The underground music scene has and always will be a presence in the music industry. Many artists which are not considered "ready for mass consumption" have been just below the surface for many years, some have clawed their way out of the dirt and some have stuck their head out only to have those in power stick their foot on their head and shove em back down. Then there are bands which STAY underground and develop so much of a following that the mainstream comes to them. Which has happened to the likes of Insane Clown Posse, Tech N9ne, Twiztid as well as Hed[PE], Coal Chamber, Sublime and many many others. These bands had been around quite a while before even they became household names(in some households anyway). No group has done it better than ICP, now before I explain this let it be known I am biased as I am a Juggalo(ICP Fan for lack of better definition) but if you look at the truths and facts, then that shouldn't matter. In 1991 Joe Bruce and Joey Utsler aka Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope formed Inner City Posse. During the earliest stages of their careers, Joe spoke of a vision of a Dark Carnival which they were to speak of in their music. Afterward they changed their name to Insane Clown Posse(always keeping the true spirit of ICP alive) and began painting their faces like clowns. They spoke of murder, sex and other explicitly yet humorous escapades. They also spoke of the state of their home Detroit, Mi. One of the most deadly cities in the nation at the time it's no wonder they speak of killing, it's all they saw. Not long after the change of the ICP name, Psychopathic Records was born. What followed was a strangle-hold on Detroit that hadn't been seen since KISS. Quickly "Juggalos" as they were dubbed by Violent J were all over the city. Even a young man named Marshall Mathers was a big fan of Insane Clown Posse and would later,as Eminem try to start a feud with the clowns because of an incident involving their name and a flyer Mathers made insinuating that ICP "might" be at a record release party he was throwing. Through the years, ICP has been on many major record labels while still keeping the original idea intact. Jive, Island/Def Jam even Hollywood a subdivision of Disney had ICP on their roster for a short time. 16 years later ICP is the top underground act in the world. Psychopathic Records and the talent on the label bring in almost 5 million dollars a year on merchandise alone. Record sales are always strong(by underground standards) and even mainstream artists the likes of Snoop Dogg, Slash of Velvet Revolver, ODB have collaborated with ICP and soon Master P will be featured on Twiztid's next album. Today Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope continue to stay true to themselves and most importantly true to the fans who have made them what they are. Every summer Psychopathic Records holds the annual Gathering of the Juggalos where thousands of Juggalos from over the world get together for fun and music. Usually held in an outdoor camp ground The Gathering has featured mainstream acts since day one showing that Psychopathic is truly the most celebrated underground record label in history.
