E-40 Shines in NPR Tiny Desk performance
Multiplatinum rapper and cultural icon E-40 took over NPR’s Tiny Desk stage on Monday, marking both the launch of Black Music Month and the 30th anniversary of his classic album In A Major Way. The intimate performance was not just a nostalgic nod to his expansive catalog—it was a celebration of hip-hop history and an affirmation of his lasting influence.
A Career-Spanning Set: 3 Decades of Slaps
The performance covered ground from the ’90s to today. E-40 didn’t just deliver hit after hit—he brought living history into the room, turning NPR’s office into a mini Bay Area block party.
Setlist Highlights:
- “Tell Me When To Go” – the hyphy anthem that helped define the mid-2000s Bay sound.
- “U and Dat” – a club staple featuring T-Pain that crossed regional lines.
- “Snap Yo Fingers” – a collab with Lil Jon and Sean P that showed E-40’s cross-market appeal.
- “Choices (Yup)” – a viral hit that re-emerged thanks to Gen Z and TikTok.
- “Captain Save a Hoe” – his early satirical street tale that went mainstream.
- “Yay Area” and “Function” – tracks that ooze Bay Area pride and energy.
With each song, E-40 proved his adaptability across changing musical eras while remaining deeply rooted in his original sound and identity.
‘In A Major Way’: 30 Years of Impact
Released in 1995, In A Major Way wasn’t just E-40’s breakthrough—it was a moment that helped define Bay Area hip-hop for the rest of the country. It featured production and lyrical structures that were experimental for the time, and its slang-rich, fast-paced delivery helped E-40 develop his signature.
Key facts about the album:
- Peaked at #13 on the Billboard 200.
- Went platinum, despite minimal mainstream radio play.
- Included guest appearances from 2Pac, B-Legit, and Mac Mall.
Even after 30 years, the album feels fresh—a testament to E-40’s forward-thinking approach. It’s often cited by artists today as a key influence on the West Coast’s independent hustle mentality and unique sonic identity.
The Live Band: Hip-Hop with Live Energy
One of the most special aspects of the Tiny Desk format is the use of live instrumentation. E-40’s performance stood out thanks to the skilled band assembled for the occasion:
- Kev Choice (keys, music director) – a trained classical pianist and jazz artist.
- Bosko Kante (music director, background vocals) – known for his work with Kanye West and others.
- Martin Luther (guitar, vocals) – a soulful guitarist adding melodic texture.
- Howard Wiley (sax, EWI) – bringing jazzy layers to the bass-heavy tracks.
- Marcus Phillips (bass, keys) – holding down rhythm and groove.
- Dame Drummer (drums, vocals) – bringing that Bay Area bounce.
- Silk-E The People’s Champ (vocals) – providing powerhouse vocals.
- DJ KMP (turntables, vocals) – anchoring it all with classic DJ energy.
This wasn’t just a rapper with a backing band—this was hip-hop arranged, rehearsed, and elevated to a new level.
E-40’s Language Legacy: Slang as Innovation
No one in hip-hop has coined more original slang than E-40. Terms like “broccoli” (weed), “scrill” (money), and “slaps” (a great song) all originated with or were popularized by him…