E-40 is a self-proclaimed "O.G." in the rap game and has been around since the early days and has an old school following from his G-Funk days. His group "The Click" consists of his brother, cousin and his sister; D-shot, B-legit, & Suga-T. His other brother Mugzi (aka Young Mugzi) has a group called the Mossie, consisting of himself, Kaveo, and Tap Dat Azz. E-40 also brought his nephew into the rap game, and is a well known bay area artists named "Turf Talk". His son "Droop-E" is now a Bay Area hyphy producer and makes uptempo beats packed with major 808 kick samples. All these rappers and many more are under his established independent label; Sic Wid It records.
His nicknames include TKA (Tycoon Known As) Charlie Hustle, E-Bonics, 40 Fonzarelli, The Ambassador of the Bay, The Ballatician, 40 Belafonte, E-Pheezy, Fortywata (40water), E-4-0 (E-Four-Oh), Mr. Flamboyant, and Earl "Poppin' His Collar" Stevens.
ENTREPRENEUR
In addition to record sales E-40 has ventured into other business opportunities. Along with former NFL player Chester McGlockton, E-40 has opened a Fatburger franchise in Pleasant Hill, California. E-40 recently authored the book, E-40's Book of Slang to be published by Warner Books. He also has his own line of liquor called Cloud 9, and he opened the now-defunct Ambassador's Lounge, a nightclub in Downtown San Jose.[13]. On Nov 16th, 2007 it was announced that Stevens, signed a franchise agreement with Wingstop Restaurants, Inc. and will open one in Southampton shopping center located in Benicia, California. "I was introduced to Wingstop in Dallas and as soon as I tasted the wings I was hooked. I love the food," said Stevens. "I chose to open in the Bay Area because this is the soil where I was born and raised, and I still live here to this day. People here are going to love these things." In late 2007, E-40 announced a new line of energy drinks called "40 Water."
California
E-40 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The ocean's Trident submarines
Lemons, limes and tangerines
I remember this
I remember traffic jams
Motor boys and girls with tans
Nearly-was and almost-rans
History is made
History is made to seem unfair
I recall that you were there
Golden smile and shining hair
I recall it wasn't fair
Recollect it wasn't fair
Remembering it wasn't fair outside
Low ebb, high tide
The lowest ebb and highest tide
A symbol wave I must confide
I guess we took us for a ride
I guess it's just a gesture
I remember this defense
Progress fails pacific sense
All those sweet conspiracies
I remember all these things
I remember traffic jams
Motor boys and girls with tans
Nearly-was and almost-rans
I remember this, this
Low ebb, high tide
The lowest ebb and highest tide
I guess we took us for a ride
I guess it's just a gesture
At the end of the continent
At the edge of the continent
At the end of the continent
At the edge of the continent
In E-40's song California, the lyrics paint a vivid picture of the state's eclectic offerings and the highs and lows of its history. The song begins with a nostalgic recollection of redwood trees, bumper cars, and submarines, evoking the sense of wonder that California's natural beauty and cutting-edge technology can inspire. The mention of lemons, limes, and tangerines also conjures up the state's agricultural abundance.
However, the nostalgia is tempered by the reality of traffic jams and the presence of "nearly-was and almost-rans," implying that despite its many opportunities, California is also a place of missed chances and unrealized dreams. The lyrics further point to the unfairness that can come with history-making, with the songwriter recalling an unfair situation involving someone with golden hair and a golden smile.
The song also touches on the complexities of the state's cultural and political environment. The mention of "sweet conspiracies" suggests underlying tensions and corruption, and the defense and progress of the Pacific region may not always be in sync. Ultimately, the lyrics end on an ambiguous note, with the mention of "low ebb, high tide" and "I guess it's just a gesture," hinting that even with all its wonders and flaws, the state's allure is hard to resist.
Line by Line Meaning
I remember redwood trees, bumper cars and wolverines
Recalling a time of carefree youth filled with amusement park rides, flora and fauna, and joyous memories
The ocean's Trident submarines
Highlighting the military presence in the area with the Trident submarines stationed in the ocean
Lemons, limes and tangerines
Evoking the fragrant smells of California's citrus groves
I remember this
A nostalgic reflection on the past and all the experiences that come with it
I remember traffic jams
Recalling the frustrations of commuting in the busy state, but also acknowledging the state's growth and development
Motor boys and girls with tans
Describing the carefree, outdoor lifestyle and culture that California is known for
Nearly-was and almost-rans
Acknowledging the failures and disappointments that come with striving for success in a highly competitive state
History is made
Recognizing the significance of California in shaping American history and culture
History is made to seem unfair
Suggesting that the struggles and injustices faced by some in California's history have not been fully acknowledged or rectified
I recall that you were there
A personal reflection on shared experiences and memories
Golden smile and shining hair
Reminiscing about the beauty and warmth of someone important from the past
I recall it wasn't fair
Reflecting on past experiences that seem unjust or discriminatory
Recollect it wasn't fair
Continuing to dwell on past injustices and the need to acknowledge them
Remembering it wasn't fair outside
Feeling the effects of systemic injustice on a personal level
Low ebb, high tide
Referencing the unpredictable and powerful nature of California's shoreline
The lowest ebb and highest tide
Elaborating on the changing nature of California's coastline, which can be a metaphor for life's ups and downs
A symbol wave I must confide
Seeing the waves as a symbol of something greater or deeper
I guess we took us for a ride
Admitting that perhaps they, or society as a whole, have gone too far in something
I guess it's just a gesture
Questioning the true impact and meaning of actions or efforts, suggesting that they may be superficial or insincere
Progress fails pacific sense
Highlighting the ways in which progress has sometimes come at the expense of natural resources or ecosystems in California
All those sweet conspiracies
Recognizing the allure of secrets and hidden knowledge, or possibly referencing conspiracy theories that abound in California
At the end of the continent
Emphasizing the unique geographical location and influence of California on the western coast
At the edge of the continent
Continuing to explore the significance of California's physical location and how it has shaped the state's history and culture
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Michael Mills, Michael Stipe
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
matzomaniac
this song is insane! I love it!
Wade Marley
I love piano mixed in there, those keys and drums were melting with fire!
OfficeGossip
E40 and Ariel Pink collaboration. Never would have thought to see the day lol
Julian Anderson
Theres also nite jewel and droop e. The whole family are fans of the bedroom stuff and saw the vision
KingCeeTV
Ppl slip on E 40. He's one of the best in the game.
A N
Feel like he been slept on since “Hall of Game”
Simple passager
This second part with the piano fuckin magical
Isaac
Thats alchemist for ya
Cris Lopez
Speeding away from police and catching the vibe at 2:58 made me stop and realize I was into lo fi
Bevhilk N
man, same