In 1996, two bay area legends and pioneers came together in the aftermath of what could have been a serious beef between them. The story has been told a million times about how Too Short and E-40 almost became enemies after a misunderstanding, but the two music veterans were able to squash it before it ever escalated.
In light of that would-be incident, the two came together to collaborate on “Rapper’s Ball” for E-40’s 1996 release Tha Hall of Game album on Jive Records. Shortdog and Forty Fonzarrelli let their success and record of accomplishments speak for themselves over the thumping bass and slumpy funk of multi-platinum producer Ant Banks and the soulful vocal assistance by K-Ci of R&B group Jodeci.
Not only is “Rapper’s Ball” the first collaboration between Short & 40, but it’s also historic because it was the first time that the word “fa sheezy” was ever stated in a song. “Fa Sheezy” would go on to influence other artists and be constantly used in rhyme schemes to this very day.
The music video for “Rapper’s Ball” featured cameos by 2Pac, Ice-T, Mack 10, Richie Rich, and B-Legit.
Check out “Rapper’s Ball” from E-40, Too Short, Ant Banks, and K-Ci of Jodeci below: