Too $hort

Too $hort is an American rapper, record producer, and actor who became famous in the West Coast hip hop scene in the late 1980s, with lyrics often based on pimping and promiscuity, but also drug culture and street survival; respectively exemplified in his most popular songs Blow the Whistle and The Ghetto. A pioneer of West Coast rap, Too $hort began recording in 1983, cultivating a large following in his native Oakland. In 1987, his fourth album Born to Mack attracted the attention of Jive Records, who signed him and distributed the album nationally. His subsequent 1988 album Life Is...Too Short was highly successful, going double platinum, and he remained prominent into the 1990s. Over the years Too $hort has collaborated with some of the biggest names in hip hop, such as Ant Banks, E-40, The Notorious B.I.G., Snoop Dogg, 2Pac and Ice Cube. He has also worked with contemporary artists, such as Ty Dolla Sign, Wiz Khalifa and Kendrick Lamar. In addition to his music career, Too $hort has also had a successful acting career appearing in films such as Friday After Next, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and Idlewild. He also had a recurring role on the TV series The Parkers. Too $hort is widely regarded as one of the most influential rappers of all time and has been credited with helping shape the sound of modern West Coast hip hop. He is also known for his philanthropic work and advocacy for social justice issues.