Wouldnt call it punked. Unless you dont mind riding around with a strap on your front seat 24/7. It was some kill or be killed shit going on at the time. Not a comfortable life, especially if you make your living legally.
It was some serious crews tearing shit up. He was never a dope dealer or gangsta. But he knew them all. His situation got crossed into some bigger politics.
Oakland has taxed every rapper at some point. Its the game. Short made the right move, the smart move. Thats why he is still alive & making money. And wisely spending a majority of his time in LA. Oakland is a small pond filled with barracuda.
Tough muthafuckaz get their stories told, by wise men 20-30 years later. Gotta be smart out here.