Dark Lotus

Originating in Detroit, the hip-hop supergroup Dark Lotus developed around a core partnership between Insane Clown Posse and Twiztid, its roster changes unfolding through considerable internal drama. Violent J, Shaggy 2 Dope, Jamie Madrox, and Monoxide Child were each designated a petal on a lotus envisioned with six positions total, prompting intense speculation within the Psychopathic Records audience over the remaining members. As a quartet the project still managed to lay down the single “Echoside,” which landed on Insane Clown Posse’s Amazing Jeckel Brothers. Blaze Ya Dead Homie was subsequently revealed as the fifth petal, though his fluctuating status with the label briefly raised the possibility that Esham the Unholy might assume the role before Blaze reclaimed it. The sixth and final spot went to Marz, the young rapper Violent J recruited following Insane Clown Posse’s 2000 tour. The completed lineup delivered its first full-length effort, 2001’s Tales from the Lotus Pod. While Juggalo listeners responded favorably, mounting friction prompted Marz’s departure; ABK stepped in to complete the line-up and supplied new vocals for a reissue that removed every trace of Marz’s contributions. The reconstituted Dark Lotus issued its sophomore album, Black Rain, in 2004, yet ABK exited after the ensuing tour in 2006, leaving the group’s future in doubt. Late that year an announcement confirmed the project would continue, leading to the 2008 release of the third album, The Opaque Brotherhood, followed by an EP produced solely for sale on the supporting tour.