House of Pain was an American hip-hop trio that released three albums in the 1990s. One of their most famous songs was “Jump Around” and former tennis player John McEnroe was mentioned in the lyrics.
The group originated in Los Angeles, California, United States. In 1990, Daniel O’Connor (Danny Boy O’Connor) allied with fellow rapper Erik Schrody (Everlast) who had just released a rap album Forever Everlasting (1990). They knew each other from their teens. Schrody introduced his former DJ Leor Diamant (DJ Lethal) to O’Connor and the House of Pain was formed.
In 1992, their debut album House of Pain (subtitled Fine Malt Lyrics) was released. Their first single “Jump Around” was a huge hit. Lawrence Muggerud (DJ Muggs) was the producer of the song that captivated the audience in the 1990s.
In the United States, the song peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. It reached number 5 on the Hot Rap Songs, 13 on Rhythmic Top 40, 1 on Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales, number 17 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs and is certified platinum.
John McEnroe is a former tennis player who won 7 Grand Slam singles championships and 9 Grand Slam men’s doubles championships during his playing years. He was 33 years old when the song “Jump Around” was released.
He won 77 singles titles on the ATP Tour and 78 doubles titles in his career. This is still the highest men’s combined total in the Open Era.
McEnroe became the No. 1 ranked player in both singles and doubles categories. He was a true legend when the song Jump Around was released. House of Pain decided to give the tennis star a tribute by mentioning his name in one of the lines of the famous song. The following are a few lines from the song:
“I’ll serve your ass like John McEnroe
If your girl steps up, I’m smacking the hoe
Word to your moms, I came to drop bombs
I got more rhymes than the Bible’s got Psalms
And just like the Prodigal Son I’ve returned
Anyone stepping to me, you’ll get burned
‘Cause I got lyrics, but you ain’t got none
If you come to battle, bring your shotgun (Shotgun)
But if you do you’re a fool, ’cause I duel to the death
Trying to step to me, you’ll take your last breath
I got the skills, come get your fill
‘Cause when I shoot the gift, I shoot to kill”
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