Happy Birthday, E-40!

Today, Nov. 15, marks the birthday of E-40, who now turns 51.

Born Earl Stevens, E-40 has enjoyed one of the most long-lasting careers for a Bay Area artist in hip-hop history.

Starting with 1993's Federal, E-40 has released over 20 studio albums in his 34-year career. In 2016, E-40 celebrated his born day by dropping a double album for his fans called The D Boy Diary Books 1 & 2. It boasts a total of 42 tracks, with features from fellow West Coast rappers Mozzy, G-Eazy, Lil B and Jay Rock.

As E-40 says, “What’s happening at this point in my career defies logic. I still spit the realest and rawest shit of anyone in the rap game right now. The D-Boy Diary will lace the unlaced, will tutor the truant – it’s a guidebook for a street life.”

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of XXL Magazine, E-40 was selected as one of the 26 rappers to grace the Fall 2017 cover. For 40's cover story, the legend discussed the key to longevity in the rap industry, and if you're one of the many longing for a career that even remotely mirrors his, take notes. "My key has been not blowing up too quick. When you blow up too quick you gotta realize people's patience," he explains. "They wanna rock with what's new." Read his interview in full over at XXL's 20th anniversary hub.

Happy Birthday, E-40!

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