The Shining is the debut solo full-length studio album by American rapper and record producer Violent J. It was released on April 28, 2009, through Psychopathic Records. Recording sessions took place at the Cabin In The Woods Studio and the Fun House Studio in Michigan. Production was handled by Mike E. Clark and Violent J himself. It features guest appearances from Esham, Necro and Shaggy 2 Dope. The album's title and cover art pay homage to Stanley Kubrick's 1980 psychological horror film The Shining.
| The Shining | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | April 28, 2009 | |||
| Recorded | 2008–2009 | |||
| Studio | ||||
| Genre | ||||
| Label | Psychopathic | |||
| Producer | ||||
| Violent J chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [1] |
The album debuted at number 48 on the Billboard 200, number 28 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, number 14 on the Top Rap Albums and number 5 on the Independent Albums charts in the United States.
A music video for the song "Jealousy" was released on May 8, 2009.[2] The song was later used in 2021 documentary music film The United States of Insanity.
Production
editViolent 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".[3] 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.[3] The title of the album refers to charisma and confidence.[3]
Violent J attempted to provide a variance for listeners by performing with different rapping styles on each track.[3] Mike E. Clark produced the majority of the album, with Eric Davie providing additional production work.[3] "Candyland" was developed during long late night recording sessions with Esham.[3]
Release
editThe album was originally intended to be released in October 2008, followed by a 20 plus date solo tour across the country.[4] 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.[4]
Due to popular demand, it was announced that Psychopathic Records would release the album nationwide, and it was also given its final title.[5] According to Violent 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.[3] The album was released on Violent J's 37th birthday.
Track listing
editAll lyrics are written by Joseph Bruce.
| No. | Title | Music | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Intro" |
| 2:00 | |
| 2. | "Wake Up" | Mike E. Clark | 3:50 | |
| 3. | "Fight Club" (featuring Esham and Necro) | Mike E. Clark |
| 3:27 |
| 4. | "When I Rap" |
| 2:05 | |
| 5. | "Candy Land" (featuring Esham) | Mike E. Clark |
| 4:00 |
| 6. | "Get out the Way" | Mike E. Clark |
| 3:03 |
| 7. | "14 Year Old" | Mike E. Clark |
| 4:02 |
| 8. | "I Get Mad" | Mike E. Clark |
| 3:31 |
| 9. | "Faster" | Mike E. Clark |
| 4:22 |
| 10. | "Jealousy" | Mike E. Clark |
| 3:25 |
| 11. | "Home Invasion" (featuring Shaggy 2 Dope) | Mike E. Clark |
| 4:02 |
| 12. | "4 the Hoes" |
| 2:49 | |
| 13. | "Pyromaniac" | Mike E. Clark |
| 3:37 |
| 14. | "Let It Go" | Mike E. Clark |
| 3:16 |
| 15. | "???" | Mike E. Clark |
| 5:16 |
Personnel
edit- Joseph "Violent J" Bruce — lyrics, vocals, producer; programming, engineering, recording & mixing (tracks: 1, 4, 12)
- Esham A. Smith — vocals (tracks: 3, 5)
- Ron "Necro" Braunstein — vocals (track 3)
- Joseph "Shaggy 2 Dope" Utsler — vocals (track 11)
- Juan Ramon "Razor Ray" Reyes — additional guitar (track 10)
- Mike E. Clark — producer; programming, engineering, recording & mixing (tracks: 2, 3, 5-11, 13-15)
- Eric Davie — programming, engineering, recording & mixing (tracks: 1, 4, 12)
- Brian Kuma — recording & mixing (tracks: 1, 4, 12)
- Brian Debler — artwork, layout
- Billy Dail — management
Charts
edit| Chart (2009) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard 200[6] | 48 |
| US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard)[7] | 28 |
| US Top Rap Albums (Billboard)[8] | 14 |
| US Independent Albums (Billboard)[9] | 5 |
References
edit- ^ Monger, James Christopher. "The Shining - Violent J | Album | AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved June 10, 2024.
- ^ "Violent J - Jealousy". YouTube. May 8, 2009. Retrieved June 10, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Violent J Talks About The Shining and A Family Underground". Hatchet Herald. 2 (1). March 23, 2009. Retrieved 2009-03-28.
- ^ a b Insane Clown Posse (Presenters). Gathering 2008 - ICP Seminar (Videotape). Event occurs at 1:30. Retrieved 2008-08-17.
- ^ Violent J, as "Fats Pepper". January 2009 - Weekly Freekly Weekly. Psychopathic Records. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21. Retrieved 2009-01-27.
- ^ "The Billboard 200". Billboard. Vol. 121, no. 19. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. May 16, 2009. p. 50. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved June 10, 2024.
- ^ "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums". Billboard. Vol. 121, no. 19. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. May 16, 2009. p. 58. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved June 10, 2024.
- ^ "Top Rap Albums". Billboard. May 16, 2009. Retrieved June 10, 2024.
- ^ "Top Independent Albums". Billboard. Vol. 121, no. 19. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. May 16, 2009. p. 52. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved June 10, 2024.
External links
edit- Violent J – The Shining at Discogs (list of releases)