JRE #456 – Everlast

This episode of the Joe Rogan Experience podcast features a conversation with Everlast, an American singer-songwriter known for his hits like “What It’s Like” and “Put Your Lights On” and his founding role in the hip-hop group House of Pain. The conversation spans various topics, ranging from music production and the evolution of hip-hop to personal experiences and reflections on the human condition. The podcast offers insightful perspectives on creativity, the nature of success, and the complexities of our world.

Podcast Topics

1. The Art of Music Production:

   1. Everlast emphasizes the importance of a producer who challenges and pushes the artist to create their best work.
   2. He highlights the delicate balance between artistic vision and the producer’s guidance, comparing the process to a sculptor knowing when to “take away” elements to reveal the true masterpiece.
   3. Everlast’s personal experience with producers has shaped his approach to music, allowing him to become his own “producer” and push his creative boundaries.
   4. He recognizes that overproducing can sometimes hinder an artist’s ability to recreate their music live, advocating for a more stripped-down, raw approach, especially in acoustic performances.

2. The Unique Dynamics of Music and Comedy:

   1. Everlast distinguishes music and comedy as artistic forms that draw from different sources and engage with their audiences in distinct ways.
   2. He suggests music, especially songwriting, is a more personal and introspective expression, allowing the artist to communicate their inner world through their creations.
   3. Comedy, on the other hand, involves a dynamic interplay between the comedian and the audience, requiring the comedian to adapt and refine their material based on audience feedback.
   4. Both music and comedy strive for the “highest common denominator” of connection, aiming to evoke shared emotions and experiences that resonate with a broader audience.

3. The Evolution of Hip-Hop and its Cultural Impact:

   1. Everlast discusses the origins and evolution of hip-hop, highlighting the role of pioneers like Big Daddy Kane, KRS-One, and Chuck D in shaping the genre’s lyrical and stylistic diversity.
   2. He expresses concerns about the commodification of hip-hop, suggesting that the pursuit of financial success has sometimes overshadowed the genre’s artistic integrity.
   3. Everlast acknowledges the influence of hip-hop on his own musical journey, while also navigating the challenges of remaining authentic in a genre that has undergone significant commercialization.
   4. He emphasizes the importance of embracing one’s own style and rejecting the pressure to conform to prevailing trends, highlighting the enduring power of classic hip-hop artists who stayed true to their vision.

4. The Power of Genetics and the Nature of Success:

   1. Everlast dives into the role of genetics in athletic performance, particularly in mixed martial arts (MMA), acknowledging the inherent advantages some fighters possess in terms of strength, endurance, and natural talent.
   2. He discusses the importance of accepting one’s genetic limitations and focusing on personal growth and improvement, recognizing that not everyone is destined for championship status.
   3. The podcast explores the concept of “genetic potential,” suggesting that while some individuals are born with remarkable physical abilities, others can still achieve remarkable feats through dedication, hard work, and strategic training.
   4. Everlast emphasizes the importance of mental fortitude, perseverance, and the ability to overcome adversity in achieving success, highlighting that even those with limited genetic potential can achieve their goals through discipline and unwavering determination.

5. The Ethical Implications of Animal Use and Consumption:

   1. Everlast explores the ethical implications of animal use for dairy and meat production, expressing concerns about the confinement and treatment of animals raised for these purposes.
   2. He acknowledges the natural food chain, emphasizing the need for balance and humane treatment of animals while recognizing the role they play in sustaining ecosystems.
   3. The podcast touches on the controversy surrounding the consumption of animals, considering different cultural perspectives and traditions while advocating for ethical and responsible practices.
   4. Everlast encourages viewers to consider the impact of their dietary choices on animal welfare, prompting them to question their own consumption habits and explore alternative options.

6. The Power of Technology and its Impact on Society:

   1. Everlast discusses the rapid advancements in technology and their profound impact on society, highlighting the increasing interconnectedness and information sharing.
   2. He delves into the potential for both positive and negative consequences of technology, exploring the challenges of safeguarding privacy and intellectual property in an increasingly digital world.
   3. The conversation touches on the rise of artificial intelligence, examining the predictions of futurists like Ray Kurzweil, who envision a future where technology surpasses human intelligence and alters the very fabric of our existence.
   4. Everlast explores the ethical and social implications of these technological advancements, prompting viewers to consider their role in shaping the future and the need for responsible innovation.

7. The Importance of Gratitude and Compassion:

   1. Everlast emphasizes the importance of gratitude, especially in the face of challenges, acknowledging the power of positive thinking and a grateful heart.
   2. He shares his personal experiences with raising a child with cystic fibrosis, demonstrating the strength of human connection and the importance of compassion in overcoming adversity.
   3. The podcast explores the importance of kindness and understanding, highlighting the power of empathy in fostering a more compassionate world.
   4. Everlast encourages viewers to embrace a more mindful and appreciative approach to life, recognizing the interconnectedness of humanity and the importance of treating one another with kindness and respect.

8. The Importance of Personal Growth and Self-Discovery:

   1. Everlast emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and growth, encouraging viewers to embrace new experiences and challenge their perspectives.
   2. He shares his personal experiences with music, comedy, and life, showcasing the power of adaptability and the need to evolve with changing times.
   3. The podcast encourages listeners to seek out diverse perspectives and engage in meaningful conversations, emphasizing the importance of open-mindedness and intellectual curiosity in personal growth.
   4. Everlast encourages self-reflection, prompting viewers to examine their beliefs, values, and motivations, recognizing that personal growth is an ongoing journey.

Memorable Quotes

1. “I think that there’s a lot you know, like, you ever listened to a song and you go, well, they didn’t need that electronic bullshit in the background. The song could have been fine without all that stuff.”
2. “You can’t get there without steroids. You can’t get there. You can’t get there. That doesn’t exist. That’s not a destination on your navigation system.”
3. “It’s the same thing. It’s just I have to do all that editing in those dead spots. I have to find them self. I don’t I don’t really have the benefit of, like, going to like, down the block and and and and it probably is a place I could do it, but it just aesthetically doesn’t work quite the same.”
4. “The the reason why we drink — There’s a there’s a there’s a protein in it. — a lot of people just say the opposite. You know why? The the well, it’s not the best thing for you, but if it comes between starving and drinking milk, you should drink the milk. It’ll care with God, Joe.”
5. “I I I personally in no way comparing my pain in life to slave pain of beckons things. But I’m saying, my experience in writing is my better stuff. Even songs that are happier songs, I write when I’m not feeling that happy.”