Too $hort, 1989 photo by michael ochs
When Too $hort was staking his claim in the rap game in late 80’s and early 90’s, critics rushed to judgment by lumping him in the “gangsta” category. Sure, $hort’s music was explicit, but it wasn’t just “gangsta.” He spoke on poverty, politics, drug abuse and never glorified violence in his music. But, just as he’s hinted in some of his raps, people only hear the word “biiiiiiitch!!!” A trained ear could see past $hort’s sexual songs and realize that through his actions and music, he was trying to put youngsters up on game so they wouldn’t become the suckers he’d have to rap about later. Building the blueprint for the independent scene in the Bay, $hort continues to record and release music nearing the end of his third decade in the industry. Though not every album has been his best, each one has at least a little piece of game that you can put in your back pocket.
26 // OZONE WEST