E-40 has been giving us game for a minute and it appear that he has no plans of slowing down. That prompt me to take it back to the first bulk of knowledge I got from the Vallejo O.G, In A Major Way, his 1995 release.
Forty had already cemented his feet long before the mid-90s, but it was regional. Like any regional rapper, he wanted to expand his fan base — if permissible. The opportunity came when his indie label, Sic Wid It, linked a deal with Jive. In A Major Way was the first release under the new partnership.
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The album’s production was funky. The Bay is home to funk acts such as Sly and the Family Stone, Con Funk Shun, and Sheila E, so it shouldn’t have come as a surprise. But instead of harmonizing about relationships, 40 — in an unorthodox fashion — rapped (and some harmonizing) about the streets.
40 paid homage to fellow Bay Area comrad Spice 1 in “Chip in da Phone.”
Regarding the title, “1 Luv” may have been similar to Whodini, but the subject matter was different. While the late-Ecstasy and Jalil talked about one shot at the perfect courtship, Forty Water was referring to his “potna mane” doing a bid.
Forty would take a page from Sly and the Family by making it a family affair. Suga T and B-Legit, Forty’s sister and cousin, respectively were on “Sprinkle Me,” “Fed,” “Sideways,” and “H.I. Double L.”
Perhaps, one of my favorites from the album is the aforementioned “Sideways.” I thought the Santa Claus reference was dope and before it’s time.
“Heavy a** sh*t for the mob (for the mob)/When I make a zillion I resign (I resign)/I’m realin in a hundred dollar bill with the line across/When Christmas come around ask Santa Claus/Santa do you know E-40?/Bet you that n***a say “‘That’s my homey!'” – E-40
In A Major Way peaked at number 2 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and at number 13 on the Billboard 200. The album is certified Platinum by the RIAA.
E-40’s ‘In A Major Way’; Classic, Dope, Regular, or Garbage?
Polls Are Closed!!
Classic! – Unanimously
Garbage – 0%
Regular – 0%
Dope – 0%
