Bay Area Rappers E-40 and Too $hort Shine at NFL Honors Show

Performances highlight the region's vibrant music scene during Super Bowl week

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Veteran Bay Area rappers E-40 and Too $hort took the stage at the NFL Honors ceremony, bringing their signature sounds and slang to the high-profile event. Their performances underscored the strong musical presence from the region during Super Bowl week in San Francisco, with artists like Kehlani, Larry June, and LaRussell also featured prominently across various events and parties.

Why it matters

The Bay Area has long operated as its own thriving musical ecosystem, with artists building careers and audiences independently outside the traditional major label system. E-40 and Too $hort's prominent roles at NFL Honors showcase the enduring influence and relevance of the region's hip-hop legacy, even as newer acts like LaRussell continue to represent the Bay's distinct musical identity and entrepreneurial spirit.

The details

E-40 and Too $hort delivered energetic performances at NFL Honors, with E-40 firing off Bay Area slang and Too $hort running through classic anthems like 'Gettin' It' and 'Blow the Whistle.' Their appearances were part of a broader Bay Area music presence throughout Super Bowl week, with artists like Kehlani, Larry June, and LaRussell also booked for multiple events and performances.

  • The NFL Honors ceremony took place on Thursday, February 6, 2026.
  • The Super Bowl was held in the San Francisco Bay Area that year.

The players

E-40

A veteran Bay Area rapper known for his innovative use of slang and his influential role in shaping the hyphy movement.

Too $hort

A pioneering Bay Area rapper whose classic songs like 'Gettin' It' and 'Blow the Whistle' have echoed through car stereos, clubs, and arenas for decades.

LaRussell

A rising Bay Area rapper who was booked for multiple performances during Super Bowl week, showcasing the region's vibrant and diverse music scene.

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What they’re saying

“On this Super Bowl week, this is the ultimate because it's on Bay Area soil. It's a big platform. … Being part of these NFL festivities, I love it.”

— E-40 (wbal.com)

“Ten years ago, the Super Bowl was right here. I didn't do anything. … I didn't talk to the NFL. So it's a real big deal. … It's not the halftime show, but it's a big deal for me.”

— Too $hort (wbal.com)

“This is where I come from. This is my lineage, and this is why it matters.”

— LaRussell, Rapper (wbal.com)

What’s next

The NFL Honors ceremony was a high-profile platform for Bay Area artists to showcase their talent and the region's vibrant music scene. As the Super Bowl continues to return to the Bay Area, it will be interesting to see how the league and local organizers continue to integrate and highlight the area's rich musical legacy.

The takeaway

The prominent roles of E-40, Too $hort, and other Bay Area artists during Super Bowl week underscored the region's enduring musical influence and independence. Despite evolving over decades, the Bay Area's distinct sound, swagger, and entrepreneurial spirit remain integral to its cultural identity and continue to resonate with audiences far beyond the local community.