Too Short

Too Short, born Todd Anthony Shaw, started rapping in Oakland when he was about twelve. He put out his first album, 'Don't Stop Rappin'', in 1983, and it found an audience in the underground. His music from that era, like the tracks 'Players' and 'Born to Mack', had a raw, unfiltered quality that spoke directly to street life with explicit language and a particular kind of wit.

His songs often dealt plainly with sex, drugs, and the realities of his environment, which drew criticism but also built a loyal following. Tracks like 'The Ghetto' and 'Blow The Whistle' became staples, known for their straightforward delivery and unapologetic perspective. He worked with people like Ant Banks and later collaborated with West Coast figures such as Snoop Dogg.

Too Short's style never really softened or sought mainstream approval in a conventional way. He maintained a consistent output over decades, with songs like 'Gettin' It' and 'Just Anotha Day' continuing in the same vein, direct, conversational, and rooted in the Oakland sound he helped establish early on.