Review Time!

I’ll begin by saying, I was very skeptical of this movie since it was first announced. In my opinion, Juggalos aren’t a “thing” that can be portrayed on screen. Juggalo culture is something that is to be experienced. I was afraid this movie would would just try too hard to cast a depiction of Juggalos that was artificial. For the most part, I was happily wrong.

The wife and I scooped up a friend and then made the ride to Brooklyn. Smoking some sticky the whole way, we made surprisingly good time with all the rush hr NYC traffic. For anyone that has ever been to Brooklyn, the venue, which is called The Well, is in Bushwick which is probably one of if not the nicest (safest) areas of the burough. After some driving around, we found a spot to park (street parking, all free).

I quickly realized that the Juggalo crowd that was there was the complete minority. Not saying this in a degrading way, but the place is hipster heaven. It was a hipster venue, with hipster people, and a hipster atmosphere. Definitely not my scene, but It’s all love. Everyone was generally cool and they (the owners) invited us.

Got inside, got some brews, got some merch (pretty decent selection of shirts, hats, vinyl, etc) and got a seat outside in the courtyard. (Very cool outdoor space btw.) The director of events came out and welcomed everyone (I actually got to talk to him for a few mins before ICPs set and thanked him for hosting.) Very humble and cool guy who was more than happy to have a bunch of Juggalos there. He then introduced the director/producer for the “FAM-I-LY” (who came off as very douchy IMO) along with Taylor Schilling (who was very awkward and overdressed, but I almost could see some Juggalo there). After some quick questions from the director of operations, the movie began.

Projected on a large inflatable screen, “FAM-I-LY” began and immediately different people began laughing uncontrollably at different scenes. I say different people, because the Juggalos were probably still outnumbered 10 to 1 with everyone else who normally frequents the place and was also watching the film. Admittedly, I was a tad uncomfortable at first. That eased rather quickly once the Juggalos do what they do best; start chants, crack jokes, and hot box this little pavilion thing with made pot smoke. It was on after that!

As usual, the Juggalos (while a bit wild) were mad respectful. The various chants and other madness did not take away from the viewing experience. This movie, is funny as fuck. It was acted very well and did not show Juggalos in a bad light. That’s all I could ask for and all I’ll say without spoiling anything. Just know, that Baby Joker is the shit…!

I’m definitely glad I went. The movie is well done and I would probably watch again. However, that won’t be at the Gathering, just cause. Though I am interested to see how the film goes over in Thornville. Give it a chance ninjas, that’s all I can say. Or don’t…

On to ICP…

Their stage setup was in this tiny tent probably smaller than the merch booth at the GOTJ. While just chilling and chopping it up with the homies, I ran into my new found CT friend @sazarah

We had a blast talking about the forums (and we’re equally confused as to what the hell is going on with Massacre shirts this year). Sarah, you’re the shit. I’ll hit you up come Gathering time and you’re more than welcome to hang and/or camp with Morgan and I. We’ll try to schedule a home echoside game night also.

ICP devastated and the faygo flew. Man some of them hipsters did not know how to duck and cover lol. I got thoroughly soaked and enjoyed every minute of it. Question: Why does the diet cola faygo smell like root beer? I’ve noticed it before, but never as clearly as last night. Weird…

ICP’s set was short. Maybe 30min or so. Pretty standard mix with the highlights being some Hell’s pit sprinkled in and a sample of Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean playing over Down With the Clown. For me, Tilt-A-Whirl made the set. It’s a song I’ve heard 1000+ times, but man were they on point with it last night. In fact, ICP sounded and looked great. High energy for the little stage and they rapped all of their vocals. They finished with I’m Coming Home and Faygo Armageddon ensued (one that there were no VIP costs for…)

After the set it was about 11:30. We said our goodbyes to @sazarah and headed back to CT. Hope you made it home safe and sound ninjette.

Shout out to the owners of the venue for having us and shoutout to ICP for schooling it!

MCL