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Too $hort: The Pioneer of West Coast Hip Hop


Todd Anthony Shaw, better known as Too $hort, is an iconic American rapper born on April 28, 1966. A pivotal figure in West Coast hip hop, Too $hort's career began in 1983, and he quickly gained recognition with his raw lyrics focusing on pimping, promiscuity, drug culture, and street survival. His breakthrough came with the release of "Born to Mack" (1987), followed by the double platinum "Life Is...Too Short" (1988).

Too $hort's unique style and beats, often self-produced with TR-808 and TR-909 drum machines, set him apart. He collaborated with legends like Tupac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G., and Scarface. He continued to evolve, forming The Dangerous Crew in 1988 and later Mount Westmore with Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, and E-40 in 2020. His record label, Up All Nite Records, signed prominent acts, including the hyphy group The Pack.

His discography spans over two decades, with notable albums like "Short Dog's in the House" (1990), "Get in Where You Fit In" (1993), and "Blow the Whistle" (2006). Even as he ventured into collaborative projects, Too $hort remained a consistent force in hip hop, adapting to new sounds and trends while staying true to his roots. His legacy is cemented as a pioneer who helped shape the West Coast hip hop scene and influenced countless artists.

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