Here's a little known fact of rap history: before
Everlast enjoyed recognition as a member of
House of Pain, he pursued a career as a solo artist. Forever Everlasting, his first and only pre-Pain solo album, is a decent, though not outstanding release proving that he had strong rapping skills long before becoming well known.
Ice-T, who serves as this CD's executive producer, once said of
Everlast, "Hearing him rap, you'd never know he was white" -- and to be sure, the L.A.-based MC is far from a pop rapper. Though most of his lyrics aren't remarkable, this CD definitely has its moments -- most notably, "Speak No Evil" (a reflection on injustice in America) and the angry "Fuck Everyone." ~ Alex Henderson