Juggalo facts for kids

A juggalo

A Juggalo is a big fan of the music group Insane Clown Posse or other hip hop artists from Psychopathic Records. If a fan is female, she is called a Juggalette. Juggalos have created their own unique ways of talking and acting. They even have a special yearly event called the Gathering of the Juggalos, often just called "The Gathering". This festival brings together Juggalos and their favorite artists. Famous rap stars like Busta Rhymes, Ice Cube, and MC Hammer have performed there. Over its first eleven years, about 10,000 fans attended each year, with a record 20,000 in 2010.

The History of Juggalos

The name "Juggalo" first appeared in 1994. It happened during a live show by Insane Clown Posse. One of the group members, Violent J, called the audience "Juggalos" during a song. More and more fans joined after their album Riddle Box came out in 1995. Because of this, Insane Clown Posse wrote songs like "What Is a Juggalo?" and "Down With the Clown" for their 1997 album, The Great Milenko.

What Makes a Juggalo?

Juggalos come from all kinds of backgrounds. They are from different places, religions, and cultures. Many Juggalos see themselves as part of a big family.

Ice Cube identifies as a juggalo

Here are some common things that identify a Juggalo:

• They often drink and spray the soft drink Faygo.
• They enjoy listening to horrorcore and other types of underground rap music.
• They sometimes wear face paint, often looking like an evil clown.
• They wear special clothes called HatchetGear.
• They might have the Hatchet man logo on their belongings or wear it as jewelry.
• Some style their hair in a "spider legs" way, like the members of the group Twiztid.
• They use a special hand sign called "wicked clown." This involves crossing their arms and making specific hand shapes.
• They make and respond to "whoop, whoop" calls to greet each other.

Juggalos Helping Their Communities

Juggalos are also known for their community work and charity.

• Since 2008, Juggalos in Florida have organized "The Juggalo Cleanup Crew." They pick up trash to honor Stephanie Harris, a student who passed away in 2008.
• In Buffalo, New York, a group of Juggalos started the "Juggalos outreach program." They help clean up parts of Buffalo. They also run "Hatchet House," which offers a 24/7 helpline. This helpline connects people in need with helpful services. It also serves as a base for their volunteer work.
• Juggalos in Denver, Colorado, created a charity called "Juggalos Making A Difference."

The Gathering of the Juggalos Festival

Twiztid performing in 2013

The Gathering of the Juggalos (or The Gathering or GOTJ) is a yearly festival. Psychopathic Records puts it on. It features performances by all the artists on their label. Many other well-known and underground artists also perform. Robert Bruce, Insane Clown Posse, and their record label started the festival in 2000. The Gathering includes many types of hip hop and rock music.

Joseph Bruce described The Gathering as a "Juggalo Woodstock." It lasts for four days. The festival includes concerts, wrestling shows, games, contests, and autograph sessions. Fans can also enjoy karaoke and seminars with artists. Over its first eleven years, more than 107,500 fans have attended the festival.

Juggalos in Other Media

Juggalos and their culture have appeared in different forms of media.

• In July 2012, the media group Vice released a short film. It was called American Juggalo and showed the festival.
• In 2012, Shaggy and Violent J started "Juggalo Day." This is a yearly event to thank and celebrate their fans.
• Psychopathic Records also launched a professional wrestling company. It is called Juggalo Championship Wrestling and started in 1999.
• In 2009, Psychopathic Video made a documentary about Juggalos. It was titled A Family Underground.

Well-Known Juggalos

Several famous people have said they are Juggalos. These include:

• Actors Kane Hodder and Charlie Sheen.
• Professional wrestlers Kazushige Nosawa, Vampiro, Colt Cabana, and Willie Mack.
• Rappers Chuck D, Coolio, Kung Fu Vampire, MURS, MC Lars, and Vanilla Ice.

Images for kids

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  A car painted with the Psychopathic Records logo and the word juggalo.

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  A Juggalo riding his bike in California.

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  A man in Juggalo face paint next to a small child.