E-40 Album: “In a Major Way”

E-40 was a long-time veteran in the rap game when his seminal album "In a Major Way" was released in 1995. It's really the album that got E-40 noticed by a mainstream audience, and pushed Jive to ultimately stuff more money into his forthcoming albums (the next being "Hall Of Game" [1996]). This album rides the line between independent and mainstream lines ridiculously well. As far as rapping goes, E-40 is at the very top of his game, boasting his slang-filled flow with a cunning wit, that is arguably in peak form. Most notably, some of the best west coast rappers came to support Forty's untouchable style - 2Pac, Mac Mall & Spice 1 - who all perform flawlessly on the classic posse track "Dusted 'n' Disgusted".

"Da Bumble" kicks off the album right after a solid intro. From this point on, we catch a glimpse of what the production will sound like throughout, although minimal, it bangs nicely. The production is mainly kept in-house, and is handled by Mike Mosley, Studio Ton & Funk Daddy among others. There are some stellar tracks here! "Sideways" featuring The Click's B-Legit & Mac Shawn is probably my favorite. The beat is tight, and is one of my favorite appearances from B-Legit. "Spittin'" is also one of my favorites. The album's front half burns brightly with bangers like these...it almost feels front-loaded with the goods, but truly boasts quality through and through. Then comes perhaps E-40's greatest single - "Sprinkle Me". The Click's Suga-T performs immaculately alongside Forty Water. The beat is tight and the lyrics are true to form. Other standouts are the aforementioned "Dusted 'n' Disgusted", and the breakthrough single "1-Luv". The quality of album tracks in the mix leaves the album free of filler.

Consistent quality has always been part of E-40's repertoire. Consistently enjoyable full albums are another thing. "In a Major Way" is definitely his most consistent effort to date. Although the beat-makers will prove to hit harder on later albums, there has never been a set of beats/collaborators that E-40 has worked better with. This is one of the albums that defines the Bay Area in the rap world.

This is off the heezy fo' sheezy. Some of the tightest beats around and that crazy rapping style that only comes from 40 Fonzarelli. With the Click in full force along with 2Pac, Spice 1, and the dopest Vallejo rapper, Mac Mall, this album is straight cavi.

Umm... What shall I say 'bout this one? It's pretty easy, if you like westcoast rap you gon' love this one! E-40's best all around and probarly one of Bay Area's finest, up there together with Mac Mall's Illegal Business?.

E-40 never dissapoints me and after dropping so many albums, he still hasn't got the props he deserves.

The whole Bay Area is painfully underated.

Mac Mall, Spice 1, E-40 and his Sick-Wid-It records click and Ray Luv, these are my favorites outta Bay Area.

Buy anything by them and show love, 'cause it basically don't get pretty much better than this type of Westcoast rap.

One word for this record : Classic.

I don't even have to mention highlights 'cause they're all great, but my favorite probarly is Dusten 'N' Disgusted featuring 2Pac, Spice 1 and Mac Mall.

Get this one, it will make you money worth, no doubt.

The first time I heard this album, I had to play it again. This is a classic, no doubt. All of 40's other albums are tight but this is without a doubt, his best and my favorite one. If you are an E-40 fan, you should have this one already. If you are new to him, get this first then get Charlie Hustle.

i own the new CD, Loyalty and betrayal and while that shit is sic wit it, this is by far the best CD E-feezy 40 fonzarelli from the bay has ever made. Every cut is playable and you can listen to the shit sraight thru without ever changin it. If you are readin this review to see what people say, let me just tell you that this CD is worth $30 instead of the 12 I paid. It is a classic for those of you who ride fo the best coast....