Rapper E-40 crosses the bridge to support the Giants
For the fifth time in the past quarter-century, the Oakland Athletics and San Francisco Giants are in the playoffs together, causing some in the Bay Area to choose sides.
Oh, it's a rather tepid rivalry - at least outside the board rooms where the clubs are sniping over territorial rights - and some fans sit on the fence. In fact, a cap split down the middle with both teams' logos has been a popular piece of merchandise over the years.
And then, there's rapper E-40.
The prolific hip-hop artist made no bones about who he's supporting, recording a song on behalf of the Giants.
Giants Out Here Tryin' To Win Somethin', a wonderful send-up of E-40's 2012 hit, Function, is a solid playoff rally tune. It deftly gives nods to legends like Willie Mays. To show the the depths of his fandom, E-40 props up the lilkes of Joaquin Arias and Gregor Blanco. He also notes Barry Zito for his career renaissance this season, and exudes hope the turnaround is complete for erstwhile ace Tim Lincecum:
Most of the season he been hidin'
Now we catchin' the momentum that he's ridin
It's the return of our man Lincecum
Bet you don't get another run.
That's fine.
But the question we have for one Earl Stevens is this: Why the Giants and not the A's?
Everything about E-40 screams East Bay. He was born in Vallejo. He once teamed with former Oakland Raider Chester McGlockton on a Fatburger franchise in Pleasant Hill.
He frequently collaborates with Oakland rap legend Too Short. And, according to Wikipedia, E-40 resides behind the gates of Blackhawk Country Club in Contra Costa County, about a half-hour from the Coliseum.
Over the years, Blackhawk has been a virtual magnet for all things A's: Jose Canseco, Dennis Eckersley and Tony La Russa lived there during stints with the club, and the golf course has played host to the club's charity golf tournament.
So why the Giants?
Perhaps a member of Mr. Stevens' inner circle can enlighten us to this decision. At the least, we know via this profanity-laced tweet that Stevens is hoping both clubs make it to the Fall Classic.
For now, we'll just assume the Giants somehow acquired the territorial rights to this hip-hop great, and are once again playing hardball.