Carnival of Carnage

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Carnival of Carnage
an evil jester wearing a chain pendant bearing the initials of Insane Clown Posse
Studio album by
Insane Clown Posse
ReleasedOctober 18, 1992
Recorded1991–1992
StudioMiller Midi Productions
(Detroit, Michigan)
The Tempermill Studio
(Ferndale, Michigan)
GenreHorrorcore[1]
Length66:17
LabelPsychopathic
Producer
Insane Clown Posse chronology
Dog Beats
(1991) 		Carnival of Carnage
(1992) 		Ringmaster
(1994)

Carnival of Carnage is the debut studio album by American hip hop group Insane Clown Posse, released on October 18, 1992, by Psychopathic Records.

Recording sessions for the album took place from 1991 to 1992 at Miller Midi Productions and The Tempermill Studio. The album is the first Joker's Card in the group's Dark Carnival mythology. The album's lyrics describe the Carnival of Carnage as a representation of the violence that occurs within the ghettos, which takes the form of a traveling carnival to enact the same brutality on the upper class.

Carnival of Carnage was the first album on which Insane Clown Posse collaborated with producer

gold certification by the RIAA
in 2010.

Conception

Background

Main article: Insane Clown Posse

Los Angeles represented gangsta rap. The group agreed, but not to copying the style of Esham closely. Instead, they suggested using horror-themed lyrics as an emotional outlet for all their negative life experiences. They were also unanimous in deciding not to rap openly about Satan, which Esham often did.[3]

After the change in musical style, the group decided that it needed a new name. Utsler suggested keeping the "I.C.P." initials to inform the community that Inner City Posse was not defunct, an idea to which the group agreed.[3] Several names were considered before Bruce recalled his dream of a clown running around in Delray, which became the inspiration for the group's new name Insane Clown Posse. The other members agreed, deciding that they would take on this new genre and name, and would all don face paint due to the success of their former clown-painted hype man.[3]

Recording

Carnival of Carnage began recording at Miller Midi Productions in Detroit, Michigan with Chuck Miller producing and mastering the album.[3] Miller charged the group US$6,000 to produce the songs "Red Neck Hoe," "Psychopathic," "Your Rebel Flag," and part of "Night of the Axe."[4] Seeing that they were being overcharged, Alex Abbiss made his first major managerial move by finding another producer, Mike E. Clark.[4] The group finished recording the album with Clark at The Tempermill Studio in Ferndale, Michigan. Clark mastered his part of the album at Rythmatic Studio, and continued to work with the group throughout their career.

Original group member John Kickjazz appeared on the songs "Your Rebel Flag", "Psychopathic", "Blacken' Your Eyes", "Wizard of the Hood", "Red Neck Hoe" and "Taste".[5] "Carnival of Carnage" was originally recorded by Esham at Hells Doors Studio, but he pronounced "carnage" as "carnicks" and refused to redo it.[5] The final version of the song was recorded by Joseph Bruce over a reversed recording of the original.[5]

Awesome Dre was originally going to do a verse on "Taste." While Insane Clown Posse waited in the studio for him to arrive, Esham suggested that he appear on the track instead for the same amount of money, and the group allowed him to record a verse. Esham was paid $500 for his appearance.[5] Kid Rock demanded a hundred more than Esham, and was paid $600 to appear on "Is That You?"[5] He showed up to record the song intoxicated, but re-recorded his vocals and record scratching the following day.[5]

Joker's Cards

Carnival of Carnage is the first Joker's Card in Insane Clown Posse's Dark Carnival concept album series.[6] The Dark Carnival is a concept of the afterlife in which souls are sent to a form of limbo while waiting to be sent to heaven or hell based on their individual actions. These concepts are related by Insane Clown Posse in a series of albums called the six Joker's Cards. Each of the six Joker's Cards relate to a specific character — an entity of the Dark Carnival — that tries to "save the human soul" by showing the wicked inside of one's self.[7][8]

"Ghetto Freak Show" (sample)
"Ghetto Freak Show", from the group's 1992 album Carnival of Carnage.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

This Joker's Card is a representation of the ghettos and the violence that occurs within them.[9][10] It takes the form of a traveling carnival which releases the same brutality on those who have ignored the inner cities' cries for help.[10] The Card issues a warning against the upper-class and government's negligence toward the lower classes.[9][10] The cover of Carnival of Carnage was drawn by Joseph Utsler, who would later create artwork for the rest of the albums in the Joker's Cards series.[2]

Samples

Mike Clark

WAR. The song "Taste" samples Esham's "Word After Word" from Boomin' Words from Hell and "Ghetto Freak Show" samples "I'd Rather Be Dead" from Judgement Day
.

"The Juggla" samples "Kiss" by Prince.[1]

Lyricism

Joseph Bruce uses elements of political hip hop throughout the album. Many of his lyrics were derived from his experiences of growing up in a poor family that was neglected by the government. He and his brother Robert used to escape from their impoverished reality by gathering themselves in a forest called "Picker Forest". Joe cites "Picker Forest" as a strong influence on the Dark Carnival mythology which began with this album.[13] The themes of the Dark Carnival also derived from a dream Bruce had shortly after the group adopted its new name, in which spirits in a traveling carnival appeared to him.[3]

"Red Neck Hoe" and "Your Rebel Flag" stem from the group's anti-

Wizard of the Hood" was originally written by Bruce sometime in the late 1980s.[15] The first recorded version of the song appeared on the Intelligence and Violence EP under the name "Wizard of Delray."[15] The Carnival of Carnage version is derived from a 1991 recording which appeared on the EP Dog Beats.[15]

Release

Just weeks prior to the release of their album, John left the group because he felt that it was "taking up too much of [his] life."

vinyl in hopes that DJs would play the songs in Detroit-area nightclubs.[2]

Reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[17]
Rolling Stone[18]
The Rolling Stone Album Guide[19]

Although Carnival of Carnage was not reviewed at the time of its release, later reviews of the album have been unfavorable. AllMusic reviewer Stephen Thomas Erlewine gave the album three out of five stars, comparing the group's performance on the album to "a third-rate Beastie Boys supported by a cut-rate Faith No More, all tempered with the sensibility that made GWAR cult heroes—only with [...] more sexism and jokes that are supposed to be street, but wind up sounding racist", but stating that the album would appeal to fans of the group.[20] In The Great Rock Discography, Martin Charles Strong gave the album four out of ten stars.[21] The album received one star out of five in The New Rolling Stone Album Guide, in which Ben Sisario panned it (along with the rest of the group's discography before The Great Milenko) as "gangsta-inspired wigga posturing".[18]

Legacy

During a live performance of the song "The Juggla" in 1993, Bruce addressed the audience as

gold certification by the RIAA.[26] In the Aqua Teen Hunger Force episode "Juggalo", Bruce and Utsler appear as themselves during a trial after Master Shake commits suicide. George Lowe
asks "Mr. 2 Dope" to read lyrics from "Blackin' Your Eyes".

25th anniversary

In mid-2017 it was announced that Insane Clown Posse was going to perform the album in its entirety at the "El Club" (which holds 600 people), located in southwest Detroit directly across the street from Clark Park right in the heart of ICP's stomping ground when they were younger. It was also announced that the performance would only be a one-time thing, and tickets would be $250, with all proceeds going directly to the people making the documentary about John Kickjazz titled The Third Clown. It was also said that John and Shaggy 2 Dope's little brother Tre Pound of Chop Shop would fill in for John. Later on it was announced that for the first time in 25 years Inner City Posse would be performing, and they would wear no makeup. Also a 25th anniversary vinyl version will be available. On August 25, 2017, the lineup for the show was announced, including Rude Boys son DJ Carlito performing (playing music) in between sets, as well as an after party at "MJ's":[27]

Carnival of Carnage Show

After Party

  • Doors Open: 11:00
  • Lyte - 11:30–12:00
  • DJ Clay - 12:10–12:40
  • Big Hoodoo - 12:50–1:20
  • Anybody Killa - 1:30–2:00

Track listing

PSY 1004
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Intro"  1:20
2."Carnival of Carnage"Joseph Bruce and Esham A. SmithJoseph Bruce and Esham A. Smith2:33
3."The Juggla"J. BruceMike Clark and Joseph Bruce4:55
4."First Day Out"J. Bruce and Joseph UtslerMike Clark and Joseph Bruce4:21
5."Red Neck Hoe"J. Bruce and UtslerChuck Miller and Joseph Bruce4:50
6."Wizard of the Hood"J. Bruce and UtslerChuck Miller and Joseph Bruce5:24
7."Guts on the Ceiling"J. BruceMike Clark and Joseph Bruce4:25
8."Is That You?" (featuring Kid Rock)J. Bruce and R. RitchieMike Clark and R. Ritchie4:34
9."Night of the Axe"J. BruceChuck Miller and Joseph Bruce5:00
10."Psychopathic"J. BruceChuck Miller and Joseph Bruce4:43
11."Blackin' Your Eyes"J. Bruce and UtslerEsham A. Smith and Joseph Bruce4:40
12."Never Had it Made"J. BruceMike Clark, Joseph Bruce, and Esham A. Smith5:45
13."Your Rebel Flag"J. Bruce and UtslerChuck Miller and Joseph Bruce4:24
14."Ghetto Freak Show"J. BruceEsham A. Smith and Joseph Bruce4:14
15."Taste" (featuring Jumpsteady, Capitol E., Nate The Mack and Esham)J. Bruce, Robert Bruce, Utsler, Nathan Williams, Capitol E., and SmithMike Clark and Joseph Bruce5:09
Total length:66:17
Vinyl Version
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Carnival of Carnage"Joseph Bruce and Esham A. SmithJoseph Bruce and Esham A. Smith2:32
2."Never Had it Made"J. BruceMike Clark, Joseph Bruce and Esham A. Smith5:45
3."Guts on the Ceiling"J. BruceMike Clark and Joseph Bruce4:24
4."Taste" (featuring Jumpsteady, Capitol E., Nate The Mack and Esham)J. Bruce, Robert Bruce, Utsler, Nathan Williams, Capitol E., and SmithMike Clark and Joseph Bruce5:10
5."Psychopathic"J. BruceChuck Miller and Joseph Bruce4:43
6."Ghetto Freak Show"J. BruceEsham A. Smith and Joseph Bruce4:14
7."Wizard of the Hood"J. Bruce and Joseph UtslerChuck Miller and Joseph Bruce5:24
8."Is That You?" (featuring Kid Rock)J. Bruce and R. RitchieMike Clark and R. Ritchie4:34
Island 524514-2
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Intro"  1:20
2."Carnival of Carnage"Joseph Bruce and Esham A. SmithJoseph Bruce and Esham A. Smith2:33
3."The Juggla"J. BruceMike Clark and Joseph Bruce4:55
4."First Day Out"J. Bruce and Joseph UtslerMike Clark and Joseph Bruce4:21
5."Red Neck Hoe"J. Bruce and UtslerChuck Miller and Joseph Bruce4:50
6."Wizard of the Hood"J. Bruce and UtslerChuck Miller and Joseph Bruce5:24
7."Is That You?" (featuring Kid Rock)J. Bruce and R. RitchieMike Clark and R. Ritchie4:34
8."Psychopathic"J. BruceChuck Miller and Joseph Bruce4:43
9."Guts on the Ceiling"J. BruceMike Clark and Joseph Bruce4:25
10."Never Had it Made"J. BruceMike Clark, Joseph Bruce and Esham A. Smith5:45
11."Your Rebel Flag"J. Bruce and UtslerChuck Miller and Joseph Bruce4:24
12."Ghetto Freak Show"J. BruceEsham A. Smith and Joseph Bruce4:14
13."Taste" (featuring Jumpsteady, Capitol E., Nate The Mack and Esham)J. Bruce, Robert Bruce, Utsler, Nathan Williams, Capitol E., and SmithMike Clark and Joseph Bruce5:09

Personnel

  • Violent J – vocals, production
  • 2 Dope – vocals, scratching
  • John Kickjazz – vocals
  • Kid Villain - vocals on "Wizard of the Hood"
  • Nate The Mack – guest vocals
  • Kid Rock – guest vocals, scratching
  • Capitol E – guest vocals
  • Jumpsteady – guest vocals
  • Esham – guest vocals, production
  • Mike E. Clark – production
  • Chuck Miller - production

References

  1. ^ a b Watson, Elijah (October 24, 2017). "I listened to all of Insane Clown Posse's albums, and now I understand". Daily Dot. Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  2. ^
    ISBN 0-9741846-0-8
    .
  3. ^
    ISBN 0-9741846-0-8
    .
  4. ^
    ISBN 0-9741846-0-8
    .
  5. ^
    ISBN 0-9741846-0-8
    .
  6. ISBN 0-7119-9209-6
    .
  7. ISBN 0-9741846-0-8
    .
  8. ^ Friedman, David (November 2009). "Juggalos". Murder Dog. pp. 192–198.
  9. ^ a b Phoebus Apollo (January 22, 2004). "An Intelligent Look at the Insane Clown Posse". phoebus apollo. Retrieved November 25, 2009.
  10. ^
    UPC 0731452456229
  11. ^ "Insane Clown Posse". The Breaks. Retrieved April 7, 2010.
  12. ^ "Insane Clown Posse's 'Never Had It Made' - Discover the Sample Source". WhoSampled.
  13. ISBN 0-9741846-0-8
    .
  14. ^
    ISBN 0-9741846-0-8
    .
  15. ^
    ISBN 0-9741846-0-8
    .
  16. UPC 822489991224
    .
  17. ^ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Carnival of Carnage- Insane Clown Posse". AllMusic. Retrieved November 16, 2018.
  18. ^
    ISBN 0-7432-0169-8
    .
  19. ISBN 0-7432-0169-8
    .
  20. ^
    ISBN 0-87930-759-5
    .
  21. ISBN 1-84195-615-5
    .
  22. ISBN 0-9741846-0-8
    .
  23. ^ "Insane Clown Posse Discography". Psychopathic Records. Archived from the original on June 4, 2010. Retrieved June 5, 2010.
  24. Allmusic
    . Retrieved February 19, 2010.
  25. ^ "CD - ICP - Carnival of Carnage OG". Psychopathic Records. Archived from the original on January 19, 2009. Retrieved February 4, 2009.
  26. ^ "Fontana Partners With Psychopathic Records". PR Newswire Association LLC. February 17, 2010. Retrieved February 20, 2010.
  27. ^ "Details for Tomorrow's CARNIVAL OF CARNAGE Show Revealed! | Faygoluvers". www.faygoluvers.net. August 25, 2017. Retrieved August 26, 2017.

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