On the good ship Juggalo

Dark Carnival Cruise Lines
By EUGENIA WILLIAMSON  |  May 9, 2011
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I spent the wee hours of Saturday morning bobbing along the East River with the Insane Clown Posse. To celebrate their first New York City show in nearly a decade, the rap duo had invited around 300 Juggalos to a party aboard a bi-level cruise ship called the Jewel. The following is an account of what transpired.

12:38 AM We arrive at the harbor. Dozens of Juggalos stand in an orderly line. Empty two-liters of Faygo litter the ground.

12:43 AM The Juggalos begin to whoop.

1:02 AM Aboard the Juggaboat, the DJs have already started spinning. I climb the stairs to the upper deck, where Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope sign autographs and pose for pictures with fans. The Juggalos chant "ICP!" I grow afraid.

1:10 AM I discover the existence of hot-pink Hatchet Man minidresses.

1:19 AM A Juggalo offers me his joint. The Juggalos are nothing if not generous.

1:34 AM The waters are calm, the Juggalos placid.

1:40 AM A Juggalo asks if I'm media, then half-jokingly threatens to throw me overboard. If I die on this boat, will I go to Shangri-La?

1:44 AM The mob accosts a girl: "Show your tits! Show your tits!" No tits are shown; the mob disperses.

1:53 AM I discern the Juggalo sitting next to me is being interviewed by the New York Times.

1:54 AM Downstairs, 30 Juggalos dance in a circle. I spot a buffet of Caesar salad, chicken strips, and boiled hot dogs.  

>> SLIDESHOWInsane Clown Posse's Juggalo cruise <<

1:59 AM The DJ puts on Tech N9ne's "Areola," delighting the Juggalos. "Whoop, areola!" they cheer. The Statue of Liberty comes into view.

2:41 AM The DJ plays "Juggalo Island." Will we be interred there?

2:45 AM Jugalettes make out on the dance floor.

3:17 AM A moshing Juggalo pushes me, then smiles. I head upstairs. My photographer later tells me I missed the Juggalo line dance, "Chop Chop Slide."

3:57 AM We dock. "ICP!" chant the Juggalos.

4:20 AM "Be good, ninja," says one Juggalo to another, as they disappear into the night.

Related: Photos: Insane Clown Posse's Juggalo cruise, Cambridge author Caleb Neelon traces graffiti's hidden history, Review: 2 Days In New York, More more >
  Topics: Lifestyle Features , New York City, New York Times, Insane Clown Posse,  More more >
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