By Rose Miami 
HangupsMusic.com – In the ever-shifting landscape of hip-hop, where trends flicker and fade like ephemeral starlight, E-40 stands as a colossal, enduring monument. With a career spanning over three decades, the Bay Area titan, affectionately known as "40 Water," has not only witnessed the cyclical nature of the genre but has actively defied its perceived limitations. At 58, he remains a potent force, his lyrical prowess undimmed, offering profound insights into the current state and future trajectory of rap music. His latest project, the ambitious four-album release Turning My Money Over (Quadruple Album), serves as a testament to his sustained creativity and relevance.
Recently sitting down for an in-depth conversation with XXL’s "Keep It a Buck" series, E-40 delved into a spectrum of hip-hop narratives, dissecting prevalent myths and hypothetical industry scenarios. His perspective, forged in the crucible of the streets and honed through decades of artistic innovation, provides a unique lens through which to view the genre’s evolution. Among the most provocative questions posed was a hypothetical: would he rather garner more respect from the music industry or from the streets? His response was swift, decisive, and deeply rooted in his identity.
"Me personally, you want my opinion, I want the streets to respect me more ’cause that’s who made me," E-40 declared, his voice resonating with conviction. "To this day, I speak street language. Hip-hop was based on the streets." This statement underscores his unwavering commitment to his origins and the foundational principles of hip-hop culture. He elaborated on the curious phenomenon of external forces attempting to dictate the cultural narrative of the streets, stating, "The people outside of the streets [are] dictating who the streets should listen to. That s**t is interesting to me." This observation highlights a perceived disconnect between mainstream industry trends and the authentic voices emerging from the communities that birthed hip-hop.
The notion that hip-hop is an exclusive domain for the young was met with an immediate and emphatic dismissal from the veteran MC. "Fiction!" he proclaimed, unequivocally refuting the idea that age limits artistic vitality in rap. E-40 passionately argued that seasoned artists from the ’90s possess a distinct advantage, stating, "It’s many rappers from the ’90s that will gas the young generation. You know, because we’re storytellers, we’re more charismatic, we’re creative, we got many styles, different voices. We do it all and it’s game involved." He further characterized the genre as an "old man’s game" in its depth and strategic complexity, while still acknowledging the undeniable talent and energy of emerging young artists.
As an artist who has achieved legendary status, E-40’s priorities have shifted. When presented with the choice between discovering the next breakout superstar or crafting another classic album himself, his answer was clear and unhesitating. "I’m done with discovering rappers," he stated plainly. He elaborated on the inherent risks and responsibilities involved in artist development, noting, "If they make it, you got nothing to do with it. But if they don’t make it, you got everything to do with it. That’s just crazy. I’m very established so I’m cool. I’d rather just make more classic albums, brother. Period." This sentiment reflects a desire to focus on his own artistic output, having navigated the complexities of the industry and established a legacy that speaks for itself.
His disinterest in talent scouting extends to a firm resolve against signing new artists, regardless of their potential. "I’m cool. I don’t ever want to sign any artist ever," he reiterated. "I don’t give a f**k if they a square from Delaware. I’m good. No disrespect to Delaware. It just rhymed." This declaration solidifies his commitment to his established path and his unwillingness to take on the burdens of managing emerging careers.
Despite his stance on discovering new talent, E-40 remains attuned to the vibrant hip-hop scene, particularly within his native Bay Area. When asked about a potential collaborative album with an up-and-coming artist, one name immediately surfaced: Larry June. While acknowledging that June is not an entirely new artist, E-40 highlighted his significant success and financial acumen. "My pick is Larry June," he said, adding, "Larry June is getting a lot of success and he has been getting a lot of success. Financially I know he’s doing good because I know what it is to be independent and make a lot of scrilla." This endorsement speaks to E-40’s appreciation for artists who can independently build and sustain their careers, a principle he himself embodies.
The full interview promises further exploration into E-40’s perspective on contemporary hip-hop, including his views on whether social media has made the journey easier for today’s artists. His continued engagement and articulate commentary solidify his position not just as a pioneer but as a crucial voice shaping the ongoing narrative of hip-hop. His enduring presence serves as a powerful counterpoint to any suggestion of the genre’s impending obsolescence, proving that true artistry, authenticity, and street credibility are timeless commodities. His legacy is not just a collection of hit songs and platinum plaques, but a testament to an unwavering spirit that continues to inspire and influence generations. The legend of E-40 is far from over; it is, in fact, still being written, one meticulously crafted album and one insightful observation at a time.
