Too $hort – R&B + Hip-Hop Artists From Oakland

When it comes to longetivity in the rap game, Too $hort has everyone beat. The Oakland legend, whose real name is Todd Anthony Shaw, has been rapping since 1983 and he's still going strong.

Inspired by P-Funk music and the Bay Area's pimps and hustlers, Short Dog carved a niche for himself in hardcore gangster rap that stretched over 20 albums. His 1987 debut album, 'Born to Mack,' introduced listeners to $horty the player, his 'Freaky Tales' and the life of a natural-born hustler. Some of his classic hits include 'Life Is... Too Short,' 'The Ghetto' and 'Cocktales,' among others.

In 2006, $hort garnered a whole new audience with the club anthem 'Blow the Whistle,' which sparked the underground hyphy movement. And if you think he's ready for retirement, guess again. In 2012, Too $hort dropped his 20th album 'No Trespassing,' which featured big-name rappers like 50 Cent, Twista and Snoop Dogg.

Watch Too $hort's 'Blow the Whistle' Video