Raw, Uncut, and X-Rated cover

Released 40 years ago

Raw, Uncut, and X-Rated

Too Short · 1986

40 min · 6 tracks · gangsta rap

Unfiltered storytelling collides with gritty beats, creating a raw energy that defined West Coast hip-hop's hardcore edge.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Invasion of Flat Booty Bitches — The opening track sets an audacious tone with its bold lyrics and infectious beat, showcasing Too Short's distinctive storytelling style that captivates listeners from the start.
  • →
    She's a Bitch — This track exemplifies Too Short's brash persona while critiquing gender dynamics, blending humor with sharp commentary that became a hallmark of his work.
  • →
    Blowjob Betty — Combining catchy hooks with explicit narratives, this track highlights Too Short's knack for provocative storytelling, solidifying his status as a controversial figure in hip-hop.

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 EP showcases strong storytelling and explicit content, marking a notable moment in West Coast hip-hop.

What we noticed

  • The EP features a consistent mid-tempo beat throughout, with each track maintaining a similar rhythmic structure.
  • Too Short's delivery is conversational and direct, often employing a storytelling format that emphasizes explicit themes.
  • Each track is relatively short, averaging around three minutes, which contributes to a brisk overall pace.
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

  • steady mid-tempo groove
  • unapologetic lyrical provocations
  • street life reflections
  • engaging storytelling through beats

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking subtle, delicate sounds
  • prefering quick, catchy tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album established Too Short's reputation and gained wider recognition in hip-hop.
Career context
When 'Raw, Uncut, and X-Rated' was released in 1986, Too Short was emerging as a pioneer of the West Coast hip-hop scene. This album followed his debut, 'Don't Stop Rappin',' and marked his first major foray into explicit content, setting the stage for his signature style that would influence the genre for years to come.
Stylistic neighbors
E-40· Mac Dre· Snoop Dogg

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • She's a Bitch

    The narrator shifts from playful banter to biting critique of societal expectations surrounding women, punctuating the narrative with vivid imagery.

    This juxtaposition between humor and critique reveals Too Short's ability to navigate complex themes, using wit to challenge cultural stereotypes.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Invasion of Flat Booty Bitches 5:10
  • 2 She's a Bitch 9:52
  • 3 Oakland, California 6:51
  • 4 The Bitch Sucks Dick 6:32
  • 5 Short Side 6:24
  • 6 Blowjob Betty 5:41

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata