Bay Area rap icon E-40 brought Vallejo flavor and hyphy energy to NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts on Monday, kicking off Black Music Month with a spirited, career-spanning set that celebrated his legacy in hip-hop and his hometown roots.
Backed by a live band and in front of an intimate audience, the veteran MC born Earl Stevens ran through a medley of his biggest hits, including "Tell Me When to Go," "Choices (Yup)" and "U and Dat." Throughout the set, he showcased not only his signature slang and unmistakable delivery but also the cultural pride and storytelling that have made him a cornerstone of West Coast rap for over three decades.
“Tell the people that Water is back!” he declared midway through the performance, nodding to both his longtime nickname and his return to the spotlight.
The set marked E-40’s first appearance on the popular YouTube concert series, which has become a landmark platform for both emerging and legendary artists. Known for revealing raw talent in stripped-down formats, Tiny Desk has previously featured performances from artists like T-Pain, Too Short, Kehlani and LaRussell.
The band elevated the energy of each track. On "Choices (Yup)," musicians leaned into the mic to echo the iconic “yup” and “nope” ad libs, creating an organic, in-the-room feel. During "U and Dat," background vocalist and music director Bosko Kante filled in seamlessly for T-Pain’s auto-tuned hook.
E-40 also used the platform to promote his entrepreneurial ventures, sipping from a glass of his Earl Stevens Mangoscato and reminding viewers it’s available at Costco and Total Wine.
Between verses, he shouted out his longtime friends and collaborators, including a heartfelt tribute to the late Stomp Down. The performance was not only a musical celebration but a nod to the community that built him.
Despite a career that spans generations, E-40 remains culturally relevant. His music still blares from Bay Area car stereos and his impact extends beyond music, with a road named after him in Vallejo and surprise political appearances — including a surreal cameo at a Joe Biden rally.
With Monday’s set, E-40 joins a growing list of Bay Area legends who’ve brought their game to the Tiny Desk stage. The show continues to affirm the cultural weight of the Bay, one classic track at a time.
No comments:
Post a Comment