Too Short – Players

Description

“Too Short – Players,” released in 1987 under 75 Girls Records and Tapes, is a hallmark album in the evolution of West Coast hip-hop, showcasing the unique style and lyrical flair of one of the genre’s most distinctive voices. This cassette album, recorded at Different Fur Studios and mastered at Fantasy Studios, captures the essence of a transforming musical landscape in hip-hop during the late 1980s.

The album opens with the title track, “Players,” setting a tone of street-smart narratives mixed with smooth, rhythmic beats. Too Short’s storytelling prowess is on full display, weaving tales that reflect the gritty reality of urban life. This is followed by “From Here To New York,” a track that expands the geographical scope of his narrative, portraying a broader perspective of the hip-hop culture across the United States.

“Don’t Even Stop” continues the album’s momentum with an upbeat tempo, showcasing Too Short’s ability to blend party anthems with insightful lyrics. On the flip side, “Wild, Wild West” delves into the chaotic and often harsh realities of street life, underscored by Too Short’s raw vocal delivery.

The track “Everytime” shifts the tone towards a more introspective and personal narrative, offering a glimpse into the artist’s inner thoughts and experiences. “Dance (Don’t Geek)” brings back the energy with a dance-centric beat, reflecting the album’s versatility in accommodating different moods and settings.

“Coke Dealers,” the final track, is a stark and unfiltered look into the darker aspects of street life, a theme prevalent in Too Short’s work. The song’s narrative is complemented by the album’s production quality, with contributions from Marvin Holmes and Matheus on guitar, and G. Levias, H. Kennedy, and Keenan “The Maestro” Foster on keyboards.

Executive-produced by Dean Hodges and engineered by H. Johnston, “Too Short – Players” is not just an album but a cultural artifact that encapsulates a pivotal moment in hip-hop history. Its production, characterized by a blend of funk-infused beats and raw, straightforward lyricism, marked a significant step in the development of the West Coast sound. The album’s fusion of storytelling and rhythmic innovation solidified Too Short’s status as a key figure in the hip-hop community and left a lasting impact on the genre’s evolution.