E-40
E-40: The Bay Area Rapper Who Redefined West Coast Hip-Hop
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Earl Stevens, known professionally as E-40, is an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer from Vallejo, California. He is also known by his stage name "Mystik Jinn" and has been referred to as the "Mayor of Vallejo."
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on July 15, 1970, E-40 is still active in the music industry.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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E-40's nationality is American, and he works primarily as a rapper and record producer. He has also ventured into acting, with roles in films such as "Get Rich or Die Tryin'" (2005) and "You're Getting Served" (2004).
Early Life and Background
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Growing up in Vallejo's 6th Ward, E-40 was exposed to the harsh realities of urban life. He began rapping at a young age, influenced by artists such as Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. His early experiences with poverty and violence would later shape his lyrics and contribute to his unique perspective on street life.
Major Accomplishments
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E-40's music career spans over three decades, with numerous chart-topping albums and singles under his belt. Some of his most notable achievements include:
Being one of the first artists to popularize the "hyphy" movement, a subgenre of hip-hop that originated in Northern California.
Releasing 25 studio albums, with sales exceeding 8 million copies worldwide.
Collaborating with top artists such as Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, and Lil Jon.Notable Works or Actions
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Some of E-40's most notable works include:
The Hitta (1995), his debut album that marked the beginning of his successful music career.
Tha Block Is Hot (2000), a collaboration with Lil' Wayne and Mannie Fresh, which showcased his ability to blend Bay Area styles with mainstream appeal.
My Ghetto (2006), an album that highlighted his storytelling abilities and earned him widespread critical acclaim.
Impact and Legacy
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E-40's impact on hip-hop culture extends beyond his music. He has been credited with:
Popularizing the "hyphy" movement, which brought a new level of energy and creativity to West Coast hip-hop.
Inspiring a generation of rappers from the Bay Area, including artists such as G-Eazy and Sage the Gemini.
* Breaking down genre barriers through his collaborations with artists from various backgrounds.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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E-40's quotes are often referenced due to their raw honesty and insight into street life. His lyrics provide a glimpse into the harsh realities he faced growing up in Vallejo, making him a relatable figure for fans worldwide.
Quotes by E-40
When I do listen to music a lot of times I listen to old school music, I'm talking about Earth, Wind & Fire, I'm talking about the Isley Brothers, the O'Jays. It just eases my mind.
The earliest music I remember hearing is Al Green's 'Let's Stay Together.' That was when my momma and my daddy were together, before they went their separate ways.
Sometimes all your fanbase wants you to do is stay within your envelope and do you because that's what they love you for.
For the first six years of my career I was independent. I got on to a major and did my thing there. I had platinum and gold records and all that.
I don't just talk about jewelry and cars and houses and belittling those that don't have that. I'm a democrat. I speak for the democrats. I speak for the soil.
When you do mixtapes, a lot of times your fanbase can say, 'We've been getting this for free for so many years, his new album is about to drop, we've listened to it, and we're not going to buy it. We'll download it for free.'