Stanford Athletics announced Thursday, June 11, that the performance at Stanford Stadium will celebrate the 20th anniversary of E-40’s 2006 album “My Ghetto Report Card,” the hyphy-era release that helped push Bay Area rap further into the national mainstream.
The Friday night game is scheduled for Sept. 4 and will air on ESPN.
The booking adds a Bay Area cultural centerpiece to one of Stanford’s biggest early-season games as the Cardinal tries to build momentum in its first season under head coach Tavita Pritchard.
“Performing at halftime to help kick off Stanford’s football season and celebrate ‘My Ghetto Report Card’’s anniversary is going to be really special,” E-40 said in a statement. “We’re gonna shake the stadium up and turn it into a full-blown function that highlights Bay Area music, sports and entertainment in a powerful way.”
E-40, born Earl Stevens, has long been one of Northern California’s most visible cultural ambassadors, with a career spanning rap, food, wine, spirits and frequent appearances around Bay Area sports. His best-known songs include “Tell Me When to Go,” “U and Dat” and “Function.”
“My Ghetto Report Card” became one of the defining albums of the hyphy movement, with “Tell Me When to Go” serving as one of its signature tracks.
Stanford football General Manager Andrew Luck said the performance connects the program with a local artist whose music was part of his own time on campus.
“E-40 is a Bay Area icon whose impact extends far beyond music, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to Stanford Stadium,” Luck said in the statement. “Bringing together Stanford football, one of the region’s most influential artists, and a celebration of an album that helped define a generation and my own Stanford experience is a unique opportunity to showcase the culture and energy of the Bay Area.
“We’re grateful to join forces with E-40 for a special night of football and culture at Stanford Stadium.”
The game will be the second meeting between Stanford and Miami. The Hurricanes beat the Cardinal 42-7 last season in Miami Gardens, Fla., after the teams were tied 7-7 at halftime.