|
Will the Bay area
ever receive proper respect for its innovation and
contributions to the Hip-Hop community? A simple question. A
question that E-40 need not ask. The much-slept on MC from
Vallejo has his game in the mouth of MCs across the globe and
it’s all indicated with his sincere attitude and sixth solo
release Grit and Grind.
E-40 does not have to ask for respect as he exclaims
out of the gates on “Why They Don’t F**k With Us.” The first
track lays claim to 40’s steaks and stakes. E-40 exclaims,
“The most underrated rapper in the game, but everybody wanna
use my slang.” An inspirational speaker by nature, E-40
inspires those without it, to get it. Get that money
and on the grindin’ bangin’ lead single, “Automatic” E-40
brings in East Coast upstart turned celebrity, Fabolous to
enrich the hustle. The B-side to “Automatic” features “Rep Yo’
City” featuring a who’s who of “keeping it crunk.” The game
is laced with appearances from Petey Pablo, Bun B., Eightball
and Lil’ John and The Eastside Boyz on the frantic club track.
Grit and Grind is full of E-40’s signature
vibes that makes the Vallejo, California native’s work so
unique. He and Suga Free put it down like Goldie on the
anthem, “Pimps, Hustlas” adding the customary glamour game to
Grit and Grind. The Stevens family connection remains
in effect as well with Suga Free, B-Legit and Click affiliate
Bosko on various tracks. With “Roll On” E-40, Afro Man and
B-Legit kick some of that
California mob music that the G’z can ride and party to – classic E-40 funk on
this heater, with Afroman singing in his signature deep hymn.
As usual, on Grit and Grind E-40 offers a
piece of his peace to the, often fickle Hip-Hop world and
includes a parade of players like Kokane, Keek The Sneak,
Harm, Afroman, James Bailey and others to join the game
related party in the Bay. On “It’s A Man’s Game” he drops
science on youngstas who just don’t know ‘what it be like’ and
lets them know to be about their money first, and honey
second. If E-40 falters anywhere, it is mostly with the
audiences who have yet to experience the game of the
Ballatician who has come from “slangin’ yayo” to making legal
mayo. The consensus is, E-40 keeps it crisp, clean and Cali
(Bay) to the floor with funk in the trunk, lyrics and some
skunk. Same name with a different game.
Jose S. Gutierrez Jr.
DJ
Luvva J
|
