Exploring ICP’s Musical Influences and Nu-Metal Favorites

In an engaging interview with the Insane Clown Posse (ICP), members Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope dive into their favorite rock and metal bands, while also sharing insights on the nu-metal genre. They reflect on their early experiences at St. Andrews Hall in Detroit, where they witnessed iconic bands before they hit it big.

ICP’s Favorite Rock + Metal Bands

Violent J expresses his love for grunge, stating, “I love grunge, man. I like some ’80s metal too, but I’m a huge grunge fan. I listen to it, still, constantly.” He acknowledges the influence of bands like Korn on his musical taste.

Shaggy 2 Dope reminisces about his childhood musical influences: “When I was a kid at my mom’s house, it was Queen or the Beatles or Motown shit, stuff like that. You’ve got to be a damn fool to be a musician and not understand and listen to all forms of music.”

Throughout their career, ICP has embraced various music styles beyond rap and hip-hop, including rock and metal. Violent J recalls his love for Pearl Jam and recently developed an appreciation for Alice in Chains. “I was late in discovering how deep and how awesome they really were. I got to see them at one of the last [four] shows they ever did [with Layne Staley] when they were opening for KISS in ’96,” he shares.

He also cites Pearl Jam and post-grunge band Puddle of Mudd as favorites, admitting, “I think Wes [Scantlin] is kind of crazy, but I definitely am a fan. No genius is not crazy.” Violent J reflects further, saying, “I didn’t fully understand the depth of grunge music until I got older. At the time, I was very aware of what Pearl Jam was doing and Nirvana. But later in my life, I go back and study this shit — the records I never heard.”

ICP’s Nu-Metal Favorites

While ICP may not fit neatly into the nu-metal category, their blending of rock and rap invites a discussion about the genre. When asked about nu-metal rappers, Violent J mentions, “We did a song with Fred Durst. I like Fred Durst and it’s so great to see Limp Bizkit smash it right now.”

Shaggy 2 Dope echoes this sentiment, noting the talent in contemporary nu-metal artists: “You’ve got motherfuckers in nu-metal that, during the parts where they do rap, they spit insanely fucking good.” He emphasizes his admiration for new school nu-metal and trap metal artists like City Morgue and Kim Dracula, stating, “It’s not like back in the days of rock ‘n’ roll guys trying to rap. They had no clue how to do it.”

Violent J agrees, adding, “Today’s nu-metal is a lot better than the old nu-metal. I wasn’t a big fan of nu-metal in the ’90s.” However, both members of ICP recognize the impact of Korn on the genre. Shaggy 2 Dope recalls, “Korn was the hardest shit I ever heard when that came out. That ‘Blind’ song – what the fuck? That shit was mind-bending.” Violent J sums it up perfectly: “Korn came busting through the wall like Kool-Aid Man. It just left a hole for everybody else to follow. They’re innovators. They changed music forever.”

Watch Loudwire’s Full Interview With ICP

For more insights, check out the video below where ICP shares more stories, including their memorable experiences watching Rage Against the Machine perform in front of a small crowd as they were launching their first album.

Follow Insane Clown Posse on Instagram, X, Facebook, and TikTok. Visit the ICP website for all upcoming tour dates.

Conclusion

The Insane Clown Posse’s musical influences are as diverse as their career itself. Their appreciation for rock and metal, especially the grunge era, showcases their broad musical palette. Moreover, their insights into nu-metal highlight the evolution of the genre and the new wave of artists who are reshaping its landscape. ICP continues to thrive in the music industry, drawing from a rich tapestry of influences while paving their own unique path.

FAQs

What are ICP’s favorite rock and metal bands?

ICP members Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope cite bands like Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, and Korn as some of their favorites.

How does ICP feel about nu-metal?

While they don’t classify themselves as nu-metal, they appreciate the genre and mention artists like Fred Durst and new school acts like City Morgue and Kim Dracula.

What early concerts did ICP attend?

ICP recalls their time at St. Andrews Hall in Detroit, where they saw bands like Rage Against the Machine perform early in their careers.

What is ICP’s view on the evolution of music?

ICP believes that today’s nu-metal is more refined than in the ’90s, reflecting a significant evolution in the genre.