The Shining (Violent J album)
| The Shining | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by Violent J | ||||
| Released | April 28, 2009 | |||
| Genre | Midwest hip hop, Horrorcore[1] | |||
| Length | 50:23 | |||
| Label | Psychopathic Records | |||
| Producer | Mike E. Clark | |||
| Violent J chronology | ||||
| ||||
The Shining is the debut solo album of American rapper Violent J. Released on April 28, 2009, it is the rapper's first full-length album and third solo release overall, following the extended plays Enter the Ghetto Zone and Wizard of the Hood. A music video for "Jealousy" was released on May 2009.
Production
Violent 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".[2] 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.[2] The title of the album refers to charisma and confidence.[2]
Violent J attempted to provide a variance for listeners by performing with different rapping styles on each track.[2] Mike E. Clark produced the majority of the album, with Eric Davie providing additional production work.[2] "Fight Club" features guest appearances by Esham and Necro.[2] "Home Invasion" features an appearance by Shaggy 2 Dope.[2] "Candyland" was developed during long late night recording sessions with Esham.[2]
Release
The album was originally intended to be released in October 2008, followed by a 20 plus date solo tour across the country.[3] 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.[3]
Due to popular demand, it was announced that Psychopathic Records would release the album nationwide, and it was also given its final title.[4] According to 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.[2] The album was released on J's 37th birthday.
Reception
| Professional ratings | |
|---|---|
| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| Allrovi |   [1] |
The Shining peaked at #5 on the Billboard Top Independent Albums chart, #14 on the Top Rap Albums chart, #28 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and #48 on the Billboard 200, with 10,000 copies sold in its first week.[5]
Track listing
| # | Title | Time | Writer(s) | Performer(s) | Producer(s) | Recorded at |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Intro" | 2:01 | Violent J Eric Davie |
Violent J | Violent J Eric Davie Akuma |
The Cabin in the Woods Studio |
| 2 | "Wake Up" | 3:50 | Violent J Mike E. Clark |
Violent J | Mike E. Clark | FunHouse Studios |
| 3 | "Fight Club" | 3:27 | Violent J Mike E. Clark |
Violent J Necro Esham |
Mike E. Clark | FunHouse Studios |
| 4 | "When I Rap" | 2:05 | Violent J Eric Davie |
Violent J | Violent J Eric Davie Akuma |
The Cabin in the Woods Studio |
| 5 | "Candy Land" | 4:00 | Violent J Esham |
Violent J Esham |
Violent J Mike E. Clark |
FunHouse Studios |
| 6 | "Get Out The Way" | 3:03 | Violent J Mike E. Clark |
Violent J | Mike E. Clark | The Cabin in the Woods Studio |
| 7 | "14 Year Old" | 4:03 | Violent J Mike E. Clark |
Violent J | Mike E. Clark | The Cabin in the Woods Studio |
| 8 | "I Get Mad" | 3:32 | Violent J Mike E. Clark |
Violent J | Mike E Clark | The Cabin in the Woods Studio |
| 9 | "Faster" | 4:22 | Violent J Mike E. Clark |
Violent J | Mike E Clark | The Cabin in the Woods Studio |
| 10 | "Jealousy" | 3:25 | Violent J Mike E. Clark |
Violent J Razor Ray |
Mike E. Clark | FunHouse Studios |
| 11 | "Home Invasion" | 4:03 | Violent J Mike E. Clark |
Insane Clown Posse | Mike E. Clark | The Cabin in the Woods Studio |
| 12 | "4 The Hoes" | 2:50 | Violent J Eric Davie |
Violent J | Violent J Eric Davie Akuma |
The Cabin in the Woods Studio |
| 13 | "Pyromaniac" | 3:37 | Violent J Mike E. Clark |
Violent J | Mike E. Clark | The Cabin in the Woods Studio |
| 14 | "Let It Go" | 3:16 | Violent J Mike E. Clark |
Violent J | Mike E Clark | The Cabin in the Woods Studio |
| 15 | "Freeway Killer" | 5:16 | Violent J Mike E Clark |
Violent J | Mike E Clark | The Cabin in the Woods Studio |
Chart positions
| Chart (2009) | Peak Position |
|---|---|
| Billboard 200 | 48[5] |
| Top Independent Albums | 5[5] |
| Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums | 28[5] |
| Top Rap Albums | 14[5] |
References
- 1 2 http://www.allrovi.com/music/album/the-shining-mw0000814950
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "Violent J Talks About The Shining and A Family Underground". Hatchet Herald. 2 (1). March 23, 2009. Retrieved 2009-03-28.
- 1 2 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. Retrieved 2009-01-27.
- 1 2 3 4 5 "Charts and awards for Violent J". Billboard. Retrieved 2009-05-10.