About this episodeE-40 discusses the creation of his historic quadruple album, reflecting on his 30+ year career as an independe…AI summary
E-40 discusses the creation of his historic quadruple album, reflecting on his 30+ year career as an independent pioneer who influenced the industry before major label deals. He clarifies his role in the Hyphy movement, asserting his presence at its origins, and details his strategic early collaborations with Cash Money Records and Detroit artists that established his national reach.
Key takeaways 5
E-40 released a quadruple album (40 songs, 10 per disc) not for shock value but to repay his fanbase after a three-year hiatus, resulting in a project with 'no skips' and high critical acclaim.
E-40 claims credit for coining 'mob music' and influencing the Hyphy movement; he asserts Mac Dre was present at the filming of the 'Hyphy' video by The Federation in 2003, contradicting narratives that Hyphy only emerged after Mac Dre's death.
E-40 was the first non-Cash Money artist featured on a Cash Money record ('Bowler Blocking'), breaking their insular collaboration model and paving the way for future cross-label synergies.
The diamond-certified track 'No Hands' was created through a spontaneous collaboration with Big Sean and Kanye West, leveraging E-40's deep connections in Detroit and the Bay Area.
E-40's business strategy involved building independent infrastructure (City Hall Records) and maintaining relationships with family/uncle St. Charles Thurman to manage talent and business skills before signing with Jive Records.
Notable quotes 4AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“The way we landed on four albums was me feel like I owe my fan base... I owe my fan base four albums... It's not trying to be shock value... I rolled the dice and you know, it came out nice.”
▶ 2:01E-40 explains the motivation behind his quadruple album release, emphasizing fan appreciation over marketing gimmicks.
“I say this [__] all the time and people act like they... they know damn well he [Mac Dre] was there... The reason he wasn't in the Vidio is because he had to leave because he was on some type of curfew or whatever.”
▶ 20:40E-40 corrects the historical record regarding Mac Dre's involvement in the early Hyphy movement and the 'Hyphy' music video.
“I was the first one I was the first rapper that I know of to get on... Cash Money... They didn't they wasn't rocking with anybody. It was like a Cash Money artist featuring three other Cash Money artists. That's it. Nobody else.”
▶ 29:44E-40 highlights his pioneering role in breaking down barriers between regional hip-hop scenes by collaborating with Cash Money Records early in their rise.
“He had time. He had time. He fought and he had time to repent. And I know him. Yeah. He repented. That man is a angel right now. He's in heaven.”
▶ 27:36E-40 shares his personal perspective on closure regarding Tupac Shakur's death, focusing on spiritual peace rather than legal outcomes.
Chapters & Sections (35)▼
0:00E-40 First Quadruple Album Launchchapter2
2:18E-40's Quadruple Album Release Strategy
3:49Old School Album Purchases vs Streaming
5:28Independent Rap History and Music Industry Evolutionchapter2
6:58Uncle St. Charles and Independent Rap Mentorship
8:22Early Rap Group Evolution and Mob Music
11:21Early Career and Master P's Label Strategychapter3
13:311989 Rap Style and Hustling
14:48Master P's Label Strategy and Artist Retention
16:42Hyphy Movement Origins and Shift
18:19Hyphy Movement Origins and Mac Dre Videochapter3
20:10Mac Dre's Bay Area Visit and Credit
22:00Video Production Challenges and Hip Hop Longevity
23:37Hyphy Movement Origins and E-40's Role
26:35Mac Dre Legacy and Cash Money Synergychapter1
28:13E-40's First Cash Money Collaboration
30:47Music Production and Diamond Certification Storieschapter2
32:28Creating the Diamond Certified Look at Me Record
33:47Broken Plaque Return and Sponsorships
35:54Creating Blow The Whistle and Detroit Connectionschapter4
37:15Collaborating with Big Sean on Remix
39:05Collaborative Studio Session and Kanye Intro
41:01Todd Shaw's Production Genius on Blow the Whistle
42:22Cultural Impact of You and That Booty
43:37T-Pain Collaboration and East Coast Connectionschapter3
44:55T-Pain's Natural Vocal Ability Without Autotune
46:25Respect for Hov and Gatekeeping
49:10Bay Area Cultural Influence and Spread
51:00Touring with Tech N9ne and Mount Westmorechapter1
52:20Family Connections and Mount Westmore Album
55:04Snoop Collaboration, E-40 Business Ventures, and NBA Talkchapter4
57:19E-40's Liquor and Hot Honey Business Ventures
58:48NBA Dynasty and Player Rankings Discussion
1:00:1749ers Scam and Injury Conspiracy
1:01:2649ers Super Bowl Betting and Album Promotion