Too Short

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Records

Too Short's greatest accolades are not trophies but the lasting impact of his music. He is widely credited as a pioneer of West Coast hip-hop, one of the first artists to bring the region's sound to a national audience. His independent hustle, selling tapes from his car, inspired countless DIY artists. He has been honored by his hometown of Oakland with a key to the city, and his music has been sampled by artists across genres. His longevity and consistency are remarkable: he has released albums in five different decades, a feat few rappers can claim.

AwardsToo Short has not won major mainstream awards like Grammys, but he has been honored with a BMI Urban Award and a key to the city of Oakland. His influence is recognized through his induction into the Bay Area Hip-Hop Hall of Fame and a lifetime achievement award from the Oakland Music Festival.

Honours & Distinctions

Key to the City of Oakland

City of Oakland·2015

Awarded for his contributions to music and the community.

Rankings & Lists

#85

Greatest Rappers of All Time

Billboard·2015

Records & Feats

One of the first West Coast rappers to achieve national success with explicit content

Career Milestone·1988

Too Short's 1988 album 'Life Is...Too Short' was one of the first West Coast rap albums to go platinum, paving the way for gangsta rap.

Prolific output across five decades

Career Milestone·2020

Too Short has released albums in the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s, a longevity milestone in hip-hop.