For the first time in NBA history, San Francisco is hosting the glamourous NBA All-Star Weekend! The All-Star fever is set to take over the city with basketball action, fan experiences, and even concerts, and don’t forget about the celebrities showing up to attend the festivities. This means more than just a 3-day event for the Bay Area natives; it’s a chance to showcase their culture to the world.

But how will the Bay Area do that? Apart from the Warriors representing the host city on the court, we’ll have several performances from artists representing the city’s vibrant culture. This includes Grammy-winning artist Raphael Saadiq and R&B legends En Vogue. Wait! That’s not all, who else can represent the city better than the Bay Area’s very own E-40? The Rap icon will join other artists performing over the weekend.

Who is rapper E-40? Is he a die-hard Golden State fan?

If you’re a Warriors fan or from the Bay Area, you must have seen a big man wearing dark-tinted sunglasses shouting at officials for not calling fouls in favor of the home team. Well, he’s none other than Golden State’s self-proclaimed No. 1 fan, 57-year-old Earl Stevens, or as you might know him, E-40. He’s much more than an artist who is a basketball fan, in fact, he acts as an inspiration beacon who reminds the team of its roots.

E-40’s rap career is unique in its own right. He has over three decades of experience in the hip-hop world. The veteran’s entire catalog is dedicated to the region. Moreover, it honors the Bay Area by avoiding mainstream production. His music speaks for itself with albums like “In a Major Way” featuring legendary rapper 2Pac, which was released in 1995. “Charlie Hustle: The Blueprint of a Millionaire” from 1999 consists of genre-defining collaborations with artists such as Lil’ Wayne and BG.

Most regional rappers are tipped to become local heroes or artists people look up to. However, E-40 has taken that up a notch by becoming the ambassador of the Bay Area. Over time, many artists have followed in his footsteps, such as Nipsey Hustle and Young Dolph. They similarly were local heroes due to their music and investment in their roots. “I knew I was going to be somebody. I didn’t know I would be someone like this.” 40 says. As he continues to shine and create his legacy in the Bay Area, something we’ll witness over the All-Star Weekend.

Do E-40 and Steph Curry share a great bond? Did he help the Warriors star promote his new sneaker release?

When Steph Curry burst onto the basketball scene he revolutionized the the way the game was played. Many old heads mourned the death of what they called the “real basketball”. But E-40 wasn’t one of them. On the contrary, he was rocking with his team and was more than happy to see Curry drill down shots from beyond the arc.

Curry and E-40 share a great relationship that goes beyond the Chase Center. However, he doesn’t act like an uncle who gives more than needed advice to a youngster. He’s got his swag and likes to keep it low and calm. A great example of Curry and E-40’s close-knit relationship is seen on the Warriors star’s YouTube channel. On an episode of “5 Minute from Home,” the pair discussed Bay Area Slang and what it means to represent the region.

Just recently, Curry revealed his newest pair of sneakers, “What The Bay” Curry 12’s. To show his love and appreciation, the rap icon tapped in to help the Warriors superstar promote the shoe. Which is set to release during the All-Star Weekend. The sneaker draws inspiration from the majestic sunsets in San Francisco and also from the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. This shows the mutual respect between the two legends from their respective fields. We’ll witness the best of both worlds as the two gear up for an exciting weekend ahead.