E-40
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The Sacramento Kings have some explaining to do. Longtime Golden State Warriors fan, and Hip-Hop legend, E-40 was kicked out of his favorite team’s playoff game, and the rapper is saying racial bias is why he got booted.
There is footage of 40 Water, born Earl Stevens, talking to security before being escorted out of Saturday night’s (April 15) game.
Afterward, E-40 explained his side of story, and allegedly involved him addressing a heckler (a white woman), and potentially him being a Black man is what lead to him being asked to leave the venue, Golden 1 Center, in the 4th quarter of the game.
“On Saturday night, I was subjected to disrespectful heckling over the course of the Warriors-Kings game in Sacramento,” said E-40 in a statement. “During the fourth quarter, I finally turned around and addressed one heckler in an assertive but polite manner. Yet, shortly thereafter, Kings’ security approached me, assumed that I instigated the encounter and proceeded to kick me out of the arena.”
And from there, per 40, the Ops intervened. He added, “Unfortunately, it was yet another reminder that—despite my success and accolades as a musician and entrepreneur — racial bias remains prevalent. Security saw a disagreement between a Black man and a white woman and immediately assumed that I was at fault.
He continued, “I was absolutely humiliated by the Kings’ security team and I’m calling on the franchise to investigate the appalling conduct that transpired.”
Considering this is the first we have ever heard of E-40, a courtside staple at Golden State Warriors games, having a problem, you have to at least give him the benefit of a doubt. Balls in your court, Kings.
Social media observers are also calling out the jig, and you can see the reactions in the gallery, Twitter is standing with 40 Water. The Kings ended up winning Game 1 of the series.
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E-40 is expanding his empire. He has launched a new spirits brand in Tycoon Vodka.
As spotted on Complex, the Vallejo, California native is bossing up yet again. This week he announced his newest foray into the alcohol category. On Thursday, March 16 he took to social media to make the unveiling with a quick video of the finishing stages of the bottling process. The packaging seems to be directly influenced by the classic Art Deco design era and features black and gold branding on the logo bed.
This is not E-40’s first entry to the spirits industry. Back in 2013, he launched Earl Stevens Selections with an offering of Mango Moscato and a Red Blend wine. Since then, he has launched E. Cuarenta Tequila line with Blanco, Reposado and Anejo varieties. Additionally, he has his own malt liquor and cognac. Tycoon Vodka is available online for $44.95. You can buy it here.
Photo: Anadolu Agency / Getty
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In today’s episode of Earl Stevens Had Us Thinking Rational, West Coast Hip Hop legend E-40 is gifting his alma mater with 100 racks because HBCU music programs matter—and who better to send that message than a music veteran with more than three decades in the game?
According to TMZ, the “Yay Area” rapper donated $100,000 Friday to Grambling State University in order to help the HBCU fund its various music programs and marching band.
E-40, who attended GSU beginning in 1986, told students and faculty at the school that he wanted to let people know there “ain’t nothin’ wrong with being in band,” and he just wanted “to make a contribution” to help his school’s music department—*wait for it*—In a Major Way. (Please don’t delete me, 40 fans.)
But GSU had a little surprise for the Vallejo emcee in return. After E-40 announced the huge contribution he made to the university, the GSU Tigers revealed The Earl “E-40” Stevens Sound Recording studio, which TMZ described as “a commemorative installation to inspire students’ music hustle.”
From TMZ:
He explained growing up in his impoverished Vallejo, CA neighborhood led him to look for an escape and hopped on the first train smokin’ when the Grambling opportunity came — and never looked back but jumped forward into a career of platinum plaques, millions of streams and mounds of classic songs!!!
Thanks to 40, the 122-year-old campus has the chance to produce the best rappers in college!!!Imagine that—rappers reminding the world that Hip-Hop has always been about education, just as much as it is about the culture and community. Much respect to E-40. This is a great look!
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Source: The Washington Post / Getty
The Golden State Warriors were guests of honor at the White House to celebrate their championship, with E-40, Too Short & other legends from the Bay in attendance as well.
On Tuesday afternoon (Jan. 17th), the White House was buzzing with excitement as the Warriors were on hand to celebrate their 2021-2022 NBA championship at a ceremony held by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. The crowd also boasted Hip-Hop royalty from the Bay Area, as E-40, Too Short, and Mister F.A.B. along with media personality Sway Calloway were present for the reception.
Superstar point guard Stephen Curry presented President Biden and Vice President Harris with customized team jerseys. Vice President Harris beamed as she introduced the team. “As a very proud daughter of Oakland, California, it gives me immense personal pride as the vice president of the United States to say, Dub Nation is in the house,” she said. She joked about her jersey which bore the number one, remarking that it’s because she’s the number one fan. Curry joked that he wanted the jersey to be up on the wall of the Oval Office. “Hopefully we can come back and check if it’s up there,” he said.
It was the first time since 2015 that the Warriors were honored at the White House. Former president Donald Trump publicly disinvited the team in 2017 after Curry had stated that he wasn’t interested in visiting. The Warriors also weren’t invited after their 2018 championship win. President Biden addressed that in his comments, saying: “The Golden State Warriors are always welcome in this White House.” Earlier in the day, Curry and coach Steve Kerr addressed reporters in the White House briefing room, with Curry thanking the administration for their efforts in bringing WNBA star Brittney Griner home from imprisonment in Russia late last year.
The Bay’s best rappers have long been avid supporters of the Warriors, with E-40 and Mistah F.A.B being constant fixtures at home games at the Chase Center in downtown San Francisco and prior to that, at the Oakland Coliseum. They were spotted taking numerous photos with Harris, along with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, who is now a member of the Biden administration.
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