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Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

E-40 Receives Honorary Doctorate From Grambling State University

Congratulations, E-40! He can now officially add HBCU grad to his resume.

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Grambling State University President Rick Gallot presented E-40, an alumnus, with an honorary Doctor of Music degree during last Friday’s Spring 2023 commencement ceremony at the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center.

“This means so much to me–I’ve come a long way,” the Bay Area rapper said to the crowd. “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.

“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.”

Last year, the “Sprinkle Me” artist donated $100,000 to GSU. The funds went toward the music department, the World Famed Tiger Marching Band, and to help maintain 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 Elliott 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.

Erykah Badu also attended Grambling State University but left before graduating to pursue her music career full-time.

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