- Psychopathic Records
infobox record label
name = Psychopathic Records
parent =
founded = 1991
founder = Alex AbbissInsane Clown Posse
distributor =Zomba Recording Corporation (1995)Hollywood Records (1997)Island/Def Jam (1997-2001)Red Distribution (2002-Present)Sony/BMG (BMG: 1996-present)Sony Urban Music (2004-present)
genre = Hip hop,rap rock
country = US
location =Royal Oak, Michigan
url = [http://www.psychopathicrecords.com/ Psychopathic Records]Psychopathic Records, also known as "The Hatchet", is an
independent record label based inRoyal Oak ,Michigan in theUnited States , which was formed in 1991cite book |last=Bruce |first=Joseph |authorlink=Joseph Bruce |coauthors=Hobey Echlin |editor=Nathan Fostey |title=ICP: Behind the Paint |origdate= |origyear=2003 |origmonth=August |edition=2nd Edition |publisher=Psychopathic Records |location=Royal Oak, Michigan |isbn=09741846083 |pages=pages 139—144 |chapter=Intelligence and Violence ] by Alex Abbiss andHorrorcore groupInsane Clown Posse .History
Beginning
In late
1990 , rap trio Inner City Posse, consisting of Violent J (Joseph Bruce ), 2 Dope (Joseph Utsler ), and John Kickjazz (John Utsler), released the album "Bass-Ment Cuts ". When the group walked into a local record store, Hot Hits, wanting their album to get sold, they met Alex Abbiss. Shortly thereafter, the group undertook the advice of Joseph Bruce's brother, Rob Bruce, to talk with Abbiss about creating their own label. Inner City Posse convinced Abbiss to become their manager, and the four set out to create their own record label. The choice came between naming it Mad Paperboy Records, alluding to apaperboy in the Utslers' neighborhood who would constantly kick over garbage cans, or Psychopathic Records. They all decided on Psychopathic Records, and the label soon started operation out of Abbiss's mom's basement. A drawingJoseph Utsler scribbled on a napkin soon became the company's logo, the Hatchetman. The first record released on the label would also be Inner City Posse's first album recorded in a studio, "Dog Beats ". Shortly after the release, the group under went change in style, look, and name to becomeInsane Clown Posse . Later that night, Violent J had a dream of the Dark Carnival, a concept which would complete their transformation from Inner City Posse into the Insane Clown Posse,cite book |last=Bruce |first=Joseph |authorlink=Joseph Bruce |coauthors=Hobey Echlin |editor=Nathan Fostey |title=ICP: Behind the Paint |origdate= |origyear=2003 |origmonth=August |edition=2nd Edition |publisher=Psychopathic Records |location=Royal Oak, Michigan |isbn=09741846083 |pages=pages 179—185 |chapter=The Dark Carnival ] as well as shape Psychopathic Records and all of its artists for years to come.While working on their next album, Insane Clown Posse realized that their home label would not gain many record stores attention, so they paid
Esham $500 andKid Rock $600 to appear on their debut "Insane Clown Posse" album.cite book |last=Bruce |first=Joseph |authorlink=Joseph Bruce |coauthors=Hobey Echlin |editor=Nathan Fostey |title=ICP: Behind the Paint |origdate= |origyear=2003 |origmonth=August |edition=2nd Edition |publisher=Psychopathic Records |location=Royal Oak, Michigan |isbn=09741846083 |pages=pages 191—195 |chapter=The Broken Path of a Dream ] With the release of "Carnival of Carnage ", Psychopathic Records began its long journey to becoming a successful record company. After two more releases ("Beverly Kills 50187 " and "Ringmaster"), Insane Clown Posse gained a mass amount local popularity, so much so that they were outselling every other Detroit rap act by the thousands, including Esham and Kid Rock.cite book |last=Bruce |first=Joseph |authorlink=Joseph Bruce |coauthors=Hobey Echlin |editor=Nathan Fostey |title=ICP: Behind the Paint |origdate= |origyear=2003 |origmonth=August |edition=2nd Edition |publisher=Psychopathic Records |location=Royal Oak, Michigan |isbn=09741846083 |pages=pages 237—253 |chapter=Ringmaster's Word ]First Acts Signed
In
1994 , the first outside act,Project Born , was signed to Psychopathic Records. Due to the members still being in high school, the label used to pick them up, give them rides to the studio, and buy them clothes. Bruce had high hopes for Project Born, thinking that they would become the next Dayton Family. The group's first album was slated to be an LP, but the recording was lost. Project Born created another record in its place, this time an EP, which was released as "Born Dead". Guest appearances included Insane Clown Posse and Esham, but the album received few sales, resulting in Project Born's release from the label in1995 .In hopes of receiving a wider range of distribution, Insane Clown Posse signed a record deal with
Jive Records later that year. In1996 , a day after their contract with Jive Records expired and one day before they signed toHollywood Records , Insane Clown Posse released "Tunnel of Love" on their Psychopathic label.cite book |last=Bruce |first=Joseph |authorlink=Joseph Bruce |coauthors=Hobey Echlin |editor=Nathan Fostey |title=ICP: Behind the Paint |origdate= |origyear=2003 |origmonth=August |edition=2nd Edition |publisher=Psychopathic Records |location=Royal Oak, Michigan |isbn=09741846083 |pages=pages 271-280 |chapter=Fuck Jive ]In
1997 , Robert Bruce introduced his brother-in-law, Myzery, to Violent J.cite book |last=Bruce |first=Joseph |authorlink=Joseph Bruce |coauthors=Hobey Echlin |editor=Nathan Fostey |title=ICP: Behind the Paint |origdate= |origyear=2003 |origmonth=August |edition=2nd Edition |publisher=Psychopathic Records |location=Royal Oak, Michigan |isbn=09741846083 |pages=pages 308 |chapter=Banned by a Filthy Rat ] After constant persistence by Myzery,cite book |last=Bruce |first=Joseph |authorlink=Joseph Bruce |coauthors=Hobey Echlin |editor=Nathan Fostey |title=ICP: Behind the Paint |origdate= |origyear=2003 |origmonth=August |edition=2nd Edition |publisher=Psychopathic Records |location=Royal Oak, Michigan |isbn=09741846083 |pages=pages 372-375 |chapter=Angels and Devils ] Psychopathic Records signed him to a contract. In 1998, he released his first album "Para La Isla", which, as explained by Joseph Bruce, "was dope, no question, but not so much for aJuggalo audience." Myzery would work on one more album in Psychopathic Records, as a member ofPsychopathic Rydas called Twin Gats. In early1999 , soon after he finished recording, Myzery left the label. The third act signed to Psychopathic Records were James Spaniolo and Paul Methric. Spaniolo and Methric created the identities of Jamie Madrox and Monoxide Child, and the group took name ofTwiztid .cite book |last=Bruce |first=Joseph |authorlink=Joseph Bruce |coauthors=Hobey Echlin |editor=Nathan Fostey |title=ICP: Behind the Paint |origdate= |origyear=2003 |origmonth=August |edition=2nd Edition |publisher=Psychopathic Records |location=Royal Oak, Michigan |isbn=09741846083 |pages=pages 358—360 |chapter=Life on the Road ] Donned "protégés of the Insane Clown Posse", [cite web |url=http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&searchlink=TWIZTID&sql=11:wbfpxqljld0e~T1 |title=Twiztid Biography |accessdate=2008-07-22 |author=Huey, Steve |publisher=Allmusic ] Twiztid soon began sporting face paint of their own.cite book |last=Bruce |first=Joseph |authorlink=Joseph Bruce |coauthors=Hobey Echlin |editor=Nathan Fostey |title=ICP: Behind the Paint |origdate= |origyear=2003 |origmonth=August |edition=2nd Edition |publisher=Psychopathic Records |location=Royal Oak, Michigan |isbn=09741846083 |pages=page 374-375 |chapter=Angels and Devils ] In 1997, they released their first album, "Mostasteless ", to an ever growing juggalo fan base. Insane Clown Posse, who were signed withIsland Records at the time, helped Twiztid get their own record deal with Island, who released "Mostasteless" nationally.In 1998, Psychopathic Records signed a new artist,
Blaze Ya Dead Homie , which was not announced until 1999. Blaze first appeared on Twiztid's debut album "Mostasteless" in background vocals. In2000 , he released his self-entitled "Blaze Ya Dead Homie EP ". Blaze would stay on the label to present day, even after announcing his retirement in 2003,cite web |url=http://www.blaze.psychopathicrecords.com/iframe.php?page_id=biography3 |title=One Less G |accessdate=2008-08-19 |date=2005-11-01 |work=Biography |publisher=Psychopathic Records] only to come back in 2004.cite web |url=http://www.blaze.psychopathicrecords.com/iframe.php?page_id=biography4 |title=Back Again: Colton Grundy |accessdate=2008-08-19 |date=2005-11-01 |work=Biography |publisher=Psychopathic Records]Booming Productions
In 1998, with the help of
Island Records , Psychopathic Records sprung into the movie business. Island funded Insane Clown Posse US$250,000 to begin work on a full length movie, "Big Money Hustlas ", written by Joseph Bruce.cite book |last=Bruce |first=Joseph |authorlink=Joseph Bruce |coauthors=Hobey Echlin |editor=Nathan Fostey |title=ICP: Behind the Paint |origdate= |origyear=2003 |origmonth=August |edition=2nd Edition |publisher=Psychopathic Records |location=Royal Oak, Michigan |isbn=09741846083 |pages=page 414–433 |chapter=Big Money Hustlas ] The movie featured artists Insane Clown Posse and Twiztid, as well as friends and family including Alex Abbiss, Myzery, and Rob "Jumpsteady" Bruce.Following Insane Clown Posse's success in the wrestling rings of WWF, WCW, and
ECW , the duo decided to shift Psychopathic into much more than just a record label. The duo hoped to create their ownprofessional wrestling promotion , and run it themselves. In 1999, along with the creation of Psychopathic Sports,Juggalo Championshit Wrestling (later changed to Juggalo Championship Wrestling) was born.cite web |url=http://www.insaneclownposse.com/carnival/iframe.php?page_id=icp_history_6 |title=Who R ICP > History > The Amazing Jeckel Brothers |accessdate=2008-05-02 |publisher=The Official Insane Clown Posse website]2000 was a big year for Psychopathic Records with the release of a full length movie, new artists being signed, and JCW running well. In
July , Psychopathic Records staged the first annual Gathering of the Juggalos at the Novi Expo Center inNovi, Michigan .cite book |last=Bruce |first=Joseph |authorlink=Joseph Bruce |coauthors=Hobey Echlin |editor=Nathan Fostey |title=ICP: Behind the Paint |origdate= |origyear=2003 |origmonth=August |edition=2nd Edition |publisher=Psychopathic Records |location=Royal Oak, Michigan |isbn=09741846083 |pages=page 470–496 |chapter=Hatchet Rising ] Described by Bruce as a "Juggalo Woodstock", the Gathering of the Juggalos was a three-day music festival that featured wrestling, games, seminars, contests,sideshow s, and performances by all Psychopathic Records' artists. It drew over 7,000 people to Novi, Michigan for the 2 day event. During this time, Twiztid returned to the label and released 2 albums in the year 2000 ("Cryptic Collection " and "Freek Show "). Freek Show debuted #51 on Billboard charts, proving the group could do well on their own. [ [http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/retrieve_chart_history.do?model.chartFormatGroupName=Albums&model.vnuArtistId=339534&model.vnuAlbumId=952009 Billboard.com - Artist Chart History - Twiztid ] ] Twiztid would continue to stay on the Psychopathic label to present day.Later that year, Insane Clown Posse returned to Psychopathic Records after officially ending their contract with Island Records. In
2001 , the supergroupDark Lotus debuted. It's original line up consisted of Jamie Madrox, Monoxide Child, Violent J, Shaggy 2 Dope, Blaze Ya Dead Homie, and non-Psychopathic artist Marz.cite book |last=Bruce |first=Joseph |authorlink=Joseph Bruce |coauthors=Hobey Echlin |editor=Nathan Fostey |title=ICP: Behind the Paint |origdate= |origyear=2003 |origmonth=August |edition=2nd Edition |publisher=Psychopathic Records |location=Royal Oak, Michigan |isbn=09741846083 |pages=page 470-496 |chapter=Hatchet Rising ] Since it's creation, the line up has changed multiple times until it's latest, and final version, consisting of Jamie Madrox, Monoxide Child, Violent J, Shaggy 2 Dope, and Blaze.New artist
Anybody Killa was also announced to be signed in 2001. While working on his own album, "Hatchet Warrior ", Anybody Killa appeared on many other tracks by his label-mates. He also replaced Marz in the line up for Dark Lotus for a short period.cite web |url=http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:wifqxqy0ldae~T1 |title=Dark Lotus > Biography |accessdate=2008-07-14 |last=True |first=Chris |publisher=Allmusic ]ICP's Official Return
While Psychopathic hyped Insane Clown Posse's long awaited release of the sixth Joker's Card, a surprise was handed to fans. A major influence on the Insane Clown Posse, Esham, signed to Psychopathic Records. He quickly released a greatest hits album, "Acid Rain", in
2002 .On
November 5 , 2002, Insane Clown Posse released their sixth Joker's Card, ' on Psychopathic Records. The record debuted at #15 on Billboard charts. [ [http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/esearch/chart_display.jsp?cfi=326&cfgn=Albums&cfn=Top+Independent+Albums&ci=3048322&cdi=7956457&cid=02%2F01%2F2003 Top Music Charts - Hot 100 - Billboard 200 - Music Genre Sales ] ] Since then, the duo has stayed on their own label, deciding that it's better to control themselves than be controlled. Since their release of ' in2004 , they've managed to release one or more albums every year to the present.Joseph Bruce's brother, Robert Bruce, had appeared on "Carnival of Carnage" in 1992 as Jumpsteady. In 2002, Jumpsteady released an EP entitled Chaos Theory. After appearing on
Psychopathics from Outer Space 2 in2003 , Jumpsteady started recording his full length album.2005 marked the year he released "Master of the Flying Guillotine". It was announced by Violent J in 2006 that Jumpsteady left the label as an artist, but still worked in behind-the-scene projects.In 2003, newly signed band
Zug Izland released their first album "Cracked Tiles ". They were then pushed to the now defunct sub-label Ax & Smash Records, and released . In 2004, Psychopathic Records and Zug Izland separated in mutual agreements.The summer of 2005 saw the birth of two new supergroups; the first being the
Soopa Villainz . Consisting of Mr. Diamond (Violent J), Mr. Club (Shaggy 2 Dope), Mr. Spade (Esham), and Mr. Heart (Lavel), the Villainz released their first album "Furious " in August 2005. The other group, Blaze and Anybody Killa, called themselves Drive-By. They released their debut album, "Pony Down (Prelude) ", in October 2005.That same month, Esham left Psychopathic Records abruptly, followed by Lavel (who was not officially signed to the label). With their departure, the Soopa Villainz were disbanded. Esham and Lavel commented with harsh words towards Insane Clown Posse and their label. In
February of2006 , Anybody Killa left the label as well. Much like Esham and Level, Anybody Killa also made disparaging comments about the record label, as well as its fans. [ [http://www.juggalonews.com/main/History/2000.php JuggaloNews ] ] Drive-By was then disbanded.The same month Anybody Killa left, a new artist was announced to be signed to Psychopathic Records. He was debuting at that summer's Gathering of the Juggalos, but his identity was kept secret until his performance. In
April , after Detroit rapper Proof was shot and killed in a nightclub in Detroit, Esham and Psychopathic Records made amends. Esham did not resign with the label, but remains close friends. [ [http://www.juggalonews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=368&Itemid=39 JuggaloNews - Esham on W-FuckOff tonight! ] ] 2006 also marked the only album release ofAxe Murder Boys on Psychopathic Records. Later that year, after receiving a contract to release one album, do one music video, and be featured on one tour, the group parted with Psychopathic.In
June of 2006, Psychopathic Records went through a major change. Alex Abbiss, who had been with Psychopathic since the beginning, announced his retirement. He stepped down as President and CEO of Psychopathic, and was replaced by William Dail, better known as Billy Bill. [ [http://www.insaneclownposse.com/carnival/iframe.php?page_id=icp_news&month=6&year=2006#a8 Insane Clown Posse - Official Artist Website - News ] ]Present Day
The 2006 Gathering of the Juggalos revealed the new artist,
Boondox . He released his first album "The Harvest" later that year. Boondox was placed on every tour any Psychopathic artist was on for2007 . Later that year, he released an EP "Punkinhed ".At the 2007 Gathering of the Juggalos, Violent J stated that Psychopathic Records and
Anybody Killa had almost worked through all contractual issues for him to re-sign with Psychopathic Records. [ [http://www.juggalonews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=131&Itemid=1 JuggaloNews - Gathering News Post ] ] Later that year R.O.C. signed with newly created Psychopathic sub-label,Hatchet House . [ [http://www.juggalonews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=150&Itemid=39 JuggaloNews - JN's Blaze and ROC video interview ] ] Blaze announced that he and R.O.C. have started a new group, "Zodiac M-Print," and their new album "Horrorscope" would be released in 2008. The Samhein Witch Killaz, a supergroup rumored to be consisted of Twiztid, Blaze, and R.O.C, appeared on Blaze's newest album "Clockwork Gray ". The supergroup have yet to make any official announcements.Violent J announced in
January 2008 that the Red Rocks Amphitheatre would host a new event called "Hatchet Attacks". The event was advertised to contain "concerts by the whole psychopathic family, JCW wrestling, and much more". [ [http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5386086627256561570&hl=en Weekly Freekly Weekly Jan 2008] ] In the March 2008 edition of the Weekly Freekly Weekly, it was announced thatAnybody Killa officially made his return to Psychopathic Records after leaving the label in 2006 and that AMB would be releasing their albumGod's Hand on Hatchet House, also marking their return to "the Hatchet". [ [http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3438612836622750760&hl=en Weekly Freekly Weekly Mar 2008] ]Current artists
*
Insane Clown Posse (ICP)
*Twiztid
*Blaze Ya Dead Homie
*Anybody Killa (ABK)
*Boondox
*Dark Lotus
*Samhein Witch Killaz
*Zodiac M-Print (Blaze Ya Dead Homie & The R.O.C.)
*Drive-By (ABK & Blaze)Hatchet House
Past groups and artists
*
Project Born - They were released after "Born Dead" lacked album sales.
*Vampiro - Signed a contract and recorded 75% of his album before he left, due to loss of hearing in one of his ears by a hit fromMike Awesome onWCW Monday Nitro . Made an appearance on Twiztid's "Freek Show " album. Original member ofDark Lotus .
*Marz - Made a track with ICP, became a member of Dark Lotus, and then left due to personal and business issues.
*V-Sinizter - After winning an MC contest at the 2002 Gathering of the Juggalos, V-Sinizter received a deal from Psychopathic Records in which he released his album "Hunting Season" which sold a little over 1,000 copies. Following the album's release, V-Sinizter was released from Psychopathic the following year.
*Zug Izland - Sold two albums, "Cracked Tiles " and "" which sold moderately well. Departed to pursue an independent career.
*Esham - Departed from Psychopathic Records after a feud with Violent J and various other members of the Hatchet. Today, Esham states that he is "now cool with Psychopathic" once more, but has no intentions on returning due to him being too busy working on other projects.
*Lavel - Left because he felt that he was being used and being "played like a record" so he cut off all ties between him and Psychopathic.
*Axe Murder Boyz (AMB) - After receiving a contract from Psychopathic Records to release one album, do one music video, and be featured on one tour, they left shortly after their contract expired. They later signed with Hatchet House onAugust 22 , 2008. [cite web |url=http://axemurderboyz.com/hh/news.htm |title=Friday, Aug. 22nd 2008 |accessdate=2008-08-28 |publisher=Canonize Productions/Hatchet House Records |date=2008-08-22 ]
*Jumpsteady - Released two albums and retired shortly after. He is now an EMT and ambulance driver in Detroit.cite video |people=Insane Clown Posse (Presenters) |title=Gathering 2008 - ICP Seminar |url=http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1696178299931890293&ei=bIeoSKivKYSC4wKzpqQx&q=ICP+Seminar+2008&hl=en |medium=Videotape |accessdate=2008-08-17 |time=25:58 ]Videography
*"Born Twiztid: Beyond The Freekshow"
*"Big Money Hustlas "
**Insane Clown Posse's debut movie, costarringTwiztid andHarland Williams , and also featuring Jumpsteady, Myzery,Mick Foley ,The Misfits , Mike E. Clark, and several other artists or affiliates of Psychopathic Records.
*""
**A DVD release containing every video ever made by past and present Psychopathic artist. Included are two new videos for "Raw Deal" and "Ill Connect". Also featured is the original, uncut version of "Chicken Huntin' " by ICP. All presented in "super fresh DVD quality."
*"Big Money Rustlas"
**The prequel to "Big Money Hustlas", starring ICP and Twiztid. Many of the same cast members are expected to return from Big Money Hustlas for this prequel.ee also
*
Majik Records
*Hatchet House
*Joe & Joey Records
*Soopa Villainz References
External links
* [http://www.PsychopathicRecords.com Official website]
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