Introduction
The Insane Clown Posse soft drink has become almost synonymous with Faygo, a vibrant and varied soda brand. For those quickly seeking answers:
- What is the Insane Clown Posse soft drink?
- Faygo is the preferred soda by the Insane Clown Posse.
- Why do they love Faygo?
- ICP uses it during live shows to spray fans, creating a unique fan culture.
Insane Clown Posse, often abbreviated as ICP, are a rap duo from Detroit known for their theatrical performances and strong connection with fans known as Juggalos. Faygo, a colorful and diverse soda brand also hailing from Detroit, has become a staple in their performances and music. Juggalos have embraced this connection, making Faygo a crucial part of their identity and culture. Concerts often feature “Faygo Showers,” where ICP members spray the crowd with the soda, creating an energetic and unforgettable experience for the fans.
History of Faygo
Faygo’s roots trace back to November 4, 1899, when the Feigenson Brothers Bottling Drinks was founded in Detroit, Michigan. The company was started by Ben and Perry Feigenson, immigrants from Russia. The original flavors of Faygo—fruit punch, strawberry, and grape—were inspired by cake frosting recipes the brothers used in Russia.
Since its inception, Faygo has grown tremendously. In the mid-1940s, the Feigenson brothers handed over the company to their sons. The brand’s popularity started to expand beyond Michigan thanks to creative advertising strategies. In the 1950s, Faygo introduced a series of radio and television ads featuring a fictional cowboy called the Faygo Kid, promoting Faygo Old-Fashioned Root Beer.
Faygo faced a challenge due to its products having a limited shelf life. This issue was resolved in the late 1950s when company chemists installed a filtration system to remove impurities from the plant’s water. This allowed Faygo to be sold outside Michigan, broadening its market.
In the 1960s, Faygo’s popularity surged regionally, thanks in part to advertisements during Detroit Tigers games. The 1970s brought iconic commercials featuring “everyday people” singing the “Faygo Boat Song” on the Boblo Boat.
In 1987, Tree Sweet Products Corp. sold Faygo to the National Beverage Corp., marking a new chapter in the company’s history. Faygo celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2007, a testament to its enduring appeal.
The brand received significant recognition in September 2009 when Bon Appétit magazine ranked Faygo Root Beer as the best-tasting American root beer. The magazine praised it for being “dry and crisp, with a frothy head, a good bite, and a long finish.”
Faygo’s journey from a small Detroit-based company to a nationally recognized brand is a story of innovation, resilience, and community connection. It remains a beloved part of Detroit’s cultural fabric and an essential element of the Juggalo identity.
Why Faygo is the Insane Clown Posse Soft Drink
Insane Clown Posse (ICP), a rap duo from Detroit, has a special connection with Faygo. This bond between the musicians and the soda brand goes beyond just a preference; it’s a part of their identity and culture.
Faygo Showers
One of the most iconic elements of ICP concerts is the “Faygo Showers.” This is where ICP members, Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope, spray the audience with Faygo soda. This tradition started in the early days of their career and has become a staple at their shows. Fans, known as Juggalos, eagerly anticipate these showers and often bring their own bottles to join in the fun.
Violent J’s Love for Faygo
Violent J, one half of ICP, has often spoken about his love for Faygo. In interviews, he reminisces about growing up in Detroit and drinking Faygo. This connection to their hometown soda is a big part of why they incorporated it into their performances. Violent J once said, “Faygo is Detroit. It’s who we are.”
Juggalo Culture
Juggalos, the devoted fanbase of ICP, have embraced Faygo as part of their culture. At events like The Gathering of the Juggalos, Faygo is everywhere. It’s not just a drink; it’s a symbol of their community and shared identity. The act of spraying Faygo at concerts and meetups has become a way for Juggalos to bond and express their unity.
A Unique Tradition
While many bands have signature elements, few have something as unique as the Faygo tradition. This practice has helped ICP stand out in the music world and has created a lasting impression on their fans. Despite the controversies surrounding ICP, their use of Faygo has remained a beloved and unifying aspect of their performances.
In summary, Faygo is more than just a soft drink for ICP and their fans. It’s a symbol of their Detroit roots, a key part of their performances, and a unifying element in Juggalo culture. This unique tradition has helped solidify Faygo’s place in the hearts of ICP fans everywhere.
Next, we will explore the various flavors of Faygo that have become popular among Juggalos.
Popular Faygo Flavors
Faygo offers a wide range of flavors, each with its unique taste and appeal. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Fruit Punch
Fruit Punch was one of the original flavors created by the Feigenson brothers. This classic flavor is known for its vibrant red color and sweet, fruity taste.
Grape
Another original flavor, Grape Faygo, delivers a bold and juicy grape taste. It’s a favorite among many for its rich flavor and nostalgic appeal.
Redpop
Originally known as Strawberry, Redpop is a rebranded version of Faygo’s classic strawberry soda. It’s known for its bright red color and sweet, fruity flavor.
Root Beer
Root Beer Faygo has received high praise, including being ranked as the best-tasting American root beer by Bon Appétit magazine in 2009. It’s described as “dry and crisp, with a frothy head, a good bite, and a long finish.”
Moon Mist
Moon Mist is Faygo’s answer to Mountain Dew. This citrus-flavored soda combines lemon and lime for a refreshing and energizing drink. It’s one of the few Faygo flavors that contain caffeine.
Cotton Candy
For those with a sweet tooth, Cotton Candy Faygo offers a sugary, carnival-like experience. Its bright blue color and unique flavor make it a standout choice.
Firework
Firework is a newer addition to the Faygo lineup. It combines the flavors of cherry, blue raspberry, and lime, mimicking the taste of a classic ice cream truck popsicle.
Jazzin’ Bluesberry
Jazzin’ Bluesberry is a blueberry-flavored soda that offers a sweet and slightly tart taste. It’s a unique flavor that stands out in Faygo’s extensive lineup.
Candy Apple
Candy Apple Faygo captures the essence of a caramel-coated apple in soda form. It’s a sweet and tangy flavor that brings back memories of fall fairs and carnivals.
Rock & Rye
Rock & Rye is one of Faygo’s more unique flavors. It combines a creamy vanilla taste with a hint of cherry, creating a smooth and flavorful soda.
60/40
60/40 is a blend of grapefruit and lime flavors. This refreshing soda offers a perfect balance of tart and sweet, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy citrus drinks.
These flavors are just a snapshot of Faygo’s extensive lineup. Each one has its own unique taste and has contributed to Faygo’s popularity, especially among Juggalos.
Next, we will look at where you can buy Faygo, whether you’re in the Midwest or elsewhere.
Where to Buy Faygo
Faygo, the beloved insane clown posse soft drink, is widely available in the Midwest and beyond. Here’s how you can get your hands on this iconic beverage:
Midwest
The Midwest is the epicenter for Faygo, especially in Michigan. You can find a wide variety of Faygo flavors in grocery stores, convenience stores, and even dedicated Faygo vending machines. Northern Indiana and other neighboring states also have a good selection of Faygo products. Some places in Michigan even offer Faygo ice cream!
Faygo Locator
To make your search easier, Faygo provides a Faygo Locator on their official website. This tool helps you find the nearest store carrying Faygo products. Simply enter your zip code or city, and the locator will show you the closest options.
Online Retailers
If you’re not in the Midwest, don’t worry! You can still get Faygo through various online retailers. Websites like Amazon and Walmart often carry a selection of Faygo flavors. Additionally, specialty soda websites may offer more unique or hard-to-find flavors.
Dollar Stores
On the East Coast, Faygo is commonly found in dollar stores. While the selection might not be as extensive as in the Midwest, you can still find popular flavors like Redpop and Grape.
Finding Faygo has never been easier, thanks to these various options. Whether you’re a Juggalo looking for your favorite drink or just curious to try something new, Faygo is within reach.
Frequently Asked Questions about Insane Clown Posse Soft Drink
What drink does the Insane Clown Posse drink?
The Insane Clown Posse (ICP) is famously known for their love of Faygo. This Detroit-based soda brand has become a staple in their concerts, where they often spray the crowd with it. Among the many flavors, ICP members Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope particularly enjoy Root Beer, which was even recognized as one of the best root beers in America by Bon Appetit in 2009.
Does ICP own Faygo soda?
No, ICP does not own Faygo soda. The brand is actually owned by the National Beverage Corporation, which also owns LaCroix and Shasta. Faygo was originally founded by the Feigenson brothers in Detroit in 1907. While ICP has a strong association with Faygo, especially within the Juggalo community, the soda company has maintained a distance from the band, likely due to ICP’s controversial image and the FBI classifying Juggalos as a gang.
Why is Faygo the Juggalo drink?
Faygo became the Juggalo drink largely through the actions and influence of ICP. The duo began using Faygo in their performances, spraying it onto the crowd in what became known as Faygo Showers. This practice quickly caught on with their fans, known as the Juggalo Nation. The act of spraying Faygo has become a symbol of unity and identity within the Juggalo community. Violent J himself has often spoken about his love for Faygo, further cementing its status as the unofficial drink of Juggalos.
From local meetups to large gatherings like the Juggalo March on Washington, Faygo is always present, making it an integral part of the Juggalo culture.
Conclusion
At Grill Wizard Oz, we celebrate all things unique and flavorful, just like the Insane Clown Posse (ICP) and their beloved Faygo. This iconic soft drink is more than just a beverage; it’s a symbol of unity and identity within the Juggalo culture.
From its humble beginnings in Detroit, Faygo has grown to become a national sensation, thanks in part to the passionate endorsement by ICP. The duo’s love for Faygo is evident in their performances, where they shower their fans with the soda, creating unforgettable experiences known as Faygo Showers.
The Juggalo Nation, with its inclusive and anti-bigotry ethos, has embraced Faygo as their own. Whether at local meetups, concerts, or large events like the Gathering of the Juggalos, Faygo is always present, making it an integral part of their culture.
If you’re intrigued by the fascinating world of Juggalos and want to learn more about how to be a part of this unique community, check out our guide on how to be a Juggalo.
For more insights and stories about Faygo, ICP, and Juggalo culture, stay tuned to Grill Wizard Oz. We’re here to bring you the most interesting and flavorful tales from around the world.