Who’s Going Chicken Huntin’? Exploring the Origins and Impact of Insane Clown Posse’s Controversial Song

“Chicken Huntin'”, a 1995 horrorcore hip hop track by Insane Clown Posse, sparked outrage and debate upon its release. With provocative lyrics boasting about violently murdering racist “rednecks”, the song was decried as offensive and dangerous by critics, but simultaneously praised by fans as a bold statement against bigotry and prejudice. Over 20 years later, “Chicken Huntin'” remains one of ICP’s most infamous and hotly discussed songs. This article will explore the history, lyrics, and lasting cultural impact of “Chicken Huntin'”.

The Origins of “Chicken Huntin'”

One member of the group, Violent J, says that the idea for “Chicken Huntin'” came from seeing racism and bigotry against minorities in Fayetteville, North Carolina, in the late 1980s. When Violent J was stationed at Fort Bragg with his brother, he was horrified by the racism and hatred he saw in the community. These memories stuck with J and later came out in the angry lyrics of “Chicken Huntin’.”

The song was first recorded for ICP’s second album, Ringmaster, in 1994. But the famous “Slaughter House Mix” of “Chicken Huntin'” didn’t become famous in the rap world until the Riddle Box album came out in 1995. The remixed version of “Chicken Huntin'” quickly became a classic in ICP’s discography thanks to its sexy lyrics and rough production.

Deciphering the Controversial Lyrics

The lyrics of “Chicken Huntin'” amount to a confessional spree killing, with Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope depicting themselves murdering multiple racist rednecks referred to as “chickens”. While undeniably extreme, ICP has repeatedly clarified that the song is directed at specific bigots, not all Southerners or white people. “If you’re a redneck and you’re not a racist, then obviously you know that I’m not talkin’ about you,” Violent J told Murder Dog magazine.

In five violent verses, Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope talk about killing racist bad guys in horrible ways using a variety of blunt instruments and weapons. It’s clear that the rappers enjoy bringing vigilante justice to their made-up victims. The lyrics are filled with a mix of carnival-style horror and political anger.

While the premise of viciously murdering racists struck a chord with many listeners in 1995 the song was also widely condemned as irresponsibly violent. Its graphic lyrics landed “Chicken Huntin'” on the radar of censorship groups and concerned parents. But for ICP and its expanding Juggalo fanbase the song’s transgressive qualities only enhanced its appeal.

The Music Videos

“Chicken Huntin'” has two official music videos that show how the song has changed from Ringmaster to Riddle Box. The first one was filmed for the 1994 version at the request of Battery Records, ICP’s record label. ICP successfully pushed for a second video for the Riddle Box “Slaughter House Mix” because they weren’t happy with the first one. This video, which was recorded live at a concert in Detroit in 1995, is thought to be ICP’s first real classic visual accompaniment.

Interestingly, the group mimed along to the original 1994 recording in the Riddle Box video, even as they performed the Slaughter House remix live on stage. This lip syncing was done to avoid confusing fans not yet familiar with the remixed version.

Remixes and Covers

Beyond its two famous incarnations, “Chicken Huntin'” has spawned multiple remixes over the past two decades. Mike E. Clark produced an updated remix for the 2009 compilation Psychopathic Murder Mix Volume 1. Esham and Poe Whosaine covered the track the same year.

In 2012, producer Cold 187um recycled the instrumental from the “Slaughter House Mix” for his own track “3 Brothers”. This long-term remix treatment illustrates the song’s continuing relevance amongst hip hop artists and producers even today.

The Cultural Impact of “Chicken Huntin'”

Upon release, “Chicken Huntin'” immediately cemented itself as one of ICP’s signature songs. It captured the duo’s horrorcore style at its most provocative and confrontational. For non-fans, it typified the vulgar violence and wanton offensiveness they perceived at the heart of Juggalo culture.

But speaking to the marginalized white working class identities of many early Juggalos, “Chicken Huntin'” channeled rage and revenge fantasies born of real underclass disenfranchisement and alienation. This complex duality between fiction and reality encapsulates the essence of ICP. Like a profane modern fable, “Chicken Huntin'” resonated with those who felt voiceless, while simultaneously repulsing mainstream sensibilities.

For Insane Clown Posse, the song distilled their early style down to its shocking, blood-soaked core. It demonstrated how the transgressive aesthetics of underground rap could be weaponized for social commentary. Whether you love it or hate it, “Chicken Huntin'” perfectly encapsulates the raw, unvarnished early spirit of ICP.

Overall, “Chicken Huntin'” stands out as one of the most controversial and conversation-starting tracks in ICP’s discography. Its gleefully violent lyrics enraged critics, but spoke to disenfranchised fans. As a crystallization of horrorcore’s extremity and social resonance, “Chicken Huntin'” retains its raw power even today. For Insane Clown Posse, the song helped cement their artistic identity. And for Juggalos, it remains an explosive, cathartic anthem against bigotry over 20 years later.