Chase the Cat cover

Chase the Cat

Too Short · 2001

68 min · 17 tracks · gangsta rap

A provocative blend of laid-back grooves and sharp lyrics that showcase Too Short's unapologetic storytelling style.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Keep Fuckin Me — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its catchy hook and direct engagement with Too Short's signature themes of sex and relationships.
  • →
    Candy Paint — With its smooth production and clever wordplay, this track exemplifies Too Short's ability to blend humor with lifestyle commentary, making it a standout on the album.
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    Domestic Violence — This track tackles serious subject matter through Too Short's lens, showcasing his storytelling prowess while addressing controversial topics in a raw manner.
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    Player for Life — In this song, Too Short reflects on his lifestyle choices and experiences, encapsulating the essence of being a player in the context of his life narrative.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases Too Short's signature style with engaging storytelling and a cohesive sound, though it may not offer deep complexity.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of laid-back grooves, with most tracks maintaining a slow to mid-tempo pace.
  • Too Short's delivery often includes conversational verses that blend storytelling with explicit themes, creating a direct connection with the listener.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • laid-back grooves for relaxation
  • explicit storytelling with humor
  • dynamic flow with peaks
  • for late-night hangs
  • great for casual gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced listening experiences
  • seek intricate lyrical depth

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — A solid entry in Too Short's catalog that highlights his signature style and themes.
Themes
West Coast nightlife· sex and relationships· controversial storytelling
Career context
By the time 'Chase the Cat' was released in November 2001, Too Short had already established himself as a West Coast hip-hop pioneer, known for his explicit lyrics and unique delivery. This album came after his previous release, 'You Nasty,' which continued to solidify his reputation within the genre. At this stage in his career, he was transitioning into a more mainstream presence while retaining his underground roots.
Stylistic neighbors
E-40· Mac Dre· Snoop Dogg

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Keep Fuckin Me 3:30
  • 2 I Luv 3:47
  • 3 Late Nite Creep 4:27
  • 4 These Are the Tales 4:41
  • 5 This Is How We Eat 4:45
  • 6 Candy Paint 4:42
  • 7 Fire 3:56
  • 8 Can I Hit It 3:01
  • 9 Chase the Cat 3:40
  • 10 Looking for a Baller 3:54
  • 11 Pimpin' Ken 1:31
  • 12 Domestic Violence 4:11
  • 13 Player for Life 3:32
  • 14 Analyze the Game 3:34
  • 15 Talkin' Shit 4:52
  • 16 U Stank 5:56
  • 17 Don't Ever Give Up 4:15

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata