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Juggalo

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A Juggalo is a member of the group that has grown up around the fanbase of the Michigan rap group Insane Clown Posse (ICP), and related recording artists at Psychopathic Records. Much of the predominant philosophy of the group stems from the Dark Carnival, a mythology that was carried as a theme in six ICP albums known as the 6 Joker's Cards.

Violent J explained the term's origins in the ICP biography, Behind the Paint, saying that during a live performance of "The Juggla" from the Carnival of Carnage album, he had spontaneously addressed the audience: "What about you Juggalo? Are there any Juggalos in here?", and the name stuck. He also said in the 2002 Wraith seminar that he does not like the word "Juggalette" because now many people think that the word "Juggalo" only refers to the male fanbase; it in fact refers to all fans, male or female. Regardless, some prefer the term "Juggalette" to refer to members of the female fanbase, as evidenced by the "Miss Juggalette" pageant held yearly at the Gathering of the Juggalos.

In the book Behind the Paint, Violent J, Joseph Bruce, details the adoption of several slang terms that have been incorporated into juggalo subculture, including "juggalo", "ninja", and "neden". Ninja is also interchangeable with juggalo, as "homie" or friend. Neden is a slang term for a vagina.

The Juggalos (also referred to as the Juggalo Family) started in the early 1990s. As seen in other subcultures, from parallels in music came parallels in interests, style, and slang. Facepainting in the style of ICP and other Psychopathic Records artists is a common practice at Juggalo-oriented social events.

Also, characteristic of the Juggalos is devotion to the inexpensive soft drink Faygo, popularized by ICP.[1][2]

The Gathering of the Juggalos

The Gathering of the Juggalos (also known simply as The Gathering or GOTJ) is an annual event for the Juggalo Family put on by Psychopathic Records; the first was staged in 2000. It is regarded highly by Juggalos, and is considered by the Juggalos to be a family reunion of sorts. The event spans several days, and includes concerts, wrestling, games, contests, autograph sessions, and seminars with artists.

At the 2002 Gathering Bubba Sparxxx received the first ever "Bubba Sparxxx Award", obviously named after him. Unofficially, the "award" is given to the artist who leaves the main stage before his performance is over. Artists have been known to leave because of heavy booing, too much trash being thrown, or out of anger towards the fan base. Every year it is common to hear juggalos' input on who will receive the "award" that year. Since the 2002 Gathering other notable artists such as Bushwick Bill, Kurupt, and Too $hort have received the "award".

Earlier Gatherings were plagued with problems such as fires and unruly behavior that prompted the intervention of police and firefighters. After 2002, the Gathering became an outdoor event, and was held at Nelson Ledges Quarry Park for a number of years.

According to the Quarry Park's owner, Evan Kelley, the grounds will no longer host this event after the 2005 Gathering. Kelly has said: "Psychopathic Records broke some of the rules set down for the 2005 event, including blasting music all night long", and: "Drugs, alcohol, nudity, profanity and trash also became serious problems." [3]

The seventh annual Gathering of the Juggalos was set to take place at The Lotus Fields on July 13–July 16 2006 in Brooklyn, Michigan (West of Detroit, Michigan). The board of Woodstock Township, Michigan, in control of necessary outdoor concert zoning permits denied permits at a meeting on April 11 2006. The C3 zoning permit wording was loose, and could be interpreted such that additional outdoor concert permits were not necessary, but the board decided to read it by the letter. Psychopathic Records was told that if they represented country artists they would be allowed to hold the event.[citation needed] Psychopathic Records took legal advice concerning this, while booking another location.

On April 18 2006, Psychopathic Records announced that a Gathering would go ahead, the new location being dubbed The New Lotus Fields — in Pataskala, Ohio (East of Columbus) at Frontier Ranch. It took place over the same dates that were planned for the Brooklyn event.

The 2007 Gathering will take place in Ohio in July. Psychopathic revealed the news in an update about their 2007 JCW tour by stating: "SLAM TV's story and angles will all finally come to a head in Ohio, at this year’s 4 day Gathering of the Juggalos festival in July '07. JCW at the Gathering will feature 2 days of live action on Thursday and Friday afternoon, then on Saturday night at Midnight, JCW will host its biggest wrestling show ever, entitled Bloodymania!".

Alleged Juggalo Crime

Because of a connection with gang violence, many younger members of the subculture are prohibited from wearing ICP paraphernalia while at school. This scrutiny may not be entirely unwarranted, as there have been numerous incidents with Juggalos committing violent acts, though there is no independent evidence linking music with violence or crime.[4] As the public face of the Juggalo subculture, Psychopathic Records and Insane Clown Posse have repeatedly denounced violence within the fandom. Much of the crimes including murders have also been noted by Alex Abiss (former Psychopathic CEO) as being just crazy individuals finding an excuse for the actions.

  • On February 1, 2006, alleged conservative Juggalo Jacob Robida engaged in a series of hatchet attacks and a shooting spree which left three dead, including himself and a police officer. ICP has released a statement in which they revile Robida's actions and extended their condolences to the families of his victims.
  • Between June 18 and June 20 2006, more attacks involving Juggalos, some wearing the clown makeup, were reported by the Seattle Times.[5]
  • During the nights of June 19 and 20th, 2006, another series of attacks by conservative Juggalos left nearly two dozen injured. The group, armed with a machete, attacked, robbed, and threatened to decapitate visitors to Fort Steilacoom Park in Tacoma, Washington, shouting "Woo! Woo! Juggalo!" Seven suspects have been arrested, and three have been charged with assault and robbery.[6]
  • On August 11, 2006 Two Wasson High School students were suspended for spray painting ICP logos on the walls of their Colorado Springs, CO high school. Six other students were also suspended for protesting the previous suspensions.[7]

References

  1. ^ MTV.com Insane Clown Posse Soak Denver With Sugary Soda Bombs
  2. ^ MTV.com ICP's Juggalo Gathering Promises Faygo Armageddon, Juggalette Bride
  3. ^ RecordPub.com Rappers won’t return to Nelson Insane Clown Posse uninvited.
  4. ^ The News Tribune Fort Steilacoom unsafe at night, police caution
  5. ^ Seattle Times Pierce County park visitors assaulted by gang of thugs
  6. ^ Seattle Post-Intelligencer Two more sought in series of park attacks
  7. ^ MTV.com For The Record: Quick News On Outkast, Insane Clown Posse, Hilary Duff, Alicia Keys, Fatboy Slim, Mastodon & More


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