Their first record deal was on Eric "Eazy-E" Wright's Ruthless Records, the independent label owned by Wright that featured major acts like N.W.A., The D.O.C., and Eazy-E himself.
In 1990 they released their debut album Livin' Like Hustlers. Critically acclaimed on release, the album was produced by the group alongside casual member Laylaw and Dr. Dre, and featured a guest appearance by N.W.A.. Despite the strong material, the album was a commercial flop. However, in their 1998 "100th issue," The Source magazine listed Above the Law's debut as one of the 100 Greatest Hip Hop Albums of All Time.
A 1991 EP was released to promote the groups sophomore album. However, by the time Vocally Pimpin was released, it had received mixed reviews. With only a scant few new songs and mostly remixes, the EP did not perform well.
It was during this time Dr, Dre was involved in a messy break up with Eazy E and Ruthless Records, and was (according to Ronin Ro's Have Gun Will Travel) contractually obliged to produce two more songs for the group. Although these songs were recorded, they were never released. It is possible the changing times at the reocrd label were responsible for the average quality of the EP.
In 1993, the group released the critically acclaimed Black Mafia Life. Go Mack was now gone, as was Laylaw, and Cold 187um took on the bulk of production. The group reinvented themselves with a fresh new sound which they referred to as G-funk. Dr. Dre's The Chronic released at the end of 1992, may or may not have adopted this sound, although it was released several months before Black Mafia Life, and sparked a long-standing debate between Dre and ATL over the originator of the sound.
Here is a snip from an interview explaining how the G-Funk sound came about.
Big Hutch (Cold 187um): Well here is the real. Weather people wanna believe it or not, I don’t know, it doesn’t really matter to me. G-Funk was actually created as a type of sound. It wasn’t like “this is gonna be our sound”. When we came to Ruthless, we were more like Funky melodic and NWA was more like matally sound. Like metal… like hard head break beatish. We brought the funky, vibey, groovey shit to the table. We were cutting “Black mafia life”… actually we was cutting “For the funk of it”, the EP which was between “Livin’ like hustlers” and “Black mafia life”. I started mixing up a lot of Clinton shit and real funky shit and do it melodic. Melody style… You know you’ve got to remember the melody of “London bridge” before you remember the words… That’s how a melody is so intriguing and so step-on. So I was doing a lot of melodic stuff… but we was talkin’ about ghetto shit. You know straight gutter… And we was cutting “Call it what you want” and at the time people was like “Your shit is kinda different. What do you call your shit?” and we was like “You know this is some G shit mixed with some funk”. We would call it G-Funk or some shit like that.
Ok…
At the time, Warren G was sleeping on my floor in my apartment and he was like “Wow that’s kinda cool”… and so we cut “Call it what you want” and even Pac, this was before The Chronic, if you listen to “Call it what you want” you can hear Pac saying “I’m pumpin’ G-Funk but you can call it what you want”. This was before The Chronic or anything… So the first time you hear the term “G-Funk” on record it’s from 2pac’s mouth. So go do your research and that’ll tell you the truth about that. It’s on record. It has nothing to do with Warren G. It has nothing to do with Dr Dre because none of those records were cut with none of those guys. They weren’t even in the building.
The album featured cameos by Tupac, Money-B, MC Ren, and Eazy E, as well as a quirky fresh new talent named Kokane (Cold 187um/ Big Hutchs cousin). The single VSOP proved to be popular, but once again the album failed to achieve success.
In 1994 the group were back with the hit single Black Superman, later cited as one of the 100 Greatest Hip Hop Singles of All Time in The Source magazine, 1999. The single preceded their third album Uncle Sams Curse, introducing a harder, more heavy and ominous twist on the G-funk they previously presented. Again Cold 187 took on the production and Kokane featured heavily throughout.
In 1995 label boss Eazy E died quickly of AIDs related illness, and the majority of the remaining roster at Ruthless Records began to jump ship from the waning label.
Above the Law would find themselves signed to Tommy Boy in 1996, where they released their fourth album Time Will Reveal.
In 2004 Murder Rap appeared on popular videogame Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, playing on West Coast hip hop radio station Radio Los Santos.
Flow On
Above the Law Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hey yo, check this out, y'all
Since we almost at the last song
Won't y'all kick some of that fly-ass gangsta shit?
[ KM.G ]
Alright
And now it's time to drop some real pimpin shit
Knowledge it, cause we livin like hustlers
Comin from U.S.C.
For those that don't know
That's the University of South Central
So bless the 40oz.
Cautse his is somethin to jump on
Why, you can drink whatever
Like I said before, ain't nothin changed but the weather
'bout to take you to a higher plateau of hustlers
Hustlers beyond control
Homies ranchin, rollin nationally, clockin hoes
We was there when the pimpin shit was put down
Yo, 187
(What's up, man?)
Yo, this shit is flowin
(Muthafuckin right, it is)
Yeah, let's take our time and do it the way a player would
(Alright)
Okay!
[ VERSE 1: Cold 187um & KM.G ]
Here we go, flowin on and on
What's this we're doin so well? That's the name of the song
Let's break it down, we're rollin nationally, clockin hoes
Well, just to turn em into freaks, but if they turn to foes
We don't need em, we know too many backstabbers now
In our face they say they're with it, behind they back they put us down
And try to clown a player like me, 187 from 'Mona
And my homie the rancher from the city of Toners
I hit a corner, cause they ballers in L.A.
We give our props to the homies that be clockin on the Trey
They sayin, "What's up, gees, tell me what's happenin
I heard you're clockin dollars, but you're still out there rappin"
You should know, it's my cash flow, now I'm just hangin
With these beats called dope and these rhymes that I'm slingin
That are so fly, we can't deny, we must reply
If we twist it in two zags, we can all get high
Off this shit, it's so legit, label it Chronic
Cause if our rhymes was a robot, they'd all be Bionic
Get up and get with it, if not, we feel we're owin
Throw your hands in the air while we keep on flowin
[ Cold 187um ]
Yo KM.G, I think we got em locked on
See, flowin is a art from the heart of a player
So we gon' do the next one like this, man
[ VERSE 2: Cold 187um & KM.G ]
People say we have such strange vocabulary
To find these words you need a underground dictionary
Plus trey lifetimes of the inner city knowledge
And to get this, boy, you see, you can't go to college
Now see, you gotta be around when the shit goes down
Not only spectating, man, you gotta throw down
Yeah, and check em in a bottle like if you were at Ceasar's
Or maybe over somethin like money and skeezers
That's why we got this rule: first come, first served
And if you don't know the meaning, just listen to the words
I'm sayin, I don't be playin when I'm housin the scene
I keep my Locs on, because I know you on fiend
But I take them off, it's just because I'm scrappin
But I put em back on as I commence to rappin
Well, we do a show, rock the house and get paid
Take a bitch to the mote, then get laid
Send her home with a smile, cause it's worth her while
She's to the homies how she did it and she went the mile
I'm talkin whole nine yards, if you can understand
Cause I'm a playin muthafucka and I'm in demand
So flow on
[ KM.G ]
See
Untouchable players in effect
Makin all the big pay-offs
Callin all the shots
Ballin
Punishin punk muthafuckas on the 12-gauges
I call on K-oss
Knowledge Over Sucker-Spinners
Dopeness jumpin off
Gots to be platinum-bound
O.G. G-O, a mack, a arson, a chiller and a killer
A double-dose of the mega-flex
Like all you gees that think you're niggas with attitudes
You ain't got it like that
Cause Ruthless done fixed that
(Hey yo, what happened to peace?)
Fuck peace
I'm outta here
The lyrics to Above the Law's song "Flow On" showcase a group of self-proclaimed hustlers from University of South Central. The rap opens up with a request from Dr. Dre to the group to "kick some of that fly-ass gangsta shit." KM.G takes the lead on this one to drop some real pimping knowledge. Then, the rap delves into the struggles of hustlers and perpetrators, who try to debase the group’s manifesto behind their back, but are always caught red-handed. The flow stays steady throughout the song, throwing in some intricately crafted rhymes and lyrics. It also alludes to the high and mighty attitude of the group, pun intended. The song is a reflection of its time, a time when gangsta rap flourished, and it acts as a great encapsulation of the culture.
Line by Line Meaning
Once again, a black nigga named KM.G
I, KM.G, a black man, am here once again
And now it's time to drop some real pimpin shit
Now it's time to deliver some genuine, smooth and seducing content
Knowledge it, cause we livin like hustlers
Pay attention and understand, because we are living the life of hustlers
Comin from U.S.C.
We are from the University of South Central, abbreviated as U.S.C.
For those that don't know, That's the University of South Central
For those unaware, U.S.C. stands for the University of South Central
So bless the 40oz. Cautse his is somethin to jump on
So let's appreciate the 40-ounce malt liquor, as it's something worth indulging in
Why, you can drink whatever
In fact, you can consume any beverage you desire
Like I said before, ain't nothin changed but the weather
As previously stated, nothing has altered except for the atmospheric conditions
'bout to take you to a higher plateau of hustlers
We are about to elevate you to a superior level of hustle and ambition
Hustlers beyond control
Hustlers who are unstoppable and unrivaled
Homies ranchin, rollin nationally, clockin hoes
Friends who are acquiring wealth, traveling throughout the nation, and managing women
We was there when the pimpin shit was put down
We were present when the art of pimping was established
Yo, 187 (What's up, man?) Yo, this shit is flowin (Muthafuckin right, it is)
Hey, 187. What's going on? This song is flowing exceptionally well
Yeah, let's take our time and do it the way a player would
Yes, let's proceed at a leisurely pace and approach it with the style and mindset of a skilled individual
Here we go, flowin on and on
Now we are embarking on a continuous and seamless flow
What's this we're doin so well? That's the name of the song
The song itself is an exemplification of our exceptional performance
Let's break it down, we're rollin nationally, clockin hoes
Allow us to explain in detail: we are traveling across the country, managing multiple women
Well, just to turn em into freaks, but if they turn to foes
Our intention is to transform these women into sexually adventurous individuals, but if they become adversaries
We don't need em, we know too many backstabbers now
We do not require their presence, as we have encountered multiple individuals who betray our trust
In our face they say they're with it, behind they back they put us down
To our faces, they express their loyalty, but behind our backs, they degrade and criticize us
And try to clown a player like me, 187 from 'Mona
They attempt to ridicule an individual like me, 187 from 'Mona
And my homie the rancher from the city of Toners
As well as my friend, the rancher, from the city of Toners
I hit a corner, cause they ballers in L.A.
I maneuvered around a street corner, as they are individuals of status and wealth in Los Angeles
We give our props to the homies that be clockin on the Trey
We show respect to our friends who are successfully earning money on the streets
They sayin, 'What's up, gees, tell me what's happenin
They are asking, 'What's going on, guys? Inform us of the current situation
I heard you're clockin dollars, but you're still out there rappin'
I heard that you are making a substantial amount of money, yet you continue to engage in the rap industry
You should know, it's my cash flow, now I'm just hangin
You should understand that it is my income source, and now I am simply relaxing
With these beats called dope and these rhymes that I'm slingin
Utilizing these exceptional beats and delivering these impressive lyrics
That are so fly, we can't deny, we must reply
These lyrics are incredibly cool and captivating. We have no choice but to respond
If we twist it in two zags, we can all get high
If we roll these lyrics into two marijuana rolling papers, we can all enjoy a euphoric experience
Off this shit, it's so legit, label it Chronic
The sheer quality and authenticity of this content is outstanding. It can be classified as 'Chronic'
Cause if our rhymes was a robot, they'd all be Bionic
Our lyrics possess such strength and power that if they were robots, they would all be Bionic
Get up and get with it, if not, we feel we're owin
Get out of your seat and engage with our music. If you don't, we feel you are missing out
Throw your hands in the air while we keep on flowin
Raise your hands in the air as we continue to deliver this seamless flow
Yo KM.G, I think we got em locked on
Hey KM.G, I believe we have captured their attention and they are fully engaged
See, flowin is a art from the heart of a player
You see, this seamless flow is an artistic expression originating from a skilled individual
So we gon' do the next one like this, man
Therefore, we are going to proceed with the next piece in a similar manner, my friend
People say we have such strange vocabulary
Individuals often remark that our choice of words is peculiar
To find these words you need a underground dictionary
To understand these words, one must possess an obscure and specialized dictionary
Plus trey lifetimes of the inner city knowledge
In addition, it requires three lifetimes of familiarity with the inner city culture
And to get this, boy, you see, you can't go to college
To acquire this level of proficiency, my friend, traditional education in a college is insufficient
Now see, you gotta be around when the shit goes down
You must be present during significant events and challenging situations
Not only spectating, man, you gotta throw down
Merely observing is inadequate. You must actively participate and confront the situation
Yeah, and check em in a bottle like if you were at Ceasar's
Yes, and promptly settle matters, similar to a confrontation at Ceasar's Palace
Or maybe over somethin like money and skeezers
Alternatively, it could revolve around financial matters and promiscuous women
That's why we got this rule: first come, first served
This is the reason we adhere to the principle of whoever arrives first receives priority treatment
And if you don't know the meaning, just listen to the words
If you are unfamiliar with the concept, simply pay attention to the lyrics
I'm sayin, I don't be playin when I'm housin the scene
I am not joking or pretending when I dominate the scene and showcase my skills
I keep my Locs on, because I know you on fiend
I persist in wearing my Locs sunglasses as I am aware of your desire for them
But I take them off, it's just because I'm scrappin
However, I remove them due to the fact that I am engaging in a physical altercation
But I put em back on as I commence to rappin
Yet, I promptly return them to my face as I resume my rap performance
Well, we do a show, rock the house and get paid
We execute a live performance, electrify the audience, and receive financial compensation
Take a bitch to the mote, then get laid
We then accompany an attractive woman to a secluded location and engage in sexual activity
Send her home with a smile, cause it's worth her while
We conclude the encounter by sending her home satisfied and content, as it was mutually enjoyable
She's to the homies how she did it and she went the mile
She then proudly recounts the details to our friends, emphasizing her enthusiasm and effort
I'm talkin whole nine yards, if you can understand
I am referring to extravagant measures, if you can comprehend the extent
Cause I'm a playin muthafucka and I'm in demand
Because I am an accomplished individual and highly sought after
See
Understand and acknowledge
Untouchable players in effect
We, as untouchable individuals, are in full operation
Makin all the big pay-offs
Accumulating substantial profits and rewards
Callin all the shots
Exercising complete control and authority
Ballin
Experiencing a lavish and luxurious lifestyle
Punishin punk muthafuckas on the 12-gauges
Administering severe punishment to contemptible individuals using a 12-gauge shotgun
I call on K-oss
I summon K-oss, my associate
Knowledge Over Sucker-Spinners
Emphasizing the value and dominance of knowledge over feeble opponents
Dopeness jumpin off
Exuding a remarkable level of excellence and quality
Gots to be platinum-bound
We are destined for platinum-level success
O.G. G-O, a mack, a arson, a chiller and a killer
Referencing various roles and personas, such as an O.G., a seductive individual, an enthusiast of fire, a relaxed individual, and a ruthless individual
A double-dose of the mega-flex
An abundant and overwhelming display of remarkable skill and confidence
Like all you gees that think you're niggas with attitudes
Similar to all the individuals who believe they possess a tough and rebellious demeanor
You ain't got it like that
You do not possess the qualities and characteristics we possess
Cause Ruthless done fixed that
Because the record label Ruthless Records has remedied that situation
(Hey yo, what happened to peace?)
(Hey, what happened to the concept of peace?)
Fuck peace
Ignore peace and its significance
I'm outta here
I am leaving this place
Contributed by Colton R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Antonio Taylor
One of the most slept on cuts and albums to come outta the West Coast!
Omowàle Zaquir
This album is a timeless classic...
Terrance Edwards
AWLREDDY MANE!
KLartrandM
One of the few certified albums you could play from beginning to end without skipping one track from hood to hood!
Spencer Clarke
We family I say that with love
Greatest Poet Alive
Almost 3 decades later, still DOPE
Terrance Edwards
AWLREDDY MANE!
Antonio Miller
I can listen to this song 5 times in row.
Cedric Smith
You ain't bullshitting
general kick ass
Try 10 times this old school playa shit I was bumping this In 1990 and still bumping its 2019