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.
Shooting Stars
Insane Clown Posse Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah motherfucker!
...for supporting me from day one.
My label,...
Stay right there!
...God, brothers sisters, family members
Definitely everybody I see it
I drove all the way from Detroit
Back seat full of weapons
If I'd got pulled over they'd be dead in seconds
Without a hitch, I arrive on the 405
The Staples Center
Tonight is the grammys...live
Don't got no ticket
but I ain't here to scream and applaud
I've come to kill Chris Brown and shock this industry crowd
Fuck 'em dead in his seat
Blow his guts out of his tux
He beat the hell out his women
And they'r still on his nuts
The fuckin message that is sending
must have a bloody endin
Posing at security but he ain't safe from just pretendin
Bruno Mars on stage, cameras live TV
That bitch forgive him but still
He's gotta die to me
Big record companies, executives VIPs watchin.
Probably cover up his head hookers
Big business applaulin
But the under ground below don't approve
And so he flex he had his chance on top he fucked up
Make room for the next
He stood up to applaud the show put on by Lady Gaga
Blew a cyanide dart into his throat like "gotcha"!
He fell back dead, stuck smilin, eyes open as the night went
They thought he was just dazed happy from all the excitment
But I killed him
What if I shot a Star out the sky
A piggy has to have wings Before it can fly
What If I killed him?
The song Shooting Stars by Insane Clown Posse is a violent narrative about a man who drives to the Staples Center where the Grammys are being held. The singer thanks his supporters, most notably his label, family members and fans. He then reveals that he has come to kill Chris Brown and cause a scene in front of the famous industry crowd. The lyrics suggest that Brown is still popular despite having publicly abused women, and that the industry is complicit in promoting and protecting him.
The singer arrives at the Staples Center armed with weapons and no ticket. He is undeterred by security, and watches Bruno Mars perform before executing his plan to kill Chris Brown. He shoots Brown while he is applauding Lady Gaga, and despite people thinking that he is just dazed from the excitement, the singer confirms that he killed him.
The final lines of the song ask the question: "What if I shot a Star out the sky? A piggy has to have wings Before it can fly. What if I killed him?" The lyrics suggest a sense of frustration with the music industry and its lack of accountability in promoting and supporting artists who have a history of abuse and violence towards women.
Line by Line Meaning
I just wanna thank personal and foremost all the fans,...
Expressing gratitude towards fans for supporting the artist from the beginning.
Yeah motherfucker!
An enthusiastic exclamation of agreement or approval.
...for supporting me from day one.
The fans have been with the artist from the beginning of their career.
My label,...
Acknowledging the artist's record label.
Stay right there!
An abrupt interjection to someone to remain in their current position.
...God, brothers sisters, family members
Acknowledging important people in the artist's life.
Definitely everybody I see it
Everyone has noticed the artist's success and support.
I drove all the way from Detroit
The artist has traveled a long distance to get to the Staples Center for the Grammys.
Back seat full of weapons
The artist is armed and dangerous for a specific reason.
If I'd got pulled over they'd be dead in seconds
The artist is prepared to use their weapons if they are stopped by law enforcement.
Without a hitch, I arrive on the 405
The artist has arrived at their destination without any issues or problems.
The Staples Center
The location where the Grammys are being held.
Tonight is the grammys...live
The artist is at the Grammys during the live broadcast.
Don't got no ticket
The artist does not have a ticket to attend the Grammys.
but I ain't here to scream and applaud
The artist is not there to cheer for the performers or nominees.
I've come to kill Chris Brown and shock this industry crowd
The artist has a specific target to kill and wants to create chaos among the industry crowd.
Fuck 'em dead in his seat
The artist wants to kill Chris Brown while he is seated.
Blow his guts out of his tux
The artist wants to shoot Chris Brown and cause him to bleed out of his formal attire.
He beat the hell out his women
Chris Brown has physically abused women, which is why the artist wants to kill him.
And they'r still on his nuts
Despite Chris Brown's past actions, some people still support him.
The fuckin message that is sending
The artist believes that supporting Chris Brown's behavior sends a negative message.
must have a bloody endin
The artist believes that the situation with Chris Brown must end in bloodshed.
Posing at security but he ain't safe from just pretendin
Although Chris Brown may appear safe in a secure setting, he is not safe from the artist's intentions.
Bruno Mars on stage, cameras live TV
Bruno Mars is performing on stage and the events are being broadcast live on television.
That bitch forgive him but still
Although one woman may have forgiven Chris Brown, others have not.
He's gotta die to me
The artist believes that Chris Brown deserves to die for his actions.
Big record companies, executives VIPs watchin.
Important people in the music industry are watching the events unfold.
Probably cover up his head hookers
Prostitutes may be used to cover Chris Brown's head in an attempt to hide him from the artist's view.
Big business applaulin
The music industry is often more concerned with profits than ethics, and may support Chris Brown for financial reasons.
But the under ground below don't approve
The underground music scene does not approve of Chris Brown's behavior.
And so he flex he had his chance on top he fucked up
Chris Brown had the opportunity to be successful but ruined it with his actions.
Make room for the next
It is time for another artist to take Chris Brown's place.
He stood up to applaud the show put on by Lady Gaga
Chris Brown stands up to applaud a performance by Lady Gaga.
Blew a cyanide dart into his throat like "gotcha"!
The artist kills Chris Brown by blowing a cyanide dart into his throat.
He fell back dead, stuck smilin, eyes open as the night went
Chris Brown dies with a smile on his face, his eyes remaining open as the night continues.
They thought he was just dazed happy from all the excitment
People believe that Chris Brown is simply happy and dazed from the excitement of the Grammys.
But I killed him
The artist takes responsibility for killing Chris Brown.
What if I shot a Star out the sky
Asking a hypothetical question about shooting a star out of the sky.
A piggy has to have wings Before it can fly
A metaphorical statement indicating that certain requirements must be met before success can be achieved.
What If I killed him?
Repeating the question from earlier, wondering about the consequences of one's actions.
Contributed by Makayla C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
adrian
on Freaky Tales
bruh