Books like behind the paint

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 up 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, South 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.