Multiplatinum recording artist, actor, and entrepreneur, Earl “E-40” Stevens expanded his philanthropic reach with a $100,000 donation to Grambling State University.
The funds will benefit the Music department, the World Famed Tiger Marching Band, and the upkeep of the newly installed recording studio, which has been named in his honor with signage unveiled during a ceremony held Friday at the Conrad P. Hutchinson Performing Arts Building.
“I just wanted to make a contribution to my school, Grambling State University, so I talked to the Doc (GSU Band Director Dr. Nikole Roebuck) and she said, ‘Let’s see what we can do,’ and this was what I came up with,” Stevens said as he unveiled the $100,000 check to the Grambling University Foundation. “I feel good about it, too. I feel really good. God is great.”
The Vallejo, California, native has firmly solidified his status as a living hip-hop legend, having released several multiplatinum and gold studio albums, mixtapes, collaborations, and hit singles, including “U and Dat,” “Tell Me When To Go,” “Choices (Yup),” and “Function,” among countless others.
As a solo artist, E-40 holds the record for most solo album entries on the Billboard 200 charts by a hip-hop artist (32) and has collaborated with fellow heavyweights such as 2pac, Kendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne, Big Sean and many more. He is also part of the hip-hop supergroup Mount Westmore comprised of himself, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube and Too $hort that was profiled in the New York Times. As an actor, E-40 has shined in select roles, most notably starring alongside Jamie Foxx in “The Jamie Foxx Show.”
“E-40 has used his success as a recording artist to create an entrepreneurial empire,” said GSU President Rick Gallot. “We are so grateful that he is giving back to his alma mater in such a substantial way. Our current and future students will benefit from his investment in our state-of-the-art student recording studio.”
GSU Vice President for University Advancement and Innovation Melanie Jones expressed her thanks for Stevens’ return and donation to the university.
“Grambling State is incredibly grateful for Mr. Stevens’ appearance at the university and especially his donation,” Jones said. “It’s gifts like this from our alumni and supporters that are the driving force that keep the university moving forward and creating bigger and better futures for our students.”
