Too Short Shoots Music Video at Oakland Ballers Game

Raimondi Park buzzed with energy Thursday night as Oakland rapper Too Short filmed a music video for his latest track, "All the Kids on the Block," amidst the excitement of a Ballers game.

The event transformed the basketball game into a vibrant celebration, with Too Short, a part-owner of the Ballers, using the occasion to fulfill dreams for many young fans. Aiko Hayes, an aspiring singer from the Oakland School of the Arts, expressed her excitement: "I hoped to one day, and it's become true," she said, reflecting on her idol's presence.

For Hayes, standing next to Too Short was surreal. "It was so exhilarating," she shared. "Especially playing amongst someone that I've looked up to for such a long time and someone I've taken so much inspiration from."

Too Short's lyrics often highlight his love for Oakland, but for this particular song, he emphasized the importance of including local youth. "I really, really wanted to do this for the kids," he stated. "I did not want to present the song without having kids from Oakland around me. It's something I really feel strongly about. I'm not really trying to save the world. I'm just trying to save the kids, you know?"

The Ballers players also joined in on the fun. Tremayne Cobb Jr., a shortstop from Maryland, never imagined he would be part of a music video. "No, never," he remarked. "I never thought I would be in the city of Oakland, and look at me, man."

For many young attendees, the night was unforgettable. They aspire to follow in Too Short's footsteps and make their mark in the music industry. Tommy Shepherd from the Oakland School of the Arts noted, "Super influential. We aim to make music just like him. He makes music for the culture, for the people, and that's the type of music we want to make."

Hayes added, "Too Short as an artist has kind of a way that makes everyone feel unified," highlighting his impact not just on Oakland but across the Bay Area community.