By Ryan Barile
Contributing Writer
For those wondering whatever happened to the corn-beef-and-cabbage inspired lyrics of House of Pain, the wait is over. Their third album, Rise Again, takes a surprising departure from their previous efforts. If you are expecting the same old party anthems like �Jump Around� or �Schamrocks and Shenanigans,� this is not the CD for you.
Once again band leader Everlast proves to the whole rap industry that, even though he�s white, he's got mad skill. Songs such as �The Have Nots� and �Fed Up� show his originality. On every cut Everlast just about out-thinks the other MC's that appear on the CD. Everlast�s raspy vocals, along with divine styler and rasta-man Cockni O�Dire, give this album the lyrical depth and diversity it needed to make it a phat album.
To back up the lyrics, DJ Lethal did a great job of supplying tight beats to each cut. The beat to "What�s That Smell?� is totally a brain ripper, definitely one of the best rap beats I�ve heard all year, using elements from Mitch Ryder and Neerie's bass lne. Each song has a unique, distinct beat.
If you enjoy hip-hop Rise Again is a must. The beats are hittin' and as always these House of Pain lyrics range from the subject matter of Fake MC's to Bilbo Baggins.
Make no mistake about it, House Pain truly has risen again.
Ryan Barile is a student at UNCG.
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