Todd Anthony Shaw (born April 28, 1966), better known by the stage name Too Short (stylized as Too $hort), is an American rapper and record producer. Too Short became famous in the West Coast hip hop scene in the late 80s, with lyrics often based on pimping and promiscuity, but also drug culture and street survival. The latter, in songs such as "The Ghetto" and the former, in songs such as "Blow the Whistle".
A pioneer of West Coast rap, he began recording in 1983, drew renown on Oakland's underground rap scene, and signed a major deal in 1987 with Jive Records, which released his album Born to Mack. In 1989, his second album, Life Is...Too Short, drew wide notice, and he remained prominent into the 1990s.