What is a juggalo? I don’t know, but ever since I was twelve I wanted to be one. Well, not really. But I was instantly a fan of the rap group from Detroit known infamously as the Insane Clown Posse. For those of you that are not familiar with ICP, I will try to break them down as simply and elegantly as possible. They wear black and white face paint and rap about Faygo, killing bigots, and having intercourse with large women. They steal dead bodies and hunt chickens. You may have seen them on a popular dating game in the 90’s or randomly running down the street with an ax. They asked the popular question, “What is a juggalo?” I think all of us still do not know the answer to that. But I do know that juggalos are full laughter and love.
(Ugh, that sounded cheesy and terrible. But it is true.)
Despite their vulgar language and crude lyrics, the underlining appeal of ICP is the comedy in their music. That is always the reason I enjoyed listening to them. They made me laugh and they have made millions of other people laugh. As awful as murder and bring dead bodies back to life sound, all of their songs are meant in jest. And making fun of rich people and bigots doesn’t sound all that bad. In fact, it almost sounds like they are admittedly supportive of equality for all and don’t like it when the little people get pushed down.
ICP has a large cult following of people that paint their face and attend the Gathering of the Juggalos, which is an annual music festival. They actually included the festival in a movie called Family, which is a comedy about an aunt and her outcasted young niece’s self-discovery. ICP has sold millions of records and are still one of the most underrated rap hip-groups. That is probably because of their odd style. But it is because of their odd style that so many people love them. They are completely unique and there is no other rap group that did it like they did.
Beneath all the swear words and violence, there is a real message behind most of their music, especially the later stuff. Now, I am old school and still listen to the songs I grew up with but they are still making music to this day. Go onto Spotify right now and look up ICP and start scrolling. Their catalog is larger than the Beatles and Pink Floyd combine. They are one of the few rap groups that have been around for twenty years are still producing. That is hard to do in the music industry. Here is an interview they did in 2019, talking about their career, message, and success: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTPU99wd-Hc
I’m not saying ICP is for everyone. I definitely wouldn’t listen to them around my parents, grandparents, or colleagues. I probably won’t sing their songs at karaoke. But you can be sure I am rapping right along with them in my car. When certain friends and I get together for some drinks and Golden tee, you can be sure that ICP will be blaring out of the speakers.
Even when I was twelve, I understood the difference between right and wrong. I understood that the exact words that were coming out of Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope’s mouth were not meant to be taken literally. Their music is entertainment. Their mission is laughter and to spread the thoughts of two boys growing up in the streets of Detroit. They may wear paint on their face but they aren’t hiding behind anything.
Even if you’re not a fan, here is one of the funniest videos on the internet.
Juggalove Dating App
Despite the irony of idolizing a group like ICP, they have always been an important part of my life. Thinking about the longevity of my fanhood, what they really taught me that it is always okay to be yourself even if you’re weird. Their raps helped me understand rhyme and the versatility of language. Some people may look down on juggalos or fans of ICP, but I promise you that those fans understand loyalty. They understand how to have fun and be true to themselves no matter what other people think of them. That’s a powerful message for the generation growing up that is experiencing one of the worst self-esteem epidemics in our history because they’re living being filters and screens. ICP is about standing up for yourself, being true, and living this wonderful life we have to the fullest.
What is a juggalo? Well, he’ll eat Monopoly and shit out Connect 4. Does that make sense. No. But it doesn’t have to. It is fun and funny and I enjoy listening to the Insane Clown Posse. Will I be down with the clown when I am a hundred and three? Whoop whoop. You better believe it.
