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 Letter
Everlast Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All the broken hearts and the unpaid dues
What you did to me, what I did to you
I ain't mad at you, boo
So what we gonna do?
I just seen you out with your mans, lookin' kinda happy
Feelin' like somebody just slapped me
Gut's in a knot, my temp's gettin' hot
He ain't got what we had, and it makes me kinda mad
I hurt my one true love, just like my dad
And it's kinda sad, 'cause now my shit's together
No need for umbrellas, I can see the stormy weather
I'm goin' outside into the rain
Like Keith Sweat, 'cause I can't house this pain
We was workin' for years, now I'm jerkin' these tears
>From my lips to God's ears, girl, I did you wrong
So I'm makin' this song, to let you know how I feel
Before keepin' it real, may keep my heart concealed
And now I'm on the side just paitently waitin'
Watchin' on you and the time for updatin'
I can't hide from the truth, I know the pudding's in the proof
So I stand convicted, like all your friends predicted
But I think you'd be surprised on how this ends, brothers
We went from lovers to friends, we'll go from friends to lovers
So if that man make you smile, I guess that I'll
Just accept it, and respect it
I'll hit you wit' this song and let you think about it
Then I'll just leave you alone and be a man about it
The Letter is a deeply introspective song that discusses the fallout of a failed romantic relationship. The lyrics convey the message that while some relationships succeed, others come to an unfortunate end. The song is a reflection on the highs and lows of romantic relationships and how they are not always easy to navigate. The lyrics also express feelings of jealousy and regret at having lost someone who was once deeply loved.
The song begins with the lines, "Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose; All the broken hearts and the unpaid dues." These initial lyrics set the tone for the entire song, which is all about the ups and downs of love; the good days and the bad days that come with it. The artist then goes on to reveal his own personal experience, stating that he has recently seen his ex-girlfriend out with another man and that it feels like a slap in the face. He admits to feeling angry and wanting to hurt the man who has taken his place.
As the song continues, the artist becomes increasingly introspective, acknowledging his own failings in the relationship. He talks about how he hurt his "one true love" and how this has led him to feel guilty and remorseful. The artist then declares that he will move on and accept that the relationship is over. He concludes the song by saying that he hopes his ex-girlfriend can be happy with her new partner and that he will always be there for her as a friend if she needs him.
Line by Line Meaning
Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose
Life is unpredictable and things don't always go as planned.
All the broken hearts and the unpaid dues
Love can be a painful experience and leave you feeling like you owe something to someone.
What you did to me, what I did to you
Both parties in a relationship are responsible for the mistakes they make.
I ain't mad at you, boo
Despite the hurt, the singer doesn't hold any anger towards his ex-girlfriend.
So what we gonna do?
The singer is searching for a solution to the problems between him and his ex-girlfriend.
I just seen you out with your mans, lookin' kinda happy
The singer has seen his ex-girlfriend with another man, which makes him feel jealous and upset.
Feelin' like somebody just slapped me
The singer is physically and emotionally hurt by the sight of his ex-girlfriend with another man.
Gut's in a knot, my temp's gettin' hot
The singer is experiencing intense emotions, such as anger and anxiety.
I want to make that man bleed and wet his speed knot
The singer is so angry that he wants to physically hurt the man he saw with his ex-girlfriend.
He ain't got what we had, and it makes me kinda mad
The singer believes that his relationship with his ex-girlfriend was better than her current one, which adds to his jealousy and anger.
I hurt my one true love, just like my dad
The singer realizes that he has made a mistake in losing his ex-girlfriend and compares his actions to those of his father.
And it's kinda sad, 'cause now my shit's together
The singer has his life in order now, but it's too late to save his relationship with his ex-girlfriend.
No need for umbrellas, I can see the stormy weather
The singer is strong enough to face his problems and doesn't need to hide from them.
I'm goin' outside into the rain
The singer is confronting his emotions and facing them head-on.
Like Keith Sweat, 'cause I can't house this pain
The singer can't keep his pain and emotions bottled up inside, so he needs to express them.
We was workin' for years, now I'm jerkin' these tears
The singer is lamenting the fact that he and his ex-girlfriend put in years of effort only to end up apart and regretful.
>From my lips to God's ears, girl, I did you wrong
The singer acknowledges that he made a mistake and knows that he hurt his ex-girlfriend.
So I'm makin' this song, to let you know how I feel
The singer wrote this song as a way to express his feelings to his ex-girlfriend.
Before keepin' it real, may keep my heart concealed
The singer was afraid to share his true feelings with his ex-girlfriend for fear of getting hurt.
And now I'm on the side just paitently waitin'
Despite his regret, the singer is waiting patiently for his ex-girlfriend to make a decision about their relationship.
Watchin' on you and the time for updatin'
The singer is keeping an eye on his ex-girlfriend and waiting for her to update him on her feelings and her current situation.
I can't hide from the truth, I know the pudding's in the proof
The singer knows he can't run from the truth and that their relationship is over.
So I stand convicted, like all your friends predicted
The singer's friends warned him that he would regret losing his ex-girlfriend and they were right.
But I think you'd be surprised on how this ends, brothers
The singer has hope that he and his ex-girlfriend can make things work again someday.
We went from lovers to friends, we'll go from friends to lovers
The singer believes that they can start over as friends and ultimately end up together again.
So if that man make you smile, I guess that I'll
If the man his ex-girlfriend is with makes her happy, the singer will accept it and move on.
Just accept it, and respect it
The singer urges his ex-girlfriend to accept that their relationship is over and to respect his decision to move on.
I'll hit you wit' this song and let you think about it
The singer hopes that his ex-girlfriend will listen to his song and think about their relationship and how he feels about her.
Then I'll just leave you alone and be a man about it
The singer will give his ex-girlfriend space and be mature about the situation, even though it hurts him deeply.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAVID SNEDDON, RICHARD ALEXANDER ROSS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@chipdouglas4181
This track is extremely underrated
@becka_thack
I saved this entire album.The Blues spawned ,all our music of today.I love this mixed version of R&B RAP AND ROCK.
@TehDrewsus
Jazz helped spawn the blues when it traveled up the Mississippi river. "Swingin' the Dream" is a great read.
@SurgeonVault
Absolutely incredible song. I love this whole album.
@davidhill5118
Goodd music
@hectorbsantanajr74
A brutally honest song.
@gwilewiczjr
This song hit home hard before. Legendary album forever.
@CaitlinKohler
This album sounds like long road trips with my momma.
@philipboehme166
Man such nostalgia! I was a kid in the early 2000s but my daddy had this album in a cd case rack at his house and i saw it one day. I only wanted it because of "what its like" cause i loved that song. Ended up loving this whole album. Takes me back, i feel like such an old man saying that lol.
@asofin1779
He will never be wrong in my eyes.