E-40 Receives Honorary Doctorate Degree

E-40 Receives Honorary Doctorate Degree From Grambling State University

Earl Stevens, otherwise known by his professional alias, E-40 was just bestowed with a great honor from the school he attended as a college student, Grambling State University.

E-40 is now the owner of a diploma from the famed university. GSU President Rick Gallot presented E-40 with an honorary Doctor of Music degree last week. He received the recognition during Spring 2023 Commencement Exercises at the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center.

Dr. Earl “E-40” Stevens is officially in the building 🎓 Thank you @Grambling1901 for giving me an honorary doctorate in music & molding me into the man and entrepreneur that I’ve become! I’m truly humbled 🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/nTpmpmoLSK

— E40 Mogul Entrepreneur (@E40) May 13, 2023

The entrepreneur spoke to the crowd as he received the doctorate.

“This means so much to me – I’ve come a long way,” the Bay Area rapper said. “I want to thank God first and foremost. This is a great honor to accept this honorary doctorate in music. I would like 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.”

He also acknowledged being honored the same year as hip-hop is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

“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.”

Erykah Badu is also another famous alum of Grambling State University.

Last year, the “Sprinkle Me” artist donated $100,000 to GSU. The funds went to benefit the Music Department, the World Famed Tiger Marching Band, and to help with the upkeep of the new recording studio at the school which is named after him.

“My time on campus was some of the best experiences of my life,” E-40 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.”

E-40 joins other notable hip-hop artists who have received honorary degrees.

Diddy received an honorary doctorate degree from Howard University in D.C. in 2014.
Missy Elliot was given one from the Berklee College of Music in Boston in 2019.
Chuck D, from Public Enemy, received his honorary doctorate from Adelphi University in New York in 2014.
Queen Latifah got her honorary doctorate degree from Rutgers University in New Jersey in 2018
LL Cool J accepted an honorary degree from Harvard University in 2018.

E-40 Receives Honorary Doctorate Degree From Grambling State University