Behind the Paint

Behind the Paint

Behind the Paint first edition cover.
Author	Joseph Bruce Hobey Echlin
Cover artist	Meecal Gibson
Country	United States
Language	English
Subject	Autobiography
Publisher	Psychopathic Records
Publication date	July 2003
Media type	Print (Hardcover)
Pages	596
ISBN
OCLC	53312411

Behind the Paint is the 2003 autobiography of American hip hop artist Joseph Bruce, better known as Violent J, one half of the Detroit, Michigan hip hop group Insane Clown Posse. The book focuses on Bruce's entire life until 2002. It begins with a chronological account of his childhood, professional wrestling career, and musical career, including the conception of Insane Clown Posse's Dark Carnival mythology and the development of their fan base, known as "Juggalos".

Behind the Paint opens with Bruce’s father stealing all of the family's money and leaving when Joe was two years old. His mother briefly marries an abusive man that molests Joe and his older siblings Robert and Theresa. Joe later meets John and Joey Utsler, and the group’s backyard wrestling, musical, and gang activities are chronicled. Bruce recalls briefly living in Bonnie Doone, North Carolina at the age of 17, and cites the open racism that he witnessed there as a source of the hatred for bigots referenced in future Insane Clown Posse's lyrics.

The book describes the group's genesis, including Bruce's involvement in professional wrestling, the formation of group Inner City Posse with John and Joey Utlser, as well as establishing their record label Psychopathic Records. The book also discusses the beginnings of what would become Insane Clown Posse and the origins of the group's Dark Carnival mythology, and the albums inspired by it.