Metal-rap duo Insane Clown Posse originally formed in 1989 as hardcore rap group Inner City Posse. Following the group’s dissolution in 1991, remaining members Violent J (Joseph Bruce) and Shaggy 2 Dope (Joseph Utler), changed the group’s name to Insane Clown Posse because, they claimed, they were visited by "the Carnival Spirit." ICP released their debut, Carnival of Carnage, on their own Psychopathic Records in 1992. They quickly built a following in Detroit, thanks to their violent lyrics and wild stage shows, but they did not garner national attention until 1994’s The Ringmaster established their reputation as a cartoonish band like Gwar. Jive Records signed the band for 1995’s The Riddle Box, but after slow sales, ICP were dropped. They were picked up by Hollywood Records for 1997’s The Great Milenko, but charges of obscenity led Hollywood to pull the record on its release date. A quick save by Island Records ensured its release, and ICP’s notoriety increased, thanks in part to a series of mishaps and legal troubles that year. Violent J suffered a panic attack onstage in 1998, but these setbacks did nothing to stem the popularity of 1999’s The Amazing Jeckel Brothers, a concept album that debuted at No. 5. They also filmed and starred in the straight-to-video movie Big Money Hustlas that year. In 2000 Shaggy suffered an onstage collapse, and later broke his nose and cheekbone in a pro wrestling match. ICP released Big Money Hustlas, the album, shortly thereafter, and followed up with 2000’s dual-version Bizzar and Bizaar.

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