Psychopathic Records
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Psychopathic Records, also known as "the Hatchet," is an independent record label based in Novi, Michigan, in the United States. Formed in 1991[1] by Alex Abbiss and hip hop group Insane Clown Posse, the label has explored many avenues throughout its tumultuous history. Joe and Joey Records was created as a subsidiary to release Psychopathic Rydas to avoid lawsuits due to the group's use of stolen beats from popular mainstream artists.
History
The record label began after the ICP,then known as Inner City Posse, handed a copy of their "Bassment Cuts" EP into Hot Hits, a record store in Roseville, Michigan, where Alex Abbiss was employed in 1990 and sold less than twenty copies. Alex agreed to manage ICP, and a lifelong relationship was born. The Hatchet Man symbol was created by ICP member Shaggy 2 Dope, drawn on a napkin just minutes before a meeting with Alex.
The Inner City Posse became the Insane Clown Posse in 1991. Promotion in the early 1990s was carried out completely by ICP and their friends in the streets by handing out flyers and demos. By 1995, ICP (the only group on Psychopathic at the time) was selling tens of thousands of records through this method, but did not get signed to a major record label until 1995.
In 1994, Psychopathic signed rap group Project Born[2] out of Flint, Michigan, but a falling out occurred after the group released their EP, and they left the label. However, by this time, Psychopathic caught the attention of New York City-based record label Jive Records. Much to the dismay of the Hatchet, rather than broadening distribution for ICP, Jive only promoted and distributed in the midwest, where ICP was already popular. Psychopathic reverted to their street team promotion tactics, this time taking it to Dallas, Texas.
Their Jive contract was purchased by Hollywood Records, a Walt Disney owned label. In 1997, Disney pulled ICP's The Great Milenko from shelves six hours after it was released, causing controversy in the media. This controversy gave ICP much more exposure than they had ever had previously, and Milenko ultimately attained platinum status.
Throughout 1998 and 1999, Psychopathic had the means for expansion. ICP had several labels bidding to buy out their Disney contract, with Island Records finally winning. They acquired new talent, including Myzery and Twiztid. The former had a similar falling out that Project Born previously had, and the latter was comprised of two-thirds of the Detroit rap group House of Krazees. Psychopathic began moving into the wrestling world, as ICP made appearances at World Wrestling Federation, Extreme Championship Wrestling and World Championship Wrestling events. They were getting mainstream exposure, with albums featuring Ol' Dirty Bastard and Snoop Dogg and even a set at Woodstock in 1999. In 1999, Psychopathic produced a movie called Big Money Hustlas. The movie starred ICP, Twiztid, several Psychopathic employees, and actors Harland Williams, Rudy Ray Moore, prank call specialists the Jerky Boys and WWF wrestler Mick Foley. The Misfits also made a cameo appearance.
By 2000, the mainstram popularity resulting from the Disney hype began to wane. ICP was released from its Island Records obligations in 2000, and Psychopathic has since been independent. In July, Psychopathic put on the first annual Gathering of the Juggalos in Novi, Michigan. The GOTJ would go on to be an annual event.
In the early 2000s, many new artists were signed to the label. The Psychopathic Rydas, a gangsta rap group, formed in the late 1990s. A rock band called Perpetual Hype Engine was signed to Psychopathic records and performed on the song Let's Go All The Way on ICP's Bizzar album. The deal ended up falling through and no album was released by Perpetual Hype Engine on Psychopathic Records. Blaze Ya Dead Homie was introduced to the label by Twiztid and released his debut in 2001. Anybody Killa started off as Blaze's hypeman and would go on to release his debut in 2003. Dark Lotus, a Psychopathic supergroup, formed in 2001. Psychopathic also ventured into rock and roll by signing the group Zug Izland, which eventually released an album in 2003. In 2002, the world of the underground and horrorcore music was stunned when it was announced that "The Godfather of Acid Rap," Esham the Unholy had signed to Psychopathic as Esham the Boogieman.
In late 2003 and early 2004, Twiztid and its crew planned to eventually separate from Psychopathic and form Majik Records. Esham left the label in October 2005. On February 3, 2006, it was announced that Anybody Killa left the label. He had a phone interview with faygoluvers.net and said he is still going to make the album Mud Face as well as re-releasing Rain From The Sun. On ICP.com, they announced that they are still going to keep making Dark Lotus and Psychopathic Rydas albums.
On April 13, 2006, Psychopathic announced its newest member to the Hatchet, a southern rapper by the name of Boondox. Later in July 2006. he would go on to release his debut album, The Harvest and then make his first appearance at the Gathering of the Juggalos.
On June 1, 2006, president and founder of Psychopathic Records, Alex Abbiss, stepped down from his position after 17 years. Alex stated he left the music business to pursue other interests. However, at The Gathering of the Juggalos 2006, Violent J explained that "Alex and his pregnant wife were relaxing at their home, when a gunman smashed in a window to their house, aimed a shotgun directly at Alex, and pulled the trigger. Luckily, nobody was hurt. But that was kind of the last straw." [citation needed] Bill Dail, also known as "Billy Bill", replaced Abbiss as the new President and C.E.O. of Psychopathic Records and the official manager of ICP, Blaze, Boondox, and Twiztid.
Employees
The employees of Psychopathic are public figures themselves, and are well known by Juggalos. They often make appearances in Psychopathic videos, songs, etc. Employees are organized in the following manner:
Dons - Dons are the top level leadership of the company, and have final say in all business matters. They are distinguished by the platinum Hatchet Man charm.
Ninjas - Ninjas take on a middle management role, overseeing specific events and projects. They are distinguished by the gold Hatchet Man charm.
Soldiers - Soldiers do the "dirty work" of Psychopathic, i.e. manning the phones, boxing and mailing merchandise ordered through HatchetGear, JCW ring set up, etc. They are identified by the silver Hatchet Man charm.
Current artists
Listed by seniority
- Insane Clown Posse (ICP)
- Jumpsteady
- Twiztid
- Blaze Ya Dead Homie
- Psychopathic Rydas
- Dark Lotus
- Boondox
- Cool And The Gang
Past Groups and Artists
Listed from oldest departure
- John Kickjazz
- Greez E
- Project Born
- Myzery
- Vampiro
- V Sinizter
- Marz
- Zug Izland
- Layzie Bone
- Anybody Killa (ABK)
- Esham
- Soopa Villainz
- Drive-By
- Axe Murder Boyz (AMB)