Everlast Biography

Everlast Biography

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.

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.

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.