tooshort

Too Short, born Todd Anthony Shaw on April 28, 1966, is an American rapper and entrepreneur. He is widely regarded as a pioneering figure in West Coast hip hop and gangsta rap, known for a distinctive talk-rap delivery and explicit storytelling that often centers on street life and personal swagger.

Shaw was born in Los Angeles and raised in Oakland, California. He began recording in the mid-1980s and released several independent albums that blended minimalist funk production with his spoken-word flow. This style helped diversify West Coast rap beyond mainstream radio and contributed to the rise of independent hip hop in the region.

Among his best-known works are Born to Mack (1987) and Life Is...Too Short (1988), which established his career and expanded his audience. During the 1990s and 2000s he released a steady stream of albums and collaborations, remaining active in the scene and influencing younger artists who inherited his unvarnished, street-focused approach to storytelling.

In addition to recording, Too Short has pursued business ventures in music production, management, and branding, including operating his own label and collaborating across genres. His longevity and willingness to adapt have made him a fixture of the Bay Area hip hop community and an enduring influence on West Coast rap.