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.
Oddities
Insane Clown Posse Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Everyone come see the greatest show.
Gather up all Juggalos and roll.
Everyone come see the greatest show.
Gather up all trugalopes and roll.
Ah yeah! Dum Diddy Dum,
Get your ass out the way 'cause here we come,
We got creep shows, freak shows (Wicked Clowns).
Most people don't like these Oddities.
Most people would love to have a shot at these.
If you think you too good for us sideshow freaks, let me know
And I'm gonna whip smack your cheeks! Come on...
Chorus 2X:
Everyone come see the greatest show.
Unlike anything that you know.
Come and be down wit the clowns.
The big Oddity freak show's in town
I'm a sideshow looney, watch me get nuts.
I do backflips out in fronta mad trucks.
And in high school the chicks always gave us probs,
'cause I was nine feet tall, and my boy's a cyclops.
I can swim shark-filled waters!
Yeah, well I can chew nails up and spit out quarters.
Go cryin for your daddy, what's that gonna do?
When he's just as shook as you, you little snoot
Chorus 2X
Everyone come see the greatest show.
Gather up all Juggalos and roll.
Everyone come see the greatest show.
Gather up all Juggalos and roll...
Where you goin' richy boy?
What's the matter son?
Just because we're a little different, you gotta run?
I'm an Oddity.
You're lookin' odd at me.
But then I gotta be.
And there's a lotta me.
We's a little bit twisted, I gladly admit it.
I can unscrew my head off, and shoot hoop with it.
And you can't, so you gotta label us weird.
Even though your mama's got a beard. What!
Chorus
The song "Oddities" by Insane Clown Posse is a celebration of the oddball, the misfit, and the outsider. The lyrics describe a sideshow and freak show, with the Juggalos (fans of ICP) encouraged to come and see the spectacle. The song speaks directly to those who feel misunderstood or rejected by mainstream society, offering them a place where they belong. The rappers pride themselves on being different, even "twisted", and reject the idea that they should conform to society's norms.
The chorus of the song invites everyone to come and see the "greatest show" that's "unlike anything that you know". They urge the Juggalos to gather together and be part of the "big Oddity freak show". The verses are filled with boasts and challenges, with the rappers daring anyone who thinks they're too good for the sideshow freaks to step forward and face them. They describe themselves as loonies, capable of doing backflips in front of trucks, swimming with sharks, and even unscrewing their heads and using them as basketballs.
Overall, the song is a celebration of individuality and difference, encouraging listeners to embrace their quirks and reject conformity. It's an anthem for anyone who's ever felt like an outsider, and a reminder that there are places where they'll be welcomed with open arms.
Line by Line Meaning
Heeheeheeheeheeheeheehee...
The sound of laughter, setting the tone for a carnival-like atmosphere.
Everyone come see the greatest show.
Invitation to attend a grand spectacle.
Gather up all Juggalos and roll.
Call to action for fans of Insane Clown Posse to attend the show.
Everyone come see the greatest show.
Reiteration of the invitation to attend the spectacle.
Gather up all trugalopes and roll.
Reference to fans who are not Juggalos, but still a part of the community and welcome at the show.
Ah yeah! Dum Diddy Dum,
Exclamation of excitement and energy.
Get your ass out the way 'cause here we come,
Assertive statement indicating that nothing will stop the show from arriving.
And we's bringin' this spectacle into ya town.
Confirmation that the show is coming and it will be a spectacle.
We got creep shows, freak shows (Wicked Clowns).
Listing some of the different types of shows included in the spectacle.
Most people don't like these Oddities.
Acknowledgement of the fact that the performers in the show are not considered normal by society.
Most people would love to have a shot at these.
Despite being seen as outcasts, many people secretly wish to be part of the show.
If you think you too good for us sideshow freaks, let me know And I'm gonna whip smack your cheeks! Come on...
Taunting challenge to anyone who thinks they are superior to the performers in the show.
Chorus 2X: Everyone come see the greatest show. Unlike anything that you know. Come and be down wit the clowns. The big Oddity freak show's in town
Reiteration of the invitation to attend the grand spectacle, emphasizing its uniqueness and the community surrounding it.
I'm a sideshow looney, watch me get nuts.
Self-introduction as a performer in the show with a penchant for wild behavior.
I do backflips out in fronta mad trucks.
Further description of the performer's unconventional skills and acts.
And in high school the chicks always gave us probs, 'cause I was nine feet tall, and my boy's a cyclops.
Anecdote about the challenges faced by those who are different from the norm, even from a young age.
I can swim shark-filled waters!
Boast about an uncommon talent or skill.
Yeah, well I can chew nails up and spit out quarters.
Counter-boast of an equally impressive and unusual ability.
Go cryin for your daddy, what's that gonna do? When he's just as shook as you, you little snoot
Dismissal of those who are intimidated by the performers in the show.
Where you goin' richy boy? What's the matter son? Just because we're a little different, you gotta run?
Confrontation of those who might be afraid or disgusted by the performers in the show.
I'm an Oddity. You're lookin' odd at me. But then I gotta be. And there's a lotta me.
Embrace of one's own unique identity and recognition that there are many others like it in the world.
We's a little bit twisted, I gladly admit it. I can unscrew my head off, and shoot hoop with it.
Proud acknowledgement of the performers' unconventional and often gruesome talents.
And you can't, so you gotta label us weird. Even though your mama's got a beard. What!
Criticism of those who label the performers in the show as weird while ignoring their own strange or unusual aspects.
Contributed by Liliana P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Pezcontainer
RIP to the big cat. Will be missed. Legend.
Dennis Crosby
@The Pizza King why bother?
Drew Farley
@The Pizza King 866-Ron-0-Fez 866-Ron-0-Fez how ya doin buddies. R.I.P Fez Marie
The Pizza King
@JohnBeezy3 Fez Whatley from the Ron and Fez show, who was a big fan of wrestling and the Oddities, used this song as one of the intros to the Ron and Fez show
JohnBeezy3
Who is Big Cat?
Heidi Guntrum
This was the best show opener for The Ron and Fez show. It just set a great tone for the show and Ronnie really loved it. :)
shawn s
RIP Fezzy. :-(
Blanco Boy Jones
Ron later said that he didn't care much for this song cause he thought it was kinda cartoony and childish but fez liked it alot.
510 satanic 666 joints 420
This is the first icp song I've ever heard. I remember having a wwf theme song cd and I always liked this song before I even heard of icp. I was like 7
Castor Troy
I swear i heard it on the same wwf cd lol