He was also a part of the hip-hop supergroup La Coka Nostra, which consists of his former House of Pain mates, Danny Boy and DJ Lethal along with underground rap veteran Ill Bill and Irish-American rapper Slaine. On July 14, 2009, they released their debut album, 'A Brand You Can Trust', through Uncle Howie Records and Suburban Noize Records.
Everlast was born in Valley Stream, New York of Irish descent. His grandfather was of German descent. Emerging as a member of the Rhyme Syndicate, Everlast's first solo album Forever Everlasting (1990), largely made possible by MC Ice T, was a disappointment both critically and commercially. Following the album's failure, Everlast teamed up with DJ Lethal and high school friend Danny Boy to form House of Pain. The group was signed to Tommy Boy Records, and their eponymous debut album, House of Pain (1992), went multi-platinum, spawning the successful DJ Muggs produced single Jump Around. This song was also remixed twice by Pete Rock, one version featuring a verse from him and one without. The album also featured Cypress Hill member, B-Real, on the song Put Your Head Out.
Fashioning themselves as rowdy Irish American hooligans (Lethal is actually of Latvian heritage), they toured with various rap and alternative-rock bands after their breakthrough. They participated together with Helmet, along with several other rap acts, on the influential 1993 rock-rap collaborative Judgment Night movie soundtrack. The group eventually disbanded in 1996, with Everlast pursuing a solo career.
Everlast's second solo album Whitey Ford Sings the Blues (1998)-- which was released a full eight years after his solo debut and after he had a major heart attack – was both a commercial and critical success (selling more than 3 million copies). Whitey Ford Sings the Blues was hailed for its blend of rap with acoustic and electric guitars, developed by Everlast together with producers Dante Ross and John Gamble. The album's lead single What It's Like proved to be his most popular and successful song, although the follow up single, Ends, also reached the rock top 10.
Everlast followed-up this success by collaborating with Santana on the track Put Your Lights On on Santana's 1999 album Supernatural. It charted at #118 on the pop chart, but did considerably better with rock radio airplay, peaking at #8 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. "Put Your Lights On" won Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal at the 2000 Grammy Awards.
Despite the success of Whitey Ford Sings the Blues and his success with Santana, Everlast's follow-up album, Eat at Whitey's (2000), stumbled commercially at first in the United States. However, it was eventually certified gold. The album was also embraced critically, especially by Rolling Stone Magazine, which reviewed the album between "good" and "great" and focused on it as that month's most important release.
Shortly after both artists contributed tracks to the End of Days soundtrack, a feud erupted between Everlast and Eminem. Eminem and Everlast crossed paths before a concert in early 1999. Eminem says he didn't greet Everlast because he didn't recognize him right away, and said Everlast didn't acknowledge him. Everlast's version is that he tried to congratulate Eminem on his success, and Eminem blew him off. Either way, Everlast's verse from the Dilated Peoples all star track Ear Drums Pop (Remix) contained a thinly veiled reference to Eminem "I buck a .380 on ones that act shady", and went on to warn "You might catch a beatdown now where I come from" in his recounting of the incident.
Eminem, in turn, ripped Everlast several times in public and with the song I Remember (Dedication To Whitey Ford) released as the b-side to his group D12's 12" vinyl single Shit On You. In it, Eminem talks about how he remembered Everlast's music, however, "Kid Rock and Limp Bizkit came along now / Don't nobody wanna hear your old ass sing no more."
Everlast responded with the track Whitey's Revenge, released only on his official website. Whereas the song contained references to Eminem's strained relationships with his wife and mother, it was "Better run and check your kid for your DNA", again referring to Eminem's daughter, Hailie Jade Mathers, that set Eminem off.
Eminem & D12 responded with Quitter, the first half uses the backing of Eminem's own song Marshall Mathers, the second half of which is a take off on 2Pac's Hit Em Up (a diss song aimed at The Notorious B.I.G.). In it, he warns Everlast, "If you talk about my little girl in a song again, I’ma kill you." The track ends with the spoken words, "Fuck him, that’s it, I’m done, I promise, I’m done, that’s it," and again warning, "Mention my daughter’s name in a song again you fucking punk."
Everlast echoed similar sentiment on the status of this feud, stating in various interviews that he felt everything had been said and he would now refrain from further responses.
After the sale of the Tommy Boy Records' catalog of master tapes to Warner Bros. Records and its metamorphosis to a dance music label in 2002, Everlast was without a label, but in 2003 he signed with Island Def Jam. His fourth solo album, White Trash Beautiful (2004), was subsequently released after almost a four-year hiatus. The album, which had an almost country-rap feel, received mixed reviews and was a commercial failure. Eventually, Everlast was released from his contract.
In early 2006, Everlast teamed up with his former House of Pain mates DJ Lethal and Danny Boy to join the hip-hop group La Coka Nostra.The group first came to be due to the former House of Pain Hype man Danny Boy starting the group as a collective with rappers Slaine and Big Left (who has since left the group). Soon after the group started, Ill Bill of a now disbanded Non Phixion and Everlast joined the group. Their first known song was Fuck Tony Montana, which features Cypress Hill's MC B Real and Sick Jacken. Due to the popularity of the song online, the group released several more online for free. The group's debut album, A Brand You Can Trust, was released on July 14. The album features guests like Snoop Dogg, B Real, Bun B, Immortal Technique, Sick Jacken and Q-Unique. La Coka Nostra recently joined the likes of Nas and Ill Bill's brother, Necro on Rock The Bells.
In 2007, Everlast was chosen to do the theme song for the TV show Saving Grace. The song,Saving Grace, plays during the show's main title sequence, and was originally released to digital outlets only, however, it was also included on Everlast's fifth solo album, Love, War and the Ghost of Whitey Ford. The album was released on September 23, 2008, on Everlast's own record label Martyr Inc, with distribution by Hickory Records/Sony/ATV Music Publishing (It was revealed through diditleak.co.uk that the album leaked out early on Friday, August 29). A second single and video, Letters Home From The Garden Of Stone, was released for free download from martyr-inc.com in December 2007. The third single, a cover of Johnny Cash's Folsom Prison Blues, was released to download on August 19. The Video for Stone in My Hand debuted on the martyr-inc website on October 28, 2008, making it the fourth video for the album.
Discography
Forever Everlasting
* Released: March 27, 1990
* Label: Warner Bros. Records
* Singles: "Never Missin' a Beat", "The Rhythm", "I Got the Knack"
Whitey Ford Sings the Blues
* Released: September 8, 1998 (2× Multi-Platinum)
* Label: Tommy Boy Records
* Singles: "What It's Like", "Ends", "Painkillers"
Today (EP)
* Released: 1999
* Label: Tommy Boy Records
* Singles: -
Eat at Whitey's
* Released: October 17, 2000 (Gold)
* Label: Tommy Boy Records
* Singles: "Black Jesus", "Deadly Assassins", "I Can't Move"
White Trash Beautiful
* Released: May 25, 2004
* Label: Island Def Jam
* Singles: "White Trash Beautiful", "Sleepin' Alone", "Blinded By The Sun", "Sad Girl", "Lonely Road"
Love, War and The Ghost of Whitey Ford
* Release Date: September 23, 2008
* Label: Martyr Inc.
* U.S. sales: 6,500+ in its first week.
* Singles: "Letters Home from the Garden of Stone", "Folsom Prison Blues", "Stone In My Hand"
Selected Guest Appearances
* Ice-T - What Ya Wanna Do? (]The Iceberg, 1989)
* Bronx Style Bob - Ode II Junior (Grandma's Ghost, 1992)
* The Whooliganz - Hit the Deck (Put Your Handz Up (Single), 1993)
* Madonna/artist] - Waiting (Remix) (Rain (Maxi-Single), 1993)
* Nice & Smooth - Save the Children (Jewel of the Nile, 1993)
* Lordz of Brooklyn - Gravesend (Lake Of Fire) (Gravesend (Soundtrack), 1997)
* Carlos Santana - Put Your Lights On (Supernatural, 1999)
* Swollen Members - Bottle Rocket (Balance, 1999)
* SX-10 - Rhyme in the Chamber (Mad Dog American, 2000)
* Dilated Peoples - Ear Drums Pop (Remix) (The Platform, 2000)
* DJ Muggs - Razor to Your Throat (Soul Assassins II, 2000)
* Run DMC - Take the Money and Run (Crown Royal, 2001)
* Kurupt - Kuruption! (Space Boogie: Smoke Oddessey, 2001)
* Limp Bizkit - Faith/Fame Remix (New Old Songs, 2001)
* Hesher - Whose Generation (Hesher, 2001)
* X-Ecutioners - B-Boy Punk Rock 2001 (Built From Scratch, 2002)
* DJ Muggs - Gone for Good (Dust, 2003)
* Danny Diablo - Rise Above (Street CD Vol 2, 2005)
* The Lordz - "The Brooklyn Way" (The Brooklyn Way, 2006)
* Swollen Members - Put Me On (Black Magic, 2006)
* Snoop Dogg - My Medicine (Ego Trippin', 2008)
* Ill Bill - Only Time Will Tell "Pain Gang"(The Hour of Reprisal, 2008)
* Swollen Members - Dumb (Armed to the Teeth, 2009)
Soundtracks
* Judgment Night (1993) -- "Just Another Victim" Helmet & House of Pain
* Gravesend (1997) -- "Gravesend (Lake of Fire)" w/ Lordz of Brooklyn; "Some Nights (Are Better Than Others)"
* End of Days (1999) -- "So Long"
* Big Daddy (1999) -- "Only Love Can Break Your Heart"
* Black & White (2000) -- "Life's A Bitch"
* King of the Jungle (2000) --"Love for Real (Remix)" feat. N'Dea Davenport
* Ali (2001) -- "The Greatest"
* Saving Grace (TV series) (2007) -- Saving Grace
Birth Name: Erik Schrody
Also Known As: Whitey Ford, Mr. White, Whitey Farad
Born: August 18, 1969 (1969-08-18) (age 40)
Origins: Valley Stream, New York
Genres: Blues, Hip hop, Rock, Alternative, Country-rap
Instruments: Vocals, Emceeing, Guitar
Years Active: 1988–Present
Labels: Martyr Inc. Records. Warner Bros. Records, Tommy Boy/Warner Bros. Records, Island/ IDJMG/ Universal Records, PIAS Recordings
Associated Acts: House of Pain, La Coka Nostra, Soul Assassins, Cypress Hill, Rhyme Syndicate, B-Real, Carlos Santana
The Crown
Everlast Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And a hardened heart
They say you've got to be tough
If you ain't that smart
I'm sitting here alone
Waiting for my phone to ring
Run out of time
The boys on the corner never run out of dope
I keep myself high
So I can keep doing my thing
They say "Stupid is as stupid does
And everything's the same as it ever was"
I drink myself blind
Trying to find a new song to sing
Time is money,
And money talks
Bartender, pour me one more whiskey on the rocks
While i try to understand
Why every man wants to be king
Heavy is the head that wears the crown
(Wears the crown)
Everybody kicks you when you're down
(When you're down)
Laugh for now; later you can frown
(You can frown)
Heavy is the head that wears the crown
(Wears the crown)
With a sweet disposition
And an iron will
A couple nice cars
And a house on a hill
my back account's full
But my soul is still empty and cold
All the money and the clothes
And the sold out shows
Don't mean a damn thing when nobody knows you
And your home is just a house
When you're sitting there alone and you're old
I heard love is a game
I heard love is a rock
And I heard love is a house on a dead end block
But the ending keeps changing every time that the story gets told
Some pray for money
Some pray for rain
And some are just praying for relief from the pain
But some of us will buy
Just about anything we can be sold
Heavy is the head that wears the crown
(Wears the crown)
Everybody kicks you when you're down
(When you're down)
Laugh for now; later you can frown
(You can frown)
Heavy is the head that wears the crown
(Wears the crown)
I'm a mean old dog
Got a big old gun
I'm a proud new papa
I'm an only son
I'm a beggar
I'm a thief
I'm a liar and a cheater too
I've been around the block
I've been around the sun
I've been up
I've been down
I've been over and done
I've seen the bottom of the pile
And the mountain top
Either will do
Heavy is the head that wears the crown
(Wears the crown)
Everybody kicks you when you're down
(When you're down)
Laugh for now; later you can frown
(You can frown)
Heavy is the head that wears the crown
(Wears the crown)
The Everlast song "The Crown" explores the struggles that come with fame and success. The lyrics are told from the perspective of somebody who has achieved fame, wealth and respect, but is still searching for meaning in their life. The "soft underbelly" and "hardened heart" describes the emotional contradiction that comes with public adoration, but private loneliness. The first verse describes the sense of isolation and desperation that can come with being at the top of the game, and surrounded by vice.
The second verse explores the theme of money not bringing happiness, as Everlast sings about the emptiness that can come with success. The lines "All the money and the clothes, and the sold-out shows, don't mean a damn thing when nobody knows you, and your home is just a house when you're sitting there alone and you're old" depict the emotional fatigue that can come from the constant pressure to remain on top, and the fear of losing value once the euphoria of success has worn off.
Line by Line Meaning
With a soft underbelly
Despite having a weak spot, I still act tough.
And a hardened heart
My heart has become toughened over time.
They say you've got to be tough
Society expects people to be strong.
If you ain't that smart
People who aren't intellectually gifted are seen as weak.
I'm sitting here alone
I'm isolated and lonely.
Waiting for my phone to ring
I'm hoping for some kind of outreach.
Run out of time
I'm running out of chances.
Run out of hope
My optimism is dwindling.
The boys on the corner never run out of dope
The drug dealers are always prepared.
I keep myself high
I use drugs to cope/escape.
So I can keep doing my thing
I need the drugs to continue functioning.
They say "Stupid is as stupid does
There's a correlation between doing foolish things and being seen as a fool.
And everything's the same as it ever was"
Society's negative outlook never changes.
I drink myself blind
Alcohol is my best friend.
Trying to find a new song to sing
I'm searching for a new beginning.
Time is money,
Time is valuable and expensive.
And money talks
Money has the power to influence people.
Bartender, pour me one more whiskey on the rocks
I'm trying to drown my sorrows with alcohol.
While i try to understand
I'm seeking answers to my questions.
Why every man wants to be king
I don't understand why people have a desire for power.
Heavy is the head that wears the crown
The pressure of being a leader can be immense.
(Wears the crown)
Everybody kicks you when you're down
People are inclined to take advantage of leaders when they're most vulnerable.
(When you're down)
Laugh for now; later you can frown
I'm trying to enjoy the good times while I still can.
(You can frown)
With a sweet disposition
I can be kind and gentle.
And an iron will
But I'm still very determined and stubborn.
A couple nice cars
I have some material wealth.
And a house on a hill
I live in a desirable location.
my back account's full
I have a lot of money in savings.
But my soul is still empty and cold
But I'm unfulfilled and unhappy.
All the money and the clothes
Material wealth still can't satisfy me.
And the sold out shows
Even the adulation of fans doesn't make me happy.
Don't mean a damn thing when nobody knows you
Popularity is meaningless if it's superficial.
And your home is just a house
Even a luxurious home can feel empty and devoid of warmth.
When you're sitting there alone and you're old
Loneliness can become more poignant as one grows older.
I heard love is a game
I've heard love can be both fun and dangerous.
I heard love is a rock
I've heard love can be both a source of strength and a burden.
And I heard love is a house on a dead end block
I've heard love can feel like a dead end.
But the ending keeps changing every time that the story gets told
Love can have a different outcome depending on the situation.
Some pray for money
People are perhaps too focused on wealth.
Some pray for rain
Others pray for more practical things, such as food or water.
And some are just praying for relief from the pain
Others are simply wishing for respite from their troubles.
But some of us will buy
Some people will purchase even things they don't need.
Just about anything we can be sold
Advertising influences people's spending habits.
I'm a mean old dog
I'm nasty and unpleasant.
Got a big old gun
I have a powerful weapon.
I'm a proud new papa
I'm happy to be a new father.
I'm an only son
I'm the only child in my family.
I'm a beggar
I'm destitute.
I'm a thief
I'm dishonest.
I'm a liar and a cheater too
I can't be trusted.
I've been around the block
I've experienced a lot.
I've been around the sun
I've lived a long time.
I've been up
I've been successful.
I've been down
I've experienced failure.
I've been over and done
I've faced adversity and come out the other side.
I've seen the bottom of the pile
I've experienced rock bottom.
And the mountain top
I've also experienced success.
Either will do
I've seen both sides and am indifferent to either.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DARIUS ANTHONY HOLBERT, ERIK SCHRODY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind