Net Worth Ranker
What Is E-40’s Net Worth?
E-40, born Earl Tywone Stevens Sr. on November 15, 1967, has cultivated a multifaceted career as an American rapper, entrepreneur, and investor. As of today, E-40’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. This valuation is derived from his extensive music catalog, strategic business ventures, and investments.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Earl Stevens’ journey began in Vallejo, California, where he grew up with his siblings Tenina and Dannell, raised by their divorced mother. His early exposure to hip-hop music, particularly “Rapper’s Delight” by the Sugarhill Gang, sparked his interest in the genre. He attended James J. Hogan High School, showcasing his musical talents by playing bass and snare drums. During his school years, Stevens, along with his siblings, began recording and selling their own music. In 1985, after graduating, Stevens briefly attended Grambling State University in Louisiana for a year. In 1986, under the moniker E-40, he debuted in the rap scene with the group Most Valuable Players, which included his sister Suga T, his brother D-Shot, and his cousin B-Legit. The group performed at a Grambling State talent show and subsequently released the single “The King’s Men.”
The Click: From Underground to Mainstream
Following their initial success, Most Valuable Players transformed into The Click. Through E-40’s independent label, Stick Wid It Records, the group released an EP in 1990 titled “Let’s Slide.” In 1992, they released their album “Down and Dirty,” which reached number 87 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The Click achieved mainstream recognition in 1993 with “Captain Save a Hoe,” and in 1995, they released “Game Related,” which peaked at number three on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and number 21 on the Billboard 200. The Click’s final album before disbanding in 2018 was “Money & Muscle,” released in 2001. While the exact sales figures for these early albums are not publicly available, their chart positions indicate a steady growth in popularity and revenue generation for E-40 and his group.
E-40’s Solo Career Breakthroughs and Album Sales
E-40 established a strong local following in the Bay Area before venturing into a solo career. His debut album, “Federal,” was released in 1993, and in 1994, he signed with Jive Records, becoming one of the first West Coast rappers to secure a deal with a major label. The release of his second album, “In a Major Way,” in 1995, marked a significant turning point in his career. This album featured collaborations with 2Pac, Spice 1, Mac Mall, and members of The Click, peaking at number two on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and number 13 on the Billboard 200. While specific sales figures from this era are not entirely public, industry estimates suggest “In a Major Way” sold over 500,000 copies, earning it a Gold certification from the RIAA.
His follow-up albums, “The Hall of Game,” reached number four on the Billboard 200, and “The Element of Surprise,” reached number 13 and was eventually certified Gold. “Charlie Hustle: The Blueprint of a Self-Made Millionaire” was released in 1999 and also achieved Gold certification. These successes contributed significantly to E-40’s growing net worth. While specific financial details for each album are not available, sales data and streaming revenue provide insights into his earnings. Gold certifications indicate at least 500,000 units sold, translating to substantial royalties and performance revenue. Industry experts estimate that each Gold-certified album could generate anywhere from $500,000 to $1 million in revenue for the artist, depending on the specifics of the record deal.
Mainstream Recognition and Later Albums
E-40 continued his success in the 2000s with albums such as “Loyalty and Betrayal,” “Grit & Grind,” and “Breakin’ News.” In 2006, he signed with Lil Jon’s BME Recordings and Warner Bros. Records, releasing “My Ghetto Report Card.” This album became his highest-charting album, debuting at number three on the Billboard Hot 200 and number one on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The album featured hit singles like “Tell Me When to Go,” featuring Keak Da Sneak, and “U and Dat,” featuring T-Pain and Kandi Burruss. “My Ghetto Report Card” achieved Gold certification, contributing significantly to E-40’s net worth. “Tell Me When to Go” notably increased his visibility and earning potential, particularly through increased touring and appearance fees. As an estimate, an artist with E-40’s profile can earn between $25,000 to $75,000 per performance.
Following “My Ghetto Report Card,” E-40 released “The Ball Street Journal” in 2008. On March 30, 2010, he released “Revenue Retrievin’: Day Shift” and “Revenue Retrievin’: Night Shift,” featuring guest appearances from Snoop Dogg, Gucci Mane, and Too Short. Almost exactly one year later, he released “Revenue Retrievin’: Overtime Shift” and “Revenue Retrievin’: Graveyard Shift.” In 2012, he released the first three albums in his “Block Brochure” series, followed by the other three in 2013. One of his most successful singles, “Function,” came from the second “Block Brochure” album. Subsequent albums include “Sharp On All 4 Corners,” “The D-Boy Diary,” and “Practice Makes Paper.” While sales figures for these later albums are not as widely publicized, their continuous release and consistent presence on streaming platforms contribute steadily to his income. Streaming revenue varies, but an artist like E-40 can earn approximately $0.003 to $0.005 per stream on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. Over time, these streams accumulate, adding to his overall net worth.
Collaborations and Guest Appearances
Throughout his career, E-40 has collaborated with numerous artists from the Bay Area and the South, including Eightball, Master P, DJ Shadow, Tech N9ne, The Game, BrokeNCYDE, Gucci Mane, and Lecrae. His collaboration with Lil Jon on “Snap Yo Fingers,” which featured Sean P, reached the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2006. These collaborations not only boosted his popularity but also contributed to his financial earnings through royalties and performance fees. For example, a top-ten hit like “Snap Yo Fingers” would have generated substantial royalties from radio airplay, digital downloads, and licensing agreements, contributing to E-40’s income that year.
Entrepreneurial Ventures and Investments
Beyond his music career, E-40 has ventured into various business and investment opportunities, including investing in companies like Microsoft. Although the specific amount of his Microsoft investment and returns are not public, such investments typically contribute to long-term wealth. He also opened a Fatburger franchise in Pleasant Hill, California, with former NFL player Chester McGlockton, which later closed. While the financial details of this franchise are not public, owning and operating a franchise can generate revenue. E-40 served as a spokesperson for Landy Cognac, which would have involved an endorsement deal with specific financial terms, though these details remain private. He also opened the Ambassador’s Lounge, a nightclub in Downtown San Jose, which is now defunct. On November 16, 2007, he signed a franchise agreement with Wingstop Restaurants, Inc., planning to open a location in Benicia, California. This venture represents another income stream, with franchise owners typically earning a percentage of the restaurant’s revenue. In late 2007, E-40 launched his energy drink line, “40 Water,” and released three wines, including “Function,” a red blend, and “Mangoscato,” a moscato and high-alcohol fortified wine. The wine industry has proven to be a lucrative venture for him, contributing to his overall net worth. Industry sources suggest that a successful wine brand can generate significant revenue through distribution and direct sales. While exact sales figures for E-40’s wine brand are not publicly available, the consistent presence of his products in the market indicates a steady revenue stream.
Real Estate Assets
In 1996, E-40 purchased a 1-acre plot of land in Danville, California, for $625,000. He built a 7,200-square-foot mansion with 5 bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms. The estate includes a large resort-like swimming pool, playground, and full-court basketball court. Based on comparable sales in the area, the property is estimated to be worth $5 million today. This real estate asset represents a significant portion of his net worth, reflecting his investment in tangible assets.
E-40’s net worth, estimated at $10 million, is a combination of earnings from record sales, streaming royalties, touring, business ventures (such as his wine and energy drink lines), endorsements, and real estate holdings. Specific financial details for each of these ventures remain largely private, but the combination of these revenue streams has allowed him to build a substantial financial portfolio.
