Everlast - What It's Like Lyrics

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Everlast

About What It's Like

"What It's Like" is a song by American musician Everlast. It was released in September 1998 as the lead single from his album Whitey Ford Sings the Blues. The song is typical of the style Everlast embraced after leaving hip hop trio House of Pain, being a combination of rock, hip-hop and blues incorporating characterization and empathy towards impoverished protagonists. The song went to number one on the US Billboard Mainstream Rock chart for one week and number one on the Modern Rock Tracks chart for nine weeks. It also peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the singer's only solo top 40 hit on the US chart to date. Outside the United States, the song reached number four in Iceland, number six in Canada and the top 20 in Austria, Germany and Switzerland. In the United Kingdom, the song reached number 34 on the UK Singles Chart, while in Australasia, it reached number 26 in Australia and number 31 in New Zealand. more »

Year: 2006 4:57 282 Views

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Everlast

Erik Francis Schrody (born August 18, 1969 in Valley Stream, New York), better known by his stage name Everlast, is an American rapper and songwriter, known for his solo hit "What It's Like" and as the front-man for rap group House of Pain. He was also part of the hip-hop supergroup La Coka Nostra, which consists of members of House of Pain and other rappers. In 2000, he won a Grammy for best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal with Latin Rock musician Carlos Santana for "Put Your Lights On." more »

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12 facts about this song

Song Origin "What It's Like" is a song by the American musician Everlast, released as the lead single for his 1998 album "Whitey Ford Sings the Blues."

Chart Performance (Specific The track reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, its highest peak position.

Artist's Previous Group Prior to releasing "What It's Like," Everlast was a member of the hip hop group "House of Pain."

House of Pain's Hit Track House of Pain is best known for their 1992 hit "Jump Around," which is still a party anthem today.

Stylistic Shift With "What It's Like," Everlast showcased a major stylistic departure from his earlier, more rap-based work, turning more towards blues, rock, and acoustic music.

Song Themes "What It's Like" is recognized for its socially conscious and empathetic lyrics, revolving around themes of judgment, empathy, poverty, and addiction.

Critical Response This track was praised by critics for its mature and nuanced take on difficult topics, which was a departure from the more party-oriented music of House of Pain.

Everlast's Personal Journey The shift in Everlast’s music style was influenced by a near-death experience as he suffered a heart attack due to a congenital defect just after the breakup of House of Pain. He underwent surgery and started focusing on creating more meaningful music.

Cover Versions Since its release, "What It's Like" has been covered by several artists, demonstrating the song's lasting impact on popular culture.

Commercial Use The song has also been used in several movies and TV shows, including "Joe Somebody," "Black and Blue," and "The Rookie."

Song Accolades "What It's Like" won the MTV Video Music Award for Best Cinematography in 1999.

Album Performance "Whitey Ford Sings the Blues" achieved multi-platinum status, largely supported by the success of "What It's Like," thereby marking Everlast's successful transition from hip-hop to a more varied musical style.

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What It's Like

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more tracks from the album

Buzz Ballads [Single Disc]

• #1It's Been Awhile
• #2Lightning Crashes
• #3Jumper
• #4Hemorrhage (In My Hands)
• #5Glycerine
• #6If You Could Only See
• #7A Long December
• #8Hanging by a Moment
• #9Santeria
• #10Doll Parts
• #11The World I Know
• #12Wasting My Time
• #13Here's to the Night
• #14Everything You Want
• #15Linger
• #16What It's Like
• #17Desperately Wanting
• #18Someday

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