Too Short’s Nationwide Independence Day: A Tribute to Hip Hop Culture

Too Short is one of the most influential and legendary rappers in the history of hip hop. He is known for his witty, explicit, and pimp-inspired lyrics, his distinctive voice and flow, and his longevity and consistency in the game. He has released over 20 albums and sold over 15 million records worldwide.

One of his most notable projects is Nationwide: Independence Day, a compilation album that he presented and released on May 19, 1998 through Jive Records and his own Short Records. The album features original songs by Too Short and other established artists such as Redman, Keith Murray, Pimp C, Casual, and Jayo Felony, as well as new artists signed to Short Records, such as Baby DC, Badwayz, Murda One, and Lyrical Giants.

The album is a tribute to hip hop culture and its diversity and creativity. It showcases different styles, sounds, regions, and perspectives of rap music. It also celebrates the independence and freedom of expression that hip hop provides to its artists and fans. In this article, we will explore the background, content, and impact of Too Short’s Nationwide: Independence Day.

The Background of Nationwide: Independence Day

Too Short started his rap career in the early 1980s in Oakland, California. He began by recording custom tapes for his friends and selling them out of his car trunk. He soon gained popularity and recognition in the local scene and beyond. He signed with Jive Records in 1987 and released his major label debut album Born to Mack in 1988.

Too Short became one of the pioneers and leaders of West Coast rap and gangsta rap. He also influenced the development of Southern rap and Dirty South rap. He collaborated with artists such as E-40, Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, Scarface, UGK, 2Pac, The Notorious B.I.G., Diddy, Jay-Z, Lil Jon, T.I., and many more.

By the late 1990s, Too Short had established himself as a rap legend and a successful businessman. He had released over 10 albums and had several platinum and gold certifications. He had also founded his own label Short Records to support new talent and expand his musical vision.

Nationwide: Independence Day was Too Short’s first compilation album under Short Records. It was also his first project after his retirement announcement in 1996 with his album Gettin’ It (Album Number Ten). Too Short decided to come back to rap after realizing that he still had a lot to offer to the culture and the industry.

The Content of Nationwide: Independence Day

Nationwide: Independence Day is a two-disc set that contains 25 tracks. The album covers various topics such as hustling, pimping, partying, sex, violence, drugs, politics, and social issues. The album also reflects different aspects of hip hop culture such as graffiti, breakdancing, DJing, MCing, beatboxing, sampling, scratching, etc.

The album features production by Quinton “Quint Black” Banks, who handled most of the beats on the album. Other producers include Jazze Pha, Lil Jon, Colin Wolfe, Mr. Ran, Ant Banks, DJ U-Neek, Mike Dean, E-A-Ski, CMT, Rick Rock, Bosko, Soopafly, DJ Slip, Sir Jinx, DJ Pooh, etc.

The album features guest appearances by Redman, Keith Murray, Pimp C, Casual, Jayo Felony, Sylk-E. Fyne, George Clinton, Father Dom, Baby DC, Badwayz, Murda One, 38 Deep, G Side, Dollar Will, ZU

Some of the standout tracks on the album are:

Hit ‘Em Up: The opening track of the album, featuring Too Short, Stud, and Murda One. The song is a hard-hitting and aggressive track that sets the tone for the rest of the album. The song samples “Hit ‘Em Up” by 2Pac and “The Payback” by James Brown.
Independence Day: The title track of the album, featuring Too Short and Keith Murray. The song is a celebratory and patriotic track that pays homage to hip hop culture and its independence and freedom. The song samples “Independence Day” by The Isley Brothers and “The Star-Spangled Banner” by Jimi Hendrix.
Pimpin’ Ain’t Easy: The first track of the second disc, featuring Polyester Players. The song is a smooth and funky track that showcases Too Short’s signature pimp persona and style. The song samples “Pimpin’ Ain’t Easy” by Big Daddy Kane and “I’m Your Pusher” by Ice-T.
Couldn’t Be a Better Player: The second track of the second disc, featuring Lil Jon and Too Short. The song is a crunk and energetic track that introduces Lil Jon to the mainstream audience. The song samples “Couldn’t Be a Better Player” by Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz and “The Message” by Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five.
Whateva Man (Remix): The fifth track of the second disc, featuring Redman. The song is a remix of Redman’s hit single from his 1996 album Muddy Waters. The song features new verses by Redman and Too Short over the original beat produced by Erick Sermon.

The Impact of Nationwide: Independence Day

Nationwide: Independence Day was well received by critics and fans alike. It was praised for its diverse and quality production, its star-studded and talented guest list, its cohesive and consistent theme, and its homage to hip hop culture. It was also commended for its balance between commercial appeal and artistic integrity.

Nationwide: Independence Day was a commercial success as well. It debuted at number 38 on the Billboard 200 and number 7 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts. It sold over 500,000 copies in the United States and was certified gold by RIAA on July 28, 1998.

Nationwide: Independence Day was influential and impactful in many ways. It helped to introduce new artists and producers to the mainstream audience, such as Lil Jon, Baby DC, Badwayz, Quinton Banks, Jazze Pha, etc. It also helped to showcase different regions and styles of rap music, such as West Coast rap, East Coast rap, Southern rap, Dirty South rap, etc. It also helped to celebrate and preserve hip hop culture and its history, values, and elements.

Nationwide: Independence Day was one of Too Short’s best and most important projects in his career. It proved that he was still relevant and creative in the rap game after more than a decade of making music. It also proved that he was a visionary and a leader in the hip hop industry who could bring together different artists and create a masterpiece.

How to listen to Nationwide: Independence Day?

If you want to listen to Nationwide: Independence Day, you have several options to choose from. You can buy the physical CD or cassette from online or offline stores, such as Amazon, eBay, Discogs, etc. You can also stream or download the digital version of the album from online platforms, such as Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Tidal, etc. You can also watch the music videos of some of the songs from the album on YouTube.

How to support Too Short and his music?

If you want to support Too Short and his music, you can do so in many ways. You can buy his albums and merchandise from his official website or other online or offline stores. You can also stream or download his music from online platforms, such as Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Tidal, etc. You can also follow him on social media, such as Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, etc. You can also watch his videos and interviews on YouTube or other online channels. You can also attend his concerts and shows when he is on tour.

How to learn more about Too Short and his career?

If you want to learn more about Too Short and his career, you can do so in many ways. You can read his biography and discography on Wikipedia or other online sources. You can also read his book Freaky Tales: The Saga of Too Short, which is a memoir of his life and music. You can also watch his documentary American Pimp, which is a film about the history and culture of pimping in America. You can also listen to his podcast Blow the Whistle with Too Short, which is a show where he talks about various topics with his guests.

What are some other albums by Too Short?

If you enjoyed Nationwide: Independence Day, you may also like some other albums by Too Short. Here are some of his most popular and acclaimed albums:

Born to Mack: Too Short’s major label debut album, released in 1988. The album features his classic songs “Freaky Tales” and “The Ghetto”. The album is considered one of the best and most influential West Coast rap and gangsta rap albums of all time.
Life Is…Too Short: Too Short’s second major label album, released in 1989. The album features his hit singles “Life Is…Too Short” and “I Ain’t Trippin'”. The album is considered one of the best and most influential West Coast rap and gangsta rap albums of all time.
Short Dog’s in the House: Too Short’s third major label album, released in 1990. The album features his hit singles “The Ghetto” and “Short But Funky”. The album is considered one of the best and most influential West Coast rap and gangsta rap albums of all time.
Get in Where You Fit In: Too Short’s eighth studio album, released in 1993. The album features his hit singles “I’m a Player” and “Money in the Ghetto”. The album is considered one of his best and most successful albums, selling over one million copies.
Cocktails: Too Short’s ninth studio album, released in 1995. The album features his hit singles “Cocktales” and “Paystyle”. The album is considered one of his best and most successful albums, selling over one million copies.

What are some other artists similar to Too Short?

If you like Too Short’s music, you may also like some other artists who have similar styles, sounds, or influences. Here are some of them:

E-40: A rapper from Vallejo, California, who is known for his unique slang, flow, and delivery. He is a longtime friend and collaborator of Too Short. He has released over 25 albums and sold over 10 million records worldwide.
Ice Cube: A rapper from Compton, California, who is known for his hardcore and political lyrics. He is a former member of the legendary group N.W.A. He has released over 10 albums and sold over 10 million records worldwide.
Snoop Dogg: A rapper from Long Beach, California, who is known for his smooth and laid-back style. He is a protégé of Dr. Dre and a member of the group Tha Dogg Pound. He has released over 15 albums and sold over 35 million records worldwide.
Scarface: A rapper from Houston, Texas, who is known for his dark and gritty storytelling. He is a former member of the group Geto Boys. He has released over 10 albums and sold over five million records worldwide.
UGK: A rap duo from Port Arthur, Texas, consisting of Pimp C and Bun B. They are known for their Southern rap and Dirty South rap style. They have collaborated with Too Short on several songs. They have released over 10 albums and sold over three million records worldwide.

Too Short’s Nationwide: Independence Day is a compilation album that celebrates hip hop culture and its diversity and creativity. It features original songs by Too Short and other established and new artists from different regions and styles of rap music. It also pays homage to the independence and freedom of expression that hip hop provides to its artists and fans. The album is a tribute to Too Short’s legacy and influence in the rap game and the hip hop industry. It is one of his best and most important projects in his career. If you are a fan of Too Short or hip hop in general, you should definitely check out this album and enjoy its quality and variety.

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Too Short Nationwide Independence Day ((EXCLUSIVE))