Known originally as JJ Boyz and Inner City Posse, the duo used supernatural and horror themes in the lyrics in order to set themselves apart from other artists through their style. The duo created an independent record company called Psychopathic Records, in which Alex Abbiss served as a manager. They appeared and acted in movies including Big Money Hustlas and Big Money Rustlas.

1985–1994: Early history

Joseph Bruce (Violent J) and Joseph Utsler (Shaggy 2 Dope) met in the suburb of Oak Park on the northern border of Detroit, Michigan. They wrestled in backyard rings they built themselves with Utsler’s brother, John, and friend Lacy. The pair also bonded over a love of hip-hop, including 3rd Bass, Beastie Boys, N.W.A and local rappers like Awesome Dre. In 1989 Joseph Bruce (as Jagged Joe), Joseph Utsler (as Kangol Joe) and John Utsler (as Master J) released the single “Party at the Top of the Hill” under the name of JJ Boys but the group didn’t seriously pursue a career in music. Bruce’s poverty and bad home life led him to move in with Rudy “The Rude Boy” Hill in River Rouge, a city near the industrial southwest side of Detroit.

Bruce felt at home and belonged and created a gang called Inner City Posse. It consisted of Joseph Utsler, Rudy Hill, and other friends of Bruce, as well as a number of other connections he had made in Southwest Detroit. In 1989-1990, Bruce was sentenced to 90 days in jail for death threats, robbery, and probation violation. This experience led him to cut down his activity in gang life. Bruce began his career in pro wrestling when he got out of jail, and it was at his first show that he met Rob Van Dam and Sabu, two other first-timers who he became very good friends with. During this time Bruce brought Utsler backstage with him and the four became very close friends.

1992–2004: First Joker Card Deck

The group, with producer Chuck Miller, began to record their debut album Carnival of Carnage. After recording just three songs for $6,000 with Miller, Alex Abbiss’ first major managerial move was to find another producer, Mike E. Clark. Clark continued to work with the group throughout their career and the group completed recording the album with him. The album had guest appearances from local rappers such as Esham and Kid Rock. John left the band just weeks before the album was due to be released, saying it was “taking up too much of [his] life”. Bruce and Utsler tried to arrange a meeting to discuss the issues, but John did not appear.

Musical style and influences

Insane Clown Posse’s music is generally considered to be hip-hop, horrorcore or rap rock. The duo’s sound incorporates pop, industrial rock and funk with “carnival organ riffs, power chords and shotgun blasts…banjolike plucking and Van Halen-esque guitar squeals”. Bruce and Utsler’s vocal style has been described as alternating between rapping and screams. 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.The group’s early work is characterized by a raw, minimalistic sound which later matured into a more rock-oriented style. The collective’s music has been dubbed “Wicked Pop” by Bruce. Bruce has also said, “We play our own genre of music.

The Insane Clown Posse has covered songs by the Geto Boys, Sly Fox, and Above the Law. Bruce and Utsler were influenced by Ice Cube , Awesome Dre , Geto Boys , Esham , Gong , and Michael Jackson , whom Bruce called Insane Clown Posse ‘s biggest influence . The pair has called Insane Clown Posse a musical blend of N.W.A, Michael Jackson and Pearl Jam. Utsler has a tattoo of Jackson and Bruce has a poster of Jackson staring at him in his recording studio when he raps. Insane Clown Posse influenced Blaze Ya Dead Homie, Boondox and Axe Murder Boyz.

Awards and nominations

Detroit Music Awards

Additional Recognition

• A historical awards listing also records a 2005 nomination for Outstanding Hip-Hop Artist/Group at the Detroit Music Awards.
• Beyond formal awards, ICP has achieved significant commercial success, earning multiple gold and platinum certifications and selling millions of records. Their discography has produced several certified releases and a large, dedicated fan community.

Summary

Wins: 2 documented Detroit Music Awards
Nominations: At least 2 documented Detroit Music Award nominations (2005 and 2010)
Major Honors: Distinguished Achievement Award (2011) and Outstanding Hip-Hop Artist/Group (2010).