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Behind the Paint
Within this book is archived the complete autobiography of the lives of the Insane Clown Posse. It details all of the struggles and victories they have endured as they forged their own path towards the gates of Shangri-La. It is their story spoken by Violent J himself. From their childhood adventures to their dark teenage years to the dream of starting their own record label, this is their unique story told for the first time in its entirety. It describes how the controversial band became an underground sensation without the help of radio, video or the corporate mainstream.
596 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2003
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509 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
September 27, 2012
I'm by no means a Juggalo. Honestly, the reason I read this book is because having known many Juggalos, I thought the whole "scene" was pretty ridiculous and wanted to learn if there was actually anything more to the "fam" and ICP.
ICP is ostensibly two white guys emulating Esham and Geto Boys. But beneath the surface, or Behind the Paint as the case may be, there's actually a lot of history and an interesting story. This book shows an intelligent, introspective side of ICP that I'd not been accustomed to.
This book is in part what made me feel the Juggalos in my area were even more pathetic. Wholly incongrous with what the founders of their "fam" believe, these middle-class teens/young adults just spent their time attempting to terrorize people with simple shock value, buying out all the merch at the mall's Hot Topic, and being generally insolent people.
I'm not judging all Juggalos off that, of course, as I'm sure there are plenty of decent ones out there. But to all those that fit the bill of what I just described: perhaps you should know the tenets of your "fam" before affiliating with them?
Speaking only the book, though, it's a surprisingly insightful and unyielding look into the foundations and vantage point "behind the paint."
ICP is ostensibly two white guys emulating Esham and Geto Boys. But beneath the surface, or Behind the Paint as the case may be, there's actually a lot of history and an interesting story. This book shows an intelligent, introspective side of ICP that I'd not been accustomed to.
This book is in part what made me feel the Juggalos in my area were even more pathetic. Wholly incongrous with what the founders of their "fam" believe, these middle-class teens/young adults just spent their time attempting to terrorize people with simple shock value, buying out all the merch at the mall's Hot Topic, and being generally insolent people.
I'm not judging all Juggalos off that, of course, as I'm sure there are plenty of decent ones out there. But to all those that fit the bill of what I just described: perhaps you should know the tenets of your "fam" before affiliating with them?
Speaking only the book, though, it's a surprisingly insightful and unyielding look into the foundations and vantage point "behind the paint."
March 1, 2010
I picked this book up from my friend's bedroom floor when i was bored at his house one day. As a musician, a Juggalo, and as an ICP fan i got alot out of this book. Violent J has a very nice way of taking you through and explaining his childhood and music career. I really related and enjoyed the experiences he shared from his childhood as well as got alot out of him speaking about his career decisions. If you like Insane Clown Posse, or are just curious as hell, i suggest you read this right away.
February 12, 2014
I became an ICP fan in 2004, when I was 15. It was during a very tough and confusing time in my life. Without really going into details, I will say that being an ICP fan and part of the Juggalo family gave me a place to belong. I felt accepted and cared about at a time when I needed it a lot. ICP gave me this and much more. I am thankful to have become a fan of theirs.
And this book was another source of comfort and inspiration for me. I read it the first time in 2004 during the summer. In total I've read the book four times, or maybe even more.
It's been a number of years since I last read it, but I remember loving this book. I learned a lot about Violent J, Shaggy and the history of ICP. The book was funny, sad, inspiring and sometimes probably a bit too much information about certain things. But it was a book that I kept coming back to and discovering something new every time. Reading about ICP, about Violent J, their struggles and such, really helped me throughout my teenage years as did their music.
I don't listen to ICP nearly as much as I used to, but ICP and this book will have always a special place in my life.
It's a really good read. I'm sure other ICP fans will love it.
And this book was another source of comfort and inspiration for me. I read it the first time in 2004 during the summer. In total I've read the book four times, or maybe even more.
It's been a number of years since I last read it, but I remember loving this book. I learned a lot about Violent J, Shaggy and the history of ICP. The book was funny, sad, inspiring and sometimes probably a bit too much information about certain things. But it was a book that I kept coming back to and discovering something new every time. Reading about ICP, about Violent J, their struggles and such, really helped me throughout my teenage years as did their music.
I don't listen to ICP nearly as much as I used to, but ICP and this book will have always a special place in my life.
It's a really good read. I'm sure other ICP fans will love it.
September 2, 2009
Behind the paint is an autobiography on the Insane Clown Posse. ICP is a music group from Detroit, Michigan. I chose to read this book for my report because I love ICP. This book tells there whole story. How they got started, what inspired them, and how they ultimately reached there goal of being successful. They went through many conflicts on their way to fame. Joe Bruce And Joey Ulster were the type of kids that didn’t fit in, but they didn’t care. They took what they loved and made it into a music empire. Everything they have now they worked for all themselves, they didn’t have any help in being noticed.
I liked the writing style of this book. Violent J can write pretty well with Hobey Echlin also. It was very descriptive and very long. I loved every aspect of this book and recommend it to others.
I liked the writing style of this book. Violent J can write pretty well with Hobey Echlin also. It was very descriptive and very long. I loved every aspect of this book and recommend it to others.
September 27, 2008
It is Awesome, I absolutely love reading how ICP and Violent J came to be who they are now!!
February 9, 2012
I love this book!!!! My parents hate me being a juggalett but this book shows them why I wanna be apart of this crazy family (;
August 4, 2023
I can’t get enough of this book. This was my third read and there will be more. I would love to see him write another. He really is brilliant.
December 14, 2018
Do YOU know how magnets work, shithead? That's how I feel about people who make fun of Insane Clown Posse. Like bros, vegans and DJ's, ICP has become a go-to target for people for unfunny people who think they're funny. Even Troma movies make fun of them, and Troma fans (pointing at myself) are some of the most contrarian, unfuckable people on the planet.
I don't listen to ICP (except Chicken Huntin', I Want My Shit, Thy Unveiling, and The Neden Game. And Bitches) but I often find myself drunkenly defending them to people at bonfires. Their music might be grating, and they might make too many sex puns, but at the end of the day ICP is funnier and more interesting than 95% of the people making fun of them--and they have better taste in music, too is the gist of my arguement. It's rare for me to take the "anti-hater" position like that, but for some reason I always felt strongly about it. This book, given to me by Nyquil after he lost my copy of SWEET JONES: PIMP C'S TRILL LIFE STORY, proves that these feelings are valid.
Raised on the sultry nocturnal sounds of Esham, Sir Mix-A-Lot, Geto Boys and Awesome Dre, The Insane Clowns are wiggers of the most endearing sort. They're wiggers from a time before the internet, when kids were beat up and socially alienated for being wiggers. It was a lot harder to copy black culture then. You couldn't just buy a Cam'ron shower curtain and start saying lit. As an unpopular person and obscure regional rap afficionado myself, I found this "early years" section of this book--usually the most tedious part of an autobiography--to be fascinating.
One problem with the book, which I'm remembering as this review gets longer and longer, is that it's too long. If you include the annotated discography, and the "what Psychopathic records means to me" section at the end (by everyone on the Psychopathic records roster), it's 596 pages. I suspect that the book wasn't "written" so much as dictated by Violent J, while he was high, and this technique makes for hilarious reading ("I was like, 'Whoa, this is the shit! Slash likes my song! The chick he fucks likes it, too.'") but 600 pages of reminiscince is a lot from any man. If I was the editor, I'd probably cut some of the wrestling stuff. And give it a better cover.
Ratings-wise, I have no choice but to give this 1/1 stars. BEHIND THE PAINT was funny, inspirational and full of rap gossip, and how much more can you demand from a book? You want it to have a neden?
FINAL SCORE: 1/1
COVER: 0/1
I don't listen to ICP (except Chicken Huntin', I Want My Shit, Thy Unveiling, and The Neden Game. And Bitches) but I often find myself drunkenly defending them to people at bonfires. Their music might be grating, and they might make too many sex puns, but at the end of the day ICP is funnier and more interesting than 95% of the people making fun of them--and they have better taste in music, too is the gist of my arguement. It's rare for me to take the "anti-hater" position like that, but for some reason I always felt strongly about it. This book, given to me by Nyquil after he lost my copy of SWEET JONES: PIMP C'S TRILL LIFE STORY, proves that these feelings are valid.
Raised on the sultry nocturnal sounds of Esham, Sir Mix-A-Lot, Geto Boys and Awesome Dre, The Insane Clowns are wiggers of the most endearing sort. They're wiggers from a time before the internet, when kids were beat up and socially alienated for being wiggers. It was a lot harder to copy black culture then. You couldn't just buy a Cam'ron shower curtain and start saying lit. As an unpopular person and obscure regional rap afficionado myself, I found this "early years" section of this book--usually the most tedious part of an autobiography--to be fascinating.
One problem with the book, which I'm remembering as this review gets longer and longer, is that it's too long. If you include the annotated discography, and the "what Psychopathic records means to me" section at the end (by everyone on the Psychopathic records roster), it's 596 pages. I suspect that the book wasn't "written" so much as dictated by Violent J, while he was high, and this technique makes for hilarious reading ("I was like, 'Whoa, this is the shit! Slash likes my song! The chick he fucks likes it, too.'") but 600 pages of reminiscince is a lot from any man. If I was the editor, I'd probably cut some of the wrestling stuff. And give it a better cover.
Ratings-wise, I have no choice but to give this 1/1 stars. BEHIND THE PAINT was funny, inspirational and full of rap gossip, and how much more can you demand from a book? You want it to have a neden?
FINAL SCORE: 1/1
COVER: 0/1
January 2, 2014
I've been interested in Juggalos ever since the "weird kids" in middle school started showing up to school with Hatchetmen on their shirts, so I was stoked to receive this as a Christmas gift from my girlfriend.
I found this book quite entertaining and insightful. It reads as if it were written by a high school freshmen (lots of profanity and immaturity) and I think that is what kept me hooked. I began to lose interest in the book right around the account of when ICP were signed to Island Records. By this point Violent J was becoming less descriptive, seemed to be skipping over chunks of details, and generally just rambling. I thought Violent J's descriptions of events such as his "Picker Forest" adventures, "The Road", and how the idea of the Dark Carnival came about were very fascinating. I couldn't tell if he really believes what he's written or if he's trying to trick the reader. Those anecdotes on their own held up to the young adult fantasy novels I read in middle school.
My biggest complaint is that this book is already 10 years old. I'd love to read about the next chapters in the story of ICP and Pyschopathic Records. Think about how fascinating Violent J's description of the "Miracles" song and video must be.
If you're interested in Juggalos, are a Juggalo or looking for a light-hearted fast read I think you should give this book a chance.
PS I am not a Juggalo
I found this book quite entertaining and insightful. It reads as if it were written by a high school freshmen (lots of profanity and immaturity) and I think that is what kept me hooked. I began to lose interest in the book right around the account of when ICP were signed to Island Records. By this point Violent J was becoming less descriptive, seemed to be skipping over chunks of details, and generally just rambling. I thought Violent J's descriptions of events such as his "Picker Forest" adventures, "The Road", and how the idea of the Dark Carnival came about were very fascinating. I couldn't tell if he really believes what he's written or if he's trying to trick the reader. Those anecdotes on their own held up to the young adult fantasy novels I read in middle school.
My biggest complaint is that this book is already 10 years old. I'd love to read about the next chapters in the story of ICP and Pyschopathic Records. Think about how fascinating Violent J's description of the "Miracles" song and video must be.
If you're interested in Juggalos, are a Juggalo or looking for a light-hearted fast read I think you should give this book a chance.
PS I am not a Juggalo
December 8, 2016
They get a ton of ridicule and disrespect (and their music definitely isn't for everyone) but whatever you think of Insane Clown Posse you'd have to be extremely stubborn not to be impressed by the empire they built from the ground up. Hell, if you think they're talentless morons then that only makes what they've achieved even MORE impressive. Violent J's autobiography reveals just how much hard work (seriously, a lot of hard work), dedication and marketing savvy it took to create that empire, from J's childhood through to making a name for themselves in Detroit right up to having their own record label and yearly festival.
J for his own part comes across as a very genuine, open and honest guy, happy to talk about the high points but also his flaws (and he's definitely flawed), his mistakes and his mental health problems in great detail, and at times it's surprisingly touching. I particularly loved the tale of his ninja mission to 'The Road' with friends as a kid, really evokes that childhood wonder and imagination that'd take you on similar youthful adventures. While most of us grow out of that, J seems to have held onto it for life and applied it to everything he does. That might have made him and his band the butt of many a joke, but personally I think that's pretty damn fresh (as he would say).
(NOTE: This review is for the audio-book, which seems to be the only format currently available)
J for his own part comes across as a very genuine, open and honest guy, happy to talk about the high points but also his flaws (and he's definitely flawed), his mistakes and his mental health problems in great detail, and at times it's surprisingly touching. I particularly loved the tale of his ninja mission to 'The Road' with friends as a kid, really evokes that childhood wonder and imagination that'd take you on similar youthful adventures. While most of us grow out of that, J seems to have held onto it for life and applied it to everything he does. That might have made him and his band the butt of many a joke, but personally I think that's pretty damn fresh (as he would say).
(NOTE: This review is for the audio-book, which seems to be the only format currently available)
May 28, 2022
I grew up listening to ICP so when I heard Violent J had written a book I decided to order it for old times sake. I am so happy I did. It’s absolutely packed of hilarious stories of ICP’s ‘rags to riches’ story with some off topic sections which are welcome checkpoints. What I love is Violent J’s no bullshit approach to the book, no stone is left unturned so by the end of the book you’ll know a lot more about all the work you have to put into becoming a musician and what the industry is like.
It’s also worth mentioning that the physical quality of the publication is very high. There are artistic sketches, archive photos and more to keep you thoroughly immersed in the book throughout.
It’s also worth mentioning that the physical quality of the publication is very high. There are artistic sketches, archive photos and more to keep you thoroughly immersed in the book throughout.
May 3, 2021
If you love ICP and are down with the clown, then you owe it to yourself to pick this up and give it a read. J does an excellent job narrating his life story and you come out learning so much about the duo and the music they have made. Continuing to draw new generations of fans even to this day
February 18, 2011
I thought the book was awesome fresh as hell to see how they came up and the struggles they have had on the way! Love hearin from Violent J's point of view!
November 16, 2011
best book in the world
January 30, 2016
I don't love Insane Clown Posse but I don't hate them either. Ive got some of their CDs and enjoy a few of their songs and some just plain old make me giggle but i certainly dont take their lyrics very seriously or believe theyre crazed murderers. I've even got some ICP shirts and sweatshirts that I aquired as hand me downs from an older couson who loves them. The main reason I picked up this book was controversy. I read this book in high school and during that time there was a lot of controversy as to Juggalos and whether or not they should be considered a gang. There was an instance or two where some Juggalos comitted acts of violence and cited ICPs lyrics as inspiration. So of course this started controversy and schools lumped anyone who wore ICP gear into gang category. Like I mentioned, I wore ICP gear so of course I was kind of shocked to get stereotyped into a violent category let alone assumed to be part of a gang?! So anyways, I was in an AP writing class one day when my AP english teacher approached me on a day I was wearing an ICP sweatshirt. She went on to explain that she's heard the Juggalo controversy in the news and had stereotyped all ICP fans into gang category but that she knew me well enough to know I don't fall into that. She was shocked to see a smart, quiet girl wearing ICP gear. So after I explained to her that I do not consider myself a Juggalo/Juggalette and shattered her preconceived notions, I decided to read this book and submit my book report on it for her class.
So, basically the whole point of that all was that if you are even slightly curious about the controversy surrounding this band I recommend giving this book a read. Don't expect a great piece of literature as it is written by band members in their own voice and has a bit of explicit language. But it is a very interesting look into a world and a band that many just write of as violent as all their followers menaces to society.
So, basically the whole point of that all was that if you are even slightly curious about the controversy surrounding this band I recommend giving this book a read. Don't expect a great piece of literature as it is written by band members in their own voice and has a bit of explicit language. But it is a very interesting look into a world and a band that many just write of as violent as all their followers menaces to society.
April 20, 2018
Much better of a listen than I expected. I was curious what makes one put tons of effort into being a psychopathic clown, and figured there had to be some good stories. This book had it all - about fathers not being there, gaining weight, achieving, and severe panic attacks - just to name a few. Yes, there are the music industry stories about Slash, Foo Fighters, Radiohead, groupies, etc.
Most in rap claim to “to keep it real”, which often results in fake boring junk. The sense of humor behind unreal horror rap, well, it can be scary and only a small minority will let themselves go there. Here’s the thing, if you couldn’t care less about ICP but you are fascinated by American culture, I cannot imagine the audio book version of this not holding your attention (I suggest audiobook or nothing with this particular selection - trust me, I love reading too - this works in the authors voice and he throws in a lot extra). This is better than Hillbilly Elegy - so much better - in getting behind the craziness poverty mixed with chaos can elicit. The stories range from laugh out loud entertaining to terrifying. It was also about very hard work, being true to yourself, and was surprisingly motivating.
Most in rap claim to “to keep it real”, which often results in fake boring junk. The sense of humor behind unreal horror rap, well, it can be scary and only a small minority will let themselves go there. Here’s the thing, if you couldn’t care less about ICP but you are fascinated by American culture, I cannot imagine the audio book version of this not holding your attention (I suggest audiobook or nothing with this particular selection - trust me, I love reading too - this works in the authors voice and he throws in a lot extra). This is better than Hillbilly Elegy - so much better - in getting behind the craziness poverty mixed with chaos can elicit. The stories range from laugh out loud entertaining to terrifying. It was also about very hard work, being true to yourself, and was surprisingly motivating.
Read
March 22, 2013Joe Bruce will always be someone I look back on and think about and remember as a big part if my life. I learned a lot about myself, life, good, bad you name it during my juggalo days. I respect the hell out of that man for all of the clear demons he's battled. This is a book from the angle of violent j, not from an angle of the both of them. I remember the overwhelming emotion I felt for joe once I hit chapter 3. Thinking back, I know exactly why I was meant for the juggalo world.... I can't say the same for some others. It's true that there are some if us out there who are really decent human beings, while others give nothing but a bad name to icp. The book will no doubt make you laugh as joe Bruce has a special way with words, it will make you feel like shit if you were once a juggalo 'hater' as you read his very dark and real life tragedies... Just read it. Don't judge or think of the staleness that came with their fame.. (People thinking they're cool by acting tough and hurting their people because they THINK icp would think it's cool) good read.. The journey to get there was worth it.
December 30, 2010
This was a very informative book on the group the Insane Clown Posse and the lives of the band and their friends. It had some slow parts, some faster paced parts, and some parts that had me laughing out loud. If you don't know anything about ICP, know that this book has a LOT of foul language in it. I found it to be a pretty easy read and would recommend it to fans of the group.
August 5, 2023
he has a real gift as a writer. his position as a largely independent success story also leaves the door open for unfiltered venting about the industry and the world of celebrity, a level of candor you basically never get from people who have been as close to the sausage-making process as ICP got in the late 90s. totally worth tracking down a PDF imo
September 17, 2010
This book actually breaks down what Insane Clown Posse is about, how they got to where they are and it breaks down what it's all about. If every ICP hater read this book their perspective about it would completly change.
January 18, 2013
a good book and a must read for those "Juggalo hater" out there, there's a hell lot of things to said behind our facepaint and brutal faygo shower uncovered in this book so you don't judge us wrong, not all Juggalo are immoral
May 1, 2023
Insanely good, the funniest biography I have read.
The Audio-book was recorded by the author 10 years after publication and is one of the best storytelling experiences I have experienced.
Tons of extras, updates and hilarious inflection.
The Audio-book was recorded by the author 10 years after publication and is one of the best storytelling experiences I have experienced.
Tons of extras, updates and hilarious inflection.
March 1, 2010
Awesome!!!
May 30, 2011
loved it
May 27, 2011
Well for the few of us who are fans of ICP this book is a must read. Surprisingly well written by Violent J himself this book chronicles the life and careers of the most hated band in the world.
November 1, 2012
To me, this was an AMAZING book because it tells alot behind the story of the Insane Clown Posse and it was a funny book.
September 11, 2013
Not a Juggalo, but I like this book alot
September 29, 2013
Great book from Violent J with insight on to how ICP came together and their times doing it all for themselves. Mad Respect Whoop Whoop!
Want to read
February 14, 2016I want to make my bookclub read this but I might lose a lot of friends.
December 28, 2015
Much Wicked Clown Love
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews