Too $hort Advises Rappers to Keep Politics Out of Music

The Oakland rapper says hip hop should limit political involvement to voting.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Veteran rapper Too $hort is cautioning fellow artists against getting too involved in political movements, saying hip hop should keep politics confined to the ballot box. In a recent interview, $hort reflected on a time when fans didn't care about the political beliefs of their favorite musicians, and he believes that approach was better for the culture.

Why it matters

Too $hort's comments come amid a growing trend of rappers and other celebrities becoming more vocal about their political views and affiliations, which has at times drawn criticism and backlash from fans. His perspective highlights the ongoing debate around the role of politics in the entertainment industry.

The details

During an interview at Chanel West Coast's single release party, Too $hort told a TMZ reporter that rappers should "limit politics to the ballot box" rather than making it part of their public persona and brand. He reflected on a time when fans were more interested in an artist's music than their political beliefs, and he believes that approach was better for hip hop culture.

  • The interview took place on February 12, 2026 at Chanel West Coast's single release party in West Hollywood.

The players

Too $hort

A veteran rapper from Oakland, California who is known for his influential contributions to West Coast hip hop.

Chanel West Coast

An American rapper, television personality, and actress who was hosting a single release party where Too $hort was interviewed.

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What they’re saying

“America was better when celebs voted, supported causes they cared about and didn't make politics part of their brand.”

— Too $hort, Rapper (TMZ)

The takeaway

Too $hort's comments highlight the ongoing debate around the role of politics in the entertainment industry, with the veteran rapper arguing that hip hop artists should keep their political involvement limited to voting rather than making it a central part of their public persona and brand.