E-40- "No one signed me potna, I signed me"
40 is not only a rapper/legend but he's also a business man. If he feels someone is a liability to his company, he is not gonna sign you. Can you blame him? If I was in his shoes, I wouldn't have signed Mess either, period.
40 has gave people chances in the past by signing them. I'm not gonna mention no names, but back in the day he used to give out advances when he signed people to "Sick Wid It". One person I can remember specifically took the advance money and went M.I.A. So from past experience he has got smarter, and handles his business where it doesn't affect his company/brand.
He can definately lead you to the water, but he damn sho ain't gonna make you drink it, that's something you have to do on your own to be successful.