Wake It Up - E-40 (feat. Akon)

Akon and E-40 hook up on this memorable track to produce a song guaranteed to climb the charts. E-40’s unmistakable flow rides over this beat and his lyrics could provide any struggling bachelor with a few witty pick up lines.

E-40 has been in the game for 20 years according to his official website. He is the Bay Area’s hardest representer and is personally responsible for some of the most ridiculous slang around (he and Snoop Dogg started using “-izzle” after every word in a sentence). Other noteworthy quotes from this song:

“You ain’t off the back porch, you’re off tha hanger!”
“I’m just tryna know you, hold a conversation/Spoil you a lil’, lightweight cupcakin’”

E-40’s off-beat rhyming style contrasts with Akon’s sensual singing to make this song a dance-able relationship song that doesn’t demoralize women. The artist seem like they are making the switch from “hollering” at women to trying good ol’ fashioned charm. The difference is subtle but important, especially to womenfolk. The song is proof that you don’t need to have a dirty theme in sexy dance music in order to make a hit. But make no mistake about it, this track is a hit and there is no doubt that it will be heard in clubs all over the country this fall.

E-40 and Akon, two very different artists and an unlikely duo come together to create a great song that even parents of school-aged children can’t get mad at.