Insane Clown Posse

Insane Clown Posse: The Horrorcore Kings

Forget what you think you know about hip-hop. Insane Clown Posse (ICP), a Detroit-born duo consisting of Violent J (Joseph Bruce) and Shaggy 2 Dope (originally 2 Dope; Joseph Utsler), ain't your average rap group.

ICP's signature sound is hardcore hip-hop with a heavy dose of horrorcore, a subgenre they helped pioneer. Their music is a dark, twisted carnival ride through the minds of two guys who aren't afraid to embrace the macabre and the bizarre.

But it's not just the music that sets them apart. ICP's live shows are legendary. They're an over-the-top spectacle of masks, face paint, pyrotechnics, and a whole lot of chaotic energy. Think mosh pits, crowd surfing, and an experience that's more like a religious revival than a concert.

They've earned two platinum and five gold albums, and their catalog has sold a staggering 6.5 million units in the U.S. and Canada. But the numbers don't tell the whole story. ICP has amassed a fiercely loyal fan base known as Juggalos, a legion of devoted followers who consider themselves family.

Before they were ICP, the duo was known as JJ Boyz and later Inner City Posse. But it was the supernatural and horror-themed lyrics that truly set them apart. They founded their own record label, Psychopathic Records, and starred in the cult classic films "Big Money Hustlas" and "Big Money Rustlas."

ICP even launched their own pro-wrestling promotion, Juggalo Championship Wrestling, proving that their influence extends far beyond music. They've collaborated with a diverse range of artists from the worlds of hip-hop and rock, constantly pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo.

At the heart of ICP's music lies the mythology of the Dark Carnival, a metaphor for the afterlife where the lives of the dead are judged by a host of enigmatic entities. This haunting concept permeates their lyrics, creating a world both familiar and terrifying, and solidifying their place as one of the most unique and enduring forces in music today.