Fuckin' magnets and other miracles: The re-emergence of Insane Clown Posse
What is a Juggalo? Answers vary depending on the source. For most people, a Juggalo can be generalized as someone who 1) really, really loves Insane Clown Posse; and 2) will express this love by stabbing you in the face. Further guidance can be found in the song “What Is A Juggalo?,” in which ICP’s Violent J explains that the average Juggalo, “Ain’t a phony / He’ll walk up and bust a nut in your macaroni / And watch you sit there and finish up the last bit / Because you’re a stupid-ass dumb fucking idiot.”
Got that? Good, because ICP and their nut-busting Juggalos are making an unexpected pop-culture comeback this year, with the group’s video for “Miracles” turning into an unexpected Internet sensation and Juggalo parodies turning up on Funny Or Die and Saturday Night Live. Ahead of ICP’s show May 14 at The Rave/Eagles Club, The A.V. Club investigates this recent resurgence in Juggalo culture.
The video for “Miracles”
What has spawned the rebirth of Juggalo-related mockery? Six simple words: “Fucking magnets, how do they work?” Never known for their philosophizing, J and Shaggy 2 Dope get all contemplative in the video for “Miracles,” taking the time to stop and appreciate the complexities of life, including, but not limited to: long-necked giraffes, snow, stars, fucking rainbows, UFOs, pyramids, cellphone-eating pelicans, dirt, and, of course, those head-scratching magnets. After the video brought unintended joy to millions of snarky non-Juggalos, Violent J downplayed the seriousness of the video in the Psychopathic Records’ Hatchet Herald newsletter, writing, “I mean, yeah, we get it. It’s funny to people on the outside lookin’ in, seeing two clowns rapping about space and shit, while floatin’ around in an orgy of screen savers.”
Story on “Juggalo crime” from Nightline
Not everyone up in this bitch is as excited about the Juggalos as we are. In fact, counties in at least three states—Utah, California, and (surprise) Arizona—have classified Juggalos as a street gang for their involvement in acts of violent crime. Enter ABC’s Martin Bashir, the earnest British journalist best known for reporting the shocking news that Michael Jackson is a crazy guy who might be into young boys a little too much. On an installment of Nightline back in March, Bashir explored ICP’s “nursery rhymes laced with murder” and their impact on society with typical sensationalism. Incredibly, ICP come off as the rational ones here: When Bashir asks what it means to say in a song, “I’m a kill you,” Shaggy incredulously responds, “Are you a grown retard or something?
@bigviolentj
Let’s say you’re an international serial killa clown superstar. How do you relate to your fan base if they can’t see the real you behind the makeup? How do you vent your frustrations, and express your sophisticated world views? Via Twitter, of course. That’s right: Violent J has his own Twitter account with nearly 7,700 followers to date. What, you didn’t think ninjas be getting their tweet on? Here are a few samples of what Violent J’s tweeting when he’s not busy swinging the hatchet.
“I don't know what it is today but Im feeling a deep sadness for Michael Jackson. I miss his magic. It was awsome sharing the planet with him”
“Sponge Bob is clearly gay. He wants Squidward. He's never shown intrest [sic] in Pearl, Mrs Puff or Sandy. He's metro sexual, and full of hints.”
“The upcoming video for our song "Miricles" will compleatly melt your brain into a liquid that will pour out your eyes, ears, nose and mouth”
(The last one we can attest to)
