This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2009, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Juggalos established themselves as an international subculture when the rap group Insane Clown Posse gained popularity.
ICP, which consists of Detroit natives Joseph Bruce and Joseph Utsler, branded themselves in the early 1990s as the spokespeople for self-described "outcasts of society," West Valley City Police Detective John LeFavor said at this year's Utah Gang Conference.
In 1991, Bruce claimed he was visited by some mysterious spirits from what he called "The Dark Carnival." Bruce believed he needed to spread the messages of the carnival to others through music.
The group produced six albums called "joker cards" that tout the messages of the Dark Carnival. Some Juggalos believe the six cards show the different sides in which a person can improve themselves. If they successfully better themselves, they earn their way to "Shangri-La" or Juggalo heaven, LeFavor said.
ICP's independent record label Psychopathic Records turned into an empire that today boasts more than 6.5 million ICP album sales in the U.S. and Canada.
LeFavor said Juggalos often describe themselves as misfits and report being among the crowd who was picked on in school. The feeling of not fitting in inspired Juggalos to band together and form what they call a "family."
Other characteristics of Juggalos include their willingness to accept people with different viewpoints. Juggalos are not opposed to drug use and promiscuous sex; they often clash with people they believe are bigots or discriminate against people, LeFavor said.
Many wear "hatchet man" necklaces or emblems, which is the logo of Psychopathic Records. The "hatchet man" is a running figure holding a meat cleaver.
In Salt Lake City, Juggalos operate a hot line where other Juggalos can find out where to meet up for a barbecue. The group also supports Graffiti, a music store in Murray that sells ICP merchandise. There is also a local Juggalo wrestling league.
ICP concerts typically draw a large crowd in Utah, as was the case Thursday where the group promoted their latest album, "Bang Pow Boom."
The group was introduced by an announcer who proclaimed, "They're laughable, they're lovable, they'll slit your [expletive] jugular!"
Hoards of people of all ages went wild when the group took the stage, spraying Faygo soda into the crowd (the soda, produced in Detroit, is cheap and is supposed to symbolize ICP's humble beginnings, according to fans at Thursday's concert).
Juggalos exchanged shouts of "Juggalo! Woo woo!" throughout the night.
Melinda Rogers