Horrorcore

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Horrorcore is a subgenre of Hip Hop Music. Though, it may also refer to horror hardcore punk, also known as horrorcore, a sub genre of hardcore punk with horror themed lyrics. Bands like Integrity (band) and Septic Death are fine examples of horror hardcore.

1 History
2 Lyrics
3 Underground
4 Debate on terminology

[edit] History

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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 is infused with their rap. The Insane Clown Posse, Twiztid and Esham "The Unholy" have been the most successful horrorcore artists.

[edit] Lyrics

Horrorcore lyrics typically center around fairly similar subject matter, namely the Macabre & Horror, which include subtopics such as homicide, suicide, crime, rape, necrophilia, Satanism, and Dark Rituals. Some songs have samples from Horror Movies in the intro, chorus, or at the end of the song to add to the songs' brooding atmosphere. Occasionally, such topics are used in a darkly comedic manner.

[edit] 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 publically.^{[citation needed]} 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.

Eminem's early underground work has a very strong Horrorcore / Acid rap influence to it, often with subject matter such as suicide, murder, violence, death, and some satanic themes. Eminem also notes that an influence of his was Esham. Lyric: "I'm a cross between Manson, Esham & Ozzy". D12's first mainstream album, Devil's Night, also has some Horrorcore influence, notably songs such as the title track, American Psycho, and Revelation. Additionally, Oscar-winners Three 6 Mafia are best known for their gruesome beats and lyrics in their albums from the 1990s. Their first album, Mystic Stylez, showcases the eerie production of DJ Paul and Juicy J, in particular the song "Fuckin Wit Dis Click" contains the lyrics: "Watch me rob Adam and watch me rape Eve, on the eve of Destruction..."

[edit] 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. Many artists come up with their own terms for their music, such as Scum of LSP, who claims his music is GoreHop. There is much debate over the two terms, as you will see if you browse Wicked Shit/Horrorcore forums.

"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 other horrorcore and hardcore rappers. However, the term "Acid Rap" is usually used to describe a spacey, trippy rap genre popularize by Kool Keith rather than horrorcore. Esham also stated that his music is "Modern Day Blues" which may prove a difference between the two.

"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 beats. It is not uncommon to hear Necro collaborate with Heavy Metal legends such as Obituary & Igor Cavalera. Necro made this term to further himself away from the horrorcore/juggalo scene.

"Horror Rap" is a term used by some to describe the Horror themed lyrics in this style of Rap that is dominant. With the fact that Insane Clown Posse's movie "Big Money Hustlas" had a cameo appearance by the Horror Punk band The Misfits in the donut shop scene, the idea of the term Horror Rap became more popular.

"Slasher Rap" is a term coined by Insiniak part of the 'Sinister South' duo, The Burning Legion, to further illustrate the difference between the different sub-genres of the horrorcore genre. This helps to separate them from other similar artists as well as the fact that, in Insiniak's words, they focus on topics that involve mutilation and dismemberment, similar to the "Slasher" horror films they have grown to love and embrace.

"Ghetto Gothic" is a term used by outsiders as a reaction to the "Horror Rap" term, due mostly to the fans of the style that seem to wear dominantly all black clothes and incorporate the two styles of Goth fashion with Hip-hop fashion.^{[citation needed]}

Hip hop/Rap