On Nov. 10, 1993, E-40 dropped his debut album, Federal.

Already, 40 had established a name for himself with his first group MVP, before later forming The Click with his sister Suga T added to the mix, as well as his EPs including 1991's Mr. Flamboyant and a standout entry in his early catalog, The Mail Man, which birthed one of his signature tracks, "Captain Save A Ho" as well as fan favorites like "Practice Lookin' Hard."

Federal dropped a few months later on his Sick Wid It label, solidifying his place as one of the first completely independent acts to make major moves — which go on to influence then-up-and-comers like Master P.

"Me and Master P go way back," he said in a 2014 interview with NPR. "Master P started off — he from New Orleans, but I believe his mama stayed in Richmond, Calif., and so when I was doing my independent grind — started out in '88. Met P around — probably around '89, somewhere around there. He was just an eager young man wanting to make this rap game work for him. He stayed out there. He did free shows and did everything he can do to get on. He watched my blueprint and did his thang."

Bun B also spoke about 40's influence in an interview for ROCK THE BELLS. "In Houston in the early 90s, we took our independent game from watching what the Bay was doing," Bun B said. "I want to thank you for leaving a blueprint."

Produced entirely by regular collaborator, Studio Ton, Federal painted a fuller picture of 40's musical savvy and offered glimpses of the Vallejo veteran's style — his innovative delivery, penchant for relaying winding, relatable tales, and clever usage of language.

The album featured a few standouts in 40's massive catalog, including "Drought Season" (listen close and hear lines 40 would later emphasize on "Dusted 'N' Disgusted"), "Federal," and an ode to 40's absolute favorite drink to mention at the time, "Carlos Rossi." He'd follow Federal up a couple of years later with his mainstream breakout album, In a Major Way, which went platinum and was released after Sick Wid' It inked a distribution deal with Jive.

An early peek at 40's talent, Federal stands as one of the projects that helped both showcase and shape the sound of the Bay Area.