Above the Law: Pioneers of G-Funk Hip Hop

Above the Law is an American hip hop group from Pomona, California, recognized as foundational architects of the G-Funk sound. Their 1990 debut album, Livin' Like Hustlers, is a landmark release that helped define the West Coast rap aesthetic of the early 1990s.

Early career

Formed in 1989, Above the Law originated in Pomona, a city in Los Angeles County. The original lineup consisted of Cold 187um (Gregory Hutchinson), KMG the Illustrator (Kevin Dulley), Go Mack, and DJ Total K-Oss. They were discovered by Eazy-E, who signed them to his Ruthless Records label, a subsidiary of the influential Priority Records.

Breakthrough

The group's breakthrough came in 1990 with the release of their debut album, Livin' Like Hustlers. Executive produced by Eazy-E and Dr. Dre, the album is historically significant for its early use of the slowed-down, synth-heavy funk sound that would become known as G-Funk. This sound was crystallized by the album's lead single, Murder Rap, which became a defining track of the era.

Key tracks

Murder Rap - This single from their debut is a quintessential early G-Funk track, featuring deep bass and Parliament-Funkadelic samples that set a new tone for West Coast rap.

Untouchable - The title track from their 1991 sophomore album further refined their sound, asserting the group's street credibility and musical innovation.

Black Superman - Also known as "Just Kickin' Lyrics," this track from Livin' Like Hustlers showcases the group's lyrical prowess and smooth, funk-laden production.

V.S.O.P. - A standout from their 1994 album Uncle Sam's Curse, this song continued their exploration of social themes over layered G-Funk instrumentals.

Following their early success, Above the Law continued to release albums throughout the 1990s, including Black Mafia Life (1992) and Time Will Reveal (1996). Their work consistently revolved around the G-Funk genre, influencing a generation of West Coast artists. The group's sound was built on Cold 187um's production, which heavily utilized live instrumentation and classic funk samples.

Artists with a similar foundational role in West Coast G-Funk include Dr. Dre, whose production work is deeply intertwined with the genre's popularization. The laid-back, funk-driven style is also heard in the work of Warren G, another key figure in the 1990s G-Funk movement. For the gangsta rap content that often accompanied the sound, listeners can explore Compton's Most Wanted.