E-40 has amassed incredible fame and fortune in the music industry despite his tough childhood and addiction problems. In addition to his successful career, he is also a committed husband and a supportive father.
Earl Tywone Stevens Sr., popularly known as E-40, has been in the rap game for several decades. Many may remember the rapper as the "Tell Me When To Go" crooner or the serial entrepreneur with several business ventures.
Still, not many know that he had a rough time growing up and struggled with addiction. E-40 started his journey to success in the music industry at a very young age.
E-40 is seen at his booth during Day 2 of the 35th Annual Nightclub & Bar Show and World Tea Expo at the Las Vegas Convention Center on June 29, 2021 Photo: Getty Images
He lived with his parents in Vallejo, San Francisco, and they were a happy family until the couple divorced when the rapper was still in grade school. His mother got custody, and they moved from Vallejo to Magazine Street, Beverly Hills.
E-40'S JOURNEY TO GREATNESS
E-40 lived with his mother and siblings until he became a teenager. He was exposed to a rough neighborhood, and to avoid getting killed or going to jail, he decided it was time to leave home.
He got his chance in 1986, joining his best friend, Brandt Jones, at Grambling State University, Louisiana. There he studied commercial art. With their little musical experience, E-40 and Jones formed a group called The Intellectual Drifters and eventually wrote a song.
The song was performed at the spring talent show, and in the lyrics, E-40 stated that Gambling State University could help anyone going through difficulties to get through struggles.
E-40 and Jones' song won the talent show, and the duo began giving autographs. Not long after, the best friends moved back to Vallejo and began pursuing a career in rap full-time.
They teamed up with E-40's siblings, D-Shot and Sugar-T, and formed a group called MVP. The group recorded an EP, which sadly never made it to the radio.
Soon E-40 began recording solo, and in 1994, he cut a deal with Barry Weiss. He continued releasing solo tracks for years, and ten years after his contract with Weiss, the rapper signed a deal with Warner Bros.
E-40 released his first album with the label "My Ghetto Report Card," and after releasing the second album, he left the record label.
After leaving, he opened a burger restaurant in Danville, which closed down in 2008. Not long after, he opened a wing stop in Benicia, which also was not successful.
After his failed businesses, E-40 returned to the music industry with a bang. In 2010, he released two albums, and the following years appeared to be very successful.
During an interview with VLAD TV last year, E-40 spoke about his experience as a rising artist in Vallejo. He mentioned that Vallejo was filled with good people; however, the addiction to crack was bad.
Older people he had looked up to were not an exception, and overall, he described the 1980s as a bad time. E-40 overcame not only his crack addiction but became a successful rapper and businessman. He has also managed to balance his work life with his personal life.
E-40, A RAPPER AND AMAZING SPOUSE
E-40 is a proud husband to his wife, Tracy Stevens. The lovebirds first met each other in high school in California's Bay Area and ended up falling in love. Time and again, the businessman has spoken candidly about the secret to his long-lasting marriage.
During a chat with an outlet, E-40 cited communication and honesty as the secret to his successful union. He said it was always good for couples to like the same thing; that way, conversations will happen naturally. He also added:
"We've been together for 28 years, going on to 29. We met in high school, but we really met in junior high. I like her since the 8th grade."
In June, the couple celebrated their 30th marriage anniversary, and E-40 took to his Instagram page to mark the special milestone. He posted a short clip that comprised of moments he had shared with his wife, and in the caption, he wrote:
"Cheers to 30 years of marriage 30th anniversary is represented by pearl. Pearls symbolize beauty from within and the kind of special bond that drives a 30-year relationship..."
On Tracy's birthday this year, E-40 flaunted his love for her with an Instagram post. The picture shared on his page featured the lovebirds having fun while watching a game at a stadium.
The pair looked even more delectable in matching outfits while wearing happy faces. E-40 and Tracy appear to be big fans of baseball and are supporters of the San Francisco Giants.
A decent snap shared on the E-40's Instagram feed showed the pair in front row seats, showing their support for the team. In the caption, the rapper described his wife as his best friend.
INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION
E-40 does not only share a sweet bond with Tracy, he is also very close to his only son, Droop E. The young man once updated his Instagram fans with a throwback picture of him and his rapper dad posing together.
Like his father, Droop E takes a keen interest in the music industry. His desire to be a big shot started at an early age, as evident in a photo that featured him as a little boy posing with the legendary Snoop Dogg.
With motivation and hard work, the young musician has achieved a lot in his career. He has released several hits and has noted that E-40 has always been a source of motivation and inspiration.
He once sat down with Haqq Shabazz to open up about his career as a musician. Droop E made it known that what got him into entertainment was being around a studio early.
In addition, watching his star father work hard and bring the same motivation to work all the time was a key factor in his success. E-40 has been featured in a number of his son's singles, which connotes the attributes of a loving and supportive dad.
ncG1vNJzZmimlazAb63MqKSapZFjsLC5jmtucm1oZ3quscStZKuZoKWys3nEZmtpq12stqexjGxnZrGVlr%2B0edKopWavmKR7qcDMpQ%3D%3D