"Homies" is a song written by Insane Clown Posse, Mike Puwal and Twiztid for ICP's 2002 album . After the 1992 single "Psychopathic", "Homies" is the second single released by the group to not be produced by Mike E. Clark, who had stopped working with Psychopathic Records due to a disagreement with ICP's Joseph Bruce and Joseph Utsler. Clark later produced a remix of the song, which appeared on Forgotten FreshnessVolume 4, after Clark reconciled with ICP. A single was released later in the year, and a music video for the song was produced, featuring appearances by the entire Psychopathic Records roster at the time, which included Anybody Killa, Blaze Ya Dead Homie, Esham and Zug Izland. The song's lyrics focus on the positive aspects of friendship, and is more upbeat and cheerful than Insane Clown Posse is generally known for. Unlike most of Insane Clown Posse's work, the song has been well-received by critics.
Recording
During the recording of ICP's double album releases Bizzar and Bizaar, the duo had a falling out with producer Mike E. Clark, and decided to record The Wraith: Shangri-La without him. In 2001, Insane Clown Posse built its own studio called "The Lotus Pod" in Detroit, Michigan. After brainstorming in seclusion about the album, the group traveled to recording studios across the United States to produceThe Wraith: Shangri-La. They began writing and recording in Dallas, Texas along with Zug Izland and producer Mike Puwal.
Lyrics and music
Puwal offered Insane Clown Posse a sound Bruce described as being more pop-oriented. Writer Bradley Torreano of Allmusic describes "Homies" as the group's most positive song, and a "laid-back rock track." The lyrics describe the positive aspects of loyalty and friendship.
Music video
A music video was produced for the song, featuring Insane Clown Posse, Twiztid and Zug Izland, as well as appearances by Anybody Killa, Blaze Ya Dead Homie, Esham and Psychopathic Records employees. It was reissued on the DVD in 2007.
Reception
Allmusic and Spin both gave "Homies" positive reviews