Everlast

Emerging as a member of the Rhyme Syndicate, Everlast's first solo album Forever Everlasting (1990) – which was largely made possible by rapper Ice T – failed both critically and commercially. Following the album's flop, Everlast formed House of Pain with friends DJ Lethal and Danny Boy. Signed to Tommy Boy Records, the group's 1992 self-titled debut album went multi-platinum off the hit single "Jump Around". The group eventually disbanded in 1996, and Everlast once again pursued a solo career.

solo success

Everlast's second solo album Whitey Ford Sings the Blues (1998) – which was released a full eight years after his solo debut and after Everlast 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 (aka SD50). 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.

Despite the success of Whitey Ford Sings the Blues, Everlast's follow-up album, Eat at Whitey's (2000), failed commercially at first in the United States. However, it was eventually certified platinum. The album was also embraced critically, especially by Rolling Stone which reviewed the album between "good" and "great" and focused on it as that month's most important release.

Lyrical war

In 2000, a feud erupted between Everlast and Eminem. Eminem felt insulted by "I'll buck a 380 on ones who act Shady" from Everlast's verse from the Dilated Peoples all star track "Ear Drums Pop (Remix)". Eminem then in turn dissed Everlast several times in public and on the song "I Remember (Dedication To Whitey Ford)", mocking Everlast's rap/rock style, released as a b-side to the D12 12" vinyl single "Shit On You". Everlast then recorded the track "Whitey's Revenge" and released it on his official website. The track contained the lyric "Better run and check your kid for your DNA," referring to Eminem's daughter, Hailie. Eminem responded with the help of his group D12 on the track "Quitter", in which he took shots at Everlast and threatened to kill him if he ever mentioned Hailie's name again. Everlast later stated in various interviews that he felt everything had been said and he would now refrain from further responses.

Island/Def Jam intermezzo and the future

After the sale of the Tommy Boy Records' catalog of master tapes to Warner Bros. Records and its metamorphosis to a dance music label, 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-esque feel, received mixed reviews and was a commercial failure.

Eventually, Everlast was released from his contract and is currently unsigned. In Early 2006, he has teamed up with his former House of Pain mates DJ Lethal and Danny Boy to join the hip-hop group La Coka Nostra and is working on the group's debut album, although Everlast has stated that he will release his solo album first.

Everlast was chosen to do the theme to the TV show Saving Grace. The song will play during the show's main title sequence and end credits. It will also be made available for purchase as a single and video via iTunes and Rhapsody. Additionally, fans who just want to stream the track will be able to do so via www.tnt.tv. As for his role in writing the Saving Grace theme song, Everlast states, "It was great to get the call from Fox - not only to find out that Nancy Miller was a fan, but also to be asked to write a song for such a cool show. The timing couldn't be better; I'm back in the studio working on a new album. This project was a great way to kick that off." ^[1]

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Everlast worked with numerous artists, including Divine Styler, Lordz Of Brooklyn, Run DMC, The X-Ecutioners, Xzibit, Carlos Santana, Swollen Members, Warren Haynes, Cypress Hill (including members DJ Muggs, B-Real and Sen Dog solo projects), Dilated Peoples, Helmet, Madonna, Sadat X, Bronx Style Bob, Casual, Cee-Lo, Prince Paul, N'Dea Davenport, Fredwreck, Kurupt, Daz Dillinger, Lord Finesse, O.C., Sick Jacken, Ill Bill, Nice & Smooth, Ice-T, Guru, KRS-One, Mack 10, Danny Diablo, Limp Bizkit, KoRn, WC, Prodigy, Mobb Deep, Bad Azz, Son Doobie from Funkdoobiest, and many others.