Violent J

About

Joseph Frank Bruce (born April 28, 1972), known by his stage name Violent J, is an American rapper, record producer, professional wrestler, actor, and part of the hip hop duo Insane Clown Posse (ICP). He is a co-founder of the record label Psychopathic Records, with fellow ICP rapper Shaggy 2 Dope (Joseph Utsler) and their former manager, Alex Abbiss. Also along with Utsler, Bruce is the co-founder of the professional wrestling promotion Juggalo Championship Wrestling.

Bruce was born in Berkley, Michigan, as the last born of three children. His father, Richard Bruce, stole all of the family’s money and left when Bruce was two years old. Joe’s mother, Linda, was forced to care for him and his siblings, older brother Robert and younger sister Theresa, off the income she made as a janitor. At age seven, the brothers caught a butterfly, and both were fascinated by the vibrant colors and overall peacefulness of the creature. They kept the butterfly in a jar overnight, and intended to free it the following morning. When they awoke, the brothers found the butterfly had died, and felt as if they had committed a murder. The brothers made a vow that “one day, [they] will make…