Too Short and E-40 Ready to Ramp Up Trash Talk Before ‘Verzuz’ Battle

Too Short and E-40 don’t want you to get it twisted … they’re buddy-buddy now, but there’s gonna be plenty of smack talk leading up to and during their rap battle … and it’s already heating up.

The Bay Area rappers joined us on “TMZ Live” Friday ahead of their highly-anticipated matchup on “Verzuz,” and we asked them if they’re really going to keep it friendly during Saturday’s match.

Short and 40 say don’t let their chummy attitudes fool you … they’re coming out swinging. In fact, each of ’em threw a jab or 2 while we were talking to them.

Remember … this week in Bev Hills, Too Short made it sound like it was going to be all love between them — and nothing like the beef-fueled “Verzuz” Gucci Mane and Jeezy put down.

But, now, as they get close to game time … their competitive juices are flowing.