Psychopathic Rydas
| Company type | Hip hop supergroup |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Headquarters | Detroit, Michigan , United States |
| Products | Hip hop music albums and EPs |
Psychopathic Rydas was a hip hop ensemble originating from Detroit, Michigan, established in 1999 as a side venture involving members of Insane Clown Posse and Twiztid. The collective consisted of artists affiliated with Psychopathic Records who adopted alternate aliases to perform in a gangsta rap fashion. Principal participants included Violent J, Shaggy 2 Dope, Jamie Madrox, Monoxide Child, and Blaze Ya Dead Homie.
History
The formation of Psychopathic Rydas aimed to respond to detractors who dismissed Psychopathic Records' performers as "wannabe rappers" and to highlight the label’s growing artist lineup. The initial roster featured Violent J (known as Bullet) and Shaggy 2 Dope (Full Clip) from Insane Clown Posse; Jamie Madrox (Lil' Shank) and Monoxide (Foe Foe) from Twiztid; Myzery (Twin Gatz); along with Blaze Ya Dead Homie (Cell Block).
Their first release, Dumpin', was distributed as part of a promotional campaign tied to Insane Clown Posse's The Amazing Jeckel Brothers album on the Joe & Joey Records label. Due to the use of unauthorized samples, Psychopathic Rydas’ albums were unable to be officially released through conventional distribution methods.
Although plans for individual albums featuring members’ Rydas alter egos were partially fulfilled with tracks appearing across various projects between 2001 and 2023—including Twiztid's mixtape For the Fam, Vol. 3 and Blaze Ya Dead Homie's compilation Graveyard Greats, Volume 2—some solo efforts remain unreleased.
After Twin Gatz exited following the release of Dumpin', the quintet proceeded to launch Ryden Dirtay in 2001, which attained #46 on the Billboard Independent Albums chart. In 2004, the group expanded by incorporating Anybody Killa (Sawed Off) and Esham (Converse), leading to releases such as the Limited Edition EP and Check Your Shit in Bitch!. Following the departures of Converse and Sawed Off from Psychopathic Records in 2005 and 2006 respectively, original members resumed activity and were later joined by Boondox (Yung Dirt) for the 2007 album Duk Da Fuk Down.
Sawed Off rejoined in 2011, resulting in a seven-member lineup that produced the Backdoor Ryda EP and EatShitNDie, which became their final group outputs. Between 2012 and 2015, various members left Psychopathic Records to establish Majik Ninja Entertainment or focus on solo careers. Their last live appearance was in 2015, after which the group ceased operations.
Though Bullet and Full Clip have hinted at potential reunions, no formal plans have been announced. In 2019, Lil' Shank, Foe Foe, Cell Block, and Yung Dirt created a spin-off ensemble called The Rydas under Majik Ninja Entertainment, releasing a self-titled album in January 2020. Additionally, Twin Gatz and Sawed Off have independently released solo albums under their Rydas personas outside of Psychopathic Records.
Music and Style
Psychopathic Rydas are recognized for utilizing instrumentals from well-known gangsta rap performers without obtaining official authorization or licenses, effectively creating unofficial bootleg recordings. This method restricted their ability to distribute music through standard commercial avenues. Their initial album Dumpin' was originally circulated as a promotional item included with Insane Clown Posse’s album liner notes.
Discography
- Dumpin' (1999)
- The Pendulum #7 EP (2001)
- Ryden Dirtay (2001)
- Limited Edition EP (2004)
- Check Your Shit in Bitch! (2004)
- Duk Da Fuk Down (2007)
- Backdoor Ryda EP (2011)
- EatShitNDie (2011)
Members
- Violent J portrayed Bullet (1999–2015)
- Shaggy 2 Dope performed as Full Clip (1999–2015)
- Jamie Madrox took on the role of Lil' Shank (1999–2015)
- Monoxide Child acted as Foe Foe (1999–2015)
- Blaze Ya Dead Homie assumed the character Cell Block (1999–2015)
- Myzery represented Twin Gatz (1999–2000)
- Anybody Killa featured as Sawed Off (2002–2006; 2008–2015)
- Esham embodied Converse (2002–2005)
- Boondox adopted the alias Yung Dirt (2007–2012; 2013–2015)