More than 40 years into his career, Too $hort has absolutely nothing left to prove. But at 60 years old, the Oakland legend clearly has no intention of slowing down - or suddenly becoming someone other than Too $hort.

Sir Too $hort, Vol. 2 (Drink & Smoke) finds him once again working closely with longtime collaborator Lil Jon, and that familiar chemistry is all over the record. The beats hit hard, the bass is heavy, the humor is unapologetically dirty, and $hort still delivers his rhymes with the effortless swagger that has defined him for decades.

At 13 tracks and around 35 minutes, Drink & Smoke gets in, does its thing, and gets out. Hip-hop has changed countless times since Too $hort entered the game, but he hasn’t - and that’s exactly the point.

Opening track “Better Pimp”, featuring Lil Jon, immediately takes us back into the pimp talk, humor, and swagger that have been part of $hort’s music since the beginning. At 60, he clearly isn’t interested in becoming “age appropriate”, and that’s part of the fun.

“Drink & Smoke”, featuring Tyga and longtime partner-in-crime E-40, keeps things moving with a laid-back West Coast party vibe. $hort and E-40 sound as natural together as ever, while Tyga brings a younger flavor to the mix.

“Back It Up” and “Thicky” lean heavily into Lil Jon’s bass-driven production and Too $hort’s raunchier side. Neither tries to be anything complicated - they’re dirty, fun, club-ready tracks that sound exactly like what you would expect from these two longtime collaborators.

“That’s My Bih”, featuring Saweetie, connects two generations of Bay Area hip-hop, with Saweetie bringing plenty of attitude alongside $hort’s laid-back delivery. “Wouldn’t Wanna Be Him” follows with more humor and classic Too $hort swagger over another bouncing Lil Jon beat.

“I’m Not a Square”, featuring Suga Free and Decadez, is pure West Coast player talk. Too $hort and Suga Free are a natural combination, their slick conversational flows fitting perfectly over the funky production.

Then comes one of the album’s most enjoyable moments. “Good Coochie” reunites $hort with Mount Westmore partners Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, and E-40. There’s an effortless chemistry between these four legends, and it sounds like they’re simply having fun together. It’s raunchy, playful, and loaded with personality.

“So So So Good”, featuring Snow Tha Product, gives the album another burst of energy. Snow’s quick, sharp delivery provides a great contrast to $hort’s relaxed flow and makes this one of the stronger guest appearances.

After the quick “The Invite” interlude, “We Came to Party” gets right back to business with $hort riding another club-ready Lil Jon beat. “Out Tonight”, featuring King George, is a welcome change of pace. George’s smooth Southern soul sound creates an unexpected contrast with Too $hort that works surprisingly well.

Closing track “Five Letter Word”, featuring comedian Godfrey, is a fittingly funny and unapologetic way to finish. Godfrey’s personality gives the song an almost comedic back-and-forth feel, while $hort ends the record exactly how he started it - having fun, talking his shit, and making absolutely no apologies for who he is.

And really, that’s Drink & Smoke in a nutshell.

Too $hort isn’t trying to reinvent himself or chase whatever is happening in hip-hop right now. A big part of why the album works is Lil Jon, whose production and long-running chemistry with $hort hold everything together. Add a strong collection of guests - especially Mount Westmore, E-40, Suga Free, Snow Tha Product, and King George - and there’s plenty to enjoy in these 35 minutes.

Drink & Smoke probably isn’t going to change anyone’s opinion of Too $hort. If you’ve never liked him, this won’t convert you. But if you’ve been riding with $hort for years, this is exactly what you want. After more than four decades, the fact that he can still make an album this fun says plenty.

One Love - Todd M. Judd