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
What its Like
Everlast Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The hair on his face is dirty, dread-locked, and full of mange
He asks a man for what he could spare, with shame in his eyes
"Get a job you fucking slob," is all he replies
God forbid you ever had to walk a mile in his shoes
'Cause then you really might know what it's like to sing the blues
Then you really might know what it's like (what it's like)
Then you really might know what it's like (what it's like)
Then you really might know what it's like
Mary got pregnant from a kid named Tom that said he was in love
He said, "Don't worry about a thing, baby doll, I'm the man you've been dreaming of"
Three months later he say he won't date her or return her calls
And she swear, "Goddamn, if I find that man I'm cuttin' off his balls"
And then she heads for the clinic and she gets some static walking through the door
They call her a killer, and they call her a sinner and they call her a whore
God forbid you ever had to walk a mile in her shoes
'Cause then you really might know what it's like to have to choose
Then you really might know what it's like (what it's like)
Then you really might know what it's like (what it's like)
Then you really might know what it's like (what it's like)
Then you really might know what it's like
I've seen a rich man beg
I've seen a good man sin
I've seen a tough man cry
I've seen a loser win
And a sad man grin
I heard an honest man lie (uh)
I've seen the good side of bad
And the downside of up
And everything between
I licked the silver spoon
Drank from the golden cup and smoked the finest green
Stroked the fattest dimes at least a couple of times
Before I broke their heart
You know where it ends, yo, it usually depends on where you start
(I knew) this kid named Max
Who used to get fat stacks out on the corner with drugs
He liked to hang out late
He liked to get shit-faced and keep the pace with thugs
Until late one night, there was a big gunfight and Max lost his head
He pulled out his chrome .45, talked some shit, and wound up dead
Now his wife and his kids are caught in the midst of all of this pain
You know it comes that way, at least that's what they say when you play the game
God forbid you ever had to wake up to hear the news
'Cause then you really might know what it's like to have to lose
Then you really might know what it's like (what it's like)
Then you really might know what it's like (what it's like)
Then you really might know what it's like (what it's like)
To have to lose
Everlast's song "What it's Like" is a powerful commentary on the experiences of people on the fringes of society. The song starts with a scene of a man begging for change outside a liquor store. His hair is dirty, he's wearing dirty clothes, and he has a look of shame in his eyes. When he asks a man for spare change, the man responds by telling him to get a job.
The song then shifts to Mary, who got pregnant from a man named Tom who she thought loved her. When Tom cut off all contact with her, she decided to get an abortion. But when she went to the clinic, she was met with hostility and judgment. The song paints a picture of how difficult it is to be in her shoes and have to make such a difficult decision.
The song goes on to describe other experiences of life on the margins, from a rich man begging to a sad man smiling. The final story is about a man named Max who used to deal drugs on the corner. One night, he got into a gunfight and was killed. His wife and kids are left to deal with the pain of losing him.
Overall, "What it's Like" is a powerful song about empathy and understanding for those who are struggling. It's a call to recognize that we're all human and we all have struggles, even if they're not always visible on the surface.
Line by Line Meaning
We've all seen a man at the liquor store beggin' for your change
We have witnessed an individual at the liquor shop requesting money from the public
The hair on his face is dirty, dread-locked, and full of mange
The follicles on his face are unclean, has matted, and filled with diseases
He asks a man for what he could spare, with shame in his eyes
He pleads to a person to give him anything they could share, with embarrassment and regret reflected in his gaze
"Get a job you fucking slob," is all he replies
The response he receives from the person is "Find employment, you lazy and dirty person," and nothing more
God forbid you ever had to walk a mile in his shoes
It would be better if you never had to experience what he is going through
'Cause then you really might know what it's like to sing the blues
Because then only you will comprehend the suffering he is experiencing
Mary got pregnant from a kid named Tom that said he was in love
Mary conceived a child from Tom, a boy who claimed to be in love with her
He said, "Don't worry about a thing, baby doll I'm the man you've been dreaming of"
He said, "Don't fret, my dearest. I am the guy of your dreams."
But three months later he say he won't date her or return her calls
However, three months went by and he refused to see her or respond to her attempts to communicate.
And she swear, "Goddamn, if I find that man I'm cuttin' off his balls"
She vows, "I swear to God, if I ever catch that man, I will mutilate him so severely that he will never be able to use his testicles again."
And then she heads for the clinic and she gets some static walking through the door
Mary proceeds to go to the hospital, and she encounters hostility as she walks inside the building.
They call her a killer, and they call her a sinner and they call her a whore
People refer to her as a murderer, a religious violator, and a prostitute.
God forbid you ever had to walk a mile in her shoes
It would be best for you to never have to experience similar events as her.
'Cause then you really might know what it's like to have to choose
For you to understand what it's like to have to make serious decisions with irreparable consequences.
I've seen a rich man beg
I have seen a wealthy individual begging for money.
I've seen a good man sin
I have seen a virtuous person commit an offense.
I've seen a tough man cry
I have seen a strong person shed tears.
I've seen a loser win
I have seen an individual typically viewed as a failure triumph in a situation.
And a sad man grin
A melancholic person with emotional pain having the appearance of a smile.
I heard an honest man lie (uh)
I perceived a truthful person speak falsehoods.
I've seen the good side of bad
I have encountered positivity in a negative experience.
And the downside of up
I have witnessed negativity in a positive experience.
And everything between
And everything present in the middle.
I licked the silver spoon
I have tasted luxury.
Drank from the golden cup
I have savored wealth.
And smoked the finest green
I have consumed the most excellent quality of marijuana.
I stroked the fattest dimes at least a couple of times
I have had the chance to caress exceptionally beautiful females on a few occasions.
Before I broke their heart
Before I caused them emotional pain.
You know where it ends, yo, it usually depends on where you start
The conclusion or outcome, my friend, generally relies on where you begin.
I knew this kid named Max
I was acquainted with a child who went by the name of Max.
Who used to get fat stacks out on the corner with drugs
Max earned a huge sum of money by selling illegal drugs on the street corner.
He liked to hang out late
Max enjoyed staying up late.
He liked to get shit-faced and keep the pace with thugs
Max preferred getting very intoxicated and hanging out with unruly individuals.
Until late one night, there was a big gunfight and Max lost his head
However, one late evening, a massive gun battle broke out, and Max was decapitated.
He pulled out his chrome .45, talked some shit, and wound up dead
He brandished a silver .45 caliber firearm, exchanged insults with someone, and ultimately his life was ended.
Now his wife and his kids are caught in the midst of all of this pain
His wife and children are now experiencing intense suffering as they are caught in the middle of this tragedy.
You know it comes that way, at least that's what they say when you play the game
It is expected to follow this outcome when one is involved in such an event, at least according to conventional wisdom.
God forbid you ever had to wake up to hear the news
It is better to avoid having to wake up one morning to hear terrible news.
'Cause then you really might know what it's like to have to lose
Because then, only then, will you understand the pain that comes with losing something valuable.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Erik Schrody
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@williamliversage2227
12years ago ended up homeless
slept on a piece of cardboard in a vacant field every night spent half the day or more (flying a sign) to get enough money for a nik of weed and a 4 pack of naty ice
spent the rest of the day getting wasted just to ease the pain
spent 4 years doin that
had enough started to reach out to get help
spent another 4yrs finding out how fu@ked up and dysfunctional the homeless support system is
got off my ass and started my own (program)
spent another 4yrs working my Program
and with a little help from the good lord above
got pre approved for a home loan today
around july of next year I be moving out of my shitty overpriced Apt in da hood
to my own home
gunna live there till I die
@aaronz5295
Who’s listening still in 2024
@mrluvit8232
everybody 😁👍
@Ozzy-ws8ym
Will forever be a feel good tune
@nickv.5748
I will always,,
@sayjaypay
🎉yup
@davidsanten1669
I am
@mstyles2667
This song came out when I was 19. I am now 43 and have lived every word of this song. Don't ever judge someone, you have no idea the burdens they are carrying. Be kind. To others and to yourself.
@HipHopCantSaveMe
I just posted almost the same thing.
We were young and dumb 25 years ago.
Now we are grown up and this song hits too close to home.
Many died from drug addictions, suicide, etc.
It's a crazy world 🌏
@79tazman
this song came out in 1998 I was 19 and I just turned 45 yesterday born in 1979
@ghoraxe9000
Born in 86... 38 now... This song is timeless