Founded in Detroit in 1989, Insane Clown Posse performs a style of hardcore hip hop known as horrorcore and is known for its elaborate live performances. Originally known as JJ Boyz and Inner City Posse, the group introduced supernatural- and horror-themed lyrics as a means of distinguishing itself stylistically. The duo founded the independent record label Psychopathic Records with Alex Abbiss as manager, and produced and starred in the feature films Big Money Hustlas and Big Money Rustlas. They formed their own professional wrestling promotion, Juggalo Championship Wrestling, and later collaborated with many hip hop and rock musicians.
The songs of Insane Clown Posse center thematically on the mythology of the Dark Carnival, a metaphoric limbo in which the lives of the dead are judged by one of several entities. The Dark Carnival is elaborated through a series of stories called Joker's Cards, each of which offers a specific lesson designed to change the "evil ways" of listeners before "the end consumes us all". The original lineup of Insane Clown Posse was John Utsler (John Kickjazz), Joe Bruce (Violent J) and Joey Utsler (Shaggy 2 Dope). John Utsler left before Carnival of Carnage was released in 1992.
Insane Clown Posse's performance style is often described as horrorcore 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. Bruce and Utsler describe many of their lyrics as being tongue-in-cheek. The group's early work features a raw, minimalistic sound, which later evolved into a more rock-oriented style. The group's lyrics serve as morality tales, with songs focusing on subjects such as cannibalism, murder and necrophilia. Insane Clown Posse's debut album, Carnival of Carnage, features a politically-oriented focus, criticizing elitism and prejudice against those who live in the ghetto, while the album's liner notes criticize the Gulf War. The group's lyrics have opposed racism, bigotry, domestic violence, and child abuse.
Insane Clown Posse has covered songs by Geto Boys, Sly Fox, and Above the Law. Bruce and Utsler refer to Ice Cube, Awesome Dre, Geto Boys, and Esham as influences on their own music, while Bruce has expressed admiration for Gong, Pearl Jam, and Michael Jackson. Mike E. Clark's production for the group incorporates elements such as "carnival organ riffs, power chords and shotgun blasts...banjolike plucking and Van Halen-esque guitar squeals", while Bruce and Utsler sometimes alternate between rapping and screaming. Bruce has credited pop music as an influence on some of the group's material, even terming the music "Wicked Pop". Bruce has also stated "We do our own genre of music". In his review of The Tempest, Allmusic's David Jeffries writes that Bruce and Utsler "[rap] in a carnival barker fashion that fits with their circus motif, their Insane Clown disguises, and Mike E. Clark's big top-inspired production." Insane Clown Posse has influenced similar acts, such as Axe Murder Boyz, Blaze Ya Dead Homie and Boondox.
Interview
Insane Clown Posse Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
"Bblblblblblblbl!"
"Well uh OK, I understand that you guys are from Detroit."
"Wah!"
"Uh yeah OK. Why don't ah Why don't you tell us something about the group?"
"Burp!"
"Alright Alright, Any long term goals?"
"Heyey!"
"Ha! ha ha-ha!"
"Well, well, OK, OK. Well, ah, thanks for coming by and, ah, we look forward to seeing you again.
Thanks a lot! Bye-bye!"
The lyrics above are from the song Interview by the Insane Clown Posse. The song is a satirical take on media interviews with musical groups. The interviewer is asking questions in a professional and courteous manner, but the Insane Clown Posse responds with nonsensical sounds and gestures. This could be seen as a comment on how interviewees may not take interviews seriously or may not want to answer certain questions.
However, the use of gibberish as responses also speaks to a larger theme of how some people may see the Insane Clown Posse as a "joke" or not take their music seriously. The group often infuses humor into their lyrics, but they also tackle serious topics such as societal issues, mental health, and personal struggles.
Overall, the lyrics in Interview highlight the Insane Clown Posse's unique style both musically and in their public persona. While some may not understand or appreciate their approach, the group remains true to their identity and message.
Line by Line Meaning
Hello! How ya doing? I'm here with the Insane Clown Posse ICP. How you guys doing?
Introducing Insane Clown Posse and asking about their well-being.
Bblblblblblblbl!
Unintelligible response from the Insane Clown Posse.
Well uh OK, I understand that you guys are from Detroit.
Acknowledging the group's origin.
Wah!
Unintelligible response from the Insane Clown Posse.
Uh yeah OK. Why don't ah Why don't you tell us something about the group?
Requesting information about the Insane Clown Posse.
Burp!
Unintelligible response from the Insane Clown Posse.
Alright Alright, Any long term goals?
Asking about the group's future plans.
Heyey!
Unintelligible response from the Insane Clown Posse.
Sure yeah yeah, How 'bout ah solo projects? Any solo stuff to look forward to?
Inquiring about individual projects from the members.
Ha! ha ha-ha!
Unintelligible response from the Insane Clown Posse.
Well, well, OK, OK. Well, ah, thanks for coming by and, ah, we look forward to seeing you again. Thanks a lot! Bye-bye!
Expressing gratitude and saying goodbye to Insane Clown Posse.
Lyrics © RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: KAY THOMPSON, ROGER EDENS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
adam22
legendary content, thank you to Shaggy and J for coming through!
DanPalat
Woopwoop
Voice Of The 6ix
Legendary INDEPENDENT Group years of material
J Mc
Thank you for showing these two underground Legends some Clown Luv WhoopWhoop MCL
Xvicvilli
adam22 faxxxxxxx
Gothboyrich999
adam22 Adam your the fkn man you got one of the best albums they did on ur T my bro that’s so 🔥
JB stuff
Love them or hate them, they're legends.
Mr. Direction
True and true!
Just The Facts
Hell yeah
Kidyom U
I don't know why anyone would hate them honestly, besides just "they're weird and probably satanic and occult and their fans are a gang" but obviously that's b s