Earl Stevens, better known as E-40, is much more than just a rapper. He is a West Coast hip-hop legend, a savvy businessman, and a cultural icon. His impact on the music industry and beyond is undeniable.
Born Earl Tywone Stevens, E-40 rose to prominence in the early 1990s with his unique flow and innovative slang. He quickly became a driving force in Bay Area hip-hop, paving the way for countless artists and helping to define the sound of the West Coast.
But E-40’s ambition didn’t stop at music. He’s a true entrepreneur, building a diverse empire that includes record labels, wine and spirits brands, and strategic investments. He even invested early in social media apps like Clubhouse and Convoz, proving his keen eye for emerging trends.
This biography explores the incredible journey of Earl Stevens, from his humble beginnings to his current status as a hip-hop mogul. We’ll delve into his musical innovation, his business acumen, and his lasting impact on the music industry and beyond.
Early Life and Influences
Earl Stevens, now known as E-40, spent his childhood in Vallejo, California. His parents divorced, and his mother raised him and his siblings. She worked as hard as she could, sometimes juggling three jobs at once, to provide for her family.
Stevens’s interest in hip-hop started early. He remembers hearing “Rapper’s Delight” by the Sugarhill Gang and being immediately hooked.
During his high school years, Stevens pursued a few different passions. He played baseball and started recording music with his siblings. They sold their tapes and records independently, operating out of the trunk of a car.
After high school, Stevens enrolled at Grambling State University in 1986 along with his cousin, Brandt Jones. He attended for one year before turning his attention to his music career.
The Rise of The Click and Sick Wid It Records
Earl “E-40” Stevens’ career really took off with the formation of The Click, a rap group he started with his family members. Family was a big deal in E-40’s early career, and working with his relatives helped him get his start.
Forming The Click
The Click started making recordings, and they quickly became local stars. Their music had a big impact on the Bay Area hip-hop scene, and they helped put the area on the map as a center for innovative rap.
Founding Sick Wid It Records
In 1989, E-40 took his career to the next level by starting his own label, Sick Wid It Records. The label’s independence was key to E-40’s success, allowing him to stay true to his vision and control his music.
Sick Wid It Records didn’t just help E-40, though. It also developed local talent and promoted Bay Area hip-hop, nurturing new artists and giving them a platform to share their music. The label’s discography is a testament to its impact, showcasing the diverse sounds and styles that have come out of the Bay Area.
Through The Click and Sick Wid It Records, E-40 established himself as a major player in the hip-hop world, paving the way for his solo career and solidifying his legacy as a Bay Area icon.
Music Career: 1990s – Early Mainstream Success
E-40’s prolific output and dedication to his craft quickly made him a West Coast favorite. He released a series of solo albums and mixtapes, building a strong and loyal fan base.
One of his most notable songs from this era, “Captain Save a Hoe” (1993), became a mainstream hit, further solidifying his presence in the rap scene.
Transition to Jive Records
E-40’s talent eventually led to a deal with Jive Records, where he hoped to achieve an even greater mainstream breakthrough. However, his early singles under Jive Records saw limited chart success.
Only two songs released under Jive Records, “1-Luv” featuring Levitti and “Things’ll Never Change” featuring Bo-Roc, charted on the Billboard Hot 100.
Collaborations and Expanding Reach
While his solo work was making waves, E-40 also started collaborating with artists outside of his immediate circle, thereby expanding his reach and influence.
Until 1997, E-40 worked almost exclusively with rappers from the Bay Area. That year, he released the double disc compilation Southwest Riders featuring rap acts from both the Bay Area and the South.
This move proved fruitful, as he began making guest appearances on albums by Southern rappers, including Lost by Eightball, and MP da Last Don by Master P in 1998.
Music Career: 2000s – Mainstream Breakthrough and Continued Success
The 2000s marked a turning point in E-40’s career as he transitioned to a major label and achieved mainstream recognition.
Signing with BME/Warner Bros. Records
E-40’s move to BME/Warner Bros. Records signaled a renewed focus on appealing to a wider audience.
“Tell Me When to Go” and National Recognition
The release of “Tell Me When to Go,” featuring Keak da Sneak, proved to be a pivotal moment. The single gained popularity across the United States, and E-40 made appearances on MTV’s Direct Effect and BET’s 106 & Park. This song had a huge impact on the hyphy movement, a Bay Area hip hop subgenre.
My Ghetto Report Card and Album Success
In 2006, E-40 released My Ghetto Report Card, which debuted at #1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and #3 on the Billboard Hot 200. This album featured collaborations with Lil Jon and other mainstream artists. Prior to the album’s release, E-40 was featured on Lil Jon’s hit single “Snap Yo Fingers,” along with Sean P of YoungBloodZ, which reached the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100.
Continued Album Releases and Revenue Retrievin’ Series
E-40 maintained a steady output of albums and mixtapes throughout the 2000s and beyond. For example, on March 30, 2010, E-40 released two albums called Revenue Retrievin’: Day Shift and Revenue Retrievin’: Night Shift. His work ethic and dedication to his craft solidified his place as a hip-hop icon.
Music Career: 2010s – Present – Maintaining Relevance and Innovation
E-40’s career didn’t peak in the ’90s. He continued to release music and tour throughout the 2000s, but it was in the 2010s that he showed his true staying power and business acumen.
The Block Brochure Series
In 2011 and 2012, E-40 released a series of albums called The Block Brochure: Welcome to the Soil. Each of the three albums in the series debuted high on the Billboard 200 chart — #58, #59, and #72 respectively. A triple album box set with all three volumes hit #44 on the Billboard chart.
As always, E-40 collaborated with both well-known and up-and-coming artists on these albums.
“Function” and Renewed Chart Success
In 2012, E-40 released the single “Function,” featuring YG, Iamsu!, and Problem. The single peaked at #21 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart, #62 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, and #22 on the Rap Songs chart. It became his most commercially successful single in years.
Later Albums and Continued Musical Output
E-40 has kept a steady stream of music coming, releasing albums such as The Gift of Gab in 2018 and Practice Makes Paper in 2019.
Through it all, E-40 has maintained a consistent presence in the hip-hop world, proving his longevity and adaptability.
Business Ventures: Beyond the Music
Earl Stevens, or E-40, has expanded his brand into a number of different business ventures, proving he’s got an entrepreneurial spirit as well as musical talent.
Beverage Industry
E-40’s interests in the beverage industry are wide-ranging. He founded 40 Water, a bottled water company, and has also moved into the wine and spirits market.
E-40 has released several wines, including a red blend called “Function,” a moscato, and a high-alcohol fortified wine called “Mangoscato.” He also released a premixed cocktail beverage called Sluricane Hurricane in December 2014, which took its inspiration from the 1995 hit song “Hurricane” by his group The Click.
Investments and Entrepreneurial Activities
E-40’s business acumen extends to investments in tech companies. He was an early investor in Clubhouse and Convoz. He also formerly owned a Fatburger franchise, although that venture is now closed.
In addition to these ventures, E-40 has been involved in various other business activities and endorsements, further solidifying his position as a savvy businessman.
E-40’s Book of Slang
Since 1998, E-40 has been teasing a forthcoming publication called E-40’s Book of Slang. As of 2024, the book has not yet been released, but it remains a much-anticipated project among his fans.
The book is expected to be a compilation of the unique slang and catchphrases that E-40 has popularized throughout his career, offering insight into the linguistic creativity that has become his trademark.
Personal Life and Legacy
E-40 married Tracey Stevens in 1991. Together, they have two children, Earl Jr. (Droop-E) and Emari (Issue), who have both followed in their father’s footsteps and become rappers.
E-40 and Tracey make their home in Danville, California.
Outside of music, E-40 is a die-hard Bay Area sports fan. He’s a longtime supporter of the San Francisco 49ers, the San Francisco Giants, and the Golden State Warriors.
His local celebrity reached new heights on June 25, 2022, when the Giants gave away 15,000 E-40 bobbleheads to fans attending a game. E-40 also threw out the ceremonial first pitch that day.
Conclusion
Earl “E-40” Stevens isn’t just a rapper; he’s a Bay Area institution, a hip-hop innovator, and a savvy businessman. From his early days with The Click to his decades of solo success, E-40 has consistently pushed boundaries with his unique slang, flow, and entrepreneurial spirit. He’s not only shaped West Coast hip-hop, but he’s also left an indelible mark on the wider culture, influencing everything from fashion to food.
What’s most remarkable about E-40 is his ability to remain relevant and innovative in an ever-changing industry. He’s never been afraid to experiment with new sounds, collaborate with emerging artists, and embrace new platforms. This adaptability has allowed him to connect with multiple generations of fans and maintain his position as a leading voice in hip-hop.
E-40’s legacy extends far beyond music. He’s a role model for aspiring artists and entrepreneurs, demonstrating that with hard work, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of your vision, anything is possible. His influence will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations to break barriers and create their own unique paths to success.