JRE #171 – Everlast (Part 1)

This podcast features Joe Rogan in conversation with Everlast, delving into Everlast’s musical journey, creative process, and personal experiences. Provocative topics include Everlast’s unique songwriting approach, his experiences with the music industry, his views on genre boundaries in music, and his reflections on near-death experiences and mortality. Underlying themes explore the power of creative intuition, the challenges of staying true to oneself in a commercialized world, and the profound impact of confronting life’s fragility.

1. Everlast’s Unique Songwriting Process:

• Everlast doesn’t write down lyrics or musical ideas, instead holding them in his mind until the song is complete.
• He describes his songwriting process as a three-dimensional experience, akin to a poet who uses visuals instead of words.
• Writing down lyrics would diminish the three-dimensional aspect of his music, reducing it to two-dimensional words on paper.
• This unique approach has led to songs that he believes wouldn’t be the same if written down, capturing a more raw and genuine emotional depth.

2. Everlast’s Approach to Music and Genre Boundaries:

• Everlast identifies as a hip-hop artist but doesn’t believe in genre boundaries, viewing music as a singular entity.
• He draws inspiration from diverse genres, including blues, rock, and country, blending them into his own unique style.
• His refusal to conform to genre expectations has led to a distinctive sound that defies easy categorization.
• His musical journey reflects a broader shift in the music industry towards a more fluid and experimental approach to genre.

3. Everlast’s Experience with the Music Industry:

• Everlast’s creative process often clashes with industry expectations, leading to conflict with labels.
• He emphasizes the importance of collaborating with producers who challenge him and offer valuable feedback.
• His unconventional methods and refusal to conform have led to both critical acclaim and industry skepticism.
• His story highlights the tension between creative integrity and commercial pressure within the music industry.

4. Everlast’s Near-Death Experience and Reflections on Mortality:

• Everlast suffered a near-death experience after a heart surgery in 1998, leading to a profound shift in his perspective on life.
• He describes the experience as a realization of how short life is, a feeling he believes would have been the same even if he had lived a longer life.
• He also recalls a familiar voice telling him “you ain’t ready yet,” reinforcing a belief in a predetermined time for each person’s death.
• This experience informs his music and outlook, adding depth and introspection to his work.

5. Everlast’s Views on Technology and its Impact on Society:

• Everlast acknowledges the benefits of technology in music production, enabling him to create music more easily and affordably.
• He expresses concern about potential downsides, such as the ease with which people can become addicted to video games.
• His fear stems from the rapidly evolving nature of technology, leaving him questioning the potential impact on society in the future.
• His reflections raise questions about the balance between technological advancement and human connection and well-being.

6. Everlast’s Perspective on the Human Condition:

• Everlast finds humor in the absurdity of the human experience, reflecting on the contradictions and anxieties that plague us.
• He questions the nature of reality, pondering the existence of aliens, conspiracies, and even the possibility of zombies.
• He explores the dark side of human nature, examining how quickly people can turn on each other, as seen in the case of Natalie Wood’s death.
• His outlook is both cynical and insightful, acknowledging the flaws in human nature while also finding moments of beauty and connection.

7. Everlast’s Artistic Inspirations:

• Everlast is a passionate collector of art, particularly street art and graffiti-based pieces.
• He sees parallels between his artistic pursuits and the street art scene, emphasizing the importance of raw expression and authenticity.
• He highlights the vibrancy of the street art world, mentioning artists such as Banksy and Shepard Fairey as inspirations.
• His collection reflects a deep appreciation for art that pushes boundaries and challenges conventional norms.

8. Everlast’s Reflections on Fame and Privacy:

• Everlast chooses to maintain a low profile, despite his success in the music industry.
• He prefers to live a relatively normal life, enjoying simple pleasures like going to the grocery store and watching sports.
• His decision stems from a desire to avoid the pitfalls of fame, protecting his privacy and maintaining a sense of normalcy.
• He understands the trade-offs of fame, balancing his public persona with his personal life.

9. Everlast’s Experience with Gang Culture and Street Smarts:

• Everlast’s upbringing in a lower-middle-class suburban environment exposed him to gang culture through friends.
• He learned street smarts and self-preservation skills from his friends, instilling in him a sense of alertness and caution.
• This experience influences his decision to be vigilant about his surroundings and to prioritize personal safety.
• His perspective sheds light on the impact of social environment on individual development and behavior.

10. Everlast’s Perspective on the Nature of Luck and Success:

• Everlast doesn’t believe in luck, attributing his success to a combination of talent, hard work, and a willingness to seize opportunities.
• He recognizes that timing and circumstance play a role, but emphasizes the importance of being prepared and making conscious choices.
• His reflections on success and its elusive nature reveal a deep understanding of the complex interplay of factors that contribute to achieving one’s goals.
• His perspective challenges the notion of luck as a passive force, highlighting the agency and effort required to succeed.

11. Everlast’s Views on the Power of Belief Systems:

• Everlast recognizes the profound impact of belief systems on individual behavior and societal structures.
• He considers the potential consequences of blindly adhering to established beliefs, questioning the boundaries of reason and faith.
• He emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and a willingness to question the status quo, challenging conventional wisdom.
• His perspective encourages listeners to examine their own beliefs and to be open to alternative viewpoints.

12. Everlast’s Experiences with Reality TV and Celebrity Culture:

• Everlast expresses skepticism about the nature of reality TV, questioning the authenticity of the experiences portrayed.
• He finds humor in the absurdity of celebrity culture, particularly the overexposure and scrutiny faced by figures like the Kardashians.
• He highlights the disconnect between the manufactured reality of celebrity life and the complexities of real human experiences.
• His perspective invites listeners to critically examine the influence of media on our perception of the world.

13. Everlast’s Appreciation for Stand-Up Comedy:

• Everlast expresses admiration for stand-up comedians like Colin Quinn and Patton Oswalt, recognizing their unique talents and comedic styles.
• He appreciates the ability of comedians to challenge societal norms and expose the absurdities of everyday life.
• He highlights the importance of humor in navigating the complexities of human existence, emphasizing the power of laughter to bring people together.
• His perspective acknowledges the value of stand-up comedy as a form of social commentary and a means of exploring the human condition.

14. Everlast’s Views on the Importance of Self-Awareness:

• Everlast emphasizes the importance of being aware of one’s surroundings, particularly in situations that could pose a threat to personal safety.
• He advises listeners to be vigilant and to trust their instincts, acknowledging the potential for danger in any environment.
• He stresses the need for self-preservation and the importance of taking proactive steps to protect oneself.
• His perspective encourages listeners to cultivate a heightened sense of awareness and to be mindful of their surroundings.

15. Everlast’s Reflections on the Nature of Consciousness:

• Everlast questions the nature of consciousness and the possibility of alternative dimensions, exploring the limits of human understanding.
• He finds humor in the absurdity of pondering infinite universes and the existence of extraterrestrial life.
• His reflections on the unknown invite listeners to embrace the mysteries of the universe and to acknowledge the limits of our current knowledge.
• He encourages a sense of wonder and curiosity, reminding listeners to be open to the possibility of experiences beyond our current comprehension.

16. Everlast’s Appreciation for the Power of Music:

• Everlast sees music as a powerful force that can transcend boundaries and connect people on a deeply emotional level.
• He believes that music has the ability to evoke a wide range of feelings and to offer a sense of shared experience.
• He highlights the importance of music in his own life, recognizing its role in his creative process and personal growth.
• His perspective emphasizes the universal language of music and its capacity to inspire, comfort, and uplift.

17. Everlast’s Perspective on the Role of Art in Society:

• Everlast sees art as a powerful tool for self-expression, challenging societal norms, and prompting social change.
• He believes that art has the ability to inspire critical thinking and to challenge established power structures.
• He recognizes the importance of supporting artists and creative endeavors that push boundaries and challenge conventional thinking.
• His perspective highlights the role of art as a catalyst for cultural and social progress.

5 Memorable Quotes:

• “I’ve been faking it for years, man. I’m just trying to figure out how to make music. I don’t even know how to make music.” – Everlast’s self-deprecating humor and genuine humility shine through in this honest admission.
• “I don’t believe in luck. It’s just a word that you use because if there was such a thing as luck, you know, you could fuck a pig and actually have a real kid.” – Everlast’s unconventional humor and skeptical nature are on full display in this outrageous statement.
• “I think the real the odds it really would take would be let the lights go out for a week and let’s see where we are as a civilization when when everything stops working.” – Everlast’s thought-provoking statement challenges listeners to consider the fragility of modern society and the potential consequences of technological dependence.
• “Music’s music. You know what I mean? Tony Bennett has some stuff that makes me go like this. … And I’ll be like, oh, that’s hip hop to me because that’s the same thing hip hop made me do.” – Everlast’s perspective on music transcends genre boundaries, demonstrating his appreciation for music’s universal power.
• “I wished it was film of that guy. You know, he’s one of those guys. He wished like, man. We really missed out getting some recordings of that guy talking to my podcast. He he must have been a super genius.” – Everlast’s wistful reflection on Leonardo da Vinci captures his admiration for historical figures who have profoundly shaped human knowledge and creativity.