Everlast heartens song

Former 'House' singer deals with love's pain

From talking to Tommy Boy artist Everlast, it is obvious that he is no longer as brash and devil-may-care as he was in his days with House of Pain.

In surviving since losing his girlfriend and a near-fatal heart attack, he is a different, more mature person. He reflects his growth in his new solo album, "Whitey Ford Sings The Blues," songs from which he'll perform at the State Theater tonight.

He has a new outlook towards his music, and a new approach to reminiscent of groundbreaking groups like Spearhead and the Fugees.

Courtesy of Tommy Boy Everlast contemplates former relationships and near-death experiences with his new sound of music.

In fact, it was groups like the Fugees and the Roots that inspired Everlast to go in this direction. He explains that with sampling becoming more and more costly, rap groups in the future will turn to a more organic sound, and he wanted to be one of the artists at the forefront of it.

But since Everlast grew up listening to rock instead of soul, he has to do it in his own "whiteboy" style.

Just because he doesn't have a soul background, that doesn't mean he doesn't love hip-hop. He still keeps in touch and occasionally performs with the Rhyme Syndicate that gave him his first shot at the music industry.

He still gets in the occasional freestyle cipher, and if things get competitive, he'll still prove that "battling him is a sin." He is confident that hip-hop fans will feel his new style, because he feels that everything he does musically represents hip-hop, and it shows even in the most experimental of his songs. He aims to expand hip-hop, not abandon it.

Another aspect of his maturity shows in his live performances. In the past, with House of Pain, the shows were roller coasters. The good shows were great, but the bad shows were horrible. With House of Pain, Everlast was only out there to cause a ruckus. Everlast's solo show is aimed more at entertaining with art. There is a DJ, but there's also a live band with a varied collection of instruments, and Everlast plays his guitar through the whole show. You could hear anything at his show ... even some classic House of Pain songs. That is, you'll hear anything but what he calls "Karaoke music" (i.e. Puff Daddy).

Everlast's song "Letter," about his problems with his now ex-girlfriend, is a reflection of the man he was vs. the man he is. It is a personal confession, reflection, and apology that the old Everlast would never have made.

He hasn't spoken to her in two years, but he is sure she will hear the song and respond to his change. Once you hear him, you will too.

09-18-98