Legendary West Coast rapper Too $hort recently opened up about the immense success of the supergroup Mount Westmore, noting that the project provides him with greater financial returns for only a fraction of the workload required for his solo endeavors. In a candid conversation on REVOLT’s Effective Immediately, the veteran artist highlighted the efficiency and profitability of working alongside Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, and E-40.
During the interview, Too $hort estimated that his contribution to the group—which includes recording verses and performing live—amounts to roughly 20 to 25 percent of the effort he typically pours into a solo show. He described the collaboration as the most effective “side hustle” of his career, emphasizing that the group’s formation was a natural evolution born from pandemic-era phone calls between the members.
The Business of Supergroups
The financial benefits of Mount Westmore have been a recurring theme for the group members. In a previous interview with SPIN, Too $hort explained that the group functions as a lucrative business entity that does not cannibalize his solo opportunities. By pooling their collective star power, the four legends have managed to secure significant earnings while maintaining their individual brands. Ice Cube has echoed these sentiments, noting that the collaborative format allows each artist to focus on delivering high-quality, impactful verses rather than carrying the weight of an entire album production alone.
“The best side hustle I’ve ever had in my life.”
Despite the clear financial upside, coordinating the schedules of four iconic rappers remains a logistical challenge. As Too $hort noted in an earlier discussion with AllHipHop, the members’ busy individual lives often make it difficult to align their calendars for tours or new studio sessions. Nevertheless, the group has already amassed a substantial catalog of unreleased material, leaving them to focus on the creative direction of their future projects rather than starting from scratch.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Beyond the financial gains, Too $hort remains deeply invested in the cultural footprint of his work. Reflecting on his long-standing influence in hip-hop, he discussed his approach to his signature lyrical style and the importance of allowing his contributions to permeate pop culture. For the veteran MC, seeing his influence reflected in film, television, and the work of younger artists is a testament to the enduring power of his craft. As he succinctly put it, the goal is to continue building a legacy that remains relevant and profitable for years to come.
