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. A song with the same title had previously been released on the album Carnival of Carnage.
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 (Twiztid's Monoxide), who only needs somebody to smoke with, the Tin Man (Twiztid's Jamie Madrox), who wants a "gat", and the Lion (Blaze Ya Dead Homie), 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 (2016) complete with changing sets and Twiztid and Blaze Ya Dead Homie will be on stage to do their parts.
Track listing
#TitleTimeWriter(s)Performer(s)1"Intro"0:40Violent JMike PuwalViolent J2"Let It Rain"2:42Violent JMike PuwalViolent J3"Yellow Brick Alleyway"3:19Violent JMike PuwalViolent JLegz Diamond4"Homies 2 Smoke With"3:52Violent JMike PuwalViolent JMonoxide5"Thug Whilin'"3:13Violent JMike PuwalViolent JTwiztid6"Horribly Horrifying"5:13Violent JMike PuwalViolent JTriple Threat7"What You Thinkin' About?"3:30Violent JMike PuwalViolent JTriple Threat8"Shiny Diamonds"3:44Violent JMike PuwalViolent J9"The Wizard's Palace"2:51Violent JMike PuwalDark LotusBonus tracks:10"Axes Swingin'"2:04Violent JMike PuwalViolent J11"Multiple Myselves"2:59Violent JMike PuwalViolent J"Collector's Edition" bonus tracks:10"My Shine"3:22Violent JMike PuwalViolent J11"Bloody Bitch Dead"2:47Violent JMike PuwalViolent J
Cast Violent J — Violent J Monoxide — Scarecrow Madrox — Tin Tizzy Blaze Ya Dead Homie — The Lion Anybody Killa — Palace Guard Shaggy 2 Dope — The Wizard
Chart positions
Chart (1999)Peak PositionBillboard 20089Top Independent Albums3Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums31
References