Too Short may not be a virtuosic lyricist in the pure sense of the term, but he has a few assets most rappers would kill for: a highly melodic flow, a keen sense of humor, and an uncanny ear for irresistible beats (many of them self-produced), and an incredibly loyal fan base. His expertly-delivered tales of sexual conquests spawned legions of followers in the 90s and earned him 7 platinum albums within the first 10 years of his storied career. As $hort Dog would say, “People always say ‘Too $hort can’t rap’ /Now I drive a Benz and my bank is fat.”
Too $hort has dropped many a freaky tales on that ass since his humble beginnings 25 years ago. Quick, name 5 other MCs with a catalog of 17 strong solo albums? No, not all of them were great and that’s why I compiled this list. In honor of Too $hort’s induction into the 2008 Vh1 Hip-Hop Honors class, I give you his 5 best albums of all time.
$horty the Pimp (1992)
Too Short was already 6 albums deep while working on Shorty the Pimp, so by the time album 7 arrived he was striving for perfection. Facing heavy criticism for his misogynistic lyrics, $Short proved that he could balance his playboy persona (“I ain’t Nothin’ But a Dog”) with a serious side (“So You Want to Be a Gangster”).
Best Cuts: “In the Trunk” and “I Want to Be Free (That’s the Truth)”
$hort Dog’s in the House (1990)
On $hort Dog’s in the House, Too $Short expanded his sexploitation mantra to include social commentary (“Ghetto”). He also tried to justify his foul mouth on “Ain’t Nothin’ but a Word to Me” alongside recent N.W.A. castaway Ice Cube. His remake of Donny Hathaway’s 1970 hit “The Ghetto” became an instant hit and later wound up on Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.
Best Cuts: “The Ghetto” and “Short But Funky”
Get in Where You Fit in (1993)
Short’s 5th album came stacked with P-Funk samples and fat 808s, making it a perfect soundtrack for a lazy Sunday afternoon cruise. Pimp talk rolled of Short Dog’s tongue with ease, while pounding basslines — designed to distract you from the misogynistic chatter — played in the background.
Best Cuts: “Blowjob Betty” and “I’m a Player”
Born To Mack (1987)
This was the first major LP from Oakland’s most sexually explicit MC and our introduction to his signature “beeyatch” snarl. Raw, uncut, and x-rated tales of female conquests abound. At a mere 8 tracks, Born to Mack was indeed too short. But its brevity left very little room for missteps.
Best Cuts: “Freaky Tales” and “Dope Fiend Beat”
Life Is…Too $hort (1988)
Life is…Too Short is Too Short at his apex, artistically diverse and musically refreshing. An undeniable masterpiece. The songs on Life is…Too Short still sound as fresh today as they did 20 years ago. In fact, one fan dug “Don’t Fight the Feeling” so much that he left his phone number on YouTube for “whoever don’t like this.” Yeah, Short Dog would that to you.
Best Cuts: “City of Dope,” “Life is … Too Short, and “I Ain’t Trippin’”
See also:
In The Trunk — The Lyrics And Tales Of Too Short
