In 2013 we saw turmoil and upheaval in the Underground music scene. It has been one year since Twiztid left Psychopathic. In that time we saw them release A New Nightmare, return to the Gathering as Guest performers, go on two tours in support of their last release on Psychopathic, Abominationz, and open a new web store. While they have yet to release an official statement about their release the speculation behind A New Nightmare is that it tells their side without a statement being needed.
We also saw what many of us hope is not the future of Psychopathic Records. In the past year the label has released the following albums: Legz Diamond 9 Pistolas, DJ Clay A World Upside Down, Big Hoodoo Crystal Skull, and Zug Izland Toxicology. Those albums all fell way short of the expectations Juggalos had. Legz and Hoodoo were both heavily co-written and influenced by Joe Bruce and that really hurt the albums. Clay's album was good but nothing really outstanding. And Zug's was not really promoted and I have yet to actually hear it. We also saw them bounce every check they wrote for the Gathering and have yet to this day not paid those people. I firmly believe that is why the Gathering is being moved, but I don't have any evidence of that so for now it is a theory. We saw them let Blaze leave when his contract ended, send people on the road with limited funds and little to no promotion, and have lawsuits filed against them for sexual harassment and other charges.
We saw the Kottonmouth Kings leave Suburban Noize Records and claim Kevin Zinger was ripping them off. Since then we have seen hateful accusations in interviews on both sides. We also watched Johnny Richter walk away from the Kottonmouth Kings after 18 years and go solo. He released a solo EP called FreeKING Out on Suburban Noize Records and is preparing to release his next solo LP next year.
The highlight of the Underground music scene this year was Strange Music. In 2013 the label released ten albums. Releases from Brotha Lynch Hung, Kutt Calhoun, CES Cru, Rittz, Wrekonize, Mayday, Tech N9ne, Stevie Stone, Krizz Kaliko, and Prozak. All of those albums were expertly done and will not disappoint both mainstream and underground fans. This label has shown themselves to be the cream of the crop. They put out top notch music throughout the year and kept the fans eager to buy the next. This is how it should be done.
Now lets leave the past behind us and look to the future. I am going to break this section down per record label or group and then give you my thoughts on what I expect to happen.
First lets look at Psychopathic Records. The release of the Joker's Cards Box Set has been delayed from it's Dec 17, 2013 release date and there is no new date given. The speculation is this was done due to immediate backlash when pics surfaced of the product itself. We expect Anybody Killa "Shape Shifter", a new ICP EP, Mike E Clark, Vanilla Ice, and Axe Murder Boys "Garcia Brothers" to all be released in 2014 but no release dates have been given as of the date of this post. We also will see the Gathering of the Juggalos change venues for the first time since 2007. We still have no information on where it will be but there is plenty of speculation on the net.
Now here is what I think is going to happen with them this year:
1. The ABK, Vanilla Ice, and AMB releases will all be released and do horrible due to lack of promotion or they will not be released at all and delayed.
2. ICP and Mike Clark will be released and hopefully live up to expectations although I am skeptical they will.
3. This will be on of the last years for the Gathering. After the events that occurred last year I think they will have a difficult time finding groups to perform, sites for the event, and money to make it happen.
4. Finally I think we will see a large number of fans drop the hatchet. I know I will get some hate for that prediction but we have already seen a lot of old school cats walk away. Once Twiztid left there was a huge group of fans that lost all respect for Joe and Psychopathic Records. I expect those trends to continue as long as mediocre albums are released and horrible business decisions are made.
Next lets see what Twiztid has in store for us. They have announced that a new album is on the way. It will be titled "The Moment You've All Been Waiting For." They have also announced that they would like to get more TV and movie opportunities. So let me share what I think is going to happen with the demented Duo:
1. The new album will be released. I think it will be the beginning of their rise in mainstream as well as cementing their legacy in the underground.
2. I think they will tour for a majority of the year again. I also think they will make a trip out of the country if legal issues permit it (Canada and maybe Australia).
3. I think we will finally see the collab most Juggalos have been demanding, Eminem and Twiztid. If it does happen you can count on this being the year of Twiztid.
Next lets look at KMK. I think we will see KMK really disappear. Once the "lawsuit" gets settled I think KMK will release a new album and possibly tour in support of the album but I do not see them climbing out of the hole that Daddy X has put them in.
Let now look at Suburban Noize Records. I think we will see them bounce back from the lawsuit well. Once the legal issues are cleared up we will see them sign at least 2-3 more acts. I predict we will see Potluck release a successful album and tour in support of that album. I think it will begin the rise of Subnoize back to a respectable label. I do think Johnny Richter will release his next album on Subnoize and it will be a huge success.
Finally here is what I think we will see from Strange Music. I think they will continue to put out solid releases from all of their artists. I think they will once again hold the flame for the underground. They will be the beacon for crossover fans. Their label is going strong and I do not see that slowing down in 2014.
Now all of these things may or may not happen. These are just my thoughts. I can't tell you how much I appreciate you checking out my blog as often as you guys do. I wish you all a a Happy New Year and want to thank you for your continued support!
MMFWFL,
Juggalotus
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