E-40 performs “U and Dat,” “Function” and more on NPR Tiny Desk [VIDEO]

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.

His unique vocabulary made him stand out, even when national platforms didn’t fully embrace his sound in the early years. Today, his linguistic style is echoed everywhere—from memes to TV shows to product marketing.

From Vallejo to Viral: TikTok and the Next Generation

E-40’s creativity extended beyond rhyme schemes. He changed how artists think about language as a cultural tool, a regional marker, and a brand identity.

One of the most exciting storylines in E-40’s recent career resurgence is how Gen Z rediscovered “Choices (Yup)” through TikTok. Originally released in 2014, the song found new life as users applied the track’s “yup/nope” call-and-response style to short-form video content.

This unexpected second wave reminded the world that E-40’s music is timeless—and always ripe for reinterpretation.

The Bay Area Blueprint: Independent Before It Was Cool

Before streaming, before YouTube, before artists had the tools to release music on their own, E-40 was already building an empire. Through his label Sick Wid It Records, he pushed dozens of releases regionally and created a blueprint for independence.

His business savvy didn’t stop at music. He’s launched multiple liquor brands (Earl Stevens Selections wine, E. Cuarenta tequila), written cookbooks, and built partnerships with fast food chains.

Lesson for aspiring artists: Master your craft, then master your business. E-40’s approach is a textbook case of how to stay relevant for decades by owning your brand.

Tiny Desk as Hip-Hop Curriculum

For younger audiences unfamiliar with the breadth of E-40’s catalog, this performance worked like a primer—a bite-sized retrospective of his catalog, stage presence, and staying power.

With platforms like Tiny Desk offering stripped-down performances that let lyrics and charisma shine, it was the perfect venue for E-40 to flex his originality in a fresh, accessible format.

Watch It Now

If you missed the live stream, catch the full performance here on NPR’s official channel. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering E-40, this is essential viewing for anyone who cares about the evolution of rap.

What This Means for Hip-Hop

E-40’s Tiny Desk set wasn’t just about the past. It was about how an artist can remain relevant by staying authentic. It was a celebration of innovation, hustle, and legacy—core values in hip-hop that often get lost in the churn of trends.

In an era when longevity is rare, E-40 continues to evolve. He’s more than a rapper—he’s a movement, a brand, a voice, and a historian of the Bay.

If you’re building a hip-hop archive, this performance is a key entry. If you’re building a business, it’s a lesson in branding. And if you’re building a playlist, well—add “Function” and “Choices” right now.