If you’ve ever said “fo’ shizzle,” “you feel me,” “broccoli” for weed, or “it’s all good,” you owe a little something to E-40. A linguistic innovator, an independent business mogul, and one of the most prolific rappers in hip hop history, E-40 is not just a Bay Area legend—he’s a hip hop institution.

At the BET Experience 2025 Class of ’95 Picnic, E-40 steps into the spotlight to remind the world that his sauce never went out of style—it just got thicker.

Back in 1995, E-40 was already making noise with In a Major Way, an album that made him a national name while keeping the Vallejo streets front and center. With songs like “Sprinkle Me” and “1-Luv,” E-40’s elastic flow, entrepreneurial spirit, and deeply rooted game gave the industry something different. He didn’t sound like New York. He didn’t sound like L.A. He sounded like the Bay—distinct, unapologetic, and inventive.

That’s always been his superpower. While many rappers followed trends, E-40 built his own language and lane. He’s the guy who made rap slang into an art form. Entire college linguistics courses have been written about his vocabulary. But beyond that, E-40’s legacy is also tied to ownership and independence. Before it was trendy to own your masters or start your own label, E-40 had already built Sick Wid It Records and was distributing his own music through independent channels.

He was—and still is—a blueprint for artists taking control of their careers.

Fast forward to 2025, and E-40’s impact is everywhere. He’s dropped over 30 albums, collaborated with everyone from Tupac and Biggie to Kendrick Lamar and NBA YoungBoy, and still delivers clever bars that make fans pull out their phones just to Google what he said. And don’t forget his viral moments—from Verzuz to his cameo appearances to his wine and spirits empire. He’s out-rapped, outlasted, and out-hustled just about everyone.

At BETX, E-40’s performance will be an unfiltered masterclass in Bay Area culture. Expect hyphy bangers like “Tell Me When to Go,” laid-back classics like “Captain Save a Hoe,” and street sermons packed with so much game you’ll feel like you went to church and the block at the same time.

And just like his music, his presence on stage is larger than life. 40 Water is charismatic, confident, and deeply connected to his audience. He raps like he’s coaching you and clowning you in the same breath. He’s funny, philosophical, and funky—and no two verses are ever quite the same.

It’s rare for an artist to maintain cultural relevance for 30+ years without becoming a caricature of themselves. But E-40 never had to rebrand—he just kept evolving. Whether he’s mentoring new artists, launching his own tequila line, or trading bars with his son Droop-E, he’s always ten steps ahead, sprinkling his flavor into everything he touches.

His BET Experience performance isn’t just a trip down memory lane. It’s a celebration of what’s possible when you stay true to your roots, bet on yourself, and never stop hustling.

Don’t miss E-40 live at the BET Experience 2025. Watch the BET Awards on Monday, June 9th at 8 PM ET on BET and grab your tickets for all BETX events now at bet.com/topic/betexperience.