Photo Courtesy of Grambling State University
Rapper Earl “E-40” Stevens gave back to his alma mater Grambling State University (GSU), donating $100,000 to their music department on Friday.
The Sick Wid It Records founder was accompanied by his wife, GSU Band Director Dr. Nikole Roebuck and the university’s president, Rick Gallot.
According to Grambling, the funds will go toward the Tiger’s Marching band and maintain their brand new recording studio, named after the rapper—Earl Stevens E-40 Recording Studio.
“I just wanted to make a contribution to my school, Grambling State University,” E-40 said during the ceremony. “So, I talked to the Doc (Dr. Roebuck) and said, ‘Let’s see what we can do,’ and this was what I came up with.”
GSU posted a video of the ceremony on Instagram, writing in the caption, “We had a very special guest return to campus for Prez Says and to present a special donation to the university. @e40 and @dr.nikkiroe combined forces to make this special moment happen and rename the recording studio in the Performing Arts Center to the Earl “E-40” Stevens Recording Studio. It was our pleasure to have you back on campus, #GramFam and we appreciate the impact your gift will have on our students.”
E-40 is known for his rapping talents and for creating hits like “Choices,” “U And Dat,” and “Tell Me When to Go. He’s also known to collaborate with prominent rappers like 2pac, Big Sean, Kenrick Lamar, Lil Wayne and more. On top of having a music career, E-40 dabbled in acting, starring alongside Jamie Foxx in The Jamie Foxx Show.
“E-40 has used his success as a recording artist to create an entrepreneurial empire,” GSU President Rick Gallot said. “We are so grateful that he is giving back to his alma mater in such a substantial way. Our current and future students will benefit from his investment in our state-of-the-art student recording studio.”
Aside from being an entertainer, the rapper also went into business, launching his “Goon With The Spoon” food brand, which sells ice cream, sausages and more.