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Psychopathic Records
Founded	1991
Founder	Alex Abbiss Insane Clown Posse
Distributing label	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
Country of origin	US
Location	Royal Oak, Michigan
Official website	Psychopathic Records

Psychopathic Records, also known as "The Hatchet", is an independent record label based in Royal Oak, Michigan in the United States, which was formed in 1991¹ by Alex Abbiss and hip hop group Insane Clown Posse.

Contents 1 History 1.1 Beginning 1.2 First Acts Signed 1.3 Booming Productions 1.4 ICP's Official Return 1.5 Present Day 2 Current artists 2.1 Hatchet House 3 Past groups and artists 4 Videography 5 See also 6 References 7 External links

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.¹ 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 a paperboy in the Utslers' neighborhood who would constantly kick over garbage cans, or Psychopathic Records.¹ They all decided on Psychopathic Records, and the label soon started operation out of Abbiss's mom's basement. A drawing Joseph Utsler scribbled on a napkin soon became the company's logo, the Hatchetman.¹ 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 become Insane 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,² 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 and Kid Rock $600 to appear on their debut "Insane Clown Posse" album.³ 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.⁴

First Acts Signed

In 1994, the first outside act, Project Born, was signed to Psychopathic Records.⁴ 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.⁴ 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.⁴ Guest appearances included Insane Clown Posse and Esham, but the album received few sales, resulting in Project Born's release from the label in 1995.⁴

In hopes of receiving a wider range of distribution, Insane Clown Posse signed a record deal with Jive Records later that year.⁴ In 1996, a day after their contract with Jive Records expired and one day before they signed to Hollywood Records, Insane Clown Posse released Tunnel of Love on their Psychopathic label.⁵

In 1997, Robert Bruce introduced his brother-in-law, Myzery, to Violent J.⁶ After constant persistence by Myzery,⁷ 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 a Juggalo audience."⁷ Myzery would work on one more album in Psychopathic Records, as a member of Psychopathic Rydas called Twin Gats. In early 1999, 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 of Twiztid.⁸ Donned "protégés of the Insane Clown Posse",⁹ Twiztid soon began sporting face paint of their own.¹⁰ In 1997, they released their first album, Mostasteless,¹⁰ to an ever growing juggalo fan base. Insane Clown Posse, who were signed with Island 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. In 2000, 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 2003,¹¹ only to come back in 2004.¹²

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.¹³ 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 own professional 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.¹⁴

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 in Novi, Michigan.¹⁵ Described by Bruce as a "Juggalo Woodstock", the Gathering of the Juggalos was a three-day music festival that featured wrestling, games, seminars, contests, sideshows, and performances by all Psychopathic Records' artists.¹⁵ 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. ¹⁶ 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 supergroup Dark 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.¹⁵ 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.¹⁷

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, The Wraith: Shangri-La on Psychopathic Records. The record debuted at #15 on Billboard charts. ¹⁸ Since then, the duo has stayed on their own label, deciding that it's better to control themselves than be controlled.⁵ Since their release of The Wraith: Hell's Pit in 2004, 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 in 2003, 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 3:33. 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 of 2006, 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. ¹⁹ 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. ²⁰ 2006 also marked the only album release of Axe 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.²¹

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 for 2007. 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. ²² Later that year R.O.C. signed with newly created Psychopathic sub-label, Hatchet House. ²³ 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".²⁴ In the March 2008 edition of the Weekly Freekly Weekly, it was announced that Anybody Killa officially made his return to Psychopathic Records after leaving the label in 2006 and that AMB would be releasing their album God's Hand on Hatchet House, also marking their return to the Hatchet.²⁵

Current artists

• Insane Clown Posse (ICP)
• Twiztid
• Blaze Ya Dead Homie
• Anybody Killa (ABK)
• Boondox
• Dark Lotus
• Samhein Witch Killaz (SWK)
• Zodiac M-Print
• Drive-By

Hatchet House

Main article: 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 from Mike Awesome on WCW Monday Nitro. Made an appearance on Twiztid's Freek Show album. Original member of Dark Lotus.
• Marz - Made a track with ICP, became a member of Dark Lotus, and then left due to personal and business issues.
• Zug Izland - Sold two albums, Cracked Tiles and 3:33 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 on August 22, 2008.²⁶
• Jumpsteady - Released two albums and retired shortly after. He is now an EMT and ambulance driver in Detroit.²⁷

Videography

• Born Twiztid: Beyond The Freekshow
• Big Money Hustlas
  • Insane Clown Posse's debut movie, costarring Twiztid and Harland Williams, and also featuring Jumpsteady, Myzery, Mick Foley, The Misfits, Mike E. Clark, and several other artists or affiliates of Psychopathic Records.
• Psychopathic: The Videos
  • 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.

See also

• Majik Records
• Hatchet House
• Joe & Joey Records
• Soopa Villainz

References

External links

• Official website

v • d • e Psychopathic Records
Current artists
Insane Clown Posse (Violent J/Shaggy 2 Dope)
Anybody Killa | Blaze Ya Dead Homie | Boondox | Dark Lotus | Samhein Witch Killas Twiztid (Jamie Madrox/Monoxide Child) | Zodiac M-Print
Former artists
Axe Murder Boyz | Esham | Jumpsteady | Lavel | Marz | Myzery | Project Born | Soopa Villainz | Vampiro | Zug Izland
Films and videos
Big Money Hustlas | Born Twiztid | The Purple Show | Psychopathic: The Videos
Related articles
Psychopathic Rydas | Hatchet House | Joe & Joey Records | Juggalo | Juggalo Championship Wrestling

Wikipedia content modification information:

• This page was last modified on 2 December 2008, at 20:21.

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