When it comes to Too $hort (born Todd Shaw in 1966!) the word "longevity" is barely adequate. From 1983 to 2007, it's been 20 albums, six platinum plaques (back-to-back, no less) a 21-year-old record label, and immeasurable influence from one coast to the other. At 41 years of age, Too $hort is an elder statesman of elder statesmen. His newest LP,

As far as West Coast rap goes, N.W.A. may have blown the doors open but only after Too $hort picked the lock. While Dre, Cube, and company might have been California's first instant megastars, $hort Dogg was it's first grassroots legend. A local-to-global hero and DIY role model, Too $hort helped write the blueprint for small-market hip-hop--how to cultivate a scene, a persona, and a fan base in a region that's worlds away from hip-hop's recognized epicenter. Largely responsible for laying the foundation for the Bay Area sound that's finally getting steady national rotation, $hort is a regional forefather akin to Uncle Luke in Miami, Scarface and the Geto Boys in Houston, and 8Ball and MJG in Memphis.

Born in South L.A. but bred in Oakland, he was one of the first progenitors of the funk sound that N.W.A. eventually took worldwide. After recording 3 albums on his own and selling them out his car, $horty the Pimp, made his major label debut in 1988 with Born to Mack, then made a name for himself nationally the following year, with the classic Life Is... Too $hort, his first of five platinum outings. He founded Dangerous Music in 1986 (now Up All Nite records), and it's now both an Oakland institution and a nationwide ambassador for the Bay Area sound, most notably signing the out-of-nowhere High-school wonders the Pack.

Too $hort's style and lyrics have many fans and many detractors. His delivery and content have essentially stayed the same since 1983. As for his lyrics, they're as raunchy as they come (and, often raunchier). But, as he's said before when questioned about his lyrics, 'Too $hort' is a character, one not to be taken without a sense of humor and a grain of salt (and perhaps a 40 oz. or two).

Not known as a highly technical lyricist, what some point to as a sign of limited range, others laud as consistency and a refusal to stray from his game just to increase market appeal. But, for my money, tracks like the recent banger "Blow the Whistle" and the unmistakable classic "Life Is..." lay all such discussion to rest, especially when the lights go out and the bass goes up. The man can ride a beat better than most fools with twice his supposed "technical ability." His delivery has aged and matured like a fine wine, or George Clooney, and belongs in the pantheon of hip-hop's most original styles. Personally, on Set Up Shop, I'm looking forward to much of the same, and so should you. Legends don't need to change. Why, when so many love Mr. Shaw just the way he is?