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What Is Horrorcore?

Posted Oct 6th 2009 3:40PM by Scott Tomford
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While many might have heard of acts like the Insane Clown Posse and Flatlinerz, the name "horrorcore" doesn't always ring a bell right away. Horrorcore is a genre of rap first popularized in the mid-90s, first groups like Gravediggaz and Ganksta N-I-P, and the genre was later adopted by a generation of rappers that includes Twiztid and Prozak.

The "horror" in "horrorcore" derives from artists in the genre deriving much of their lyrical inspiration from horror movies, with common themes including murder, Satanism, rape and cannibalism, among others. Because of the dark content of the lyrics, horrorcore rappers are often associated with death metal, though the intense instrumentals on many songs also cause this association.

While horrorcore is not always used to describe these artists, the genre is now being revisited in light of horrorcore rapper Syko Sam being suspected of the murder of Pastor Mark Niederbrock, daughter Emma Niederbrock, and two others. Not only is Syko Sam's connection to these murder being publicized, but his music and lyrics are gaining attention as possible warning signs for Sam's recent actions.

Filed under: Hip-Hop
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8 Comments

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megaforgotmyname

This Horrorcore stikes a good chord in me.

August 25 2011 at 12:19 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

RIchDehobl

This music isnt causing children to kill its the upbringing and parents who havent raised their kids right. Horror movies, novels and comics have millions of fans that haven't killed. Why focus on the ones who have? Artists like ICP and Mars aren't to blame. Get it right.

December 01 2010 at 3:11 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

stevenbcochran

Esham was the artist who began the horrorcore genre.....get it straight y'all.

November 07 2010 at 4:19 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Rob

I feel that only you can affect your outcome in life, so let these idiots rap...Only idiots would succumb to take anything they say into consideration...I feel this is not the "Devil's Work" or it is "politically incorrect", but it is just nonsense that these "grown up men" (yeah right) say. And as to the Lord helping us, we must help ourselves before any outside source can, whether it be the christian God,the Buddha, or Alla

October 12 2009 at 11:25 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

brandallsb

It really is just immatures looking for shock value. Not much is shocking anymore - after the nudity and oversexed stuff we allow our kids to consume...even drugs and alcohol are blase'. What is left? Blood and guts and hurting things..it is very scary. I was young and didnt think of consequences, but now I know better. now I pray for wisdom and others..lord help us

October 11 2009 at 5:24 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

mdenise0217

I am a 65 year old great grandmother and a devout christian. It breaks my heart that our young peoples minds are being poisoned by this garbage. this just shows that the devil is really on his job.

October 11 2009 at 2:13 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

1 reply to mdenise0217's comment

zcook32

i agree

January 14 2010 at 7:32 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Robin

I live in sw fla. and our mayor is trying to ban hip hop and rap concerts from coming to our town because of the violence. Well it's wrong. If parents let their kids watch and listen to this kind of music under supervision, there is nothing wrong with it. My kids grew up listening to rap music Wu Tang Clan, and they are no more violent than a new born baby. And i liked that song. and i have no more doings with the devil than my kids which are grown and have kids of their own. Go hipo hop and video games.

October 09 2009 at 2:27 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply