ROX-TV cheers the arrival of the Halloween Season. There are some big shows going down this Fall in the Murder Mitten. Read on for the details and get hip.
Welcome back to the ROX-TV website. As always, we thank the returning readers for their support. Articles without readers is like a day without sunshine (vague spin off Full Metal Jacket reference). Our eyes are always set on the Halloween Season and those annual shows the Underground waits all year for. For the fans in Michigan, we have been treated to the long running Hallowicked shows in Detroit. It’s practically built into the season after so many years…Juggalos never forget. I remember my first ever Hallowicked, the memories are seared into my mind for all time. It was 1998 and I was there. I mentioned the experience in an article last year. Below is an excerpt from that article talking about Halloween and Hallowicked in the Murder Mitten:
#9 Pumpkin Carver by ICP
“The cool part about this song is that I was there in person (1998 10/30), at Harpo’s when this show went down. I went alone because no one would go with me, but I was not afraid to venture down to Motown for this event. I was 18 years old, had been listening to the Clownz for six years and finally was going to see a Hallowicked Concert properly. I remember the night like it was yesterday. Maybe it was because I was so geeked to be there, or smog in the air, whatever it was, this night is permanently burned into my brain. I remember when they finally let us in, I was handed a copy of Pumpkin Carver by ICP’s manager Alex. I couldn’t believe it was him, working the door, but it was, or at least that’s what I remember. GWAR opened up for ICP that night and the mixed crowd was really wild and out of control. People were rocking each other in the mosh pit”.
“I was on the main floor when GWAR was finishing up their set. When I had arrived, it hadn’t been too crowded but by the time the Clownz were set to come on, shit was absolutely a madhouse. The lead singer of GWAR shouted to the crowd “everybody kill each other during this next song” and he meant it. I turned to get the fuck to safety but as I looked back at the levels of Harpo’s, it was a sea of bodies fighting to get to where I was standing. Fucking nightmare. I climbed over the railing to safety, and narrowly avoided being crushed by the raw energy of a 90’s show on Devil’s Night.
The CD came in a carboard sheath, and I worried all night about it getting fucked up. When the concert emptied, the guys that had parked behind me, had their car stolen during the show. All that remained was a pile of glass. They were from Canada, and they did not look very excited about that. The DPD cops were everywhere and on edge. If I remember correctly a chopper was in the air somewhere, hovering around as well, but whatever. This song is dope and for me, it seems to have a been a plateau for the Halloween material. There was more to come and all that, but how perfect can perfection be perfected? At a certain point, all you can do is add it to the list of dope tracks and move”.
So anyway, yeah…Halloween and the Fall are pretty special to me and to the Juggalo Culture. We look forward to our favorite artists…Insane Clown Posse and those annual shows and releases. The movement this year is happening, and it looks mighty good my friends. Here’s what we can expect so far…
Shaggy and the Creep Presents: Palcast Paloween Show
The first on our list tonight is the Palcast Paloween Show, going down on October 28th. Tickets are only $25 bucks which is a great deal, especially considering the lineup scheduled. the homie HEXXX will be playing the show, along with DJ Clay, Fat C, Tre Lb, and Str8Jaket. A solid lineup…and it’s going down at the Token Lounge in Westland (28949 Joy Rd., Westland MI). I couldn’t think of a better place to be, and I will be there to report all the activities back to the readers.
Insane Clown Posse Presents: Bloody Sunday
The next show on the list is the Bloody Sunday performance by Insane Clown Posse. The show kicks off on October 30th, otherwise known as Devil’s Night in Michigan. The price tag for this epic performance clocks in at $99 dollars or so. What do I think about the price? Well, you know how the old saying goes…you get what you pay for. I’m sure that it will be worth every dollar. Not only are you seeing the Kings of the Underground in the flesh, by attending you also get the right to say you were there for the rest of your life. I love music and I can honestly say that from experience that celebrated artists are only in a finite supply.
There comes a day in every artist’s career, where live events and appearances start to change with the times. In every genre, style, or type of music, the artists are humans, and they will eventually all get old and move on. It’s the story of “life” on this planet. Nothing stays the same forever, everything that is born will eventually die. Knowing this, you would have to be crazy to miss a chance to see ICP perform in a live event, or any artist that you valued. These chances will not last forever, if we factor in the things that have come before in music history.
The things we do and involve ourselves with today become part of history with our participation. Most people don’t care to look up long enough to realize this. History is taking place all around you today, as it does every day. Today is only the future’s past and if you look with the right eyes, the true value of tomorrow’s history can be quantified. Americans often times get caught up in the moment, without taking into account that we are all living in history and people one hundred years from now will look back at what we did.
I guess what I’m trying to say is that live events, especially ones involving your favorite artists should not be missed. What’s a hundred bucks anyway? A night of balloons or a giant sack of weed? A couple cases of beer and some smokes? Maybe, but it could also be the night you went and seen Insane Clown Posse on Devil’s Night in Detroit back in 2022.
You could have been there, witnessing Underground Music history happening, with a lifetime to share the experience. Or you could sit on your ass and get high or drunk for an evening talking about shit you wanted to do but never will, with a lifetime to remember the night you almost did something. I guess the choice is yours my friend or maybe not since this show has already sold out. The Juggalos know history when they see it, hence a sold-out night. Are you a lucky ticket holder? If so, congratulations. The venue is the City Club in Detroit. The show starts at 8pm. The statement below is an exceprt from ICP’s FB page. I would read the words carefully. The announcement of the “Second Show Added” should rattle your cages. The first one sold out, how long before the second gig realizes the same fate? I wouldn’t chance it. Get a ticket, go to the show, have the night of your life.
“This truly is your last and final chance to witness the wicked clowns at their absolute wickedest”
ZANEFEST 2
This is a must see for any fans of the Underground, especially those lucky enough to be living in the 810. Officially jumping off on October 1st in Flint. With the names on the bill, I find it hard to come up with a reason to miss this one. You have the lyrical machine gun Lyte, former Psychopathic Records artist, and creator of Monstar ENT…taking the stage with Flint Town Legends, the one and only project boys themselves…Project Born.
Without any other performers, this would be an epic show to hit because of those two performances alone. The masters of the infamous “Born Dead” series (featuring four in all), as well as one of the most notorious single drops of all time…”Losin It” with the Detroit Creator of Acid Rap and thee “influence”…. ESHAM.
It can be argued that ESHAM influenced a generation of underground music in Michigan and beyond. That is a fact, and it has proven over time. PJB was the first group ever to be signed to Psychopathic Records, a claim that I’m sure many would kill for.
Project Born also participated in one of the greatest Juggalo anthems of all time with Insane Clown Posse on “Graveyard“. So yeah, the bill is a heavyweight. Also included on the lineup is Str8jaket, my homie Skitzo, another cat I call a friend…Ant G, then there is the Detroit Demon Zitro, Kevin Clouds, Trilogy, Valo, Zak Da Terror/Down 2 Grind, and hosted by Vinnie The ICP Kid and Str8jaket.
The party is in honor of Zane and a special roast will be kicking off at 7pm, the musical performances at 8pm. There will be a dinner and cocktail hour at 5pm for those that are looking for the “whole” experience. A cash bar will be booming. There is no cover charge. So, you really don’t have a reason to miss this one. The Monstar Family will be in full effect, so don’t miss their rise in real time. Lyte is a talented guy, and from the looks of the crew he has assemble over at Monstar ENT, the game is about to be shook up. If you live in the 810 and you claim the underground sound, be there.
Insane Clown Posse announces “Hallowicked”
Here is the real banger we’ve been waiting for. The eternal “Hallowicked” series continues with the announcement of the 2022 installment, going down at one of my favorite venues in Detroit…Harpos. That’s right, October 31st…the most wicked night of the year…Halloween. A time when the veil between life and death is at its thinnest and the ghosts are loose for a good scare. After taking one glance at the concert poster, you know its going to be dope. The theme from the poster features imagery inspired by one of the greatest movies ever made, 1979’s gang classic “The Warriors”.
“It’s still on and we’re going. Cyrus sent an emissary this afternoon to make sure…now Cyrus doesn’t want anybody packed and he doesn’t want anybody flexing any muscle….so I gave him my word that the Warriors would uphold the truce. Now everybody says Cyrus is the one and only, I think we better go have a look for ourself”
For anyone wanting to know more about the devastating movie ” The Warriors”, please read the ROX-TV article about the flick. It’s a great movie and worth the extra deep dive when you’re done reading this piece. I wouldn’t steer you wrong so act like you know and check it out. The initial run of the article was 3/23/2021.
https://rox-tv.com/2021/03/23/rox-tv-revisits-the-warriors/
From what I’ve gathered it’s going to be a glorious day for the Juggalo Culture and the continuation of their underground dominance. I’m sure everyone who follows ROX-TV knows what I think about Harpos. I’m currently working on a project with the owner, Ruzvelt. The piece will be highlighting “The King of Clubs“…Ruzvelt and will be another stone in the wall that is the Detroit Music Scene. More details coming in the following months so stay up on it. Anyways…as in previous years, painted faces will be getting a surprise. I’ve always loved that. A collector’s item specific to one show in time is always a jolt of electricity to the heart of those that retain mementos forever. I’ve saved everything that I could get my hands on over the last three decades and today, that collection has blossomed into a wonderful flower. The price is $125 dollars and the event will be hosted by the homie Clownvis. I will be there and will report back my findings to the unlucky souls who missed the greatest Halloween show on earth! HALLOWICKED.
Reel Life Productions announces a major performance by ESHAM
This show is happening a little later in November but deserves to be talked about now. ESHAM and Reel Life Productions have announced a murderous show going down on November 19th and will be happening at one of the most iconic spots in Detroit…you guessed it, none other than Harpos. Perhaps you are starting to see a theme here. A dope show in Michigan kicking off at Harpos. If you recognized the pattern, then you already know. I’ve seen Esham at Harpos, many years ago. Hell, it might be pushing close to two decades ago at this point. I’ve also seen Esham at other places in Detroit, but Harpos is my favorite memory of those times.
I love history and documenting things for future enjoyment. Esham’s name in the underground is so legendary that he is in fact in a class all his own. The man has brought to life, some of the greatest albums to ever come out of the Detroit Underground. Whether it was his solo work or perhaps the NATAS albums, the man is literally one of the greatest influences on the underground sound of all time. To give that some context, when I think of what Esham did, when he did it, and how enduring his contributions to Detroit Underground and beyond are…only a few things come to mind. Probably the best example is “The Velvet Underground” fronted by Lou Reed and financed by world famous creator Andy Warhol.
It can be said that The Velvet Underground was light years ahead of the pack, which I think Esham also was within the sound of underground rap scene in America. The Velvet Underground joke is that the first album only sold fifty copies, but everyone who brought one started a band. I’m sure the quote has changed over the years due to time and different memories, but the spirit of that influence is there. I don’t think anyone did more to shape the sound and content of the underground rap scene than Esham in Detroit.
For me, some of the greatest examples of his work would include “Boomin Words From Hell” (1989), “Closed Casket” (1994), “Doubelievengod” (1995 NATAS release), the “Sunshine” cassette single (1993), “Dead Flowerz” (1996 release), “Life After Death” (1992 NATAS release), Judgement Night and Judgement Day (1992 double CD release at a time when it was mostly unheard of), and on and on it goes. The work he did in the late 1980’s and through the 1990’s permanently cemented him in as the Godfather of the Underground Sound, creator of the Wicked Shit, and brainchild behind “Acid Rap“. If the guy never released another thing in his life, the legacy of his discography would be enough for permanent homage.
Lucky for the fans, he has been creating ever since, regardless of what came before. As these years go by, the chances become less and less for catching living legends in the flesh. Would anyone be foolish enough to miss an ESHAM show in Detroit, given the historical context, the innovator status, and previous work completed? Fuck, I hope not. Especially if you haven’t hit the bucket list item yet of “see ESHAM in Detroit”. This show is living history and should be treated as such.
Other names on the bill are just as impressive. Awesome Dre will be performing live (another Detroit Legend), along with a member from NATAS and outstanding solo artist in his own right…Mastamind (Lickkuiddrano is my favorite release by him, hands down, 1995), also on the bill is Reddaway, Stretch Money, and D.J. Los. Tickets are on sale now for $30 dollars in advance, $35 at the door, and the show is 18 and up.
Well, there you have it. The big four that are coming to the Murder Mitten this Fall. You already know how I feel about these shows, so I will end it here. If you are a true fan of the Underground Sound and Culture that was born in Michigan, you must attend these shows. As more concerts are announced, ROX-TV will continue to bring our take on what is happening, always cut with a little personal experience and perspective. Until next time…
Signing Off,
Mike Shepard
ROX-TV Head Writer
Available now on Amazon
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