I’m still recovering from my stint at this year’s Gathering of the Juggalos, and I’m sure quite a few of you are as well.  Our homie Hodge from Myzery‘s camp has hit us up with a full-fledged review from the Gathering…at least from Myz’s camp’s perspective.  He’s WAY ahead of me on that front though.  I keep running into road blocks when trying to get my review started!  Anyways, in this review, he mentions some likely upcoming collaborations, Myzery’s judging of the rap battle competitions, the fact that he actually got to play 4 different sets at the Gathering instead of the 1 he was scheduled, and the various celebrities he ran into/chilled with this year.  It’s a lengthy read, but Hodge has a good way with words.  Start reading it and you’ll be finished before you know it.  Check it:

Greetings from Myzery Camp,

By now I’m assuming that everyone’s back home safely, faygo detoxed, society domesticated (maybe not), and attempting to readjust to normal life. As with everybody who attends the GOTJ, our perspectives are going to differ, as each moment is approached under a unique set of perspectives and circumstances. However, I’m writing this as a “majority rules” recap from our Camp, so hopefully some can relate, or maybe it will entice others to experience what’s arguably the greatest Musical extravaganza on Earth!

As I arrived at the campgrounds on Wednesday I was immediately funneled into a thick motorcade of vehicles from seemingly every corner of the nation. Some RV’s even came equipped with sunbathers shamelessly “flaunting it” way up on the roofs. While waiting my turn in line, I was dumbfounded by the site of a man (I think) completely covered from head to toe in dried mud. This wouldn’t have been one bit surprising to see on say day 5, or maybe after getting wild in the mosh pit during a heavy rain, but noooo…this was mid-day (of day 1), and the ground was as dry as a bone. Remember how Schwartzeneger looked when trying to hide from the Predator. This was worse! Then to add to the comedy, he got directly into his car, still completely mud-caked. I hope it wasn’t a rental (always get the extra insurance).

Anyways, and after what seemed like an epic wait, I made it to the front of the line and discovered for myself what the hold-up was…a stockpile of make-shift edged weapons. I’m talking- axes, shovels, hammers, hatchets, machetes, meat cleavers, utility knives, etc. I totally understand security’s concerns, but in some of the camper’s defenses, this is an actual campsite, and some of these items were probably less of a weapon and more of a tool. Maybe they’d be used to set up their sites, or maybe it’s because they drove their actual work trucks (equipped with tool boxes). Well, perhaps not the tomahawks, blow guns, sickles, and samurai swords…no complaints on those confiscations! Also, and judging by the parking lot, a lot of people probably had just as much of an adventure on the journey en route to the gathering, as I noticed a Chevy Suburban with the whole left passenger side freshly melted off into a convertible. A few of the Wednesday late arrivers actually had to push their vehicles into the camp grounds, with huge pieces missing, and deer haired pinched into the quarter panels. That’s some journeyman dedication there! Some crafty survivalists actually jammed home AC units firmly in the driver’s side window; duct taped the gaps, and ran 200 foot extension cords to the nearest building or generator. Straight chillin right there!

On the first day I was able to catch some really good performances on both the Freakshow and Main Stages. Zug lzland delivered an excellent set that was sure to send some less familiar fans to the merch booth in quest for their newest release. Syn has a strong voice that’s always carried well, and backed by Mike P. and the rest of the Zug band, they received a great reception from the audience. People were chanting along to nearly every word (of the old stuff). It was almost as if they picked right up from the same momentum they had all those years ago during their first Psychopathic run.

That Crazy native ABK closed out the main stage with an energetic performance that really solidified the years of hard work spent honing in on his craft. He’s definitely coined the term “native funk”, and carved out quite a unique legacy for himself. His current status as a dominant force in the underground is a far departure from his early days spent grinding as a mere hypeman. We actually got to chill with Killa a few days later at DJ Clay’s “Horny Nuts & Big Butts” show, and him and Napalm seemed to gel right away.

Back to Wednesday’s review, after catching a bit of some earlier acts, I started to see a weak pattern of theatrics…with no substance. I give props to any artist with enough courage to face a crowd with such volatile potential (ex. King Gordy, Method Man, and Tila), but c’mon, get your shit straight long before you step out on stage. I saw artists with solid visual aids, but on stage they relied heavily on the track’s vocals, which were obvious even to the untrained ear. It’d be like hearing the drums play through the speakers, but noticing the Drummer’s hands are in his pockets. And while on the topic, be professional enough to have your set list selected well in advance. It’s just emits a sloppy vibe when your audience is standing there in awkward silence while you fumble through a playlist on your laptop and attempt cheap pops with “whoop whoops” or “family” chants. Yes, all that has its place, but not as a stall tactic. Anybody appearing on the bill should consider it a huge opportunity. After all, we’re talking about the most publicized annual festival since Woodstock. Be it good or bad press, its press, and nothing is more valuable to your visibility as an artist…so come prepared homies!

Wednesday’s itinerary did include some strong closers on the smaller stages though. Legz Diamond and the Purple Gang did the impossible in many critics’ eyes by transforming a difficult concept to sell (1920’s mobsters), into a very entertaining experience. I truly believe that the Purple Gang won over a lot of non-believers who previously dismissed the album, before giving it a shot. Complete with solo’s by Jumpsteady (“chaos theory”) and Legz Diamond (“super balls”), and Tommy Gun wielding wise-guys, the audience seemed very enthusiastic throughout the whole set.

Wolfpac brought their A-Game with all the crazy stage antics we’ve come to know and love from them…to include militant fire breathers and more dancers than Charlie Sheen’s crib. Also, and I’m not sure if this was just exclusive for them, but Wolfpac’s set caused a hybrid type of mash-pit. By hybrid, I’m referring to the absence of bodies mashing into bodies, but replaced by trash cans being beaten up or thrown into others in the pit. And while it didn’t stifle Wolfpac at all, the Freakshow stage came equipped with its own permanent heckler this year. This one dude in particular stayed glued to the guard rail and just steadily shouted out “YEAH, RIGHT” after (and often during) each performer’s lyrics. His mission to disrupt the artists for the sole purpose of, well, nothing really, was kinda hilarious I must admit. I only saw one act let it bother them, but to me, I was actually impressed with his dedication to the unprovoked “yeah rights” all night. He tried to switch up the enunciation each time, not sure why…but he did it so often and so furiously that his voice was completely raw and cracked by the end.

Although, many performers on the bill were really impressive for day one, NO other act could even come close to Smackola from the rap/rock band Dirty Wormz. In my own opinion, I truly feel that Smackola outperformed every artist I watched at this year’s GOTJ…with the exception of my boy MYZ of course. With nothing more than a mic and a DJ behind him, Smackola gave a powerhouse performance with as much stage presence as I’ve ever seen from any artist anywhere (including the likes of Busta Rhymes, ROTM, Tech N9ne, etc.). No glitz or glamour. Just an emcee- spittin flawlessly over instrumentals, engaging the crowd, and bringing emotion ranging from “laid back” to “ape nuts” (and without warning). I actually had the pleasure of speaking with Smackola backstage afterwards and was shocked to hear him profess that he didn’t even have the chance to really showcase his skills, due to a late invite and the remainder of his band being unable to roll with him. Well, it sure didn’t show, and I think those in attendance could attest to his undeniable talent. When (and if) his rock project with Tech and Kaliko ever comes to fruition, it’s definitely got the formula to be an instant classic. For those curios about the project, go google the prequel track “god of war” to see what I’m soo geeked for.

For the first time at a GOTJ, I made a point to check out the Juggalo Night Court, and was glad I did. Nothing profound going on here, just a light hearted good time had by all. And despite what outsider journalists claim, it’s no “official” way of inner gang turmoil being violently sorted out. Ha, that’s so stupid. Judges- Joe Bruce and Vampiro took turns dishing out justice to guilty Io’s n lette’s. The allegations were mostly goofy, ranging from a lo angry about his homeboy’s resemblance to the Colorado movie theatre shooter, or a lette upset that her man didn’t propose after 10 years and 3 kids together. Punishments were swift, funny, and sometimes lame…as a wheel of fortune style spin dictated their fate. Somebody actually got strapped into a semi functional electric chair (think Uncle Fester chair at the boardwalk arcade), and then dissed the Judge by claiming that it “tickled”… they turned it up! His scorned lette didn’t even stick around to watch this form of sick justice. Maybe she was still upset that Judge J’s verdict included a disclaimer to never again give her a decent engagement ring…cause she can’t stop losing shit. The resolution= give her a gumball machine ring and zip it. Judge Vamp on the other hand, didn’t seem quite content with the wheel’s punishments, as that bloodthirsty fool just wanted to dish out Flair chops to the chest (no takers)! On a Vampiro related note, it was actually really cool to see him and Violent J still kickin it together after all these years. The sight of those two couldn’t help but bring back fond memories of the good ole days when the Dark Carnival faction reigned supreme over the WCW. And while I’m still unconvinced that he remembered me, I conducted a series of in-depth interviews with Vamp back in the day (milenko500.com), all with an emphasis towards provoking a Psychopathic Re-union of sorts. While the reunion didn’t occur til years later (probably unrelated to the interviews), it’s great to see that their bond today appears as strong as it was back when they originally stirred things up together during the Monday Night Wrestling Wars. And to answer Vamp’s trivia question about WCW’s original Dark Carnival…ICP, Vampiro, and Raven all the way!

The next day the rest of the crew arrived (Myzery, Napalm, Fuego, Gordo, and Carlos) and just in time for some Main Stage performances. I also ran into my friend and “world’s most polite busy man” aka Scottie D from Faygoluvers. Scottie is about as helpful and as knowledgeable of a person as you’d ever find. With zero time/room on his schedule to be that cool, Scottie always manages to make time for his homies. Good dude right there. Okay, back to the Main Stage details. Mayday absolutely rocked the house! Their perfect blend of that Miami rap/rock sounds really helped to set the mood for an excellent line-up of headliners, even if co-host Greg “The Hammered” Valentine didn’t seem to know who they, or who any other act was (or where he was for that matter). Mayday is unique in that not only do they have an impressive frontman, but they have two of them. I know that’s an oxymoron, but they’re both worthy of that title. The live band was seamless, and the set list was perfect for a restless audience.

Rahzel did his thing as only the world’s most renowned beat box champion can do. It’s funny though; I’m not totally convinced that his expert ability to mock nearly any musical sound was fully appreciated. As I maneuvered my way through the crowd, I couldn’t help but notice that a lot of the comatose faces I saw appeared none the wiser that that the music they were hearing was almost entirely produced by this performer, and without the aid of a live band or instrumentals (well, some instrumentals).

Of course the Psychopathic Rydas tore it up as they’ve always done. I know a lot of juggalos were curious if there would be any on stage tension, regarding Twiztid and Blaze’s departures from the label late last year. I think those concerns were quickly calmed, as the Rydas performed as one big ruthlessly cohesive gang. And even when these juggalo rappers actually try to act like a gang (for the sake of entertainment), it still comes off as light hearted and fun.

While I’d never seen Sevendust perform “live” before, I had a feeling that their sound would mesh well with the audience. Live rock always seems to get the crowd moving…and they did just that! I’m a hip hop head til death, but I love some quality rock just as much. And by quality, I’m referring to vocals that I can understand clearly, not the generic solution for poor vocal range, aka- angry Cookie Monster voices. So yeah, Sevendust definitely earned the huge applause they received.

Closing out the night on Main Stage was none other than the world famous- Tech N9ne! Most everybody in attendance has seen Tech and Krizz Kaliko do their thing before. That doesn’t make it any less incredible though! Let’s face it; these guys own the stage every single time! On stage they’re the definition of true showmen. They played all kinds of Strange anthems from their back catalog, and continued all the way through his most recent release of “Something Else”. Am I the only one still hanging on to the hope of the once discussed super group- “Planned Panic (ICP & Tech N9ne)” being revisited one day? These two labels straight run the underground, and these two industry giants provide the best concert experience on the planet. Could you imagine the type of live show they’d put on!?! Wishful thinking I know.

Following Day 2’s Main Stage acts, we caught Whitney Peyton’s set over at the Freakshow stage. Now, nobody in the crew (especially Myzery) impresses easily, but Whitney definitely captured our attention. It’s crazy to imagine that this level of talent is already so obvious in such a young artist…but it definitely is. Whitney really moved that crowd and performed a solid assortment of songs, and with precision! It’s not surprising that her credits already include a Grammy award for her contributions on a collaborative project a few years back. After she finished straight “schoolin it”, we met up with her to test the waters about a collaborative exchange in the future. She was very appreciative of the interest and seemed excited to work together. So yeah, hopefully you’ll be hearing something from Myzery and Whitney Peyton down the road!

After meeting up with Whitney, Myzery & Co. headed over to The Rude Boy’s “Old School Jam”, located at the Bomb House. However, before we got there, we got word (staged) from Jumpsteady, that Spanish Side’s own- “Fuego Flamez” was being approached to be the Gathering’s special guest Life Guard at the infamous Lake Hepatitis. This would require those small red trunks (Flamez is like 7 foot tall and 130 lbs), a boogie board, and binoculars (even though the Lake is only like 60 foot in diameter). I think we would have had poor Flamez convinced too, but as he became more and more stressed, we all burst into laughter. We’ll get him next year. Back to the Old School Jam, Rudy’s son- “DJ Carlito Brigante” dug deep into the crates and laced all in attendance with some of the best- wicked shit, hip hop, and rock from back in the
90’s. The place got so hype over the music selection that Rudy invited everybody (that could fit), to join him up on the stage to straight wile out with an impromptu dance contest. Former WWE/ECW valet Shelly Martinez (aka Ariel) even joined in the mix. It gets better though, because outta nowhere Myzery’s side project- “The Spanish Side” stormed the stage with mics in hand to perform joints off of their newest release “The Forgotten Breed”. Then all the sudden the music just stops. As everybody begins looking around, BOOM…The Rude Boy announces the Psychopathic Original himself- “MYZERY”, but wait, here comes JUMPSTEADY right behind him. Together they performed a Jumpsteady favorite- “my man’s n them” from his Masters of the Flying Guillotine album. The crowd was still on stage and loving every minute of it! Myzery added to the live experience by even igniting a mosh-pit during Jumpsteady’s verses. After the surprise performances, Rudy signaled for his boy to finish this 90’s House Party off proper with nonstop classic jams…until 4 AM! It was a great time had by all, and led by a father and son team whose interaction epitomized what a strong family unit should be like.

Just after we left Rudy’s party, we all posted up at the Freakshow Stage again for the highly anticipated Dark Lotus set. Again, no surprise here, the Lotus crew straight tore it up! An interesting thing occurred early on during their performance though. All of the sudden a giant homemade monster started to rise up through the middle of the crowd. When I say homemade, I’m talking about- stolen tent canvas, tarps, pvc pipes, and paint galore were all spliced together to erect a massive crowd monster (reminiscent of characters from the old Parappa the Rapper games), complete with independently moving arms. Yes, it looked like shit, but was still as impressive as it was funny…given the crude (stolen) materials used for its construction. Even Violent J had to interrupt their set to comment about this destructive crowd monster.

Day 3 for Myzery Camp started with 2013 Flow master Rap Battle. Myzery took his seat as a guest judge alongside Jumpsteady and Ricardo aka Cardz (DJ Clay’s homie/mad cool). Although it somehow seemed to enhance the overall experience, it was never quite clear what the Judges roles were…because the entire contest was dictated by audience cheers/jeers. Myzery’s hypeman Napalm was joined by last year’s MC Tournament winner Draztik, to assume the roles of guest hosts. While I enjoyed all of the battles of yesteryear, I feel that this year’s MC contest had the toughest competition by far. In fact, I’ve witnessed rap battles in hotbeds around the U.S., and I’d feel confident enough to stack these competitors up against the best that most cities have to offer. Some of the true standouts included (warning: Butchered Spelling ahead)- lnfamouz, Lil V, J. Hondo, Psycho, lzzy Dunfore, and the overall winner- Atlantic City’s own- “NO HOPE”. We were all so impressed with this year’s winner that Myzery offered to reward him with a collaboration offer right on the spot. We had no expectation of extending this kind of offer to any Battle Rapper beforehand. As with many impressive MC Battle Rapper’s, there’s often some sort of studio curse that really hampers their talent once they get in the booth. However, this kid’s potential seemed too certain to dismiss. Hopefully you’ll be hearing something from these two pretty soon. And for anyone alarmed at how the guest hosts colorfully ousted the contestants, c’mon, it’s a rap battle, not a sewing circle. It’s tradition to be clowned when eliminated, and this year’s Iil “verbal judo” was lenient compared to some other inner rap circles out there.

Another noteworthy performance we caught on Day 3 was that of ill E. Gal. Not only did she rule that stage like a seasoned emcee should, she overcame some craziness from the audience, designed to sabotage her whole set. Now, it’s no secret that the Gathering promotes “family” which encompasses- tolerance, support, and unity as the festival’s core values. However, what appeared to be an actual “Family Tree” attended ill E. Gal’s set, with the sole purpose of, well, as they touted- “a vendetta”. Who knows what details fueled this hate, but they weren’t shy about their attempts to ruin her performance. Even after efforts like­ employing a mega phone to constantly scream insults and blast police sirens, shinning a high powered flashlight into her eyes, and forming a backwards wall of middle finger salutes towards her, she STILL rocked the mic like a pro. In fact, the entire set of disruptive attempts didn’t once faze her…until some fed-up members of the audience lost their temper and started swinging. On a side note, after a heckler got clobbered, he immediately pleaded to the swinger “I’ll get him to stop”, regarding his mega phone accomplice. At that point Mrs. Gal addressed the situation on the mic and demanded that security do their damn job and get the BS under control. Then, as if nothing happened, she finished out her set list like a champ. We had no idea or interest about the beef they had with her, but we all had much respect for her unfazed professionalism and never back down attitude.

Around an hour later it was “go time” for Myzery over at the Freakshow Stage. Myzery takes a lot of pride in his on stage performance, and prepares himself diligently for moments like this. As he paced about waiting for his intro music to start, he was handed his mic and told “1minute”. While it’s still uncertain why the stage tech didn’t address Myzery’s concerns about his mic not working properly, he gave Myz the thumbs up sign as an assurance that it would be corrected ASAP. No such luck. As Myzery’s music started blaring, about 10 secs went by with no sound from his mic at all. The stage tech finally intervened and got the mic working. Hopefully the mishap didn’t fully register with the
audience, but when the spotlight is on you and you can’t even be heard, 10 seconds feels like an eternity.

After the initial equipment mishap, Myzery (joined by Napalm and Fuego Flamez) commenced to bring his signature sound that’s given him that well deserved legendary Emcee status and appreciation amongst the juggalo community (especially those longtime Io’s n lette’s). While that may seem like a bit of a bias proclamation, the measuring stick of his talent isn’t me, but it’s actually each and every person that’s approached Myzery with those same exact sentiments…and believe me, he strives very hard to live up to those expectations. Nobody is a harder critic of Myzery then, well, Myzery, and I think it’s really starting to pay off. To those of you seen nodding your heads nonstop or chanting along with each verse, it was definitely noticed and MUCH appreciated by Myzery. To anybody that approached him for an autograph or just a quick dap, thank you for being that fuel behind his passion to continue to make good music. For those of you newcomers that had no idea who Myz is, but still came by to find out, he thanks you for your open mind, and hopes that you had a good time. To Legz Diamond for coming through to watch his set, that’s wassup homie, glad you could make it. Following his set, the staff from Jason Voorheis youtube came by for a quick interview. Great interviewers, great energy, and some great questions asked. Look for that interview online soon.

After Myzery’s official set, we headed over to DJ Clay’s “Horny Nuts & Big Butts Party” to see what’s good. “What’s good”, turned out being another impromptu performance by Myzery, at the request of DJ Clay of course. So besides the gloriousness of such a self explanatory type of party, fans got a 2nd chance to see Myzery perform on this day! Still, as much as Myz brought that fire, I think those in attendance were equally or more impressed with the, hmm, enhancement talent, seen all over the stage that night! Big props to Clay for arranging such an untamed event!

Myzery Camp started Day 4 at the finals of the 2013 Flow master Rap Battle, with both Napalm and Myzery re-assuming their roles as guest Host and Judge. With the competition being narrowed down to the cream of the crop, all competitors definitely fined-tuned their skills. In fact, for one emcee the claws really came out, literally. He appeared in full Teen Wolf attire! I’m thinking this was either a metaphor for unleashing the inner beast upon his opponents, or just some Gathering ridiculousness. Either way, the costume was pretty sick! Not sick enough to win though, but pretty close. Again, this competition truly had to be witnessed to fully appreciate the magnitude of talent this year. As you already know, rapper No Hope (a moniker aimed towards his opponents) ended up clinching the hard earned 1st place title, accompanied by- $500, a free collab with Myzery, and a framed plaque by Psychopathic Records. During the competition’s intermission, Myzery was once again approached by DJ Clay about performing his newest joint (straight from Clay’s latest mixxtape) “I ain’t a killer”. Of course Myzery agreed, and was honored to do so. He’s always had mad love for Clay, and for that good music he brings us. This marked Myzery’s 4th performance at the Gathering this year! That’s the shit, especially since he was only booked for one.

Later, while awaiting the Main Stage acts, we caught the end of the Miss Juggalette Contest. Well, we caught the portion where The Rude Boy fielded suggestions from the crowd, regarding a wish list of GOTJ 2014 performers. Interesting enough, there were several requests for deceased artists, including Tupac’s hologram. As for the living artists, the suggestions included- Rage Against the Machine, Cypress Hill, Rob Zombie, Slipknot, Black Sabbath (well, kind of alive), 5 Finger Death Punch, and Cage (I strongly 2nd that one). Rudy even suggested some celebrity guest hosts like Kane Hodder (huge juggalo celeb and the star of the Friday the 13th films) and Robert “Freddy Krueger” Englund.

The Main Stage offered tons of talented acts on Day 4. Being a fan since the band’s original lineup, of course I had to check out Rehab. They killed it! They always do. Demun Jones has enough energy for the two of them, and Danny Boone’s incredible range can quickly go from belting out high notes, to spitting the fastest rhymes imaginable. Later that night it was announced by Prevail (Swollen Members) that they were planning a guest feature with Rehab, and what did we all think of this notion. I don’t think I’m alone when I say that I’m really looking forward to that right there! I’m just hoping it’s more of a guest spot than what Danny Boone’s been getting on other’s albums lately. Danny can spit, and he’s definitely worthy of more than just a tiny chorus line. My fingers are crossed for a real collaboration by these two staple fixtures on my playlist.

Speaking of Swollen Members, Gathering attendees were blessed to get BOTH emcees this year! Maybe that had to do with Madchild’s everlasting struggle to be granted permission to enter the U.S. finally being approved. If you don’t know the scoop, it’s all a bunch of drama that began during Mad’s darker days, filled with substance abuse and bad company. He’s been sober and eager to revive the legacy of Swollen Members for many years now…and can finally travel to his old U.S. stomping grounds again! When I speak of their legacy, you have to understand that Swollen Members in their heyday were considered as somewhat of a national treasure in Canada, resulting in Canada’s equivalent of a Grammy Award. Judging by the size and excitement of the Gathering crowd, S&M definitely earned their upgrade to the Main Stage this year. To help illustrate their impact at the GOTJ, they were the only artist that I observed that incited another huge crowd…on the side stage, all artist/staff status themselves…straight geeked to capture vids of Swollen Members rocking it. I caught up with Prevail and their DJ (Rob the Viking) after the show, and they couldn’t have been more down to earth. In fact, they vividly remembered playing a show in my neck of the woods (Baltimore) some 9 years ago. Out of the hundreds (maybe thousands) of shows they’ve performed since dropping their first record (Balance) in like 97, they could still remember precise details of individual performances. Anyways, I couldn’t help but try to spark some interest of a possible collaboration with Myzery. While very open to the idea, I think this one is gonna be more of a long shot, as these guys are world famous and probably in very high demand since Mad’s illustrious return. Still, it was awesome to get a moment of their time like that.

If you’ve read this far into my GOTJ review, you’re a very patient person. But of course no Gathering summary could be complete without discussing the founders of the Dark Carnival themselves- ICP!!! I’ve seen these guys perform since the 90’s, and it NEVER gets old. In fact, whenever I expect the shock value to wear off, “no dice”, because they always manage to outdo themselves. This time was no exception. While baiting the hook with some timeless favorites, they caught us off guard by mixing in more recent tracks, like their cover of House of Pain’s classic “Jump Around”, to which we all eagerly complied. Then at around the mid-point, the stage lights went dim, and out walks a man, A MAN ENTIRELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES! As the song “burning up” echoed through the speakers, The Human Torch slowly paced back and forth across the stage in one of the most eerie and shocking live stunts I’ve ever witnessed. The crowd seemed dead silent, not that we were unappreciative of such efforts to entertain us, but because I think everybody realized that at any moment this sort of entertainment masterpiece, could become tragic. It didn’t, but still, it was a nerve-wracking few minutes. ICP continued their set, complete with demonic clowns, faygo intermissions, and a fireworks finale that seemed to reach even higher into the heavens than ever before. It was almost like the fireworks were designed to stay lit much longer, as the night sky was streaked with what appeared like neon weeping willows raining down from every corner of the Gathering. Afterwards I was discussing ICP’s performance with Myz and was surprised when he started telling me about how bad Violent J’s ankle was. Like level 8 unbearable. He must’ve just sucked it up like a pro, cause their performance didn’t seem to suffer at all to me, or to all those around me who were straight having the time of their lives.

After the Main Stage ended on Saturday, we hit up the Freakshow stage to see what else was scheduled. On our way there, we caught the conclusion of an impromptu Greco Roman Wrestling match, occurring right alongside the beautiful beaches of…Lake Hepatitis. It’s obvious that MMA is all the rage right now, so by comparison Greco Roman appears a bit, hmm, well maybe they were just playing some sort of awkward leap frog. I don’t even wanna know.

Over at the Freakshow stage Blowfly brought back fond memories of the late great Rudy Ray Moore. His brand of uncensored sexscapades helped to draw in more and more passersby’s. Well, that, and
coupled by the fact that an elderly man (in droopy super hero garb) was attempting to score dates by targeting women in the audience with his creepily crafted nursery rhymes. As odd as this spectacle may have been, he was very successful in drawing in more and more intrigued wanderers and fellow oddballs. The Borat swimsuit imposter was present (and passed out in a pile of mud), as was The Disturbing Batman (complete with, speedo, huge gut, and giant black dildo hanging). If he had one homie for each year he dawned this gross get-up…eh scratch that, he was still lurking around solo. Some of our favorite costumes this year were- The Psychopathic Flinstones, a giant boombox head (complete w electricity), Shelly Martinez (no costume needed…just a fav) and Mr. Two Face. This dude actually took years to grow out his hair and beard, and then completely shaved one whole side off, just in the spirit of Gathering oddities. It was impossible not to stare in amazement, as he truly looked like 2 different people. Maddening I tell you!

I can only assume that Day 5 of the Gathering was as awesome as the first four, but unfortunately I had a flight to catch and the rest of the crew had long drives back to NY and AZ. Even though I had to miss out on like 20% of the festivities, you won’t get any complaints outta me. Each year Psychopathic Records painstakingly constructs the greatest outdoor extravaganza imaginable, that some might even refer to as our- “Shangri-La”. By greatest, of course that claim is gonna resonate exclusively amongst its attendees; as the list of festivities won’t really appeal to the rest of the world. But that’s just fine, it’s jam packed with those who “get it”, and I think that’s the root explanation of the harmony within. Of course there’s going to be some static here and there (a heckler getting punched), but with thousands of people left to “police themselves”, I feel you’d be hard pressed to find such a large gathering (no pun intended) with as little violence as the Juggalos have demonstrated for all these years. From within the confines it’s immediately obvious to see that- this is a place of acceptance, compassion, and fun…it’s just decorated to the contrary.

For the 2nd time in as many years, Myzery has been honored to be invited back to perform in front of the most loyal and appreciative audience in existence…aka The Juggalos. It’s taken a longtime to get back to the foundation that birthed him, but the support from his friends & family at Psychopathic Records these past few years have done wonders towards untangling some of the real misery that harbored within. Sometimes we can go through days, months, or even years where it seems like the odds and obstacles just keep mounting, and with no ladder out. Then you look at your contact list and realize the only ones that haven’t written you off (or vice versa) were you’re family. And whether it be immediate or extended, it’s still family all the same. For all that attended the majesty of this year’s annual Gathering, we hope you had fun and were able to leave your worries behind for a few days. For all those that caught any of the 4 performances by Myzery & Co., they thank you for your cheers and curiosity. For all the familiar faces (including some real rap historians) who visited with us at the merch booth to talk- concert memories, hip hop history, movies, or just BS with us, we loved every minute of that shit! And lastly, a heartfelt thanks to ICP and the rest of The Psychopathic Records staff. It’s been an honor and a pleasure to be invited back to perform within this cultural empire that you’ve created- Hodge (Myzery Camp).

Here’s a little photo gallery that was included in this review submission:

Contributors:

• Hodge

Websites:

• Myzery.com