Danny Boy (rapper)
{{Short description|American rapper and museum director (born 1968)}}
{{For|the R&B artist|Danny Boy (singer)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2021}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Danny Boy
| image = House of Pain-IMG 6523.jpg
| caption = Danny Boy performing in 2011
| birth_name = Daniel O'Connor
| alias =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1968|12|12}}
| birth_place = Brooklyn, New York City, U.S.
| origin = Los Angeles, California, U.S.
| genre = Hip hop
| occupation = {{hlist|Rapper|art director|hype man|museum director}}
| years_active = 1990–present
| label =
| current_member_of = {{hlist|House of Pain|La Coka Nostra}}
| website =
}}
Daniel O'Connor (born December 12, 1968), better known as Danny Boy or Danny Boy O'Connor, is an American rapper, art director, and the executive director of The Outsiders House Museum. O'Connor spent his childhood in New York, before moving to Los Angeles in the 1980s. In the 1990s, O'Connor co-founded the rap group House of Pain, with fellow rapper Erik Schrody (Everlast) and DJ Leor Dimant (DJ Lethal). Based on their cultural heritage they fashioned themselves as rowdy Irish-American hooligans. O'Connor played the role of art director, designing logos, branding, hype man, and co-rapper. In 1992, with the singles "Jump Around" and "Shamrocks and Shenanigans", their self-titled debut album, also known as Fine Malt Lyrics, went platinum.
They followed it up with Same as It Ever Was (1994), which went gold, and Truth Crushed to Earth Shall Rise Again (1996), before they all went their separate ways. O'Connor took part in several music projects, and continued doing designs as freelance work. In 2006, O'Connor founded the rap group La Coka Nostra where he was joined by George Carroll (Slaine), William Braunstein (Ill Bill), Dimant, and Schrody (only for the first album). Together they have three releases: A Brand You Can Trust (2009), Masters of the Dark Arts (2012) and To Thine Own Self Be True (2016).
In 2016, O'Connor, who is a lifelong fan of S. E. Hinton's book The Outsiders and its film adaptation by Francis Ford Coppola, bought the house used in the film located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He turned it into a museum named The Outsiders House Museum, that contains much of the book and film memorabilia. For his efforts preserving a cultural landmark, he received a key to the city.
Early life
O'Connor was born in Brooklyn, New York City, on December 12, 1968.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025}} He explained, that his father was incarcerated when O'Connor was two months old. O'Connor and his mother moved to Los Angeles when he was six. When O'Connor was seventeen, his father, a homeless alcoholic, was murdered by someone who poured gasoline on him to set him on fire. During that time O'Connor was in a gang involved in petty crimes, and he was placed on probation.{{Cite web |last=Tramel |first=Jimmie |date=September 27, 2021 |title=Danny Boy O'Connor overcomes rough past to salvage his life and Outsiders House |url=https://tulsaworld.com/entertainment/danny-boy-oconnor-overcomes-rough-past-to-salvage-his-life-and-outsiders-house/article_e4646638-fb66-11eb-8e17-5712ffd3d6c2.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250420191121/https://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/index2.php?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftulsaworld.com%2Fentertainment%2Fdanny-boy-oconnor-overcomes-rough-past-to-salvage-his-life-and-outsiders-house%2Farticle_e4646638-fb66-11eb-8e17-5712ffd3d6c2.html#federation=archive.wikiwix.com&tab=url |archive-date=April 20, 2025 |access-date=2022-04-26 |website=Tulsa World |language=en}}
Career
= 1990–1992: Founding House of Pain and breakthrough =
In 1990, O'Connor got together with fellow rapper Erik Schrody (Everlast) who had just released a rap album called Forever Everlasting (1990), that didn't have much success. O'Connor knew Schrody when he went to William Howard Taft High School in Woodland Hills, California (1984–1986), and various hip hop event they attended in their teens. Both of Irish descent, they decided to make a hip hop group with this identity. While hanging out at O'Connor's home, Schrody noticed a cassette with the title House of Pain, which was a demo of a Punk group O'Connor tried to put together. Schrody really liked the name and felt they should re-use as their name. Schrody brought in his former DJ Leor Diamant (DJ Lethal), who is actually of Latvian descent, and House of pain was created. {{Cite web |last=Hunt |first=Dennis |date=1992-09-05 |title=House of Pain Gets Its Irish Up Over 'Gimmick' : The group has received a lot of attention for being the first Irish rap act, but it's not a label the rappers like to dwell on. |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-09-05-ca-5711-story.html |access-date=2025-05-30 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}While in House of Pain, O'Connor acted as the hype man, second emcee, art director and the graphic artist of the group.{{cite news |last=Graham |first=Ginnie |date=May 5, 2017 |title=From the Outside: Hip-hop artist Danny Boy O'Connor saves a house, finds a mission |url=https://tulsaworld.com/lifestyles/magazine/from-the-outside-hip-hop-artist-danny-boy-o-connor-saves-a-house-finds-a/article_6cd301fc-bff8-5875-ab31-5945d00bf48c.html |work=Tulsa World |location=Tulsa, OK |access-date=July 28, 2021}} After they recorded a demo, for which O'Connor designed the cover, that created a bidding war among labels. The label they chose was Tommy Boy Records, who credits O'Connor's art work to have initially caught their attention.{{Citation needed|date=April 2022}}
In 1992, they released their debut album House of Pain, subtitled Fine Malt Lyrics.{{cite AV media |url= |title=House Of Pain - Fine Malt Lyrics |date=1992 |last1=Schrody |first1=Erik "Everlast" |type=CD |medium= |language=English |publisher=Tommy Boy Records |trans-title= |location= |time= |access-date= |id=TBCD 1056 |isbn= |oclc= |quote= |last3=Dimant |first3=Leor "Dj Lethal" |first2=Danny "Danny Boy" |last2=O'Connor}} Their first single "Jump Around" was a major hit. In the United States, it peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, while reaching 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,{{Cite web |last=Natasha |date=March 17, 2016 |title=Throwback Thursday - House of Pain 'Jump Around' (1992) |url=https://hot1047.com/throwback-thursday-house-of-pain-jump-around-1992/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407041127/https://hot1047.com/throwback-thursday-house-of-pain-jump-around-1992/ |archive-date=April 7, 2025 |access-date=2022-04-10 |website=Hot 104.7 |language=en}} and is certified platinum.{{Cite web |title=Gold & Platinum |url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=house+of+pain#search_section |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407181952/https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=house+of+pain#search_section |archive-date=April 7, 2025 |access-date=2022-04-10 |website=RIAA |language=en-US}} O'Connor expressed regrets for not doing any writing on Jump Around, for the later royalties it could have provided him.{{Cite web |last=Weingarten |first=Christopher R. |date=February 24, 2012 |title=An Oral History of House of Pain's 'Jump Around' |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413003718/https://www.spin.com/2012/02/house-pain-look-back-20-years-jump-around/ |url=https://www.spin.com/2012/02/house-pain-look-back-20-years-jump-around/ |archive-date=April 13, 2022 |access-date=2022-04-10 |website=SPIN |language=en-US}} Their second single "Shamrocks and Shenanigans (Boom Shalock Lock Boom)", it peaked at 65 on the Billboard Hot 100, 75 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, 14 on the Dance Club Songs, and 74 on Radio Songs.{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}} The album peaked at 14 on the Billboard 200,{{cite web |title=House of Pain - Chart History - Billboard 200 |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/house-of-pain/chart-history/TLP |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028052550/https://www.billboard.com/music/house-of-pain/chart-history/TLP |archive-date=October 28, 2019 |publisher=Billboard |accessdate=2019-10-07}} 14 on the U.S. Billboard Top Current Albums,{{cite web |title=House of Pain - Chart History - U.S. Billboard Top Current Albums |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/house-of-pain/chart-history/TCL |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028052527/https://www.billboard.com/music/house-of-pain/chart-history/TCL |archive-date=October 28, 2019 |publisher=Billboard |accessdate=2019-10-07}} 16 on the U.S. Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums,{{cite web |title=House of Pain - Chart History - U.S. Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/house-of-pain/chart-history/BLP |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028052556/https://www.billboard.com/music/house-of-pain/chart-history/BLP |archive-date=October 28, 2019 |publisher=Billboard |accessdate=2019-10-07}} 14 on the U.S. Billboard Top Album Sales,{{cite web |title=House of Pain - Chart History - U.S. Billboard Top Album Sales |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/house-of-pain/chart-history/TSL |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028054046/https://www.billboard.com/music/house-of-pain/chart-history/TSL |archive-date=October 28, 2019 |publisher=Billboard |accessdate=2019-10-07}} and is certified platinum. Rolling Stone gave three point five stars, good plus, and noted "with a groovy swagger, this collection of hard-core hip-hop tracks offers many moments of technicolor snap and crackle, and also titled House of Pain". Q magazine wrote that it is a good album three stars and said "...their music is of the dense, hard-hitting school of hip hop...the group have absorbed black rap's musical lessons and create a satisfying platform for their above average deliveries..." The Source said it was a good plus, gave it three point five stars and concluded that it is "...a very solid and at times exceptional album...imagine if Licensed to Ill wasn't an upper middle class Jewish thing but rather a working class Irish thang...the atmosphere is like that of a cross between a frat party and a bar room brawl... NME gave it a six calling it good and noting "...contains some creative and accomplished rap music..."{{Citation needed|date=May 2022}} Rob Theakston of AllMusic gave it four stars.{{Citation |title=House of Pain - House of Pain {{!}} Album {{!}} AllMusic |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/house-of-pain-mw0000086245 |access-date=2025-04-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407042414/https://www.allmusic.com/album/house-of-pain-mw0000086245 |archive-date=April 7, 2025 |language=en}}
= 1993–1996: Subsequent success and group's breakup =
In 1993, O'Connor with his group mates were among the rap artists who had cameo roles in Ted Demme's film Who's the Man?.{{Cite web |title=Who's the Man? |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/whos-the-man/cast/2030109905/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424173456/https://www.tvguide.com/movies/whos-the-man/cast/2030109905/ |archive-date=April 24, 2022 |access-date=2022-04-24 |website=TVGuide.com |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Blenkle |first=Joe |date=April 28, 1993 |title='Who's the man?' mixes rap, comedy |pages=B1 |work=The Folsom Telegraph}} For this project they provided a theme song by the same name, which was also used as a single for the soundtrack and their subsequent album. It rose to number 97 on the Billboard Hot 100, 77 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks, and 10 on the US Billboard Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales.{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}
In 1994, they released Same as It Ever Was.{{cite AV media |url= |title=Same As It Ever Was |date=1994 |last1=Schrody |first1=Erik "Everlast" |type=CD |medium= |language=English |publisher=Tommy Boy Records |trans-title= |location= |time= |access-date= |id=TBCD 1089 |isbn= |oclc= |quote= |last3=Dimant |first3=Leor "Dj Lethal" |first2=Danny "Danny Boy" |last2=O'Connor}} The album peaked at 12 equally on the Billboard 200, the U.S. Billboard Top Current Albums, the U.S. Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, the U.S. Billboard Top Album Sales, and is certified gold. AllMusic gave it four out five stars.{{Citation |title=Same as It Ever Was - House of Pain {{!}} Songs, Reviews, Credits {{!}} AllMusic |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/same-as-it-ever-was-mw0000115218 |access-date=2022-05-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407193307/https://www.allmusic.com/album/same-as-it-ever-was-mw0000115218 |archive-date=April 7, 2025 |language=en}} Matt Carlson of The Michigan Daily found the album quite good and noted "the music is laid back with some heavy driving forces underlying and strengthening it".{{Cite journal |last=Carlson |first=Matt |date=September 8, 1994 |title=Records |journal=The Michigan Daily |volume=CIV |pages=13}} J.D. Constantine of The Baltimore Sun did not like album and found it monotonous and unimaginative.{{Cite news |last=Considine |first=J.D. |date=July 8, 1994 |title=House of Pain the 'Same,' over and over |pages=Maryland Live 5 |work=The Baltimore Sun}} Roger Catlin of the Hartford Courant said that while finding the continuity monotonous it's "hard and compelling" as well as a "strong outing".{{Cite news |last=Catlin |first=Roger |date=July 14, 1994 |title=Same as it ever was |pages=Entertainment Guide 4–5 |work=Hartford Courant}} Andrew Love of The Ocala Star-Banner gave it four stars saying "this is a band that has definitely progressed over the course of one album".{{Cite journal |last=Love |first=Andrew |date=August 8, 1994 |title=Latest release is full-blown Pain |journal=Ocala Star Banner |volume=51 |pages=1C}} Music critic Robert Christgau, who did not like their previous and subsequent album, gave it an A− and described it as "the hardest hip hop of the year".{{Cite web |title=Robert Christgau: CG: House of Pain |url=http://www.robertchristgau.com/get_artist.php?name=House+of+Pain |access-date=2022-05-20 |website=www.robertchristgau.com}}
Also in 1994, O'Connor acted in Allan Arkush's television film Shake, Rattle and Rock!,{{cite AV media |title=Shake, Rattle and Rock! |date=1994 |last=Arkush |first=Allan |type=DVD |language=en |publisher=Dimension Films |id=7 86936 15994 3 |isbn=0-7888-3010-4}} part of the Rebel Highway series.{{Cite web |last=Everett |first=Todd |date=1994-08-26 |title=Rebel Highway Shake, Rattle and Rock |url=https://variety.com/1994/tv/reviews/rebel-highway-shake-rattle-and-rock-1200409183/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240606215730/https://variety.com/1994/tv/reviews/rebel-highway-shake-rattle-and-rock-1200409183/ |archive-date=June 6, 2024 |access-date=2024-06-06 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
In 1996, they released Truth Crushed to Earth Shall Rise Again.{{cite AV media |url= |title=Truth Crushed to Earth Shall Rise Again |date=1996 |last1=Schrody |first1=Erik "Everlast" |type=CD |medium= |language=English |publisher=Tommy Boy Records |trans-title= |location= |time= |access-date= |id=TBCD 1161 |isbn= |oclc= |quote= |last3=Dimant |first3=Leor "Dj Lethal" |first2=Danny "Danny Boy" |last2=O'Connor}} The album peaked at 47 on the Billboard 200, 47 on the U.S. Billboard Top Current Albums, 31 on the U.S. Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, and 47 on the U.S. Billboard Top Album Sales. At the release party, Schrody decided to breakup the group.{{Citation needed|date=May 2022}} Dave Ferman of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram gave it one star and a half, calling it a "woeful mess".{{Cite journal |last=Ferman |first=Dave |date=November 22, 1996 |title=Rap |journal=Fort Worth Star-Telegram |pages=Star Time 13}} Steve Juon of RapReviews gave it a seven out of ten.{{Cite web |title=House of Pain :: Truth Crushed to Earth Shall Rise Again :: Tommy Boy |url=https://www.rapreviews.com/archive/1996_12_truthcrushed.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241201023406/https://www.rapreviews.com/archive/1996_12_truthcrushed.html |archive-date=December 1, 2024 |access-date=2022-05-21 |website=www.rapreviews.com}} AllMusic music gave it two point five stars out of five.{{Citation |title=Truth Crushed to Earth Shall Rise Again - House of Pain {{!}} Songs, Reviews, Credits {{!}} AllMusic |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/truth-crushed-to-earth-shall-rise-again-mw0000648053 |access-date=2022-05-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407192121/https://www.allmusic.com/album/truth-crushed-to-earth-shall-rise-again-mw0000648053 |archive-date=April 7, 2025 |language=en}} Sputnikmusic wrote that "the trio’s most rounded, consistent & memorable LP is grossly under-appreciated."{{Cite web |title=House of Pain - Truth Crushed to Earth Shall Rise Again (album review ) {{!}} Sputnikmusic |url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/28778/House-of-Pain-Truth-Crushed-to-Earth-Shall-Rise-Again/ |access-date=2022-05-21 |website=www.sputnikmusic.com}}
Also in 1996, O'Connor was announced to be part of the cast of Soleil Moon Frye directorial debut.{{Cite journal |date=July 31, 1996 |title=The word |journal=The Record |pages=F-13}} The film was released in 1998 as Wild Horses.{{Citation |last=Frye |first=Soleil Moon |title=Wild Horses |type=Drama, Mystery, Western |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0144289/ |access-date=2025-05-30 |others=Angelyne, B-Real, Pamela Beheshti |publisher=Skyline Entertainment Partners |last2=Peluce |first2=Meeno}}
After House of Pain disbanded, O'Connor said he struggled with drug abuse, a problem he developed when he became famous, and spent all the money he made from the group's success.{{Citation needed|date=May 2022}} He said he sobered up briefly in 2000 joining the twelve-step program but relapsed after a having a drink,{{Citation needed|date=May 2022}} and rejoined the program in 2005, and stayed sober ever since.
Nevertheless, O'Connor continued being involved in musical projects and did freelance work such as logo designing, streetwear, and sneakers.{{Citation needed|date=April 2022}}
In 2001, O'Connor's next group XSupermodels (XSM) only saw a promotional release for their album Artificial Intelligence.{{Citation needed|date=April 2022}} That year, he was the featured rapper in Powerman 5000's remake of the Frankie Goes to Hollywood hit song "Relax", on the Zoolander soundtrack.{{Citation needed|date=April 2022}}
In late 2004, the creation of the rap supergroup La Coka Nostra started when O'Connor was mentoring young artists.{{Citation needed|date=April 2022}} O'Connor explains that he took notice of two up and comers George Carroll (Slaine) and John Faster (Big Left) and brought them to meet his former DJ from House of Pain, Leor Diamant.Emerick Tackett (2006).
In 2005, the documentary film Just for Kicks about the sneaker phenomena and history in hip-hop, had its world premiere.{{Cite web |last1=Hernandez |first1=Eugene |last2=Indiewire |date=2005-03-10 |title=26 Films Set for TFF's 2005 NY, NY Section |url=https://www.indiewire.com/2005/03/26-films-set-for-tffs-2005-ny-ny-section-78366/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220411030838/https://www.indiewire.com/2005/03/26-films-set-for-tffs-2005-ny-ny-section-78366/ |archive-date=April 11, 2022 |access-date=2022-04-11 |website=IndieWire |language=en}} O'Connor was among the producers. It won "Best Documentary", and "Best Overall Film" at the USVI Film festival. It was part of the official selection at Tribeca Film Festival, Sheffield Documentary Festival, Amsterdam Documentary Festival, Bangkok International Film Festival, Res Fest, New York Latino Film Festival, San Francisco Black Film Festival, NYC Urban World Festival, Leipzig Documentary Festival, and US Virgin Islands Film Festivals.{{cite AV media |title=Just for Kicks |date=2005 |last1=de Longeville |first1=Thibaut |last2=Leone |first2=Lisa |type=DVD |language=en |publisher=Image entertainment |id=kik2988dvd}}
In 2009, La Coka Nostra released A Brand You Can Trust was released on July 14, 2009, on Suburban Noize Records.{{cite AV media |url= |title=A Brand You Can Trust |date=2009 |last1=O'Connor |first1=Danny "Danny Boy" |type=CD |medium= |language=English |publisher=Suburban Noize Records |trans-title= |location= |time= |access-date= |id=NZE-CD-125 |isbn= |oclc= |quote= |last2=Dimant |first2=Leor "Dj Lethal" |first3=George "Slaine" |last3=Carroll |first4=William "Ill Bill" |last4=Braunstein |first5=Erik "Everlast" |last5=Schrody}} It sold over 500,000 units.{{Citation needed|date=April 2022}} AllMusic gave four out of five stars.{{Citation |title=A Brand You Can Trust - La Coka Nostra {{!}} Songs, Reviews, Credits {{!}} AllMusic |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/a-brand-you-can-trust-mw0000820644 |access-date=2022-05-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407194438/https://www.allmusic.com/album/a-brand-you-can-trust-mw0000820644 |archive-date=April 7, 2025 |language=en}} Andrew Kameka of HipHopDX wrote that "the album is a mostly solid effort and exactly what someone would expect from a supergroup of like-minded members known for high-energy music".{{Cite web |last=Kameka |first=Andrew |date=2009-07-16 |title=La Coka Nostra - A Brand You Can Trust |url=https://hiphopdx.com/reviews/id.1218/title.la-coka-nostra-a-brand-you-can-trust |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407194227/https://hiphopdx.com/reviews/id.1218/title.la-coka-nostra-a-brand-you-can-trust |archive-date=April 7, 2025 |access-date=2022-05-20 |website=HipHopDX}} Adam Kennedy of the BBC while praising some the moments of the album said "it’s a tantalising parting taste of potential capabilities, yet until they improve a customer satisfaction hit rate that barely troubles one in three tunes here".{{Cite web |last=Kennedy |first=Adam |title=BBC - Music - Review of La Coka Nostra - A Brand You Can Trust |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/xzj9/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407195159/https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/xzj9/ |archive-date=April 7, 2025 |access-date=2022-05-20 |website=www.bbc.co.uk |language=en-GB}} Steve Juon of RapReviews gave it a seven out of ten.{{Cite web |title=RapReviews.com Feature for July 14, 2009 - La Coka Nostra's "A Brand You Can Trust" |url=http://www.rapreviews.com/archive/2009_07F_brandyoucantrust.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407194913/https://www.rapreviews.com/archive/2009_07F_brandyoucantrust.html |archive-date=April 7, 2025 |access-date=2022-05-20 |website=www.rapreviews.com}} Thomas Quinlan of Exclaim! said "La Coka Nostra are an interesting collection of collaborators that live up to the hype".{{Cite web |title=La Coka Nostra A Brand You Can Trust {{!}} Exclaim! |url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/la_coka_nostra-_brand_you_can_trust_2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250221181601/https://exclaim.ca/music/article/la_coka_nostra-_brand_you_can_trust_2 |archive-date=February 21, 2025 |access-date=2022-05-20 |website=exclaim.ca |language=en-ca}}
Also in 2009, House of Pain reunited at a private event held by UFC president Dana White in Boston on St. Patrick's Day. It was officially announced on August 10, 2010, that House of Pain had reunited and performed their first "official" show in a decade at the second annual Epicenter music festival in Fontana, California, on September 25, 2010. Though Diamant is still a member of the group, he did not join them on their 2011 reunion tour due to prior obligations with Limp Bizkit.{{cite web |date=February 12, 2011 |title=C-Lance [Interview] · |url=http://www.hiphopcanada.com/2011/02/c-lance-interview/ |access-date=April 18, 2014 |publisher=Hiphopcanada.com}}{{cite web |date=January 26, 2011 |title=House Of Pain Announces Reunion Tour To Celebrate 20th Anniversary |url=http://www.iconvsicon.com/2011/01/25/house-of-pain-announces-reunion-tour-to-celebrate-20th-anniversary/ |access-date=April 18, 2014 |publisher=Icon vs. Icon}} In April–May 2011 House of Pain attended the Groovin' the Moo touring festival in Australia, and also performed at Scotland's T in the Park festival on July 9, 2011, as well as Sonisphere UK Festival on July 12 of the same year.{{Citation needed|date=May 2022}} House of Pain reunited in 2017 for a 25th Anniversary Tour. The tour included shows in DC, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, and California.{{cite web |last1=Lee |first1=Christopher |date=March 8, 2017 |title=House Of Pain Announces 25th Anniversary For Jump Around Tour Dates For 2017 |url=http://music.mxdwn.com/2017/03/08/news/house-of-pain-announces-25th-anniversary-for-jump-around-tour-dates-for-summer-2017/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407195818/https://music.mxdwn.com/2017/03/08/news/house-of-pain-announces-25th-anniversary-for-jump-around-tour-dates-for-summer-2017/ |archive-date=April 7, 2025 |access-date=March 8, 2017 |website=MXDWN}}
Finally that year, while touring, they had a three-day layover in Tulsa, Oklahoma. O'Connor took advantage of this free time to visit the town and found the location of the house used by the main characters in the filmThe Outsiders (1983). He took a picture, posted it on MySpace, and the photo went viral.{{Citation needed|date=April 2022}} This led O'Connor to found The Delta Bravo Urban Exploration Team.{{Cite web |last=Sauer |first=Patrick |title=S.E. Hinton Is Tired of Talking About 'The Outsiders.' No One Else Is |url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/the-enduring-resonance-of-the-outsiders-180981527/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202030321/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/the-enduring-resonance-of-the-outsiders-180981527/ |archive-date=February 2, 2023 |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=Smithsonian Magazine |language=en}} With team-members in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York City, their visit documents notable pop culture landmarks from film, television, music, and true crime.{{cite web |last=Brattz |first=Mickey |date=February 10, 2013 |title=Delta Bravo Urban Exploration Team |url=http://moshaker.com/2013/02/10/delta-bravo-urban-exploration-team/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140105040517/http://moshaker.com/2013/02/10/delta-bravo-urban-exploration-team/ |archive-date=January 5, 2014 |access-date=January 4, 2014 |publisher=Moshaker.com}} One of their speciality is to show a photo of what the location looks like now to compared it to what it looked like when it was part of something that gained notoriety.{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=Telegram & Gazette |title=Worcester fans have inside track on 'The Outsiders' house |url=https://www.telegram.com/story/lifestyle/2016/05/30/worcester-fans-have-inside-track-on-the-outsiders-house/28405346007/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425200544/https://www.telegram.com/story/lifestyle/2016/05/30/worcester-fans-have-inside-track-on-the-outsiders-house/28405346007/ |archive-date=April 25, 2022 |access-date=2022-04-25 |website=The Worcester Telegram & Gazette |language=en-US}} Delta Bravo identified locations from movies and television shows including Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982), Saturday Night Fever (1977), Valley Girl (1983), The Bad News Bears (1976), All in the Family (1971 to 1979), Gilligan's Island (1964 to 1967), etc.
In 2012, separately from The Delta Bravo Urban Exploration Team, La Coka Nostra released their second album, Masters of the Dark Arts.{{cite AV media |url= |title=Masters Of The Dark Arts |date=2012 |last1=O'Connor |first1=Danny "Danny Boy" |type=CD |medium= |language=English |publisher=Fatbeats |trans-title= |location= |time= |access-date= |id=FB5158 |isbn= |oclc= |quote= |last2=Dimant |first2=Leor "Dj Lethal" |first3=George "Slaine" |last3=Carroll |first4=William "Ill Bill" |last4=Braunstein}} It reached 176 on Billboard Top Current Albums, 40 on Independent Albums, and 31 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.{{Citation needed|date=April 2022}} Adam Fleischer of XXL magazine noted that "La Coka Nostra remain decidedly true to their core with their new album" and "that they are indeed masters of the dark arts".{{Cite web |author=XXL Staff|date=2012-07-28 |title=La Coka Nostra, Masters of the Dark Arts |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/la-coka-nostra-masters-of-the-dark-arts/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407202714/https://www.xxlmag.com/la-coka-nostra-masters-of-the-dark-arts/ |archive-date=April 7, 2025 |access-date=2025-04-07 |website=XXL Mag |language=en}} HipHopDX gave the album a positive review and noted that the album was a "sinister, happily violent detour from the pop-centric".{{cite news |date=2012-07-16 |title=La Coka Nostra - Masters Of the Dark Arts |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/album-reviews/id.1925/title.la-coka-nostra-masters-of-the-dark-arts |url-status=dead |access-date=2012-12-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913235401/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/album-reviews/id.1925/title.la-coka-nostra-masters-of-the-dark-arts |archive-date=2012-09-13}} Peter Marrack of Exclaim! also gave the album a positive review and noted that the album was "more or less a one-way ticket to hell".{{cite news |last=Marrack |first=Peter |date=2012-07-31 |title=La Coka Nostra - Masters of the Dark Arts |url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/la_coka_nostra-masters_of_dark_arts |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250222190418/https://exclaim.ca/music/article/la_coka_nostra-masters_of_dark_arts |archive-date=February 22, 2025 |accessdate=2012-12-14 |publisher=exclaim.ca}} Nathan G. O'Brien of Scene Point Blank gave it four out five star and said "with Master of the Dark Arts La Coka Nostra’s pluperfect union of bombastic boom-bap, record scratching, and realism-based hardcore rhyming".{{Cite web |last=O'Brien |first=Nathan G. |date=October 1, 2012 |title=Review - La Coka Nostra - Masters of the Dark Arts |url=https://www.scenepointblank.com/reviews/la-coka-nostra/masters-of-the-dark-arts/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250221174504/https://www.scenepointblank.com/reviews/la-coka-nostra/masters-of-the-dark-arts/ |archive-date=February 21, 2025 |website=Scene Point Blank}}
In 2016, La Coka Nostra released To Thine Own Self Be True.{{cite AV media |url= |title=To Thine Own Self Be True |date=2016 |last1=O'Connor |first1=Danny "Danny Boy" |type=CD |medium= |language=English |publisher=Fatbeats |trans-title= |location= |time= |access-date= |id=FB5178 |isbn= |oclc= |quote= |last2=Dimant |first2=Leor "Dj Lethal" |first3=George "Slaine" |last3=Carroll |first4=William "Ill Bill" |last4=Braunstein}} The album reached 38 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.{{Citation needed|date=April 2022}} Steve Juon of RapReviews gave eight point five out of ten and wrote "for a blissful 45 minutes it's an uncut dose of that nostalgia straight through the ear canals to the dopamine centers of my brain".{{Cite web |title=La Coka Nostra :: To Thine Own Self Be True :: SoulSpazm/Fat Beats Records |url=https://www.rapreviews.com/archive/2016_11_tothineownselfbetrue.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250221175638/https://www.rapreviews.com/archive/2016_11_tothineownselfbetrue.html |archive-date=February 21, 2025 |access-date=2022-05-20 |website=www.rapreviews.com}}
That same year, the film Let Me Make You a Martyr premiered,{{Cite web |last=Murthi |first=Vikram |date=June 15, 2016 |title='Let Me Make You A Martyr' Exclusive Trailer: Marilyn Manson Plays A Hit Man On A Mission From Mark Boone Junior |url=https://www.indiewire.com/2016/06/let-me-make-you-a-martyr-trailer-marilyn-manson-mark-boone-junior-1201689155/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220412190239/https://www.indiewire.com/2016/06/let-me-make-you-a-martyr-trailer-marilyn-manson-mark-boone-junior-1201689155/ |archive-date=April 12, 2022 |access-date=2022-04-11 |website=IndieWire |language=en}} in which O'Connor plays a role.{{cite AV media |title=Let Me Make You a Martyr |date=2012 |last1=Asraf |first1=Corey |last2=Swab |first2=John |type=DVD |language=en |publisher=Film Rise |id=0 341003 008292}}
= 2019–present: The Outsiders House museum and current works =
O'Connor, a lifelong fan of S. E. Hinton's book The Outsiders and its film adaptation by Francis Ford Coppola, opened The Outsiders House Museum in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on August 9, 2019.{{Cite web |last=Tramel |first=Jimmie |date=August 5, 2019 |title=Outsiders House history stretches from land run to museum's opening night |url=https://tulsaworld.com/outsiders-house-history-stretches-from-land-run-to-museums-opening-night/article_0deacc5f-2df1-5af6-89eb-7c2860f996ba.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425024607/https://tulsaworld.com/outsiders-house-history-stretches-from-land-run-to-museums-opening-night/article_0deacc5f-2df1-5af6-89eb-7c2860f996ba.html |archive-date=April 25, 2022 |access-date=2022-04-25 |website=Tulsa World |language=en}} Since 2009, when discovering the house where the lead characters of the film, the Curtis Brothers, lived in Tulsa, Oklahoma. O'Connor always had the thought of buying it, which he eventually did in 2016.{{Cite web |last=Barnard |first=Matt |date=August 8, 2019 |title=From ruins to Tulsa icon: The story behind the famous Outsiders House |url=https://tulsaworld.com/entertainment/from-ruins-to-tulsa-icon-the-story-behind-the-famous-outsiders-house/collection_387abafc-58ab-51a2-8cc2-5519153c88fd.html |access-date=2022-05-15 |website=Tulsa World |language=en}}{{Cite journal |last=Krischer |first=Hayley |date=March 19, 2017 |title=Why 'Outsiders' lives on: a teen novel turns 50 |journal=The Herald |pages=3D}} O'Connor said he bought it sight unseen and when he first went inside that it was falling apart. With the help of friends, the Oklahoma Film and Music Office, the City Council, local business and individuals who volunteered the restoration started.{{cite web |last=O'Shansky |first=Joe |date=August 4, 2016 |title=The Curtis House in Crutchfield |url=http://www.thetulsavoice.com/August-A-2016/The-Curtis-House-in-Crutchfield/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220515172908/https://www.tulsapeople.com/the-curtis-house-in-crutchfield/article_ae42c4d4-ff60-5aec-9e67-d91e5cc4c25d.html |archive-date=May 15, 2022 |access-date=June 6, 2017 |website=TulsaPeople Magazine |language=en}}{{cite web |last1=Graham |first1=Ginnnie |date=April 2, 2016 |title=Ginnie Graham: Going inside 'The Outsiders' house |url=http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/columnists/ginniegraham/ginnie-graham-going-inside-the-outsiders-house/article_ca377a70-0045-57a6-b87d-d85a96be4562.html |access-date=June 6, 2017 |website=Tulsa World |language=en}} After raising funds the house went through extensive renovations to restore it and maintain its authenticity from the film.{{cite web |last1=Terrell |first1=Ron |date=January 12, 2017 |title='Outsiders' House: The Latest On The Renovations |url=http://www.fox23.com/news/renovations-continue-on-north-tulsa-home-seen-in-the-outsiders-film/483560436 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413013615/https://www.fox23.com/news/renovations-continue-on-north-tulsa-home-seen-in-the-outsiders-film/483560436/ |archive-date=April 13, 2022 |access-date=June 6, 2017 |website=Fox23 News}} A GoFundMe was set up for additional funds,{{Cite web |last=Jayne |first=Ian |date=August 26, 2016 |title=A hip-hop icon is included in a team of enthusiasts dedicated to preserving The Outsiders house |url=https://www.okgazette.com/oklahoma/a-hip-hop-icon-is-included-in-a-team-of-enthusiasts-dedicated-to-preserving-the-outsiders-house/Content?oid=2980957 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220515195305/https://www.okgazette.com/oklahoma/a-hip-hop-icon-is-included-in-a-team-of-enthusiasts-dedicated-to-preserving-the-outsiders-house/Content?oid=2980957 |archive-date=May 15, 2022 |access-date=2022-05-15 |website=Oklahoma Gazette |language=en}} notable donors include Jack White who donated $30,000 and Billy Idol. Also to raise funds, screenings of the film were organized that actor C. Thomas Howell (one of the film's lead) attended. Also in 2016, the street signs on the corner were changed to "The Outsiders way" and "The Curtis Brothers Lane". Since its opening, the museum now contains a collection of The Outsiders memorabilia. On the quiz show Jeopardy! a question about him and the museum was showcased
On November 1 of that year, the institution installed a plaque commemorating in a scene Rumble Fish (1983), another film directed by Coppola based on a Hinton novel shot in Tulsa, in the alley south of 5th Street between Main Street and Boston Avenue.{{Cite web |date=2019-11-01 |title=S. E. Hinton's Rumble Fish is remembered with historic plaque |url=https://www.kjrh.com/news/local-news/s-e-hintons-rumble-fish-is-remembered-with-historic-plaque |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813024525/https://www.kjrh.com/news/local-news/s-e-hintons-rumble-fish-is-remembered-with-historic-plaque |archive-date=August 13, 2023 |access-date=2023-08-13 |website=2 News Oklahoma KJRH Tulsa |language=en}}
In 2021, separately from The Delta Bravo Urban Exploration Team and The Outsiders House museum, O'Connor acted in the suspense film Ida Red.{{Cite web |title=Ida Red |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/ida-red/cast/2030450077/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220411033548/https://www.tvguide.com/movies/ida-red/cast/2030450077/ |archive-date=April 11, 2022 |access-date=2022-04-11 |website=TVGuide.com |language=en}} That same year he was a prominent interviewee in Soleil Moon Frye's documentary Kid 90.{{Cite web |last=Tramel |first=Jimmie |title=Tulsa, Danny O'Connor of Outsiders House part of Soleil Moon Frye documentary 'Kid 90' |url=https://tulsaworld.com/entertainment/tulsa-danny-oconnor-of-outsiders-house-part-of-soleil-moon-frye-documentary-kid-90/article_c8ab2cc4-88de-11eb-b6aa-2318bc9f4435.html |access-date=2022-04-11 |website=Tulsa World |date=March 22, 2021 |language=en}}
On June 3, 2022, O
In 2023, O'Connor acted in two John Swab's films Little Dixie,{{Cite web |last=Krystaf |first=Lauren |date=2023-01-14 |title='Little Dixie': Cast, Trailer, Release Date, and Everything You Need to Know |url=https://collider.com/little-dixie-cast-crew-trailer-release-date-plot/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407210807/https://collider.com/little-dixie-cast-crew-trailer-release-date-plot/ |archive-date=April 7, 2025 |access-date=2023-02-08 |website=Collider |language=en}} and One Day as Lion.{{Cite web |title=One Day as a Lion |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/one-day-as-a-lion/cast/2060089685/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407210411/https://www.tvguide.com/movies/one-day-as-a-lion/cast/2060089685/#google_vignette |archive-date=April 7, 2025 |access-date=2023-04-25 |website=TVGuide.com |language=en}} On April 14 of that year, as part of a 40th anniversary celebration of the release of The Outsiders, O'Connor installed a plaque commemorating the film which was installed at the Admiral Twin drive-In where a scene was shot.{{Cite web |last=World |first=Jimmie Tramel Tulsa |date=2023-04-10 |title=Plaque dedication set before 40th anniversary showing of 'The Outsiders' at Admiral Twin |url=https://tulsaworld.com/entertainment/movies/plaque-dedication-set-before-40th-anniversary-showing-of-the-outsiders-at-admiral-twin/article_1b313d1c-d7a7-11ed-969f-737f11fcbc51.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813023514/https://tulsaworld.com/entertainment/movies/plaque-dedication-set-before-40th-anniversary-showing-of-the-outsiders-at-admiral-twin/article_1b313d1c-d7a7-11ed-969f-737f11fcbc51.html |archive-date=August 13, 2023 |access-date=2023-08-13 |website=Tulsa World |language=en}}
In February 2024, O'Connor served as judge alongside Olivia Jordan and Zac Hanson for the talent competition the "Big Show Off". The event was created to raise funds and awareness to the homelessness issues in Tulsa.{{Cite web |last=Brannon |first=Jayden |date=February 3, 2024 |title=Tulsa Day Center Hosts 'Big Show Off' Event To Bring Awareness To Homelessness |url=https://www.newson6.com/story/65beeaf182ffe10657bfd4ea/tulsa-day-center-hosts-big-show-off-event-to-bring-awareness-to-homelessness |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212020140/https://www.newson6.com/story/65beeaf182ffe10657bfd4ea/tulsa-day-center-hosts-big-show-off-event-to-raise-money-for-homelessness |archive-date=February 12, 2024 |access-date=2024-02-12 |website=www.newson6.com |language=en}} Also that month the documentary film Mad Props started its theatrical run. The film is about movie prop collectors and O'Connor is among the interviewees.{{Cite web |last=Hemphill |first=Jim |date=2024-02-23 |title=Are Movie Props Fine Art? For the Collectors in 'Mad Props,' Yes. |url=https://www.indiewire.com/features/craft/movie-props-collectors-documentary-mad-props-1234954971/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240511063820/https://www.indiewire.com/features/craft/movie-props-collectors-documentary-mad-props-1234954971/ |archive-date=May 11, 2024 |access-date=2024-05-11 |website=IndieWire |language=en-US}} In May, O'Connor with The Outsiders House Museum published the book The Outsiders on set, which contains 254 pages of photos by Nancy Moran a photographer who visited The Outsiders
In January 2025, at the annual Tulsa Regional Chamber event,{{Cite web |date=2025-01-23 |title=Tulsa Regional Chamber holds 2025 Annual Meeting and Inauguration |url=https://www.fox23.com/news/tulsa-regional-chamber-holds-2025-annual-meeting-and-inauguration/article_00f5ff40-d9c2-11ef-81d7-3b5860f2597a.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250221194122/https://www.fox23.com/news/tulsa-regional-chamber-holds-2025-annual-meeting-and-inauguration/article_00f5ff40-d9c2-11ef-81d7-3b5860f2597a.html |archive-date=February 21, 2025 |access-date=2025-02-21 |website=www.fox23.com |language=en}} awards were distributed to partners whose efforts were valued in 2024. O'Connor won the "Partner of the year" award for "Regional Tourism".{{Cite web |title=Tulsa Regional Chamber - Veteran automotive leader Knight inaugurated as 2025 chair of Tulsa Regional Chamber |url=https://tulsachamber.com/news/2025/01/24/membership/veteran-automotive-leader-knight-inaugurated-as-2025-chair-of-tulsa-regional-chamber/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250221194559/https://tulsachamber.com/news/2025/01/24/membership/veteran-automotive-leader-knight-inaugurated-as-2025-chair-of-tulsa-regional-chamber/ |archive-date=February 21, 2025 |access-date=2025-02-21 |website=tulsachamber.com}}
Currently, O'Connor serves as a member of the Arts Commission of City of Tulsa. This came about when the Mayor searched for Tulsans willing to volunteer their time to City of Tulsa Authority, Board or Commission. The initiative is meant to have a citizen committees with a range of interests and their advice to develop future policies.{{Cite web |title=City of Tulsa |url=https://www.cityoftulsa.org/government/authorities-boards-and-commissions/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230807162143/https://www.cityoftulsa.org/government/authorities-boards-and-commissions/ |archive-date=August 7, 2023 |access-date=2023-08-07 |website=www.cityoftulsa.org}}
Personal life
During the height of House of Pain, O'Connor had a friendship with Mickey Rourke and was romantically involved with Soleil Moon Frye (with whom he maintains a friendship). He is also friends with Robert Romanus.
Accolades
1992 - Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group - "Jump Around" - Nomination - with House of Pain
2017 - Honorary High School Diploma - Will Rogers High School
2018 - Key to the city - Tulsa, Oklahoma
2025 - Tulsa Regional Chamber - Winner - Partner of the year: Regional tourism
Discography
=with House of Pain=
- House of Pain (1992)
- Same as It Ever Was (1994)
- Truth Crushed to Earth Shall Rise Again (1996)
=with XSupermodels=
- Artificial Intelligence (2001) promo album
=with La Coka Nostra=
- A Brand You Can Trust (2009)
- Masters of the Dark Arts (2012)
- To Thine Own Self Be True (2016)
Filmography
= Actor =
- Who's the Man? (1993) - Steve
- Shake, Rattle and Rock! (1994) Cochran's Drummer Boy
- Wild Horses (1998)
- Let Me Make You a Martyr (2016) - Willie
- Ida Red (2021) - Bird
- Out for Exile (2022)
- Little Dixie (2023) - Coka
- One Day as Lion (2023) - Prison Guard MacDougal
= Interviewee =
- Kid 90 (2021)
- Mad Props (2024)
= Producer =
- Just for Kicks (2005)
- Old House New Home (2022)
Bibliography
- 2022 - The Outsiders ‘Rare and Unseen’ - with David Burnett
- 2024 - The Outsiders on set - with Nancy Moran
References
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External links
- {{Instagram|officialdannyboyoconnor}}
- [https://myspace.com/dannyboylcn/ Danny Boy] at MySpace
- [https://www.facebook.com/DeltaBravoUrbexTeam Delta Bravo Urban Exploration Team] at Facebook
{{La Coka Nostra}}
{{House of Pain}}
{{Authority control}}
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Category:20th-century American male rappers
Category:American people of Irish descent
Category:House of Pain members
Category:Rappers from Los Angeles
Category:Rappers from Brooklyn
Category:East Coast hip-hop musicians
Category:William Howard Taft Charter High School alumni
Category:21st-century American rappers
Category:21st-century American male musicians