording their fourth studio album, '']'', in 1996, during which Disney requested that the tracks "The Neden Game", "Under the Moon", and "Boogie Woogie Wu" be removed. Disney also asked that the lyrics of other tracks be changed, threatening to not release the album otherwise.<ref name="BehindthePaint306">{{cite book |last=Bruce |first=Joseph |authorlink=Joseph Bruce |coauthors=Hobey Echlin |editor=Nathan Fostey |title=ICP: Behind the Paint |origdate= |origyear=2003 |origmonth=August |edition=2nd Edition |publisher=Psychopathic Records |location=Royal Oak, Michigan |isbn=09741846083 |pages=306–314 |chapter=Banned by a Filthy Rat }}</ref><ref name="Island">{{cite news |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1430330/19970717/i_c_p.jhtml |title=Insane Clowns Land On Island Records |accessdate=2008-05-04 |date=], ] |publisher=]}}</ref> Bruce and Utsler complied with Disney's requests, and planned to go on a national tour with ] and Myzery as their opening acts.<ref name="BehindthePaint306"/> | |||
| During a music store autograph signing, Insane Clown Posse was notified that Hollywood Records had recalled the album within hours of its release,<ref name="BehindthePaint306"/> despite having sold 18,000 copies and reaching #63 on the ].<ref name="Browne">{{cite web |url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,288784,00.html |title=Review of ''The Great Milenko'' |accessdate=2008-05-08 |last=Browne |first=David |date=], ] |publisher='']''}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1430331/19970704/i_c_p.jhtml |title=Insane Clown Posse Angry At Disney's Decision |accessdate=2008-05-04 |date=], ] |publisher=]}}</ref> The group was also informed that its in-store signings and nationwide tour had been canceled, commercials for the album and the ] for "Halls of Illusions" (which had reached #1 on ] video request channel) were pulled from television, and that the group was dropped from the label.<ref name="BehindthePaint306"/> It was later revealed that Disney was being criticized by the ] at the time because of Disney's promotion of "Gay Days" at ], in addition to presiding over the gay-themed television sitcom '']''. The Convention claimed Disney was turning its back on "]."<ref name="Disney-controversy">{{cite news |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1430334/19970627/i_c_p.jhtml |title=Insane Clown Posse Album Recalled |accessdate=2008-05-04 |date=], ] |publisher=]}}</ref> Although Abbiss told the press that Disney had stopped production of ''The Great Milenko'' to avoid further controversy, Disney claimed instead that the release of the album was an oversight by their review board, and that the album "did not fit the Disney image" because of its "inappropriate" lyrics,<ref name="Disney-2">{{cite news |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1430335/19970627/i_c_p.jhtml |title=Disney Silences Insane Clown Posse |accessdate=2008-05-04 |date=], ] |publisher=]}}</ref> which they claimed were offensive to women.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1430333/19970630/i_c_p.jhtml |title=Insane Clown Posse Mulling Over Options |accessdate=2008-05-04 |date=], ] |publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
| After the termination of the Hollywood Records contract, Insane Clown Posse signed a new contract with ], who agreed to release the uncensored version of ''The Great Milenko''.<ref name="BehindthePaint330">{{cite book |last=Bruce |first=Joseph |authorlink=Joseph Bruce |coauthors=Hobey Echlin |editor=Nathan Fostey |title=ICP: Behind the Paint |origdate= |origyear=2003 |origmonth=August |edition=2nd Edition |publisher=Psychopathic Records |location=Royal Oak, Michigan |isbn=09741846083 |pages=330–335 |chapter=Disney's Hoe Tactics }}</ref><ref name="Island"/> '']'' music critic ] gave the record a C-minus rating: " its puerile humor and intentionally ugly metal-rap tunes, the album feels oddly dated."<ref name="Browne"/> ''The Great Milenko'' has been certified platinum with over 1.5 million copies sold.<ref name=RIAA/> One of the group's first projects with Island Records was an hour-long documentary entitled ''Shockumentary'', which aired on ]. The station initially refused to play the documentary, but Island Records persuaded them to air it as a personal favor.<ref name="BehindthePaint330"/> ''Shockumentary'' helped increase album sales from 17,000 to 50,000 copies per week.<ref name="BehindthePaint330"/> | |||
| ====Nationwide tour with House of Krazees and Myzery==== | |||
| Two days after the ECW program, Insane Clown Posse began their rescheduled nationwide tour with House of Krazees and Myzery. Their first concert, held in ], was hand-picked by Insane Clown Posse and free to the public.<ref name="BehindthePaint336"/> Halfway through the tour, Brian Jones of House of Krazees had a fallout with his band members. Jones left the group, forcing House of Krazees to quit the tour.<ref name="BehindthePaint336"/> | |||
| The success of the tour enabled Bruce and Utsler to purchase new houses both for each other and for their families.<ref name="BehindthePaint330"/> Bruce even told his mother to quit her job because he would pay her expenses.<ref name="BehindthePaint353">{{cite book |last=Bruce |first=Joseph |authorlink=Joseph Bruce |coauthors=Hobey Echlin |editor=Nathan Fostey |title=ICP: Behind the Paint |origdate= |origyear=2003 |origmonth=August |edition=2nd Edition |publisher=Psychopathic Records |location=Royal Oak, Michigan |isbn=09741846083 |pages=353–365 |chapter=Life on the Road }}</ref> | |||
| ====Interaction with Eminem==== | |||
| In late 1997, Bruce took Myzery to St. Andrew's Hall. ], then an unknown local rapper, approached Bruce and handed him a flyer advertising the release party for '']''. The flyer read, "Featuring appearances by Esham, Kid Rock, and ICP (maybe)."<ref name="BehindthePaint353"/> Bruce asked why Eminem was promoting a possible Insane Clown Posse appearance without first contacting the group. Eminem explained, "It says 'maybe.' Maybe you will be there; I don't know. That's why I'm asking you right now. You guys comin' to my release party, or what?"<ref name="BehindthePaint353"/> Bruce, upset over not being consulted, responded, "Fuck ''no'', I ain't coming to your party. We might have, if you would've asked us first, before putting us on the fuckin' flyer like this."<ref name="BehindthePaint353"/> Eminem took Bruce's response as a personal offense, subsequently attacking the group in radio interviews. Bruce and Utsler responded later in 1999 by releasing a parody of Eminem's "]" entitled "Slim Anus." Barbs between Insane Clown Posse and Eminem continued.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.pittsburghcitypaper.ws/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A19778 |title=''Juggalos Are Us: Get past the clown makeup, the violent lyrics and the sea of thrown soda and we're all about family, say Insane Clown Posse fan'' |accessdate=2008-05-31 |last=Meinzer |first=Melissa |date=], ] |publisher=Pittsburgh City Paper}}</ref> | |||
| ====The House of Horrors Tour==== | |||
| One month after ''ICP's Strangle-Mania Live'', Insane Clown Posse began their second nationwide tour, "The House of Horrors Tour", with Myzery added as one of the opening acts. While searching for the second opening act, Bruce received a telephone call at his home from former House of Krazees members ] and ], who told Bruce that the group was officially disbanded and asked to be on the tour.<ref name="BehindthePaint353"/> Spaniolo and Methric provided a ] containing three songs: "2nd Hand Smoke", "Diemotherfuckdie", and "How Does It Feel?"<ref name="BehindthePaint353"/> Bruce was extremely impressed, and immediately had a contract drafted with Psychopathic Records for the new group to sign. Bruce, Spaniolo, and Methric agreed on the band name ]. The House of Horrors Tour thus featured Insane Clown Posse, with opening groups Twiztid, Myzery, and ].<ref name="BehindthePaint353"/> | |||
| ====Legal troubles==== | |||
| On ], ], Bruce was arrested on an ] charge after allegedly striking an audience member thirty times with his ] at a concert in ]. Bruce was held for four hours before being released on US$5,000 bail.<ref name="MTV-battery">{{cite news |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1430327/19971120/i_c_p.jhtml |title=Insane Clown Charged With Battery |accessdate=2008-05-04 |date=], ] |publisher=]}}</ref> The January 1998 issue of '']'' magazine ran a four-page cartoon lampooning Insane Clown Posse and Juggalos, claiming that the group was offensive "not for their obscenity, but for their stupidity." ''Spin'' likened Insane Clown Posse's stage act to "a sort of circus karaoke" and portrayed the group's fans as overweight suburbanites. On the group's website, Bruce responded to the article by stating, "I could give a fuck less."<ref name="MTV-Spin">{{cite news |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1430325/19980107/i_c_p.jhtml |title=Insane Clowns Swing At "Spin" As Tour Nears |accessdate=2008-05-04 |date=], ] |publisher=] }}</ref> | |||
| After a show in ], Insane Clown Posse's tour bus stopped at a ] in ]. When a customer began to harass Spaniolo and Bruce, a fight broke out between the customer and all of the bands' members.<ref name="BehindthePaint353"/> Months later on ], ], Bruce and Utsler pleaded guilty to misdemeanor ] charges (reduced from ]) in an Indiana court and were fined US$200 each. Members of Twiztid, Myzery, and Psycho Realm were charged with battery.<ref name="PleadGuilty">{{cite news |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/5929428/insane_clown_posse_plead_guilty |title=Insane Clown Posse Plead Guilty |accessdate=2007-12-26 |last=Bendersky |first=Ari |date=], ] |publisher='']''}}</ref> The group's tour was briefly derailed in January 1998, when their tour bus drifted off a highway and down an embankment, leaving ] of Psycho Realm with a concussion. As a result of the accident, Insane Clown Posse postponed two shows scheduled for ], on ] and ], but honored their promise to perform on ] and ].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1430324/19980126/i_c_p.jhtml |title=Insane Clown Posse Sidetracked By Bus Accident |accessdate=2008-05-04 |date=], ] |publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
| ===Mainstream success (1998–2000)=== | |||
| ====Panic attacks==== | |||
| On ], ], in ], Bruce suffered a ] during a performance and was carried off stage.<ref name="BehindthePaint381">{{cite book |last=Bruce |first=Joseph |authorlink=Joseph Bruce |coauthors=Hobey Echlin |editor=Nathan Fostey |title=ICP: Behind the Paint |origdate= |origyear=2003 |origmonth=August |edition=2nd Edition |publisher=Psychopathic Records |location=Royal Oak, Michigan |isbn=09741846083 |pages=381–383 |chapter=Angels and Devils }}</ref> Bruce, who later recalled being completely "out of it",<ref name="BehindthePaint381"/> found scissors and cut off his dreadlocks.<ref name="BehindthePaint381"/> After suffering another panic attack once he returned home, Bruce opted to spend three days in a Michigan mental health program.<ref name="BehindthePaint381"/> Insane Clown Posse later cancelled the last two weeks' worth of dates on its United States tour,<ref name="BehindthePaint381"/> but subsequently launched their first European tour.<ref name="BehindthePaint387">{{cite book |last=Bruce |first=Joseph |authorlink=Joseph Bruce |coauthors=Hobey Echlin |editor=Nathan Fostey |title=ICP: Behind the Paint |origdate= |origyear=2003 |origmonth=August |edition=2nd Edition |publisher=Psychopathic Records |location=Royal Oak, Michigan |isbn=09741846083 |pages=387–388 |chapter=Juggalos of the World }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1430322/19980428/i_c_p.jhtml |title=Insane Clown Posse's Violent J Hospitalized After Panic Attack |accessdate=2008-05-04 |date=], ] |publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
| ====''The Amazing Jeckel Brothers''==== | |||
| By late 1998 over one million copies of ''The Great Milenko'' had been sold,<ref name="BehindthePaint414">{{cite book |last=Bruce |first=Joseph |authorlink=Joseph Bruce |coauthors=Hobey Echlin |editor=Nathan Fostey |title=ICP: Behind the Paint |origdate= |origyear=2003 |origmonth=August |edition=2nd Edition |publisher=Psychopathic Records |location=Royal Oak, Michigan |isbn=09741846083 |pages=414–433 |chapter=Big Money Hustlas }}</ref> and Insane Clown Posse was ready for its fifth album, '']''. Working with Mike E. Clark and Rich "Legs Diamond" Murrell, Bruce and Utsler developed their album with the highest of hopes. The group was known nationally, but were not taken very seriously. Hoping to receive the respect Bruce and Utsler felt they deserved, they planned to feature well-known, respected rappers on their album.<ref name="BehindthePaint414"/> Bruce stated outright that he wanted to involve ] and ]. They paid Snoop Dogg US$40,000 to appear on the song "The Shaggy Show." Snoop Dogg also helped them contact Ol' Dirty Bastard, who was paid US$30,000 for his appearance. Ol' Dirty Bastard recorded his track in a matter of two days; however, his recording consisted of nothing more than him rambling about "bitches."<ref name="BehindthePaint414"/> It took Bruce and Utsler a week to assemble just four rhymes out of his rambling, and had to re-record the track and title it "Bitches."<ref name="BehindthePaint414"/> Finally, Insane Clown Posse contacted ], who charged them only US$10,000.<ref name="BehindthePaint414"/> The group felt that Ice-T's song did not belong on the album, and was instead released on a later album, '']''.<ref name="BehindthePaint414"/> | |||
| To help increase their positive publicity, the group hired the ] publicity team.<ref name="BehindthePaint414"/> The team set up a photo shoot for Insane Clown Posse that was to appear on the cover of '']'' magazine in Cleveland. On the set of the photo shoot, a member of the publicity team approached Bruce and explained that in the song "Fuck the World", the lyric that stated "Fuck the Beastie Boys and the ]" needed to be changed.<ref name="BehindthePaint414"/> Insulted, Bruce exclaimed that his music would not be censored again—referring to Disney's previous requirement of censure.<ref name="BehindthePaint414"/> Nasty Little Man told Bruce that the Beastie Boys were not only clients of the company but also personal friends, and the Beastie Boys told the company to make Bruce change the lyric.<ref name="BehindthePaint414"/> In response, Bruce fired Nasty Little Man and asked its team to leave the photo shoot.<ref name="BehindthePaint414"/> | |||
| ''The Amazing Jeckel Brothers'' was released on ], 1999, and reached #4 on the ''Billboard'' album charts,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1430318/19990603/i_c_p.jhtml |title=Insane Clown Posse Makes "Amazing" Top Five Debut |accessdate=2008-05-04 |date=], 1999 |publisher=]}}</ref> and has since been certified platinum by the ].<ref name=RIAA/> Stephen Thomas Erlewine gave the album a "four out of five stars" rating, stating that " actually delivered an album that comes close to fulfilling whatever promise their ridiculous, carnivalesque blend of ] and ] had in the first place".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:f9ftxqrkldje~T1 |title=Review of ''The Amazing Jeckel Brothers'' |accessdate=2008-05-08 |last=Erlewine |first=Stephen Thomas |publisher=]}}</ref> ''Rolling Stone'' writer Barry Walters gave the album a "two out of five stars" rating, writing that "no musical sleight of hand can disguise the fact that Shaggy and J remain the ultimate wack MCs."<ref name="RSJeckelBros">{{cite web |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/insaneclownposse/albums/album/120991/review/6068329/the_amazing_jeckel_brothers |title=Insane Clown Posse: The Amazing Jeckel Brothers: Music Reviews |accessdate=2007-12-26 |first=Barry |last=Walters |date=1999 |publisher='']'' }}</ref> At the same time as ''The Amazing Jeckel Brothers''' release, Island Records merged with ]. It quickly became apparent to Bruce and Utsler that Def Jam Records had no interest in them.<ref name="BehindthePaint414"/> Eminem, who had begun to gain mainstream success, insulted Insane Clown Posse in interviews, tours, and the song "Till Hell Freezes Over."<ref name="BehindthePaint414"/> | |||
| ====''Big Money Hustlas''==== | |||
| On Insane Clown Posse's previous tour (The House of Horrors Tour), they had watched the movie ''Big Ballers''.<ref name="BehindthePaint414"/> The group as well as Twiztid loved the video. After Insane Clown Posse finished its ''The Amazing Jeckel Brothers'' album, Bruce and Utsler decided to create their own movie, '']'', with the same low-budget comedy style as ''Big Ballers''. Island Records gave them US$250,000 to begin work on the movie.<ref name="BehindthePaint414"/> Bruce and Utsler were contacted by the ] of ], ], who said that he was a fan of Insane Clown Posse, and offered to direct the movie.<ref name="BehindthePaint414"/> Insane Clown Posse asked Mick Foley to appear in the movie under his "Cactus Sac" persona. Cafiero retained the ], ], and, at Bruce's request, ].<ref name="BehindthePaint414"/> The script was written by Bruce, and filmed in New York City.<ref name="BehindthePaint414"/> Bruce played a crime boss and Utsler portrayed a police detective.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allmovie.com/cg/avg.dll?p=avg&sql=1:210371 |title=Overview for ''Big Money Hustlas'' |accessdate=2008-07-16 |first=Mark |last=Deming |publisher=] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bigmoneyhustlas.com/synop.html |title=Synopsis for ''Big Money Hustlas'' |accessdate=2008-07-16 |publisher=] }}</ref> The stage crew members, which showed their dislike for Insane Clown Posse, were a source of contention. Despite the crew striking twice, the movie was filmed in two months.<ref name="BehindthePaint414"/> | |||
| ====Woodstock 1999==== | |||
| While on "The Asylum In-store Tour", Bruce and Utsler were informed by Abbiss that they were offered US$100,000 to perform at ].<ref name="BehindthePaint444">{{cite book |last=Bruce |first=Joseph |authorlink=Joseph Bruce |coauthors=Hobey Echlin |editor=Nathan Fostey |title=ICP: Behind the Paint |origdate= |origyear=2003 |origmonth=August |edition=2nd Edition |publisher=Psychopathic Records |location=Royal Oak, Michigan |isbn=09741846083 |pages=444–455 |chapter=Big Money Hustlas }}</ref> They were excited about the offer, as it indicated their impact on the music industry. Some people perceived participating in Woodstock 1999 was a ] for the group; however, Bruce and Utsler believed that Woodstock was selling out. As Bruce explains, " sold out the mainstream style for us! Woodstock never came to us and asked us to change one fuckin' thing about us or our show! They wanted ICP just as ICP is, and nothing else. If that ain't fresh, then I don't know what the fuck is!"<ref name="BehindthePaint444"/> | |||
| ====Amazing Jeckel Brothers Tour troubles==== | |||
| After Woodstock 1999, Insane Clown Posse began its "Amazing Jeckel Brothers Tour", along with musicians ], ], Twiztid, ], and ].<ref name="BehindthePaint444"/> Biohazard, Mindless Self Indulgence, Krayzie Bone, and Twiztid were well-received by audiences;<ref name="BehindthePaint444"/> however, Coal Chamber was not. Insane Clown Posse fans were not purchasing tickets, as they did not like Coal Chamber.<ref name="BehindthePaint444"/> For the three shows that Coal Chamber played, there were multiple ticket refunds.<ref name="BehindthePaint444"/> Bruce and his brother, Rob, made the decision to eliminate Coal Chamber from the tour. After doing so, there were no tickets returned for the remainder of the tour dates.<ref name="BehindthePaint444"/> Bruce and Utsler claimed that Coal Chamber had been removed from the tour because of equipment problems, but later revealed the true reason for their actions on '']'', which aired ], 1999.<ref name="BehindthePaint444"/> Bruce continued by saying, "Nobody will tell you that, because everybody's afraid of your crumpet-ass bitch manager."<ref name="BehindthePaint444"/> Later that night Stern contacted Bruce and Utsler, asking them to appear on his show the following day to talk with Coal Chamber's manager, ].<ref name="BehindthePaint444"/> | |||
| Before the show went on air, Osbourne bet Bruce and Utsler US$50,000 that Insane Clown Posse's next album would not even sell 200,000 copies—a bet that Bruce accepted.<ref name="BehindthePaint444"/> On air Osbourne informed Bruce and Utsler that Coal Chamber filed a lawsuit for ].<ref name="SternOsbourne">{{cite news |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/5924396/insane_clown_posse_and_sharon_osbourne_battle_on_howard_stern_radio_show |title=Insane Clown Posse and Sharon Osbourne Battle on Howard Stern Radio Show |accessdate=2007-12-26 |last=Fischer |first=Blair R |date=], 1999 |publisher='']''}}</ref> Osbourne stated that her group was to receive US$12,500 per show for a scheduled two-month package tour. Bruce reiterated that Coal Chamber's music did not appeal to Insane Clown Posse fans, and that ticket refunds decreased after Coal Chamber had been removed from the tour.<ref name="SternOsbourne"/> Osbourne then made public the bet with Bruce about Insane Clown Posse's next album, also stating that the duo would be subsequently dropped from their distributor. In Osbourne's words, "You're dead. Your career is over."<ref name="SternOsbourne"/> Bruce predicted that the group's next album would sell at least 500,000 copies;<ref name="SternOsbourne"/> however, the bet officially stood at 200,000 copies as agreed by both Bruce and Osbourne backstage.<ref name="BehindthePaint444"/> | |||
| ====''Bizzar'' and ''Bizaar''==== | |||
| On ] ], Utsler collapsed on stage during a performance at the ] in ] and was rushed to Northern Hospital. He was diagnosed was flu-related symptoms and abnormally low ]. As a result of the incident, the following week's concert dates were rescheduled.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1430315/20000112/i_c_p.jhtml |title=Insane Clown Posse Postpones Shows After Shaggy 2 Dope Collapses On Stage |accessdate=2008-05-04 |last=Johnson |first=Tina |coauthors=Mancini, Robert |date=], ] |publisher=]}}</ref> In June 2000, Eminem physically attacked Douglas Dail, an Insane Clown Posse affiliate, threatening him with a gun in the parking lot of a car audio store in ].<ref>{{cite book |last=Kent |first=Nick |title=The Dark Stuff: Selected Writings on Rock Music |year=2002 |publisher=Da Capo Press |isbn=0306811820 |pages=379}}</ref> Eminem pleaded guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for two years probation and a US$10,000 fine.<ref>{{cite news |first=Josh |last=Grossberg |title=Eminem Assault Case Closed |url=http://www.eonline.com/news/article/index.jsp?uuid=efb0105c-586e-4ca5-8c03-8260576667b5&entry=index |publisher='']'' |date=], ] |accessdate=2008-05-31}}</ref> In July 2000, Bruce and Utsler staged the first annual ] at the Novi Expo Center in ].<ref name="BehindthePaint470">{{cite book |last=Bruce |first=Joseph |authorlink=Joseph Bruce |coauthors=Hobey Echlin |editor=Nathan Fostey |title=ICP: Behind the Paint |origdate= |origyear=2003 |origmonth=August |edition=2nd Edition |publisher=Psychopathic Records |location=Royal Oak, Michigan |isbn=09741846083 |pages=470–496 |chapter=Hatchet Rising }}</ref> Described by Bruce as a "Juggalo Woodstock", the Gathering of the Juggalos was a three-day music festival that featured wrestling, games, seminars, contests, ]s, and performances by all Psychopathic Records' artists.<ref name="BehindthePaint470"/> Also featured at the event were ]—who both wrestled and performed—], and ].<ref name="BehindthePaint470"/> On ], ], ''Big Money Hustlas'' was released ].<ref name="BehindthePaint414"/> | |||
| After the Gathering of the Juggalos, Insane Clown Posse set out to release its sixth and seventh studio albums—'']'' and '']''—as a ]. While recording the albums, the duo had a fallout with long-time producer Mike E. Clark.<ref name="BehindthePaint470"/> ''Bizzar'' and ''Bizaar'' were the last complete albums Clark would produce with Insane Clown Posse until his return in 2007. Bruce and Utsler flew to ] to add the finishing touches to the albums.<ref name="BehindthePaint470"/> ''Bizzar'' and ''Bizaar'' were released on ] ], peaking at #20 and #21, respectively, on the ''Billboard'' 200.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/esearch/chart_display.jsp?cfi=305&cfgn=Albums&cfn=The+Billboard+200&ci=3040022&cdi=7658032&cid=12%2F09%2F2000 |title=''Billboard'' 200 Chart listing for ''Bizaar'' |accessdate=2008-05-22 |date=], ] |publisher='']''}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/esearch/chart_display.jsp?cfi=305&cfgn=Albums&cfn=The+Billboard+200&ci=3040379&cdi=7670487&cid=01%2F27%2F2001 |title=''Billboard'' 200 Chart listing for ''Bizzar'' |accessdate=2008-05-22 |date=], ] |publisher='']''}}</ref> In ''The New Rolling Stone Album Guide'', Ben Sisario wrote that the albums "qualify as ICP's masterworks of both merchandising and music." Both albums were given a "three out of five stars" rating.<ref name="RSAlbumGuide"/> The combined sales were around 400,000 copies, exceeding the bet placed previously with Sharon Osbourne; Osbourne did not come through with payment for having lost the bet.<ref name="BehindthePaint470"/> | |||
| Two music videos were released from the albums: "Tilt-a-Whirl," from ''Bizaar,'' and "Let's Go All The Way," from ''Bizzar.'' MTV agreed to play "Let's Go All The Way" on their network, airing it once in the late evening.<ref name="BehindthePaint470"/> Bruce and Utsler decided to bombard ''] (TRL)'' with requests for the video.<ref name="BehindthePaint470"/> While on their "Bizzar Bizaar Tour," Insane Clown Posse posted on its website that December 8 was the day for their fans request the video. Bruce and Utsler named that day "The Mighty Day of Lienda," meaning "The Mighty Day of All or Nothing."<ref name="BehindthePaint470"/> On ], Rudy Hill, Robert Bruce, Tom Dub, and six other Psychopathic Records employees and friends drove down to New York City. They were met by nearly 400 Insane Clown Posse fans standing outside in front of the ''TRL'' studio window, all with signs supporting the duo.<ref name="BehindthePaint470"/> Thirty minutes before the show began, ] security guards and New York City police officers were dispatched to remove all the fans from the sidewalk.<ref name="BehindthePaint470"/> When some fans, including Robert Bruce, refused to move because it was a public street and no other individuals were asked to move, they were assaulted.<ref name="BehindthePaint470"/> All telephone requests for the video to be played were ignored, and Insane Clown Posse was never mentioned during the show.<ref name="BehindthePaint470"/> MTV later informed Island Records that the heads of the network must choose the band first before it can become eligible to be featured on ''TRL''.<ref name="BehindthePaint470"/> | |||
| ===Independent releases (2001–present)=== | |||
| Bruce and Utsler left Island Records, signing a contract with D3 Entertainment to distribute every release on Psychopathic Records, which would remain independently funded, produced, and recorded.<ref name="ICP-History-6">{{cite web |url=http://www.insaneclownposse.com/carnival/iframe.php?page_id=icp_history_6 |title=Who R ICP > History > The Amazing Jeckel Brothers |accessdate=2008-05-02 |publisher=The Official Insane Clown Posse website}}</ref> Insane Clown Posse had their own studio built, called "The Lotus Pod."<ref name="BehindthePaint470"/> In the spring of 2001, Insane Clown Posse's road manager William Dail was arrested in ] for allegedly choking a man who waved an Eminem t-shirt in front of the band. Dail was charged for misdemeanor assault and battery. The charges were reduced to a US$100 fine after he plead guilty to a lesser charge.<ref>{{cite news |first=Darren |last=Davis |title=ICP Road Manager Arrested Over Eminem T-Shirt Flap |url=http://music.yahoo.com/read/news/12056157 |publisher=] |date=], ] |accessdate=2008-02-03 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Craig |last=Rosen |title=ICP Tour Manager Pleads Guilty In Eminem T-Shirt Incident|url=http://music.yahoo.com/read/news/12033739 |publisher=] |date=], ] |accessdate=2008-02-03 |archivedate= }}</ref> In a 2002 interview, Bruce stated that the rivalry between Eminem and Insane Clown Posse had ended.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.murderdog.com/archives/icp/Insane_Clown_Posse.html |title=Interview with Violent J |accessdate=2008-05-31 |last=Friedman |first=David |publisher=Murder Dog Archives}}</ref> | |||
| The second Gathering of the Juggalos was held from July 13–July 15 at the ] in ].<ref name="BehindthePaint470"/> The event featured the same activities as the first Gathering of the Juggalos, as well as guests such as ], ], and ].<ref name="BehindthePaint470"/> On ], ], Bruce was arrested in ] for an outstanding warrant in ] stemming from an incident in February 2001. That incident involved Insane Clown Posse allegedly attacking employees of a St. Louis radio station over disparaging remarks that a ] made on the air. The police used several squad cars to detain Bruce, Utsler, and two associates a few miles from a venue where the group had completed a concert. Bruce was transferred to St. Louis the following day and released on bail without charge on June 18.<ref name="MTV-StLouis">{{cite news |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1444587/20010618/i_c_p.jhtml |title=ICP's Violent J Spends Weekend In St. Louis Jail |accessdate=2008-05-05 |last=D'Angelo |first=Joe |date=], ] |publisher=] }}</ref> | |||
| ====''The Wraith: Shangri-La''==== | |||
| The face of the sixth Joker's Card is "The Wraith"—or simply, ]. The card featured two "exhibits", ''Shangri-La'' and '']'', which would each be given its own album.<ref name="BehindthePaint504">{{cite book |last=Bruce |first=Joseph |authorlink=Joseph Bruce |coauthors=Hobey Echlin |editor=Nathan Fostey |title=ICP: Behind the Paint |origdate= |origyear=2003 |origmonth=August |edition=2nd Edition |publisher=Psychopathic Records |location=Royal Oak, Michigan |isbn=09741846083 |pages=504–519 |chapter=Diamond Rain }}</ref> On ], ], Insane Clown Posse released their eighth studio album, '']'', where it is revealed that the hidden message of their music was always to follow God and make it to Heaven.<ref name="BehindthePaint504"/> Ben Sisario criticizes the series' ending in the '']'', writing "the whole thing was some bland divine plan Is this man's final dis of God, or His of us?"<ref name="RSAlbumGuide">{{cite book |title=The New Rolling Stone Album Guide |editor=Brackett, Nathan |year=2004 |publisher=] |isbn=0743201698 |pages=405–6 }}</ref> Some critics perceived the spiritual element of the storyline as a joke or a stunt. Allmusic writer Bradley Torreano wrote that "Even if it is a joke, it isn't a funny one, or even a clever one."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:j9fixqwaldhe~T1 |title=Review of ''The Wraith: Shangri-La'' |accessdate=2008-10-30 |last=Torreano |first=Bradley |publisher=]}}</ref> According to Bruce, "We went on an in-store tour right when the sixth Joker Card came out. It was the most moving thing we ever went through in our lives. All across the country, it had such an effect. People would come to the in-stores crying, thanking us. A very, very emotional time. Some people might've been upset by that, but through our eyes all we did was touch a lot of people. We definitely wanted it to be something everlasting. Maybe a 19-year-old might not understand or like that ending now. But later, when he has four kids, he might think, 'That was the shit.'"<ref name="Dominic">{{cite news |first=Serene |last=Dominic |title=''(Not) just a juggalo'' |url=http://www.metrotimes.com/music/story.asp?id=13394 |publisher='']'' |date=], ] |accessdate=2008-10-30 }}</ref> | |||
| ''The Wraith: Shangri-La'' debuted at #15 on ''Billboard'''s Top Independent Albums.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/esearch/chart_display.jsp?cfi=326&cfgn=Albums&cfn=Top+Independent+Albums&ci=3048322&cdi=7956457&cid=02%2F01%2F2003 |title=Charts for ''The Wraith: Shangri-La'' |accessdate=2008-05-09 |publisher='']'' }}</ref> In September 2003, Insane Clown Posse was voted the worst band of any musical genre in '']'', with ''The Wraith: Shangri-La'' named as the group's worst album.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blender.com/guide/articles.aspx?id=466 |title=The 50 Worst Artists in Music History |accessdate=2007-12-26 |date=September 2003 |publisher='']'' }}</ref> The magazine also gave the album a positive review for its "charming, good-natured idiocy."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blender.com/guide/reviews.aspx?id=216 |title=Review of ''The Wraith: Shangri-La'' |accessdate=2008-07-14 |last=Kemp |first=Rob |date=2002 |publisher='']''}}</ref> | |||
| Insane Clown Posse went on the 75-date "Shangri-La World Tour", where they performed across the United States, Australia, and Europe.<ref name="BehindthePaint504"/> Bruce and Utsler signed a new contract with ]'s ], and launched the Psychopathic Europe record label.<ref name="ICP-History-6"/> | |||
| ====''Hell's Pit'' and ''The Tempest''==== | |||
| Following the release of ''The Wraith: Shangri-La'', Bruce admitted that he was considering not completing the production of ''Hell's Pit''. He is quoted as describing ''Shangri-La'' as "the end of the road. It's the end of the Joker's Cards. After this I could do anything I want, for the rest of my life. The positivity was so unbelievable."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1457924/20021003/i_c_p.jhtml |title=Insane Clown Posse Find Light (And Hotties, Homies, Faygo) At End Of Tunnel |accessdate=2008-05-05 |last=D'Angelo |first=Joe |date=], ] |publisher=]}}</ref> On ], ], Insane Clown Posse released their ninth studio album, ''Hell's Pit'', the second exhibit of The Wraith, intended to warn listeners of the horrors of ]. Bruce described the album as the darkest, most painful work he had ever done.<ref name="ICP-History-8">{{cite web |url=http://www.insaneclownposse.com/carnival/iframe.php?page_id=icp_history_8 |title=Who R ICP > History > The Wraith: Hell's Pit |accessdate=2008-05-02 |publisher=The Official Insane Clown Posse website}}</ref> Two versions of the album were released, each containing a different DVD. One release featured a live concert and a twelve-minute music video for the song "Real Underground Baby", and another featured a short film for the song "Bowling Balls", which was the first ] shot in ].<ref name="ICP-History-8"/> | |||
| On ], ], Insane Clown Posse fan ] attacked individuals in a gay bar in ] with a handgun and a hatchet—a weapon featured in the logo of the group's record label, Psychopathic Records.<ref>{{cite news |first= |last= |authorlink= |author= |coauthors= |title=''Suspect In Gay Bar Attack Shot By Police'' |url=http://www.thebostonchannel.com/consumer/6709049/detail.html |format= |work= |publisher=The Boston Channel |location= |id= |pages= |page= |date=February 3, 2006 |accessdate=2008-08-16 |language= |quote= |archiveurl= |archivedate= }}</ref><ref name="CNN-Robida">{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/02/04/robida.arrest/index.html |title=Gay bar attack suspect captured in gunfight |accessdate=2007-12-26 |date=], ] |publisher=]}}</ref> Robida had a swastika tattoo and flaunted Nazi insignias and paraphernalia on his website.<ref name="Doligosa">{{cite web |url=http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/local/article/0,1299,DRMN_15_5405897,00.html |title=''Music may ignite mayhem'' |accessdate=2008-08-16 |last=Doligosa Jr. |first=Felix |coauthors= |date=March 9, 2007 |publisher=Rocky Mountain News}}</ref> On February 5, Robida shot and killed a traffic officer during a routine stop. When police pulled Robida over during a later stop, he killed his girlfriend, Jennifer Bailey of ], then opened fire on the police. Robida was shot twice in the head during the shootout with the police, and later died in the hospital.<ref name="CNN-Robida"/> On ], Insane Clown Posse released a statement on the Robida attacks. The group's manager Alex Abbiss extended Bruce and Utsler's condolences and prayers to the families of the victims, stating that "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."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.insaneclownposse.com/page.php?page_id=icp_news&month=2&year=2006 |title=A Sad Tragedy |accessdate=2008-07-22 |last=Abbiss |first=Alex |coauthors= |date=February 7, 2006 |work= |publisher=] |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20060324041333/www.insaneclownposse.com/page.php?page_id=icp_news&month=2&year=2006 |archivedate=2006-03-24 |quote= }}</ref> | |||
| On ], ], Insane Clown Posse released their tenth studio album, '']'', which debuted at #20 on the ''Billboard'' 200 and sold nearly 33,000 copies in its first week.<ref name=RIAA /><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003563939 |title=Modest Mouse Steers Its 'Ship' To No. 1 Debut |accessdate=2008-05-04 |last=Hasty |first=Katie |date=], ] |publisher='']''}}</ref> In 2008, Bruce and Utsler starred in the film '']''. It was released direct-to-video on ], ] by ].<ref>{{cite news |first=Gary |last=McLendon |title=Henrietta actor has had varied life |url=http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20080916/NEWS05/809170313/1002/NEWS |publisher='']'' |location=] |date=], ] |accessdate=2008-09-27 }}</ref> In December 2008, John Antonelli filed a lawsuit against the group after being struck by an unopened two-liter of Faygo during a performance at the ] nightclub The Hub, formerly known as Playmakers. Antonelli is seeking at least $50,000 in damages. The lawsuit also names the venue, Playmakers, as a defendant. An attorney for Playmakers states that only Bruce should be held liable.<ref>{{cite news |first=Brittany |last=Lawonn |title=''Fargo man sues Insane Clown Posse'' |curly= |url=http://www.in-forum.com/articles/index.cfm?id=226513§ion=News&freebie_check&CFID=6919572&CFTOKEN=85300027 |format= |agency= |work= |publisher='']'' |location= |id= |pages= |page= |date=December 31, 2008 |accessdate=1 January 2009 |language= |quote= |archiveurl= |archivedate= }}</ref> | |||
| A prequel to ''Big Money Hustlas'', entitled ''Big Money Rustlas'', will begin filming in January 2009, and will be in the ] genre.<ref name="Dominic">{{cite news |first=Serene |last=Dominic |title=(Not) just a juggalo |url=http://www.metrotimes.com/music/story.asp?id=13394 |publisher='']'' |date=], ] |accessdate=2008-10-30 }}</ref> Bruce and Utsler plan to tour theaters around the country to screen the film before its DVD release.<ref name="Dominic"/> Insane Clown Posse also plan to release a new studio album in April 2008, which will be followed by extensive touring.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.psychopathicrecords.com/hatchetherald/081229/index.html |title=Hatchet Herald, Issue 4 |accessdate=1 January 2009 |date=December 29, 2008 |work= |publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
| ==Style and influences== | |||
| {| style="font-size:80%" align="right" border="0" color="black" width=130px | |||
| | {{Listen|filename=Jake Jeckel.ogg|title="Jake Jeckel" (sample)|description="Jake Jeckel", from the group's 1999 album '']''.|format=]}} | |||
| |} | |||
| Insane Clown Posse's performance style is often described as ] hip hop, which "utilize shocking (and blatantly over the top) narratives to give an over-exaggerated, almost cartoon-like version of urban deprivation in Detroit", according to author Sara Cohen.<ref name="Cohen">{{cite book |last=Cohen |first=Sara |title=Decline, Renewal and the City in Popular Music Culture: Beyond The Beatles |year=2007 |publisher=Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. |isbn=0754632431 |pages=52 |quote=The music journalist and author Dan Sicko describes certain strains of Detroit hip-hop as 'an extreme, almost parodied' version of inner city life, which he links to the extremities of urban decline in the city: 'both the horrorcore of hip-hop outfits such as Insane Clown Posse, Esham and (to a lesser extent) the multi-platinum-selling Eminem, utilize shocking (and blatantly over the top narratives to give an over-exaggerated, almost cartoon-like version of urban deprivation in Detroit' (cited in Cohen and Strachan, 2005).}}</ref> The group's early work features a raw, minimalistic sound, which later evolved into a more rock-oriented style.<ref name="McIver">{{cite book |last=McIver |first=Joel |title=Nu-metal: The Next Generation of Rock & Punk |year=2002 |publisher=Omnibus Press |isbn=0711992096 |pages=64 }}</ref> The group's lyrics serve as ],<ref name="BehindthePaint174">{{cite book |last=Bruce |first=Joseph |authorlink=Joseph Bruce |coauthors=Hobey Echlin |editor=Nathan Fostey |title=ICP: Behind the Paint |origdate= |origyear=2003 |origmonth=August |edition=2nd Edition |publisher=Psychopathic Records |location=Royal Oak, Michigan |isbn=09741846083 |pages=174–185 |chapter=The Dark Carnival }}</ref> with songs focusing on subjects such as cannibalism,<ref name="Browne"/> murder and necrophilia.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:j9fixqwaldhe~T1 |title=Review of ''The Wraith: Shangri-La'' |accessdate=2008-06-02 |last=Torreano |first=Bradley |publisher=]}}</ref> Insane Clown Posse's debut album, ''Carnival of Carnage'', features a politically-oriented focus, criticizing elitism and prejudice against those who live in the ],<ref name="CarnivalofCarnage">Insane Clown Posse (1992). ''Carnival of Carnage''. Liner notes. ]. ISBN 7356504100424</ref> while the album's liner notes criticize the ].<ref name="CarnivalofCarnage"/> The group's lyrics have opposed racism, bigotry,<ref>Insane Clown Posse (1992). "Your Rebel Flag." ''Carnival of Carnage.'' ]. ISBN 7356504100424</ref> domestic violence, and child abuse.<ref>Insane Clown Posse (1997). "Halls of Illusions." ''The Great Milenko.'' ]/]. ISBN 731452444226</ref> | |||
| Insane Clown Posse has ] songs by ],<ref>Insane Clown Posse (1999). ''The Amazing Jeckel Brothers.'' "Assassins." ]/]. ISBN 731452465924</ref> ],<ref>Insane Clown Posse (2000). ''Bizzar''. "Let's Go All The Way." ]/]. ISBN 731454817523</ref> and ].<ref>Insane Clown Posse (2002). ''The Wraith: Shangri-La''. "Murder Rap." ]. ISBN 822489991224</ref> Bruce and Utsler refer to the ] style of Esham as an influence on their own music,<ref name="BehindthePaint174"/> while Bruce has expressed admiration for ]<ref>{{cite news |first=Brian |last=Hiatt |title=ICP's Juggalos Riot, Punch Police Horse, Cut Clowns' Set Short At Fan Convention |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1445180/20010716/i_c_p.jhtml |publisher=] |date=], ] |accessdate=2008-06-10 }}</ref> and ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Jokers wild |url=http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/05/08/1052280377982.html |publisher=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=], ] |accessdate=2008-06-10 |archivedate= }}</ref> Kimberly Chun of the '']'' described Insane Clown Posse's musical style as a mixture of "], ], ], shock rock and hip-hop, with a ] announcer's delivery and shuffling stoner beats thrown in for good measure."<ref>{{cite news |first=Kimberly |last=Chun |title=''Hip-hop on pop at Insane Clown Posse plus Paula West and Basement Jaxx'' |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/gate/archive/2001/10/10/musicreviews.DTL |publisher='']'' |date=October 10, 2001 |accessdate=2008-07-23 }}</ref> Mike E. Clark's production for the group incorporates elements such as "carnival organ riffs, ]s and shotgun blasts banjolike plucking and ]-esque guitar squeals,"<ref name="RSJeckelBros"/> while Bruce and Utsler sometimes alternate between rapping and ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:fifoxqr0ldde~T1 |title=Review of ''Bizzar'' |accessdate=2008-06-05 |last=Valdivia |first=Victor W. |publisher=]}}</ref> In his review of ''The Tempest'', Allmusic's David Jeffries writes that Bruce and Utsler " in a carnival barker fashion that fits with their circus motif, their Insane Clown disguises, and Mike E. Clark's big top-inspired production."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:hpfqxzw5ld0e~T1 |title=Review of ''The Tempest'' |accessdate=2008-06-01 |last=Jeffries |first=David |publisher=]}}</ref> Insane Clown Posse has influenced similar acts, such as ] and ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:hnfexq8kldhe |title=Blaze Ya Dead Homie > Overview |accessdate=2008-06-01 |publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:0xfixqwdldde |title=Boondox > Overview |accessdate=2008-06-01 |publisher=]}}</ref> | |||
| ==Live performances== | |||
| ] | |||
| Insane Clown Posse is known for their elaborate concert performances. In Marley Brant's ''Tales from the Rock 'n' Roll Highway'', Bruce described a typical performance: "We toss out, kick out, and shoot out into the crowd about three to four hundred two-liters of ] soda at every show. We bring with us monsters, dancing clowns, girls, trampolines, and pure and absolute madness to the stage. Shaggy and I know that without all that crazy shit going on around us, we'd just be two more idiots walking back and forth, rapping on stage. ICP's motto has always been 'Fuck keepin' it real: we just keep it entertaining.'"<ref name="Brant">{{cite book |last=Brant |first=Marley |title=Tales from the Rock 'n' Roll Highway |year=2004 |publisher=Billboard Books |isbn=082308437X |pages=43–52 }}</ref> Performances feature backdrops including, among other settings, a ] set and a cemetery.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://media.www.theorion.com/media/storage/paper889/news/2003/02/12/Entertainment/Insane.Clown.Posse-1511352.shtml |title=''Face-painting, Faygo-spraying band gets it right the second time'' |accessdate=2008-05-05 |last=Grace |first=Dane |date=], ] |publisher=The Orion}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://media.www.jagbytes.com/media/storage/paper1244/news/2007/10/31/Entertainment/Concert.Review.Icps.Indy.Stop.Leaves.Crazed.Fans.Sticky.Yet.Satisfied-3066636.shtml |title=''Concert Review: ICP's Indy stop leaves crazed fans sticky, yet satisfied'' |accessdate=2008-05-05 |last=Taylor |first=Lindsey |date=], ] |publisher=JagBytes}}</ref> Bruce stated, "We always have a different set, not only for Hallowicked but every tour we go out on. We've been around so long that we get to dig up the many cool sets that we used back in the day and then get to use them again on a national level. Something we might've done once in '94 at St. Andrew's Hall, we can go back again and now do it nationwide-style."<ref name="Dominic"/> | |||
| On tour following the release of ''Carnival of Carnage'', Insane Clown Posse was scheduled to perform at Ferris State University in ]. After the group was announced by their manager, Alex Abbiss, Bruce remembers that "e came out with no microphones or nothing; we were just right up in the people's faces. Shaggy and I were just fuckin' yelling over our own cassette. The people were staring at us in amazement and bewilderment. They must have been in shock and awe. We finished our two-song set, and the crowd didn't cheer or boo. They just stood there, stunned."<ref name="Brant"/> | |||
| The group was unable to bring the large amounts of Faygo needed for their concerts to their European tours without a sales permit ] because ] believed that the group had intended to sell the soda at their concerts.<ref name="BehindthePaint387"/> As a result, the group's European record label purchased similar quantities of another soda and creating fake Faygo stickers to label the bottles. According to Bruce, "The craziness was this: they were not the regular two-liter bottles we're used to; they were some other amount maybe one-and-a-half-liter bottles. Over there, they make their plastic bottles taller and thinner. when you're doing what we do with them—that makes a world of difference."<ref name="Brant"/> During a performance in England, Bruce recounts that he "rocketed one of them bottles off my foot and that motherfucker shot straight up and out like a guided ], right towards the ] high above the crowd. The bottle nailed the disco ball, and came falling down on top of some English kid's head. We must've knocked fifteen or twenty people flat-out cold on that tour Shaggy and I both had black eyes and several injuries and bruises ourselves from them things hittin' us."<ref name="Brant"/> | |||
| Bruce and Utsler did not expect many of their fans to attend Woodstock 1999, and were surprised when thousands of people chanted "I-C-P! I-C-P!" as they waited for the group to perform.<ref name="BehindthePaint444"/> Bruce told his stage crew that he would pay US$2,000 to each person who ran around the stage naked, and two people took up his offer. Insane Clown Posse also brought naked women on stage.<ref name="BehindthePaint444"/> Bruce and Utsler felt that because the tickets to the event were over-priced, they needed to "give something back."<ref name="Brant"/> According to Bruce, "We brought along these big beach balls. We announced to the crowd that they each had a hundred dollars taped to them, and then we proceeded to kick about thirty of them into the crowd. Then we rolled out these bigger giant-ass beach balls and announced, 'These ones have five hundred bucks taped to them!' We booted a gang of them into the human sea."<ref name="Brant"/><ref name="BehindthePaint444"/> Bruce also recounts that their set had multiple technical problems, and the audience was not allowed to get close to the stage, which made the duo feel less connected with them.<ref name="BehindthePaint444"/> | |||
| ==Wrestling career== | |||
| {{Infobox Wrestling team | |||
| |article_name=Insane Clown Posse | |||
| |type=T | |||
| |image= | |||
| |members=]<br/>] | |||
| |names= | |||
| |heights={{height|ft=6|in=3}} - Violent J<ref name="OWW"/><br>{{height|ft=6|in=2}} - Shaggy 2 Dope<ref name="OWW"/> | |||
| |weights={{convert|510|lb|kg st|abbr=on}} | |||
| |hometown=] | |||
| |trainer=Self-Trained<ref name="BehindthePaint51">{{cite book |last=Bruce |first=Joseph |authorlink=Joseph Bruce |coauthors=Hobey Echlin |editor=Nathan Fostey |title=ICP: Behind the Paint |origdate= |origyear=2003 |origmonth=August |edition=2nd Edition |publisher=Psychopathic Records |location=Royal Oak, Michigan |isbn=09741846083 |pages=51–61 |chapter=JJ Boys and The Royal Oak Township }}</ref><br/>]<ref name="PWPInterview">{{cite video|date2=2007-01-29|title=ProWrestlingPress.com - Insane Clown Posse Interview|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSmcDVM1UQM&feature=related|medium=Interview |publisher=ProWrestling Press|accessdate=2008-10-09|time=2:30}}</ref><br/>Denny Kass<ref name="PWPInterview"/> | |||
| |debut=], ] | |||
| |disbanded= | |||
| |promotions=], ], ], ], ], and various ] | |||
| |}} | |||
| ===Extreme Championship Wrestling (1997)=== | |||
| In August 1997, Bruce received a telephone call from friends Rob Van Dam and Sabu.<ref name="BehindthePaint336">{{cite book|last=Bruce|first=Joseph|authorlink=Joseph Bruce|coauthors=Hobey Echlin |editor=Nathan Fostey|title=ICP: Behind the Paint|origdate=|origyear=2003|origmonth=August|edition=2nd Edition|publisher=Psychopathic Records|location=Royal Oak, Michigan|isbn=09741846083|pages=336–349|chapter=Calling of the Road}}</ref> They asked if he and Utsler could appear on ] (ECW)'s second ] (PPV) program, ]. Bruce and Utsler were already fans of ECW, as Van Dam had been sending videotapes of the show to them since its first airing.<ref name="BehindthePaint336"/> They agreed to appear and went to Florida to discuss the ECW program's content with Van Dam, Sabu, and ]. Heyman was pleased that Bruce and Utsler were former wrestlers, which meant that they could surprise the crowd by taking ]. Heyman also favored the idea of using Insane Clown Posse, because it was unlikely that anyone knew of the relationship the group had with Van Dam and Sabu.<ref name="BehindthePaint336"/> Heyman presented his idea to Bruce and Utsler, who agreed to participate. Insane Clown Posse opened the ECW program by performing songs and exciting the crowd. Then Van Dam and Sabu, the main ] at the time, attacked Bruce and Utsler. The top ], ], came in and saved them by chasing away Van Dam and Sabu with his signature ].<ref name="BehindthePaint336"/> | |||
| ===''ICP's Strangle-Mania Live'' (1997)=== | |||
| Being avid wrestling fans, Bruce and Utsler owned, and were fascinated by, the ] wrestling collection ''Outrageously Violent Wrestling from Japan.'' The duo decided to create a compilation of their favorite matches, recording their own sports announcing under the personas named "Handsome" Harley Guestella a.k.a 'Gweedo' (Utsler) and Diamond Donovan Douglas a.k.a. '3D' (Bruce).<ref name="BehindthePaint353"/> The compilation video was released nationwide under the title ''ICP's Strangle-Mania''. The video's success allowed Bruce and Utsler to host their own wrestling show, ''ICP's Strangle-Mania Live'', to a sold-out performance at St. Andrew's Hall. The main event featured Insane Clown Posse versus The Chicken Boys, who were played by two friends of Bruce and Utsler.<ref name="BehindthePaint353"/> With local wrestling ] Dan Curtis, other wrestlers such as ], ], ], ], and ] were also booked on the show to wrestle in the same death match style as shown in ''ICP Strangle-Mania''.<ref name="BehindthePaint353"/> | |||
| ===World Wrestling Federation (1998)=== | |||
| In the summer of 1998, Insane Clown Posse received a telephone call from ] of the ].<ref name="BehindthePaint398">{{cite book|last=Bruce|first=Joseph|authorlink=Joseph Bruce|coauthors=Hobey Echlin|editor=Nathan Fostey|title=ICP: Behind the Paint|origyear=2003|origmonth=August|edition=2nd Edition|publisher=Psychopathic Records|location=Royal Oak, Michigan|isbn=09741846083|pages=398–413|chapter=Taking Bumps}}</ref> The WWF heard that Bruce and Utsler were fans of wrestling and asked them to perform the entrance theme for the wrestling group ]. The WWF also wanted Bruce and Utsler to appear on their ] pay-per-view (PPV) program in August 1998 and rap live while The Oddities entered the ring. Insane Clown Posse composed the song "The Greatest Show" and agreed to appear on the program. Once the duo arrived at the arena, they realized their wrestling dreams had come true; they had been contacted by wrestling's top company and were now set to appear on their PPV program at the company's most historic venue, ].<ref name="BehindthePaint398"/> Bruce and Utsler met backstage with various wrestlers, including the owner of the WWF, ], and his son, ]. Bruce and Utsler paid ], a wrestler with the WWF, his royalty payments from the ''ICP Strangle-Mania'' ], as Foley appeared in almost every match, and a friendship began among the three.<ref name="BehindthePaint398"/> Bruce and Utsler were assigned to the locker room with ] and ], who were to wrestle during the main event that night. The duo immediately felt the animosity of the locker room that had previously driven them away from wrestling.<ref name="BehindthePaint398"/> Insane Clown Posse performed and was asked to return for the live broadcast of '']'' the following night. At the broadcast, Bruce and Utsler requested for more than just a rapping role; they wanted to wrestle. McMahon favored the idea and allowed them to participate.<ref name="BehindthePaint398"/> | |||
| Insane Clown Posse was put in a feud with ]. In the first wrestling match, The Headbangers were ], throwing real punches and kicks.<ref name="BehindthePaint398"/> In the rematch, a move was planned where The Headbangers would be flipped over by Bruce and Utsler. When the time came to flip over, however, The Headbangers refused to move, forcing Insane Clown Posse to genuinely flip them over and begin throwing punches.<ref name="BehindthePaint398"/> Realizing that the match was getting too heated, McMahon ended the feud after that match.<ref name="BehindthePaint398"/> Bruce and Utsler were put into other matches along with The Oddities. ] told Bruce and Utsler to "make it seem like you don't know anything about wrestling, and you guys keep choking and digging into their eyes".<ref name="BehindthePaint398"/> During this time, Bruce and Utsler had no contract with WWF. They, however, did have an agreement that the WWF would occasionally play Insane Clown Posse commercials, and in return, Bruce and Utsler would wrestle for free.<ref name="BehindthePaint398"/> Bruce and Utsler knew that airtime cost significantly more than any monetary compensation they would receive and were thus satisfied with the agreement. Bruce and Utsler were told they were to suddenly ] on The Oddities in their match against The Headbangers, then join them in beating up the group. They were also informed that their commercial would air the very next week, which had still not aired after three months of being involved with the WWF.<ref name="BehindthePaint398"/> The next week Insane Clown Posse and The Headbangers had a match with Steve Austin. Backstage, Austin made it clear to Bruce and ] that Thrasher would receive the first ], after which Bruce would turn around and receive the second.<ref name="BehindthePaint398"/> During the match, Austin gave Bruce the Stunner first, catching him off guard, thus having Bruce ] the move awkwardly. Although disappointed over the events during the match, Bruce and Utsler continued in hopes that McMahon would air the commercial as promised. Bruce and Utsler contacted Abbiss to inquire about the commercial and were informed that it was not aired. Given that McMahon failed to uphold his promise to air Insane Clown Posse's commercial, Abbiss recommended that Bruce and Utsler terminate their agreement with the WWF.<ref name="BehindthePaint398"/> | |||
| ===Hellfire Wrestling (1998)=== | |||
| While involved with the WWF, Insane Clown Posse brought Dan Curtis with them. After leaving the WWF, Curtis suggested that Insane Clown Posse start its own promotion while continuing with its music. He came to Bruce's house each night to discuss ideas about the promotion. Curtis convinced Bruce to coordinate another ''Strangle-Mania Live'' show, to be followed by an eighty-city "Hellfire Wrestling" tour.<ref name="BehindthePaint398"/> Curtis booked the talent and wrote the scripts. ''Strangle-Mania Live'' sold out the Majestic Theater in Detroit.<ref name="BehindthePaint398"/> Two days after the show, Curtis was found dead in his apartment, due to a sudden diabetic problem.<ref name="BehindthePaint398"/> The "Hellfire Wrestling" tour was subsequently canceled. | |||
| ===World Championship Wrestling (1999-2000)=== | |||
| Insane Clown Posse went on to wrestle a long stint in ], starting in 1999. The duo formed two ]. The first stable, '']'', consisted of Insane Clown Posse, ], and ]; the second consisted of Insane Clown Posse, Vampiro, ], and ], known as ''The Dark Carnival''.<ref name="BehindthePaint398">{{cite book|last=Bruce|first=Joseph|coauthors=Hobey Echlin|editor=Nathan Fostey|title=ICP: Behind the Paint|origyear=2003|origmonth=August|edition=2nd Edition|publisher=Psychopathic Records|location=Royal Oak, Michigan|isbn=09741846083|pages=398–413|chapter=Taking Bumps}}</ref> | |||
| On August 9, 1999, Insane Clown Posse made their WCW debut on '']'' in a six-man tag team match.<ref name="WCW Nitro 1999">{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/nitro/1999.html |title=WCW Nitro Year-By-Year 1999 |accessdate=2008-09-13 |publisher=Black Pants, Inc }}</ref> Insane Clown Posse and Vampiro defeated ], ], and ]. At ], ], ], and ] defeated Vampiro and Insane Clown Posse.<ref name="Road Wild 1999">{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wcwppv/roadwild99.html |title=Road Wild 1999 |accessdate=2008-09-13 |publisher=Black Pants, Inc }}</ref> Insane Clown Posse continued to wrestle on Monday Nitro, defeating ] one week, and losing to ] and Rey Mysterio, Jr. another. At ], the tag team of Rey Mysterio, Eddie Guerrero, and Billy Kidman again defeated Vampiro and Insane Clown Posse. On ], Insane Clown Posse defeated ] and ]. Shaggy 2 Dope then went on a solo run for the ]. | |||
| On the August 23, 2000 episode of '']'', Great Muta, Vampiro, and Insane Clown Posse beat ] and ].<ref name="WCW Thunder 2000">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/thunder/2000.html|title=WCW Thunder Year-By-Year 2000|accessdate=2008-09-13|publisher=Black Pants, Inc}}</ref> Five days later, on Monday Nitro, Insane Clown Posse and Vampiro defeated 3 Count, and the following week, Rey Mysterio, Jr. and ] beat Insane Clown Posse. On September 25, ] defeated Insane Clown Posse in a ] ].<ref name="WCW Nitro 2000">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/nitro/2000.html|title=WCW Nitro Year-By-Year 2000|accessdate=2008-09-13|publisher=Black Pants, Inc}}</ref> | |||
| ===Juggalo Championshit Wrestling (1999-2006)=== | |||
| On December 19, 1999, Bruce and Utsler created their own wrestling promotion, ''Juggalo Championshit Wrestling'' (now known as ]). That night, the duo defeated the team of two ]s to become the first ever ].<ref name="Juggalo Championshxt Wrestling Volume 1">{{cite video|people=Insane Clown Posse (Wrestlers)|date2=2000|title=Juggalo Championshxt Wrestling Volume 1|medium=DVD|publisher=Psychopathic Video|location=Royal Oak, Michigan|accessdate=2008-09-14|isbn=756504220092}}</ref> The event was taped and released as ''JCW, Volume 1''. Commentary was provided by Bruce and Utsler under their '3D' and 'Gweedo' announcing personas.<ref name="Juggalo Championshxt Wrestling Volume 1"/> In 2000, Insane Clown Posse and ] defeated The Rainbow Coalition, and the match was featured on ''JCW, Volume 2''.<ref name="Juggalo Championshxt Wrestling Volume 2">{{cite video|people=Insane Clown Posse (Wrestlers)|date2=2001|title=Juggalo Championshxt Wrestling Volume 2|medium=DVD|publisher=Psychopathic Video|location=Royal Oak, Michigan|accessdate=2008-09-14}}</ref> In 2003, Insane Clown Posse defended, and retained, their JCW Tag Team Championships against ] (a parody of ]) and Feminem (a parody of ]).<ref name="Juggalo Championshxt Wrestling Volume 3">{{cite video|people=Insane Clown Posse (Wrestlers)|date2=2003|title=Juggalo Championshxt Wrestling Volume 3|medium=DVD|publisher=Psychopathic Video|location=Royal Oak, Michigan|accessdate=2008-09-14}}</ref> The match was featured on ''JCW, Volume 3''. | |||
| The duo continued to wrestle for JCW, which could only be seen at live events until the 2007 start of '']''. | |||
| ===Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2004)=== | |||
| On January 21, 2004, Insane Clown Posse appeared on an episode of the weekly ] PPV. The duo were shown partying in the crowd alongside the juggalos in attendance.<ref name="TNA 04-01-21">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/tna/040121.html|title=NWA: Total Nonstop Action PPV January 21, 2004 - Nashville, Tennessee - Aired Live|accessdate=2008-09-13|publisher=Black Pants, Inc }}</ref> In the main event of the night, which featured ] going against ], Jarrett and El Leon were fighting in the crowd when Insane Clown Posse sprayed ] in Jarrett's eyes.<ref name="TNA 04-01-21"/> The following week, Insane Clown Posse were interviewed in the ring by ]. The duo explained that they were fans of TNA, and that they wanted to be a part of the promotion themselves. As they started making (]) negative remarks toward Jeff Jarrett, ] and ] interrupted. When Gilberti tried to convince the duo to apologize to Jarrett, Insane Clown Posse chased Gilbertti and Young out of the ring before challenging the team to a match for the next week.<ref name="TNA 04-01-28">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/tna/040128.html|title=NWA: Total Nonstop Action PPV January 28, 2004 - Nashville, Tennessee - Aired Live|accessdate=2008-09-13|publisher=Black Pants, Inc }}</ref> | |||
| On February 4, Insane Clown Posse defeated Glen Gilbertti and David Young. Later that night, ] interviewed Insane Clown Posse, and the duo announced that they would face whoever Jeff Jarrett threw at them next in a "]".<ref name="TNA 04-02-04">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/tna/040204.html|title=NWA: Total Nonstop Action PPV February 4, 2004 - Nashville, Tennessee - Aired Live|accessdate=2008-09-13|publisher=Black Pants, Inc}}</ref> Insane Clown Posse won against the team of Glen Gilbertti and Kid Kash on February 18.<ref name="TNA 04-02-18">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/tna/040218.html|title=NWA: Total Nonstop Action PPV February 18, 2004 - Nashville, Tennessee - Aired Live|accessdate=2008-09-13|publisher=Black Pants, Inc}}</ref> Two weeks later, Insane Clown Posse announced that they would take part in a "Dark Carnival Match" the next week against Glen Gilbertti and any partner he chooses.<ref name="TNA 04-03-03">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/tna/040303.html|title=NWA: Total Nonstop Action PPV March 3, 2004 - Nashville, Tennessee - Aired Live|accessdate=2008-09-13|publisher=Black Pants, Inc}}</ref> The following week, Insane Clown Posse and 2 Tuff Tony took on Glen Gilbertti, Kid Kash, and David Young. "The Alpha Male" ] made his TNA return, and cost Insane Clown Posse and 2 Tuff Tony the match.<ref name="TNA 04-03-10">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/tna/040310.html|title=NWA: Total Nonstop Action PPV March 10, 2004 - Nashville, Tennessee - Taped|accessdate=2008-09-13|publisher=Black Pants, Inc}}</ref> During their stint in TNA, Insane Clown Posse brought the company it's largest paying crowds in history.<ref name="TNAHouseShow">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/03/14/pf-1488100.html|title=TNA card updated for Friday in Detroit|accessdate=2008-09-20|last=Mackinder|first=Matt|coauthors=Chris Schramm|date=2006-03-15|publisher=SLAM! Wrestling }}</ref> After the duo left, they remained close with the company. | |||
| On March 17, 2006, Insane Clown Posse hosted and booked TNA's first ever ], which took place in ].<ref name="TNAHouseShow"/> The duo defeated ] members ] and ].<ref name="OWW">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/i/icp.html|title=Insane Clown Posse profile|accessdate=2008-09-03|publisher=Black Pants, Inc}}</ref> | |||
| ===Independent Circuit (2004-Present)=== | |||
| Insane Clown Posse continues to appear at various promotions in the ] such as ] and Firestorm Pro. From 2005-2007, Utsler was unable to compete due to surgery. During this time, Bruce would normally be seen teaming with ] and ], collectively known as The Hatchet Boys. | |||
| ===Juggalo Championship Wrestling (2007-Present)=== | |||
| In 2007, JCW launched ''SlamTV!''. With it came the first broadcast of JCW since the three initial DVDs. Bruce returned to commentary as Diamond Donovan Douglas, and Utsler returned as "Handsome" Harley Guestella. 3D and Gweedo announced in an episode of SlamTV! that Insane Clown Posse had been stripped of the JCW Tag Team Championships due to them not defending the title.<ref name="SlamTV! 12">{{cite episode|title=Episode 12|series=SlamTV!|serieslink=JCW#SlamTV.21|city=]|season=1|number=12|minutes=19:06}}</ref> At the first annual ], JCW's premier wrestling event, Insane Clown Posse teamed with ] to defeat Trent Acid and The Young Alter Boys w/ Annie Social the Nun.<ref name="JCW SLAM TV, Volume 2">{{cite video|people=Insane Clown Posse (Wrestlers)|date2=2007-10-30 |title=JCW SLAM TV, Volume 2|medium=DVD|publisher=Psychopathic Video|location=Royal Oak, Michigan|accessdate=2008-06-06}}</ref> | |||
| ====Juggalo World Order==== | |||
| {{main|Juggalo World Order}} | |||
| ''Evansville Invasion'' also marked the debut of the Juggalo World Order (JWO), consisting of Corporal Robinson, ], and Violent J.<ref name="JCW Slam TV - Hallowicked">{{cite episode |title=Slam TV: Hallowicked 2007! |url=http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3177937582334783638&hl=en |series=SlamTV! |credits=Creator and Producer: ] |city=Detroit, Michigan |airdate=2007-11-17 }}</ref> At that years ''Hallowicked After Party'', on October 31, Shaggy 2 Dope was introduced as a member of the group. After the main event of the night, ] ] ripped off his referee shirt to reveal that he too was a member of the JWO.<ref name="JCW Slam TV - Hallowicked"/> At '']'', ] teamed with Scott Hall, and proclaimed himself a member of the group. The 2008 ''Hallowicked After Party'' saw the JWO induct its newest member, 2 Tuff Tony. | |||
| On November 9, the Juggalo World Order (Scott Hall, Shaggy 2 Dope, Violent J, 2 Tuff Tony, and Corporal Robinson) invaded Total Non-Stop Action's ] PPV by seating themselves in the front row.<ref name="PWTorch Nov 9">{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_27798.shtml |last=Caldwell |first=James |title=Scott Hall appears on camera with ICP at tonight's TNA PPV |accessdate=10 November 2008 |publisher=ProWrestlingTorch |date=2008-11-09 }}</ref> The group also plans on invading World Wrestling Entertainment at its 2009 ] PPV,<ref name="The Main Event Nov 18">{{cite episode |title=The Main Event |url=http://wfuckoffradio.com/wfko.php/shows/15 |credits=Presenters: ], ], and ] |station=WFKO |airdate=2008-11-18 |minutes= 1:40:00 }}</ref> ],<ref name="The Main Event Nov 18"/> and ].<ref name="The Main Event Nov 4">{{cite episode |title=The Main Event |url=http://wfuckoffradio.com/wfko.php/shows/15 |credits=Presenters: ], ], and ] |station=WFKO |airdate=2008-11-04 |minutes= 1:12:04 }}</ref> | |||
| ==In wrestling== | |||
| *'''Finishing and signature moves''' | |||
| **''']'''<ref name="Juggalo Championshxt Wrestling Volume 1">{{cite video |people=Insane Clown Posse (Wrestlers) |date2=2000 |title=Juggalo Championshxt Wrestling Volume 1 |medium=DVD |publisher=Psychopathic Video |location=Royal Oak, Michigan |accessdate=2008-06-06 |isbn=756504220092}}</ref> | |||
| **'''] (Violent J) followed by the ] (Shaggy 2 Dope)'''<ref name="JCW SLAM TV, Volume 2">{{cite video |people=Insane Clown Posse (Wrestlers) |date2=2007-10-30 |title=JCW SLAM TV, Volume 2 |medium=DVD |publisher=Psychopathic Video |location=Royal Oak, Michigan |isbn= |accessdate=2008-06-06}}</ref> | |||
| **] | |||
| **Double ] to a seated opponent's head<ref name="Hell's Pit">{{cite video |people=Insane Clown Posse (Wrestlers) |date2=2004-08-31 |time="Bowling Balls" music video |title=Hell's Pit |medium=CD/DVD |publisher=Psychopathic Records/Psychopathic Video |location=Royal Oak, Michigan |accessdate=2008-06-06 |isbn=756504404126 }}</ref> | |||
| *''']''' | |||
| **1997–1998: "Oddities", performed by Insane Clown Posse, in ].<ref name="WWF: The Music | |||
| 3">{{cite audio |title=WWF: The Music 3 |medium=CD |publisher=Koch Records |isbn=099923880325 |accessdate=2008-06-06}}</ref> | |||
| **1998–2000: "Take It", performed by Insane Clown Posse, in ].<ref name="WCW Mayhem">{{cite audio |title=WCW Mayhem |publisher=] |isbn=016998135327 |accessdate=2008-06-06}}</ref> | |||
| **2000–present: "Chicken Huntin' (Slaughterhouse Remix)", performed by Insane Clown Posse, in ], ], and anywhere else the group competes.<ref name="JCW SLAM TV, Volume 2"/> | |||
| ==Championships and accomplishments== | |||
| *''']''' | |||
| :*] (2 times)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.juggalowrestling.com/iframe.php?page_id=roster_icp |title=Insane Clown Posse |accessdate=2008-06-30 |date=June 13, 2007 |publisher=Psychopathic Sports}}</ref> | |||
| ==Discography== | |||
| {{mainarticle|Insane Clown Posse discography}} | |||
| *1992: '']'' | |||
| *1994: '']'' | |||
| *1995: '']'' | |||
| *1997: '']'' | |||
| *1999: '']'' | |||
| *2000: '']''; '']'' | |||
| *2002: '']'' | |||
| *2004: '']'' | |||
| *2007: '']'' | |||
| ==Filmography== | |||
| *'']'' (2000) | |||
| *'']'' (2008) | |||
| *Big Money Rustlas (2009) | |||
| ==References== | |||
| {{reflist|2}} | |||
| ==External links== | |||
| {{Commons|Insane Clown Posse}} | |||
| * | |||
| {{Insane Clown Posse}} | |||
| {{Psychopathic Records}} | |||
| {{featured article}} | |||
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Revision as of 06:08, 3 January 2009
you suck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! icp is dead now so are you