The Shining (Violent J album)

The Shining
Studio album by Violent J
Released April 28, 2009
Genre Midwest hip hop, Horrorcore[1]
Length 50:23
Label Psychopathic Records
Producer Mike E. Clark
Violent J chronology

Wizard of the Hood
(2003)
The Shining
(2009)

The Shining is the second solo album of American rapper Violent J. Released on April 28, 2009, it is the rapper's first full-length album and second solo release, following the extended play Wizard of the Hood. A music video for "Jealousy" was released on May 2009.

Production

Violent J states that he was not interested in developing a career as a solo performer, "but it was my turn at bat, and I wanted to deliver for any Violent J fans that might be out there".[2] Unlike Wizard of the Hood, The Shining does not focus on a single concept or storyline, but instead focuses on multiple stories, themes, and subjects.[2] The title of the album refers to charisma and confidence.[2]

Violent J attempted to provide a variance for listeners by performing with different rapping styles on each track.[2] Mike E. Clark produced the majority of the album, with Eric Davie providing additional production work.[2] "Fight Club" features guest appearances by Esham and Necro.[2] "Home Invasion" features an appearance by Shaggy 2 Dope.[2] "Candyland" was developed during long late night recording sessions with Esham.[2]

Release

The album was originally intended to be released in October 2008, followed by a 20 plus date solo tour across the country.[3] Due to his dislike of touring solo, and wanting to focus more on Insane Clown Posse as a whole, Violent J decided to give away free copies of an early version of the album to those that attended the ninth annual Gathering of the Juggalos seminar.[3]

Due to popular demand, it was announced that Psychopathic Records would release the album nationwide, and it was also given its final title.[4] According to J, the final version of the album is significantly different from the pre-release version, and features improved sound quality, in addition to four new songs not present on the pre-release version.[2] The album was released on J's 37th birthday.

Reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
Source Rating
Allrovi [1]

The Shining peaked at #5 on the Billboard Top Independent Albums chart, #14 on the Top Rap Albums chart, #28 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and #48 on the Billboard 200, with 10,000 copies sold in its first week.[5]

Track listing

# Title Time Writer(s) Performer(s) Producer(s) Recorded at
1 "Intro" 2:01 Violent J
Eric Davie
Violent J Violent J
Eric Davie
Akuma
The Cabin in the Woods Studio
2 "Wake Up" 3:50 Violent J
Mike E. Clark
Violent J Mike E. Clark FunHouse Studios
3 "Fight Club" 3:27 Violent J
Mike E. Clark
Violent J
Necro
Esham
Mike E. Clark FunHouse Studios
4 "When I Rap" 2:05 Violent J
Eric Davie
Violent J Violent J
Eric Davie
Akuma
The Cabin in the Woods Studio
5 "Candy Land" 4:00 Violent J
Esham
Violent J
Esham
Violent J
Mike E. Clark
FunHouse Studios
6 "Get Out The Way" 3:03 Violent J
Mike E. Clark
Violent J Mike E. Clark The Cabin in the Woods Studio
7 "14 Year Old" 4:03 Violent J
Mike E. Clark
Violent J Mike E. Clark The Cabin in the Woods Studio
8 "I Get Mad" 3:32 Violent J
Mike E. Clark
Violent J Mike E Clark The Cabin in the Woods Studio
9 "Faster" 4:22 Violent J
Mike E. Clark
Violent J Mike E Clark The Cabin in the Woods Studio
10 "Jealousy" 3:25 Violent J
Mike E. Clark
Violent J
Razor Ray
Mike E. Clark FunHouse Studios
11 "Home Invasion" 4:03 Violent J
Mike E. Clark
Violent J
Shaggy 2 Dope
Mike E. Clark The Cabin in the Woods Studio
12 "4 The Hoes" 2:50 Violent J
Eric Davie
Violent J Violent J
Eric Davie
Akuma
The Cabin in the Woods Studio
13 "Pyromaniac" 3:37 Violent J
Mike E. Clark
Violent J Mike E. Clark The Cabin in the Woods Studio
14 "Let It Go" 3:16 Violent J
Mike E. Clark
Violent J Mike E Clark The Cabin in the Woods Studio
15 "Freeway Killer" 5:16 Violent J
Mike E Clark
Violent J Mike E Clark The Cabin in the Woods Studio

Chart positions

Chart (2009) Peak Position
Billboard 200 48[5]
Top Independent Albums 5[5]
Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums 28[5]
Top Rap Albums 14[5]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 http://www.allrovi.com/music/album/the-shining-mw0000814950
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 "Violent J Talks About The Shining and A Family Underground". Hatchet Herald 2 (1). March 23, 2009. Retrieved 2009-03-28.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Insane Clown Posse (Presenters). Gathering 2008 - ICP Seminar (Videotape). Event occurs at 1:30. Retrieved 2008-08-17.
  4. Violent J, as "Fats Pepper". January 2009 - Weekly Freekly Weekly. Psychopathic Records. Retrieved 2009-01-27.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 "Charts and awards for Violent J". Billboard. Retrieved 2009-05-10.