E-40 is lighter these days. About 35 pounds on the waist. And, as of Thursday morning, $20,000 in the wallet.
And few are as happy as the pioneer rapper — and Capt. Randy Hartt of the Salvation Army.
Doubling the donation he made to the Vallejo faith-based nonprofit before Christmas in 2013, E-40 returned to his childhood community to hand the check to Hartt and answer questions from the Bay Area media.
“Knowing how many families they can feed, helping single parents and what not, I’m glad to be part of it,” E-40 said. “Vallejo’s my city and I’m just giving back.”
The 49-year-old born Earl Stevens remembered his youth when his mom “would stand in line” at the Salvation Army, waiting for toys when the family struggled.
It was E-40’s grandfather, a reverend, who told his grandson to always give back.
“If I had a dollar, I’m going to give a dime,” E-40 said. “That’s how I’ve always been all my life.”
Hartt connected by phone earlier this week with E-40, explaining how the Red Kettle program has taken a big hit this year.
The Vallejo Salvation is $46,000 behind last year’s budget, Hartt said.
“Maybe people are worried because the change in administration. I guess people are up in the air,” Hartt said.
Fortunately, E-40 isn’t. He discussed the donation with his wife and called Hartt back to confirm the $20,000 contribution.
“He is absolutely fantastic,” Hartt said. “Such a big heart for this community and he loves the Salvation Army. He’s an amazing guy.”
The donation wasn’t short of a miracle, hinted Hartt.
“It’s going to be big,” he said. “This will be a big boost for our kettles and what it does for people all year long.”
When told the check would be for $20,000, “I was blown away,” Hartt said. “I had tears coming down my face. I’m so excitement for that.”
E-40, a 1985 Hogan High School graduate, gained local popularity with “The Click” and became one of the first West Coast rappers to sign with a major record label. He has since invested in everything from burger restaurants to adult beverages.
“I’m in a great position,” he said. “I want to be a big influence. I hope anybody in my position can do the same. Even if you’re not, you can volunteer by giving out food. It’s good to give back. It’s good karma. You have to have a heart.”
E-40 remembered the tough high school days when he wore the same cleats the entire year for football and baseball. “I didn’t have it (resources) when I was young,” he said. “So I try and help all the youngsters out.”
Perhaps E-40’s donation can spark a huge jump in donations. It’s what happened when Dallas Cowboy running back Ezekiel Elliot scored a touchdown two Mondays ago and leaped into a giant Salvation Army red kettle. Apparently, donations spiked $250,000.
Proving he’s up for a challenge, E-40 attempted the same leap into the big red kettle at Thursday morning’s appearance. Not even close.
“I don’t know how he did it,” E-40 said of Elliott’s kettle conquest.
The rapper laughed.
“Sometimes I act my age, sometimes the size of my shoes,” he smiled.