ON REPEAT: Insane Clown Posse, Analyzing a Legacy Shrouded in Scares

What is a juggalo? Think of clowns in thick white face paint and black patterns. Think of songs describing the blood and gore of a blockbuster horror movie. Think of liters of sugary Faygo soda. Chances are you might’ve never heard of Insane Clown Posse (ICP), and maybe that’s for good reason.

ICP emerged, not unlike a plague or something equally horrific and terrifying, from the bellows of Detroit’s underground music scene. Banned from the radio waves and off of platforms like MTV, the band always seemed set for failure due to their startling song subjects. While other hit bands from the time ICP’s first major album, Carnival of Carnage, debuted were singing about care and passion (The top song of 1992 was ‘I Will Always Love You’ by Whitney Huston), ICP were singing about blood, gore, and guts. With vivid song titles such as, “Guts on the Ceiling” and “Blackin’ Your Eyes”, it was no surprise that MTV would refuse to play their songs anywhere. Even 32 years later, ICP still heavily clings onto their shock-horror persona, although it seems to have slowly become less controversial. 

Integral to ICP’s enduring legacy is their fanbase, the Juggalos. More than just listeners, Juggalos consider themselves part of a tightly-knit community. Identified by their own distinctive clown face paint and Hatchetman tattoos, Juggalos view ICP's music as a form of catharsis and camaraderie. The annual Gathering of the Juggalos, a multi-day festival featuring music, wrestling, and various other performances, epitomizes this sense of unity between outcasts.

Their music, replete with themes of murder, sexual deviance, and anti-establishment sentiments, has sparked backlash from parents, advocacy groups, and law enforcement agencies. Notably, in 2011, the FBI classified Juggalos as a "loosely organized hybrid gang," a designation that ICP has vehemently contested. Many Juggalos argue that their subculture is about acceptance, family, and shared enjoyment of ICP's offbeat brand of entertainment, rather than the fetishization of violence and hurt. Besides backlash from the FBI, ICP has faced significant obstacles in the music industry. Their feud with Disney-owned Hollywood Records over the release of The Great Milenko—which led to the album being pulled from shelves within hours of its release—highlighted the tension between their controversial art and corporate interests. Despite these challenges, ICP has maintained a steadfast commitment to their artistic vision, often releasing music independently through their label, Psychopathic Records. 

Despite—or because of—their contentious reputation, ICP’s influence on the horrorcore genre and broader music industry is undeniable. They have carved out a niche that blends music, theater, and a deep connection with their audience. Their dedication to their craft and their fans has ensured a lasting legacy, inspiring numerous artists within and outside the horrorcore genre.

ICP's impact extends beyond music; they have ventured into wrestling, film, and even philanthropy, supporting various causes and assisting fans in need. Their ability to stay relevant in an ever-changing music landscape speaks to their adaptability and the loyalty of the Juggalo community.

Insane Clown Posse’s legacy is one of resilience, controversy, and an unyielding commitment to their unique artistic identity. As pioneers of horrorcore, they have left an indelible mark on the genre, challenging societal norms and building a subculture that defies conventional labels all the while singing about–objectively–the most depraved subjects. Maybe the scare factor in ICP’s music isn’t the lyrics, and lies in the fact that maybe there really isn’t anything scarier than something that isn’t bowing down to pressure of fitting in with the mainstream. 

Follow Insane Clown Posse on insta @violentj.icp and @shaggy.icp, @Insane Clown Posse on all streaming platforms or check out their label, https://www.psychopathicrecords.com/.