Wizard of the Hood


Wizard of the Hood is the debut EP by Violent J. Released in 2003, it is the Insane Clown Posse member's first solo release. The EP is a concept album based on The Wizard of Oz, which is retold in an urban setting. Several tracks from the EP also sample music from the 1978 film The Wiz, another urban reimagining of The Wizard of Oz.

Plot

Violent J takes on the role of this story's version of Dorothy, making his way through this strange new land to get back to his home. Along the way, he meets the Scarecrow, who only needs somebody to smoke with, the Tin Man, who wants a "gat", and the Lion, who wants some "hoes". Anybody Killa has a brief cameo as a guard in the Wizard's palace as well as fellow Insane Clown Posse member Shaggy 2 Dope appears as the Wizard.

Release

The EP contains nine story tracks and two "bonus tracks". It was also released in a "Collector's Edition" tin which featured two different bonus tracks and a package of "Violent Joint" rolling paper. In an early 2014 interview Violent J said that he would like to do a Wizard Of The Hood show. During ICP's 2014 GOTJ seminar he said that it may happen very soon. On July 24, 2015 during ICP's seminar Violent J said that he would like to do a Wizard of the Hood full album set at the 2016 GOTJ if Twiztid and Blaze Ya Dead Homie are down to do it also. Violent J announced in October, 2015 that they will be performing the whole Wizard of the Hood setlist for GOTJ 17 complete with changing sets and Twiztid and Blaze Ya Dead Homie will be on stage to do their parts.

Reception

Wizard of the Hood peaked at #3 on the Top Independent Albums chart, #31 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and #89 on the Billboard 200.

Track listing

#TitleTimeWriterPerformer
1"Intro"0:40Violent J
Mike Puwal
Violent J
2"Let it Rain"2:42Violent J
Mike Puwal
Violent J
3"Yellow Brick Alleyway"3:19Violent J
Mike Puwal
Violent J
Legz Diamond
4"Homies 2 Smoke With"3:52Violent J
Mike Puwal
Violent J
Monoxide Child
5"Thug Whilin'"3:13Violent J
Mike Puwal
Violent J
Twiztid
6"Horribly Horrifying"5:13Violent J
Mike Puwal
Violent J
Triple Threat
7"What You Thinkin' About?"3:30Violent J
Mike Puwal
Violent J
Triple Threat
8"Shiny Diamonds"3:44Violent J
Mike Puwal
Violent J
9"The Wizard's Palace"2:51Violent J
Mike Puwal
Dark Lotus
Bonus tracks:---
10"Axes Swingin'"2:04Violent J
Mike Puwal
Violent J
11"Multiple Myselves"2:59Violent J
Mike Puwal
Violent J
"Collector's Edition" bonus tracks:---
10"My Shine"3:22Violent J
Mike Puwal
Violent J
11"Bloody Bitch Dead"2:47Violent J
Mike Puwal
Violent J

Cast

Chart Peak Position
Billboard 20089
Top Independent Albums3
Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums31