Rap, hip-hop artist Shaggy 2 Dope is perhaps best known for his exploits in the wrestling ring rather than his contribution to music. Born Joseph Utsler in Wayne, Michigan, the half-Polish, half-Cherokee Indian rapper has been involved in the world of wrestling since his teenage years, eventually progressing to running his own wrestling series known as 'Juggalo Championship Wrestling'.
Alongside his wrestling career Utsler formed a hip-hop group known as The Insane Clown Posse with his late brother John and friend Joseph Bruce who goes under the stage name Violent J. The Insane Clown Posse occupy a sub genre of hip-hop known as 'horrocore' which is known for its dark, violent lyrical content and outlandish live performances. This unlikely combination has earned the duo two platinum certified albums and a further five gold albums selling almost seven million units along the way.
In his private life Utsler has battled with addictions and alcoholism and has been through numerous rehab programmes. In stark contrast to his stage persona Utsler suffers from anxiety and depression and his teenage years were marrred by numerous run-ins with the law through his association with gang culture. His involvement with The Insane Clown Posse has now developed into a sizeable business employing more than 30 people with a significant annual turnover.
