House Of Pain

House Of Pain

House Of Pain is a hip hop group from New York, United States, active from 1990 to 1996. The group forms around Everlast, DJ Lethal and Danny Boy, and later includes Phil Fish, House Shoes and Bryan Velasco.

History and style

The group takes an Irish-styled American hip hop image, presenting itself as rowdy Irish-American hooligans. DJ Lethal is of Latvian heritage. House Of Pain signs to Tommy Boy Records and builds its profile through a combination of rap and rock connections, touring with rap and alternative rock acts after its breakthrough.

Albums and singles

Its self-titled debut album, House of Pain (Fine Malt Lyrics), appears in 1992 and goes multi-platinum. It produces the group’s best-known track, “Jump Around”, which is produced by DJ Muggs. Other singles from this period include “Shamrocks and Shenanigans” and “Top O’ The Morning To Ya (Remix)”.

The second album, Same As It Ever Was, follows in 1994 and goes gold despite limited radio play and no major hit single. Its first single, “On Point”, draws attention for a reference aimed at Mark Wahlberg. Other singles from the album include “Who’s The Man?” and “Word Is Bond”.

The third album, Truth Crushed To Earth Shall Rise Again, appears in 1996. By then the group has already begun to break up, and Everlast announces his departure on the album’s release date. The record features guest appearances from Sadat X of Brand Nubian, Guru of Gang Starr, Divine Styler and reggae singjay Cockni O’Dire, credited as the Scheme Team. Singles include “Pass The Jinn” and “Fed Up”.

Soundtrack work and related releases

House Of Pain appears with Helmet on the influential Judgment Night soundtrack in 1993, contributing “Just Another Victim”. It also contributes tracks to Who’s the Man in 1993, Eddie in 1996 and Jerky Boys in 1996. A later collection, Shamrocks & Shenanigans, gathers singles from the group’s work and Everlast’s early solo material.

After the split

After the group ends, Everlast returns to solo success with the album Whitey Ford Sings the Blues in 1998 and later releases Eat at Whitey’s in 2000 and White Trash Beautiful in 2004. DJ Lethal joins Limp Bizkit, and Danny Boy founds an art company. In 2006, Danny Boy starts La Coka Nostra, reuniting him, Everlast and DJ Lethal for the first time since House Of Pain ends.