Information AboutHorrorcore |
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ORIGINS OF THE WORD "HORRORCORE" The origins of the word "horrorcore" are not exactly known, though the coining of the term is often accredited to Russell Simmons . However artists have been doing horror-influenced rap as far back as the late-80s with artists such as Ganxsta Nip , Brotha Lynch Hung and Esham , long before the word horrorcore was coined. The word "horrorcore" was made famous through promotions from both the Flatlinerz and Gravediggaz back in the early 90s when they debuted with their albums "USA (Under Satan's Authority)" and "6 Feet Deep (Niggamortis)." Who would be the bigger group came down to a push & popularity contest between Wu-Tang Clan and Russel Simmons . At that time, Simmons was promoting horrorcore as "the next big thing" as the then-suffering Def Jam Records was looking for something new to catch the interest of hip-hop fans on par with the explosion of Death Row Records. In the end, the "horrorcore movement" was not broadly accepted by the public. The Gravediggaz reached nominal fame, releasing 2 albums with RZA (1 album without), and eventually disbanded with cult classic status. That particular period is where mainstream interest in horrorcore peaked. Today, the term is most associated with internet-based artists and groups who are either offshoots or influenced by the Insane Clown Posse HISTORY The term horrorcore was coined by Russell Simmons, the man behind The Flatlinerz, who referred to Horrorcore as being "hardcore rap with some horror movie themes". Around the same time, The Gravediggaz, led by Wu-Tang Clan's RZA (as RZArector), embraced the genre. Although this was the first time that the word horrorcore was officially used, many artists had been doing Horrorcore-themed music for some time. Horrorcore artists often have ties with Heavy Metal; specifically, black metal and death metal infused within their rap. The Insane Clown Posse has been the single most successful horrorcore rap group and have also founded the most successful Horrorcore record label, Psychopathic Records. Today, Horrorcore remains underground as the genre's sales have plateaued since the mid-90s and its niche audience, though dedicated, remains small. THEATRICS Many horrorcore performers wear Makeup , a fashion popularized by Psychopathic Records and the Insane Clown Posse . Some follow in the footsteps of the latter group by using Clown -themed paint, while others try to create their own style, often being a mix of clown makeup and black metal Corpse Paint Some argue that makeup has nothing to do with rapping, and that is just a part of the Media Image of some artists. Regardless, it has become a defining trait for most of the genre, and its fanbase. UNDERGROUND Though a select few Horrorcore rappers become widely known outside Horrorcore circles due to tremendous multimedia promotion, the vast majority of Horrorcore record labels, acts, and artists seldom sell over a few hundred records. With the commercial and critical failure that was Def Jam's attempt at marketing The Flatlinerz, many major labels and established independents have been reluctant to further promote and release Horrorcore albums. Furthermore, incidents at numerous venues around the country involving such artists associated with the genre (e.g., Insane Clown Posse) have reduced the ability for many Horrorcore acts to perform publicly. As a result, the primary marketing tools for such artists have become the internet and word of mouth. However, because their audience is a very passionate one, word manages to travel extensively through certain channels. DEBATE ON TERMINOLOGY Many regard the terms "Wicked Shit" and "Horrorcore" to refer to the same genre of music. In other circles, there is difference enough in styles to differentiate between the terms. "Acid Rap" is a term coined by rapper Esham (The Unholy). His sole reason for giving his music the title of acid rap was to distinguish himself from his "hardcore" peers. However, the term "Acid Rap" is usually used to describe a spacey, trippy rap genre popularized by Kool Keith rather than horrorcore. Esham also stated that his music is "Modern Day Blues," a wording that stands in stark contrast to his shock value-laced contemporaries. "Death Rap" is a term coined by rapper Necro to describe the mixing of death metal subject matter with dark hip-hop laid down over gritty production. It is not uncommon to hear Necro collaborate with Heavy Metal artists such as Obituary & Igor Cavalera. Necro made this term to distance himself from the stereotypes of the horrorcore/ Juggalo scene. EXTERNAL LINKS
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