This past Christmas Eve, Earl Stevens could have been anywhere in the world celebrating the country’s most popular holiday.
The rapper better known to the masses as E-40 was indeed in his hometown of Vallejo, CA and he was definitely in the Christmas spirit. But before he spent time with his own nuclear family, the Block Brochure artist decided to give back to his extended relatives of the Salvation Army.
The seasoned industry vet, who is currently promoting his 18th, 19th and 20th solo albums simutaneously, presented the ageless organization with a check for $10,000 as well as bicycles for a host of boys and girls. Although it seems like he’s been rapping with much independent success as long as the Army’s existence, there was no forgetting his humble beginnings after his parents separated when he was still a child.
“They divorced when I was 8 1/2 and I was the oldest out of far,” 40 Watta told local news and onlookers during the presentation. “They did what they could but when times got hard, me and mom’s had to come [over here]. His new triple disc set includes 45 songs total and in between party material, there is plenty of social commentary throughout that back up his beliefs.
He gave the youth on hand one last tidbit of wisdom with, “Stay strong, stay in school, stay out of trouble and believe in God.”
When asked his inspiration behind the act of charity, he simply said, “I can’t save the world but I can try and save my community; help a few.”
That’s more than enough, no? Check out the photos from the joyous occasion in the following pages.
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Photo: Jessica A. York, Times-Herald, KTVU
