About this album
Where they were
By the time 'The Element of Surprise' was released in 1998, E-40 had established himself as a prominent figure in the Bay Area rap scene, following his breakthrough album 'In a Major Way' from 1995. This album came during a period of increasing visibility for E-40, paving the way for his distinct hyphy style and innovative slang to gain wider recognition in hip-hop culture.
Why it matters
'The Element of Surprise' is notable for its influence on the West Coast hip-hop landscape, particularly in popularizing the hyphy movement. It features collaborations with key artists and showcases E-40's unique storytelling and wordplay, contributing to his sustained success and earning critical acclaim throughout his career.
Essential tracks
- "Zoom" — This track highlights E-40's signature flow and clever wordplay, cementing his place within the narrative of West Coast rap.
- "Money Scheme" — With its infectious beat and catchy chorus, this track exemplifies E-40's ability to mix humor with streetwise commentary.
- "$999,999 + $1" — This song showcases E-40's knack for clever metaphors while addressing themes of wealth and ambition prevalent in his work.
Release Date
August 11, 1998
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 The Element of Surprise 4:23
- 2 Trump Change 4:30
- 3 All Tha Time 3:20
- 4 Dump, Bust, Blast 4:10
- 5 Hope I Don't Go Back 4:38
- 6 $999,999 + $1 4:33
- 7 Money Scheme 6:20
- 8 Zoom 4:09
- 9 Mayhem 5:09
- 10 Personal 4:29
- 11 My Hoodlums & My Thugz 4:43
Disc 2
- 1 Do It to Me 3:41
- 2 Lieutenant Roast A Botch 4:41
- 3 It's On, On Sight 4:13
- 4 From the Ground Up 4:52
- 5 Flashin' 4:55
- 6 Doin' Dirt Bad 4:22
- 7 Broccoli 4:07
- 8 Jump My Bone 3:57
- 9 Back Against the Wall 4:41
- 10 To Da Beat 4:12
- 11 Dirty Deeds 3:46
- 12 Ballin' Outta Control 4:27
- 13 One More Gen 6:11
