Meaning of "Tell Me When to Go" by E-40

"Tell Me When to Go" is a song that captures the essence of the hyphy culture in the Bay Area. Hyphy is a style of hip-hop characterized by energetic beats, catchy hooks, and exuberant dance moves. E-40 and Keak Da Sneak embrace this culture and express their pride in being a part of it.

The opening line, "Ooh. Jesus Christ had dreads, so shake em," is a playful reference to the idea that even Jesus, a religious figure, would have been caught up in the hyphy movement and let loose. It sets the tone for the rest of the song, encouraging listeners to let go and have a good time.

Throughout the lyrics, there are references to substances like Henny (Hennessy), Swishers (cigars used for rolling blunts), and Listerine strips (breath fresheners that some people use to get high). These references reflect the street culture and party scene of the Bay Area, where these substances are commonly consumed.

E-40 also touches on the importance of being vigilant and aware of your surroundings. He warns about not only the police but also the company you keep, emphasizing the need to stay cautious and avoid trouble. This reflects the reality of life in the Bay Area, where violence and crime can be prevalent.

The song's criticism of mainstream music is evident in the lines, "I don't bump mainstream, I knock underground / All that other shit, sugar-coated and watered down." E-40 proudly embraces the underground rap scene and sees it as more authentic and true to the Bay Area culture he embodies. He takes pride in being one of the originators of the hyphy movement and suggests that other rappers imitate the Bay Area's style and slang.

The outro of the song consists of various commands and phrases associated with the hyphy culture. "Ghost-ride the whip" refers to dancing on top of or outside of a moving car, a dangerous and thrilling stunt. "Scrape" refers to driving a car close to the ground. "Stunna shades" refers to oversized sunglasses worn by hyphy enthusiasts. "Thizz face" refers to making a distorted face expression while under the influence of drugs, specifically ecstasy (also known as thizz). These commands and phrases are like a call to action, urging listeners to fully engage in and embrace the hyphy lifestyle.

Overall, "Tell Me When to Go" celebrates the hyphy culture and the Bay Area's unique rap scene. It highlights the energy, parties, and sense of community that define the area's music culture, while also making a statement against mainstream music.