Rapper E-40 is adding “doctor” to his resume after receiving his honorary doctorate degree from Grambling State University.
The “Choices” rapper was present for the commencement ceremony on Friday. While accepting his honorary degree, E-40, whose real name is Earl Stevens, lent some words of encouragement to the graduating class.
“I encourage everyone here today to use their experience at Grambling State University to pursue their passions and achieve their dreams,” he said during his speech.
Stevens actually attended Grambling when he was younger before embarking on a wildly successful music career. He called his time at the college “the best experience of my life.” E-40 has continuously given back to the university. In February, the 55-year-old donated $100,000 to the school’s music department and marching band. Some of the funds also went towards creating a recording studio on campus for his fellow musicians. GSU responded by naming the new recording space “Earl “E-40″ Stevens Sound Recording Studio.” The rapper was on campus for an unveiling ceremony at the Conrad P. Hutchinson Performing Arts Building. The studio is decorated with all new music equipment, everything a student performer would need to lay down a track.
In an Instagram post of himself adorned in cap and gown, E-40 declared, “Dr. Earl “E-40” Stevens is officially in the building.”
E-40 stays busy as the founder of Earl Stevens Selections Wine, sold in several retailers nationwide, including Sam’s Club and Total Wines & Spirits. His entertainer life doesn’t stop at rapping, as he is also an actor, appearing in the Starz series “Blindspotting” and films “3 Strikes” and “The Breaks.”
