Oakland, California legend Too $hort continues to bridge the gap between his storied past and his current creative output with his 22nd studio album, Sir Too $hort 2: Drink & Smoke. With a career spanning four decades—marked by seminal releases like Born to Mack and Life is…Too $hort—the veteran emcee has proven his longevity is unmatched. Following the success of last spring’s Sir Too $hort: Freaky Tales, this latest installment sees him reuniting with the legendary Lil Jon, who takes the helm as the sole producer for the project.

A Consistent Sonic Direction

The decision to have Lil Jon produce the entirety of the album pays off, providing a cohesive, crunk-infused backdrop that feels more consistent than previous efforts. The project opens with “Better Pimp,” a piano-driven track that immediately establishes the album’s thematic core. While the single “Drink & Smoke” featuring E-40 and Tyga suffers slightly from an uneven guest appearance, the project quickly finds its footing with tracks like “Back It Up” and the raunchy, mid-2000s-inspired “Thicky.”

Collaborative Highlights and Future Outlook

The album features a diverse array of guests who lean into the pimp-rap aesthetic. Saweetie shines on “That’s My Bitch,” while the collaboration with Suga Free on “I’m Not a Square” serves as a standout moment of lyrical clarity. Furthermore, the inclusion of “Good Coochie” by Mount Westmore hints at a potential sophomore effort from the supergroup, adding an extra layer of excitement for long-time fans.

As the album winds down with “We Came to Party” and the reflective closer “5 Letter Word,” it becomes clear that Sir Too $hort 2: Drink & Smoke is a high-water mark for this current trilogy. Despite the artist’s recurring teases of retirement, his ability to maintain a consistent sound while evolving his production partnerships remains impressive. With a solid 7/10 score, this project proves that even after 22 albums, the Oakland icon still has plenty to say.