The Shining (Violent J album)

The Shining is the solo debut album by American rapper and Insane Clown Posse member Violent J. It was released on April 28, 2009 (which was also his 37th birthday) under his own label Psychopathic Records. Mostly produced by Mike E. Clark, a music video for "Jealousy" was released on May 2009.

The Shining
Studio album by Violent J
Released	April 28, 2009
Recorded	2008–2009
Genre	Midwest hip hop, Horrorcore[1]
Length	50:23
Label	Psychopathic Records
Producer	Mike E. Clark, Eric Davie
Violent J chronology
Wizard of the Hood EP (2003) The Shining (2009) Brother EP (2018)

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	Eric Davie	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	Eric Davie	The Cabin in the Woods Studio
5	"Candy Land"	4:00	Violent J Esham	Violent J Esham	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	Mike E. Clark	FunHouse Studios
11	"Home Invasion"	4:03	Violent J Mike E. Clark	Insane Clown Posse	Mike E. Clark	The Cabin in the Woods Studio
12	"4 The Hoes"	2:50	Violent J Eric Davie	Violent J	Eric Davie	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. http://www.allrovi.com/music/album/the-shining-mw0000814950
2. "Violent J Talks About The Shining and A Family Underground". Hatchet Herald. 2 (1). March 23, 2009. Retrieved 2009-03-28.
3. 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. "Charts and awards for Violent J". Billboard. Retrieved 2009-05-10.