Too $hort, 60, launches new Lil Jon-produced album and defies hip-hop age norms

At 60, Too $hort remains active in the music scene, unveiling his 23rd album “Sir Too $hort Vol. 2: Drink & Smoke,” which Lil Jon produced from start to finish. The release coincides with the 20th anniversary of the rapper’s classic “Blow the Whistle,” a track that still resonates in sports arenas worldwide. In a recent interview, Too $hort dismissed any notion of retirement, comparing his career to a job that ends only when the wheels fall off.

He also reflected on the emotional weight of working with Lil Jon’s son, DJ Young Slade, who passed away after their sessions. The veteran artist praised fellow Bay Area rappers like E-40 and expressed openness to future collaborations, including potential Verzuz battles. Throughout, he emphasized that hip-hop should welcome older creators just as jazz and blues have. The album arrives as a statement that age does not dictate relevance in the genre.