Carnival Of Carnage

Carnival of Carnage is the debut studio album by Insane Clown Posse, released on October 18, 1992, on Psychopathic Records. It was the first album after the group changed its name from Inner City Posse, and the first Joker’s Card in its Dark Carnival mythology.

The story

By late 1991 the group had spent more on production than it earned back, and it switched from standard gangsta rap to horror-themed lyrics. Sales started small: 17 copies on release day, with distribution limited to about 120 miles around Detroit. Founding member John Kickjazz is heard on six tracks but left the group weeks before release.

Sound and production

Chuck Miller began recording at Miller Midi Productions in Detroit. Manager Alex Abbiss then brought in Mike E. Clark, who finished the album at The Tempermill Studio in Ferndale. Kid Rock raps and scratches on “Is That You?” Esham appears on “Taste” with Jumpsteady, Capitol E. and Nate The Mack. The album pictures a traveling carnival of ghetto violence turning on the upper class and a neglectful government.

Legacy

Critics were mostly negative, but the album found a devoted audience and was certified Gold by 2010. It set up the Joker’s Card series and began ICP’s long partnership with Mike E. Clark.