Return of the Mac

Those unfamiliar with rap culture might find it improbable to learn that Vallejo has a pin in it on the international rap map. But it does, thanks in large part to the 20-years-and-counting recording career of E-40 (Earl Stevens). The man is also known for his colorful turns of phrase, giving Snoop Dogg the basis for his mainstream “shizzle” speak and responsible for more than a few mind-flipping terms that have caught on in the urban community. E-40 has appeared on platinum albums by popular national artists, and has one platinum and three gold albums of his own, making him (and friend Too $hort) a common reference point for our region in the hip-hop world. He’s even got his own thirst-quenching drink, the brightly hued 40 Water. He’s currently in the kitchen marinating on his eleventh album, Ball Street Journal, which is expected later this year on Warner Brothers. And while E-40 is the self-proclaimed and rarely disputed “Ambassador of the Bay,” it’s more rare than a one-eyed condor on a ventilator for him to perform live in San Francisco, let alone in a creative location, as he does tonight to celebrate Black Music Month.
Mon., June 30, 7 p.m., 2008