In truth, ICP are all these things and more. Despite being one of the most hated bands in the world, Insane Clown Posse have managed to release several Platinum Albums. They've also managed to create the third highest grossing wrestling organization in the country; managed to keep the longest running hip-hop record in Billboard Top 200 history; filmed their own full length feature motion picture, wrestled in the WWF, WCW, and ECW; founded their own record label (Psychopathic Records); as well as released their own highly successful line of comic books, toys, and clothing. All while building an army of over 1,000,000 dedicated Juggalos.
It all began in the early 90's in Southwest Detroit. Joseph Bruce (Violent J) and Joseph Utsler (Shaggy 2 Dope), along with a crew of neighborhood homies started an ill-fated street gang called ICP "Inner City Posse". They also began to rap, with a mildly successful independent release, Dog Beats. Having just moved to the inner city from the suburbs, the young J and Shaggy had little knowledge of any real gang life, but attempted to throw ICP's name right into the dangerous mix of Southwest Detroit's street gangs anyway. The little notoriety ICP received from their music also proved to be an almost fatal setback. Southwest Detroit's established gangs, some of which had been around for generations, began to harbor serious resentment towards ICP. The entire Inner City Posse became the target of much gang related violence, and after 2 years of battery most members bailed out... some barely escaping town with their lives. J and Shaggy were among the last few that remained true to their weakened ICP clique. They remained in Southwest Detroit, still trying to uphold their name, while basically trapped, alone, and fearing for their lives. It finally looked as if ICP's road had reached a dead end when Violent J took his 4th trip to the county jail and was put away for the entire winter of 1990.
Their 1st joker card released was CARNIVAL OF CARNAGE in 1992. Their 2nd joker card was THE RINGMASTER in 1993. The 3rd joker card ICP released was THE RIDDLE BOX. ICP's 4th joker card released was THE GREAT MILENKO. And ICP's 5th joker card was THE AMAZING JECKAL BROTHERS in June of 1999. For more information on the INSANE CLOWN POSSE goto ICP's personal webpage.
