One name that didn’t appear on nearly enough Top 50 lists (as part of the recent craze) was Bay Area legend E-40. Longevity is one feat, but having 29 full-length solo albums is another — especially one that is relevant.
His latest, Practice Makes Paper, is laced with 26 tracks, making it a relatively long listen, though there is some definite payoff weaved into a tapestry of dope (albeit formulaic) singles floating in features.
At 50 years old (Black Don’t Crack!) hearing 40 Water act as almost conduit for both new and old acts while maintaining the spotlight as the star of the show is absolutely incredible. The singles, for example “Chase The Money” featuring Quavo, Roddy Ricch, ScHoolboy Q and A$AP Ferg, are so in tune with what’s currently working in the industry — and garnering success as a result.
https://youtu.be/_rQ6bmLHkBg
What is the most amazing is that 40 doesn’t inherently change his style or delivery in any sort of attempt to fit in. Rather, he stays consistent to a sound he’s become synonymous with, inviting the bevy of guests to orient themselves accordingly (which they all do).
However, at 26 songs packed with features (albeit with a vibe that does offer a little sonic variation), the project is a little taxing as a top to bottom listen. The charm of this LP ultimately becomes the deep cuts that will likely become the ones that fly by night fans here for “Chase The Money” and “Made This Way” may gloss over.
“Facts Not Fiction” featuring Stresmatic is a surprisingly in-depth account of the numerous inventions that exist thanks to African Americans. “E-40 lyrics are like home school,” he spits at the beginning of the second verse. “Bet You Didn’t Know” is another shiny outlier on the tracklist, where he drops a bevy of seemingly unrelated pro life tips over a soulful sample. We’re talking everything from helping your children build credit, insect metamorphosis, to the low costs for basic life insurance.
Some of the songs, like “Goat” featuring Milla and “I’m It” do begin to feel a little lazy — and possibly a little too young at points — but those slip-ups are fleeting. Stand out collaborations with fellow legends Scarface (“Watch The Homies”) and Redman, Method Man and Bosko (“Keep On Gassin’”) and Anthony Hamilton and K-Ci (“My Everything”) is grown man music, even when it seems like it isn’t.
The way 40 manages to blend some songs that pander without pandering (which really difficult) and tracks packed with gems that illustrate the ins and outs of street life is an art. There is a clear attempt to both steer youngsters away from similar paths taken — and school those who rebel with a series of codes and potential consequences and pitfalls of a fast life.
And for that, 40’s music is worth revering once again.
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E-40 is the f*ckin greatest. F*ck what a top 50 list say
Facts the fuckng g.o.a.t
E40 IS THE GAYEST HE RAPS LIKE WOODY WOODPECKER ON CRACK LIVES IN THE OAKLAND HILLS STILL RAPS ABOUT SELLING DOPE IS 55 YEARS OLD STILL LOVES SHAKIN HIS DREAD IMPLANTS AND GOING STUPID POO POO DOO DUMB DUMB DUMB DUMB GAY GAY GAY GAYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!! GAY AREEEEAAAAAA LIKE THAT TELL THE PEOPLE THAT 40 WATER IS GAYYYYYY!!!
FUCK THAT FAST RAPPIN JIGGABOO 40 WATER, PORT OF MIAMI 2: DIARY OF A CORRECTIONS OFFICER, BEST LAW ENFORCEMENT-INFLUENCED HIP HOP RECORD SINCE CHIEF DARYL GATES PUT OUT HIS SEMINAL ” WELL A HIP-A TO THE HOP-A YOU DON’T STOP-A RACIAL PROFILING” LP FROM 1987!!! BAWSE!!!
TELL ME WHEN TO GO, TELL ME WHEN TO GO GAY, GAY, GAY, GAY, GAY, GAY, GAY
WHERE’S HIS SET AT? THE OAKLAND HILLS? ATHERTON? I’LL TELL THAT FAT WOODY WOODPECKER RAPPIN MOTHERFUCK AN OLD DAY THAT HES TRASH ADN BEEN TRASH FOR DECADES. FUCK YOU.
Hardest album out right now all you other rappers are tardy this ninja on Time E 40 IS GREAT
I think 3.8 is a good number for it. It has ups and downs, but it’s still pretty solid.
Hands Down E-40 Is One Of Th Greatest Artist Ina Game Period.. I Been Slappin Unc Shit Since I Was Ankle Low 2 A Cenepeeds Toe (Early 90’s) Ppl Who Dont Understand His Lingo Just Can’t Relate But This Album Is Fire Offtop! ⛽️???? S/O 40 Water ? #WhoFuckinWitEEm ????????
Who ever wrote this article is not in touch with the people because tracks like G.O.A.T is a slapper. This is a complete album from start to finish. At 50 something E-40 is putting out music better then 90% of this youngers. It’s filled with substance and game. So to the person who wrote this article stop being game goofy
E-40 is in his OWN Lane Cause It’s Been His Lane From Day One … His Style will Always have longevity cause it’s His … Nobody Flowing Like Water … Bet He Drop 11 Mo To Make it be a Even 40 … Your Own Shit …Not Industry Made !!! Stay Sucka-Free !!!
My favorite living artist. Or should I say artist still on the scene.
Relevant for 3 decades…40 is a GOAT #yayarea
Dope ass project
So dope this album is a 5/5
This album slaps, E-40 has been doing this since the late 80’s, and he is continuing to stay relevant. In fact, 40 is only improving. This is his best album since ” My Ghetto Report Card”. That 3.8 is truly hating on his craft. Best game spitter if all time, HAND DOWN.
GASSIN
Super dope nothing has changed about my dude real game God y’all better soak that s***
FUCK THAT FAST TALKIN JIGGABOO 40 WATER, PORT OF MIAMI 2: DIARY OF A CORRECTIONS OFFICER, BEST LAW ENFORCEMENT-INFLUENCED HIP HOP RECORD SINCE CHIEF DARYL GATES PUT OUT HIS SEMINAL ” WELL A HIP-A TO THE HOP-A YOU DON’T STOP-A RACIAL PROFILING” LP FROM 1987!!! BAWSE!!!
Respect to E-40 but not feeling that at all, horses for courses but do your thing OG