Too Short

Ever since Too Short returned from his brief retirement in 1999 with Can't Stay Away, he sounded increasingly comfy with letting his supporting cast flavor his albums, and What's My Favorite Word? is no different. Short invites his usual guests -- longtime Cali standbys Ant Banks, E-40, and B-Legit; Atlanta rabble-rouser Lil' Jon; and the one and only George Clinton -- along with a few surprise ones: Twista, Petey Pablo, Big Gipp, and U.G.K. members Bun B and Pimp C. This lively cast of characters certainly colors the album and makes it more than just another Too Short album, even if that's precisely what What's My Favorite Word? is. The highlight here is Lil' Jon's two-part "Quit Hatin'," which begins like your typical Eastside Boyz club-banger à la "Bia', Bia'" and "I Don't Give A..." and then transitions into a screwed-style interpretation given a further Texan feel when Pimp C steps up. Elsewhere, Short spits mostly pimp game as you'd expect, though perhaps a bit more laconically and with a bit more sang hooks than usual. What's My Favorite Word? isn't extraordinary relative to Short's dozen-plus other albums, yet should still please his fans, particularly those who enjoy his usual post-Gettin' It supporting cast. ~ Jason Birchmeier, All Music Guide