E-40’s ‘In A Major Way’ Recognized As Top 10 Hip-Hop Album Of The 1990s
Bay Area rap legend's sophomore album gets its flowers as a certified classic in hip-hop history
Ratika holds a master's degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in communication and journalism from Mumbai University. She has 6 years of experience writing in various fields, such as finance, education, and lifestyle.
Read full bio of Ratika Pai
Image: Instagram
The rap community continues to give flowers to Bay Area legend E-40, as his sophomore album “In a Major Way” receives recognition as a certified classic and easily one of the top 10 rap/hip-hop albums of the 1990s.
The acknowledgment comes via a repost from the Super Retro Podcast, which E-40 shared with his followers, embracing the nostalgic appreciation for his groundbreaking 1995 release. The post celebrates the album’s impact and staying power in hip-hop history, showcasing E-40’s pioneering influence in the genre.
The Album That Changed West Coast Rap
“In a Major Way” marked a pivotal moment in E-40’s career when it was released on March 14, 1995, through Jive and Sick Wid It Records. The album featured collaborations with fellow rap icons including 2Pac, B-Legit, Spice 1, and Mac Mall. It peaked at number 2 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and number 17 on the Billboard 200, achieving gold certification from the RIAA.
The album is widely regarded for its innovative slang, distinctive flow, and authentic street narratives that helped define the Bay Area sound. Standout tracks like “Sprinkle Me,” “Dusted ‘n’ Disgusted,” and “1-Luv” showcased E-40’s unique delivery and storytelling abilities that would influence generations of artists to follow.
E-40’s Enduring Legacy
Born Earl Stevens in Vallejo, California, E-40 has built an extraordinary career spanning over three decades. Beyond his accomplishments in music, he has established himself as a successful entrepreneur with ventures in the food and beverage industry.
Recently, E-40 has been highlighting his business acumen with posts about his various entrepreneurial endeavors. In a recent Instagram post, he shared, “Mind of an entrepreneur since I was 4,” while promoting his food brand “Goon with the Spoon,” which includes burritos, beef sticks, and ice cream. The brand’s slogan “From The Turf To The Table” represents his journey from the streets to business success.
He’s also made waves in the spirits industry with his E. Cuarenta Tequila line, which he proudly describes as “THE BEST TEQUILA hands down” in another recent post. His spirits portfolio also includes wine and other beverages, demonstrating his diverse business interests.
More Than Music
Beyond his musical and business ventures, E-40 continues to be active in various spheres. He recently announced his participation in the upcoming Forbes BLK Summit in Atlanta, where he’ll be speaking about entrepreneurship and building his spirits business alongside other successful business leaders.
The rap veteran also maintains strong connections within the entertainment and sports worlds. He recently shared birthday wishes to NFL star Marshawn Lynch, posting a playful video of the two boxing together with the caption, “Have you ever boxed wit @beastmode? this was good times! HBD Marshawn Lynch, love and respect, family!”
E-40 has also been supporting up-and-coming artists, recently promoting rapper Cousin Fik’s track “Thangin'” which features both E-40 and Too Short. “Proud ah my lil homie @cousinfik ‘THANGIN’ goin UP! No sauce, no boost, no ads. All organic views. Already at a million views in less than 3 weeks on YouTube,” he posted.
Words Of Wisdom
Consistent with his elder statesman status in hip-hop, E-40 regularly shares life advice and motivational messages with his followers. In one recent post shared by the “Hustle With Me Family” account, E-40 is quoted offering wisdom about finding your own path: “Success is not just about where you’re going but how you get there. Every path is unique, so carve your lane and stay in it.”
This philosophical approach has been a hallmark of E-40’s career, as evidenced by another recent post where he reflected on one of his classic songs: “I made the song loyalty and betrayal 24 years ago. It is still relevant to this day.”
A Cultural Icon
The recognition of “In a Major Way” as a top 10 album of the 1990s further cements E-40’s place in hip-hop history. While many artists from that era have faded from relevance, E-40 has maintained his cultural influence while expanding his empire beyond music.
As fans continue to celebrate the classics from hip-hop’s golden era, E-40’s innovative sound, distinctive vocabulary, and authentic storytelling on “In a Major Way” stand as testaments to his lasting impact on the culture. The album remains not just a snapshot of mid-90s West Coast hip-hop, but a blueprint that helped shape the sound of generations to follow.
Trivia
Read full bio of Ratika Pai
