the claim that 40 is offbeat is hilarious. anyone that can;t see thats intentional, is just stupid. his spit is raw and his style, innovation, and creativity is what has allowed him to have this longevity. bun-b put it best, "you're not gonna out rap e-40" truer words have never been spoken, he has to be one of the most repected rap artists in the history of the game. he's made music with cats from everywhere across the US and even UK heads give 40 his props. To date, he's traded verse's with Talib, Tech N9ne, ODB, Murs, The Coup, Fat Joe, Sauce Money, Busta Rhymes to name a few, and I cant think of one time where 40 was outshined, can you? he's been given props from big daddy kane, krs, kool g rap, nas. the track recod is ridiculous. Not that their words hold any credence over anyone else, but Nelly and Nick Cannon(called him the best rapper ever) consider 40 one of the greatest to ever do it. Just an example of appreciation across the industry.