Everlast is way ahead of his time, or at least he always seems to be. As a solo rap artist over ten years ago, he paved the way for Vanilla Ice and Eminem with his EP “Never Missin A Beat”. Then with House Of Pain he opened the doors for the likes of Limp Bizkit, of whom his former dj is now a member, and now as a hip-hop folkie hes opened the doors for the likes of Kid Rock. Pretty amazing, what one man can do and has done. Now hes got a new record. Perhaps there are even more doors for him to open.
Everlasts voice is still as gritty as a Brooklyn street. Its good to know we could still be hearing this voice for years to come. “Black Jesus” is the albums first single and will be as familiar as an old shoe. And just as comfortable. Everlast may no longer be a rapper, choosing to hang his hat on the end of an acoustic guitar. Hes turned into a preacher whos seen both sides of good and evil. “I Cant Move” is an eerie look through those eyes.
Carlos Santana pays Everlast back with his metallic lead on “Babylon Feeling”. Tracks six and seven are like the intermission for a great record. “Deadly Assassins” sounds like it would fit better on B-Reals home turf with Cypress Hill. Everlast takes a shot at Slick Ricks classic “Childrens Story”. It hops, but Slick cant be imitated or duplicated. Still, props to Rahzel for creating the entire musical canvas with only his mouth.
Everlast even flirts with a ballad. “Love for Real” is a song I never expected, but it shows a whole new side to Everlast. He has a few romantic lines up his sleeve, like “wish I could touch you in some totally new fashion/ prove to you girl Im a man/ now I cant guarantee your complete satisfaction.” But as sweet as that sounds, there are lines that are completely lame: “I need you like D.M.C. needs Run”. Eat At Whiteys goes out on a sad note, but not a bad one, with “Graves To Dig”.
Vanilla Ice tried a new path and it didnt seem to work. Perhaps he can follow in the shoes Everlast may soon give up as he continues to make himself over. Dying seemed to help Everlast see the light and enjoy what he has been given. We can only hope he continues to make great music. Everlast has truly been reincarnated.
+ rae gun
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