E-40
Summary
E-40 joins Questlove to discuss his new 40-track album, *Turning My Money Over*, and reflects on his origins in Vallejo’s "Hillside" neighborhood. The conversation covers the DIY distribution strategies of The Click, the influence of Grambling State on his independence, and the creation of the "mob music" sound. E-40 also shares anecdotes about his early interactions with MC Hammer, the rejection by City Hall Records that fueled his success, and a brief meeting with The Notorious B.I.G. in Las Vegas.
Topics discussed
Intro, Levi's sponsorship, and E40 introduction
Vallejo roots and early musical influences
Meeting Sly Stone and Bay Area talent scene
Vocal influences and rap persona development
Grambling State experience and Southern influence
The Click formation and early studio sessions
Grassroots distribution and overcoming rejection
Motivation from rejection and family dynamics
Studio Tone, D-Shot, and production origins
Breaking into the Bay Area and street culture
Inventing slang and navigating gatekeepers
Global reach and Jive Records validation
The Biggie controversy and New York reception
Hyphy movement and adapting to trends
Son Droopy and early family collaborations
Crafting the 'Turning My Money Over' quadruple album
Tupac collaborations and AWOL Records connections
Personal history, family, and wine business
Underrated artists and the therapeutic power of music
Legacy, advice to artists, and closing remarks
Listen ad-free on Castria