Insane Clown Posse Signs With Island Records

The Insane Clown Posse, the controversial Detroit rap duo whose album was recalled from stores last month by Disney-owned Hollywood Records because of “inappropriate” lyrics, has found a new home at Island Records.

Island officials said Wednesday that they hope to release an expanded version of the record, “The Great Milenko,” as early as Aug. 12. The 16-track collection will include three songs the group cut from the original release at the request of Disney officials, according to ICP manager Alex Abbiss.

“We feel great, great, great relief that this conflict is finally over with,” Abbiss said. “We’re glad to find a new home with somebody who understands ICP and is really eager to put the record out and make it happen. . . .

“We want to go back to just being a normal band.”

Hooman Majd, executive vice president of Island, said the label is eager to re-release “The Great Milenko,” which he described as a “completely defensible” record.

“Obviously, the notoriety didn’t hurt,” Majd said of Island’s reason for pursuing the cartoonish group. “But I heard the album and thought it was really great. Their whole thing about how they market themselves and what they’re promoting and what they’re doing is fantastic. It’s show business, and it’s great to be a part of it.”

Though he wouldn’t reveal a figure, Majd acknowledged that Island paid Hollywood for the rights to “The Great Milenko.” Hollywood reportedly was demanding as much as $1 million for the controversial record.

“The fact is, they had a big investment and they wanted to recoup some of it,” Majd said. “The reality is, we are getting a finished, mastered record. And one should probably pay for that.”

A Hollywood Records spokeswoman said of the departing duo, Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope: “We wish them well.”

Abbiss said that the Insane Clown Posse, which was virtually unknown outside the Midwest before last month, plans to launch a national tour in August, including a stop late in the month at the Hollywood American Legion Hall.

Meanwhile, with most retailers keeping their original shipments, “The Great Milenko” continues to sell. Of the original shipment of 100,000 copies, nearly 43,000 have been sold, according to SoundScan.