40 received an honorary Doctor of Music degree by GSU President Rick Gallot.
“This means so much to me – I’ve come a long way,” he said, per a press release. “I want to thank God first and foremost. This is a great honor to accept this honorary doctorate in music. I would live to express my appreciation to the administration and the academic community at Grambling State University. I’d also like to thank my family, my friends, and my colleagues for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout my career. As you know, music has been a lifelong passion of mine and it’s an incredible privilege to be recognized for my contributions to the industry, especially on the 50th anniversary of hip-hop music. They said it wouldn’t last that long, but it’s been 50 years.”
The rap mogul said his time spent at GSU was the experience of a lifetime.
“My time on campus was some of the best experiences of my life,” Stevens said. “Grambling State really helped mold me to become the man, and entrepreneur that stands before you. I’m proud to set an example for the next generation of leaders, and I encourage everyone here today to use their experience here at Grambling State University to pursue their passions and achieve their dreams.”
Back in February, E-40 donated $100,000 to the university. The money will support several of the university’s music programs, including aiding the school’s music department and the marching band. The funds also aided in the creation of a recording studio, “so students can follow their dreams in music like he did,” according to a press release. The university then honored the Vallejo native by naming a studio after him, the Earl “E-40” Stevens Sound Recording Studio.
