Livin' Like Hustlers
Above the Law Lyrics


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[Above The Law]

Let me start it off, 'cause I'm a player
Fade into part two, I'm the number-one ho layer
A mack, a player, and a pimp
Something much stronger than your average drink
Now correct me if I'm wrong, I'm like moonshine
Take a sip of my rhyme and I take over your mind
'Cause I don't think like the average thinker
Call me the nightstalker of your neighbourhood headshrinker
187 is like a megablast
I take too many names, I kick too much ass
K.M.G, the number-one mack daddy
Eatin' chicken like a motherfucker, rollin' in my Caddy
With my brim cold bent to the side
I bump and slide
Go mack in the back, 187 to the side
Street Pilgrims pioneering the land
Above the law status with a gat in my hand
A mind designed like Frank Nitty
Livin' large on the mike, doin' damage for the city
The city of toners which is known as L.A.
Where the hustlers hustle and the ballers play
We got the dope beats from the homeboy Dre
And it had to be done (How?) the Ruthless way
187, what's up?, what do we do at our show
We wear black on black with the locs and the romeos
Start stepping, unload my mike weapon
We say it's fittin', you think it's hittin'
K.M.G means knowledge most greatly
Some people love me, most people hate me
In other words, I kick my gift
Do you be sleeping, K.M.G?
Nah, I don't drift
I lounge or lay 'cause suckers take advantage
Yo, what do we do?
Yo, we doin' damage
'Cause we not punks, fools, sissies, or busters
And the way that we live is
Like hustlers

Livin' like hustlers

I used to sell big lleyo on the block
Remember all the hardheads, getting all the hard knocks
I started with Gs and then I moved to keys
And at this point my life went with ease
In other words, my pockets was thick
I didn't worry about the Feds, I was checking the mic.
Pull a swoop to Farouk, got dressed to please
Got the crib pimped out so that the bitches flee'd
I bought a ride, a white Corvette
So I can do a ghost move when it's time to jet
When I was nineteen, I was on my own
Hooked up big connections on my mobile phone
At home, or maybe on my person
To clock big G's I'd be definitely certain
To live the lifestyle, the luxury, the freaks, the frills
Yo, you was livin' kinda large
On the real-deals was bein' made
Suckers was gettin' sprayed
In other words, we was gettin' paid
Like hustlers

Livin' like hustlers

Let me proceed 'cause I got the green light
For the numero uno 87 it must be hype
For now, let me lay the cards on the table
So you can figure out who's worried or stable
I max and tax and relax and stack Gs
Stick that to the facts, that's why I crack them with ease
Please get off the convoy, I think you're confused
When you cross, I told you you'd get tossed and you lose
Now A-b-o-v-e-L-a-w to some people now that spells trouble
But we're not a group promoting violence
But when it comes to speakin' the real, I won't be silent
Speak all reality when I'm on the mike
So you don't have to run and have a stereotype
See, see 'cause stereotypes will make you dumb
So kick back and listen, yo, to the knowledge that's brung
See the law has provided me, the K.M.G
That's complex with the style but done easily
Pitch a picture if I have to, you know why
I'm undercover doin' dirt I'm a hell of a spy
Now me, 187, is a detonator
More deadly than a hand grenade
Much harder than a fool to fade
Not a forty, not a quart or six-pack
Me, K.M.G, Total K-OSS, and Go Mack
'Cause I unload my weapon with force
Yeah, I'm never detected, I get respected
As a baller, a player, or a pimp
Yo, pass me the forty, I commence to dent
A sissy soft sucker with no title
Unplug the machine 187 is vital
Like a Beretta with a megaclip
With a silencer on it with the hollow point tip
But that is our business, on that we won't dwell
We make records for you to look, listen, and tell
Tell your ma, tell a friend, tell a fool, or a jerk
Till them K.M.G people started to put it to work
Like Hustlers





Livin' like hustlers

Overall Meaning

In the song "Livin' Like Hustlers," Above the Law paints a vivid picture of the struggles and triumphs of the urban lifestyle, specifically that of hustlers. The first verse begins with a boast of superiority over other players, proclaiming themselves to be a mack, a player, and a pimp. They are not just average, but much stronger than an average drink, possessing supernatural powers to take over minds through their rhymes. They are the nightstalkers and headshrinkers of their neighborhood, leading with force and violence (187 is a megablast, and they kick too much ass).


The second verse speaks mainly to the success resulting from their hustling, growing from selling illegal substances on the block (big lleyo), eventually to making high-level connections, acquiring luxury items such as a pimped-out crib and a white Corvette. Despite the constant threat of danger (suckers getting sprayed), they continued to get paid and live the lifestyles they had dreamed of in pursuit of the hustle. The last verse speaks to their determination to always speak the truth, even if it's hard to hear, and to represent beyond stereotypes. They continually work covertly to advance their careers and lifestyles, embracing the monikers of ballers, players, and pimps.


Line by Line Meaning

Let me start it off, 'cause I'm a player
Allow me to begin because I am skilled and successful


Fade into part two, I'm the number-one ho layer
Transition to the next phase, where I am the top expert in attracting women


A mack, a player, and a pimp
I am smooth, charming, and skilled in the art of seduction


Something much stronger than your average drink
I possess a powerful presence and influence


Now correct me if I'm wrong, I'm like moonshine
Feel free to disagree, but I am as intoxicating as moonshine


Take a sip of my rhyme and I take over your mind
Once you experience my lyrics, I will captivate your thoughts


Cause I don't think like the average thinker
My thoughts and ideas are unconventional and unique


Call me the nightstalker of your neighbourhood headshrinker
Consider me the mysterious observer of your local psychiatrist


187 is like a megablast
The term '187' represents my explosive impact and reputation


I take too many names, I kick too much ass
I am known for defeating my opponents and asserting dominance


K.M.G, the number-one mack daddy
K.M.G is the ultimate authority and expert in the art of seduction


Eatin' chicken like a motherfucker, rollin' in my Caddy
Indulging in luxury and success while riding in my Cadillac


With my brim cold bent to the side
Wearing my hat stylishly and confidently


I bump and slide
I move smoothly and effortlessly


Go mack in the back, 187 to the side
Engage in seduction discreetly, keeping my reputation intact


Street Pilgrims pioneering the land
We are trailblazers navigating the streets


Above the law status with a gat in my hand
We have a revered and powerful position with a firearm


A mind designed like Frank Nitty
My mindset is akin to the infamous gangster Frank Nitty


Livin' large on the mike, doin' damage for the city
We excel and make an impact in the music industry, benefiting our city


The city of toners which is known as L.A.
Referring to Los Angeles as the city of glamorous and influential individuals


Where the hustlers hustle and the ballers play
A place where ambitious individuals work hard and successful people enjoy their wealth


We got the dope beats from the homeboy Dre
We have access to exceptional music production from our friend Dre


And it had to be done (How?) the Ruthless way
We accomplish our goals using an uncompromising and assertive approach


187, what's up?, what do we do at our show
We bring energy and excitement to our performances with our signature style


We wear black on black with the locs and the romeos
We dress in all black attire and wear sunglasses associated with gangsters and seduction


Start stepping, unload my mike weapon
Prepare yourself, as I unleash my powerful voice and lyrical skills


We say it's fittin', you think it's hittin'
We believe our performance is appropriate and impressive, while others may agree


K.M.G means knowledge most greatly
The initials K.M.G represent exceptional expertise and wisdom


Some people love me, most people hate me
While some admire me, the majority hold negative opinions


In other words, I kick my gift
Put simply, I use my natural talent to create music


Do you be sleeping, K.M.G?
Are you underestimating my abilities, K.M.G?


Nah, I don't drift
No, I remain focused and steadfast


I lounge or lay 'cause suckers take advantage
I relax and enjoy myself, as others attempt to exploit my success


Yo, what do we do?
Hey, what actions do we take?


Yo, we doin' damage
We are causing a significant impact


'Cause we not punks, fools, sissies, or busters
We refuse to be seen as weak, ignorant, cowardly, or unsuccessful


And the way that we live is
Our lifestyle is characterized by


Like hustlers
Similar to ambitious and determined individuals who strive for success


I used to sell big lleyo on the block
I have a history of selling large quantities of drugs in my neighborhood


Remember all the hardheads, getting all the hard knocks
Recall the individuals who faced adversity and harsh consequences


I started with Gs and then I moved to keys
I began selling drugs in small amounts and then advanced to larger quantities


And at this point my life went with ease
At this stage, my illicit activities brought me financial success and comfort


In other words, my pockets was thick
To put it bluntly, I had a large amount of money


I didn't worry about the Feds, I was checking the mic
I was more focused on my music career than fearing law enforcement


Pull a swoop to Farouk, got dressed to please
Visit the hairstylist Farouk to groom and present myself attractively


Got the crib pimped out so that the bitches flee'd
I decorated my home elaborately to impress women, causing them to desire me


I bought a ride, a white Corvette
I purchased a luxurious white Corvette as my mode of transportation


So I can do a ghost move when it's time to jet
I can quickly and quietly escape without being noticed or traced


When I was nineteen, I was on my own
At the age of nineteen, I achieved independence and self-reliance


Hooked up big connections on my mobile phone
Established important relationships and contacts using my cell phone


At home, or maybe on my person
Whether at home or carrying it with me at all times


To clock big G's I'd be definitely certain
To earn significant amounts of money, I would take calculated risks


To live the lifestyle, the luxury, the freaks, the frills
To enjoy a lavish and extravagant life filled with carefree pleasure


Yo, you was livin' kinda large
You were experiencing a grand and opulent lifestyle


On the real-deals was bein' made
Authentic and significant business transactions were taking place


Suckers was gettin' sprayed
Less proficient individuals faced negative consequences due to their actions


In other words, we was gettin' paid
Simply put, we were earning substantial amounts of money


Let me proceed 'cause I got the green light
Allow me to continue since I have been granted permission and approval


For the numero uno 87 it must be hype
The highly anticipated and favored number one, 87, is certain to excite


For now, let me lay the cards on the table
At this moment, I will reveal the truth and provide clear information


So you can figure out who's worried or stable
This will enable you to determine who is anxious or composed


I max and tax and relax and stack Gs
I maximize my efforts, impose my influence, and accumulate wealth


Stick that to the facts, that's why I crack them with ease
I firmly adhere to reality, which is why I excel effortlessly


Please get off the convoy, I think you're confused
Leave our path of success, as you seem to lack clarity


When you cross, I told you you'd get tossed and you lose
I warned you that if you challenge me, you will be defeated and suffer consequences


Now A-b-o-v-e-L-a-w to some people now that spells trouble
The name 'Above The Law' may be seen as problematic or threatening by certain individuals


But we're not a group promoting violence
Contrary to perception, we do not advocate or endorse violence


But when it comes to speakin' the real, I won't be silent
However, I will always express the truth and share my genuine perspective


Speak all reality when I'm on the mike
I convey genuine and truthful messages when I am performing on the microphone


So you don't have to run and have a stereotype
You need not succumb to preconceived notions or stereotypes


See, see 'cause stereotypes will make you dumb
Beware, as embracing stereotypes can lead to ignorance and foolishness


So kick back and listen, yo, to the knowledge that's brung
Relax and attentively listen to the wisdom and information presented


See the law has provided me, the K.M.G
The law has granted me the opportunity to express myself as K.M.G


That's complex with the style but done easily
My style may be intricate, but I execute it with ease


Pitch a picture if I have to, you know why
If necessary, I can vividly describe a situation to ensure understanding


I'm undercover doin' dirt I'm a hell of a spy
I engage in secret and illicit activities with exceptional skill and stealth


Now me, 187, is a detonator
I, known as 187, am an explosive and influential force


More deadly than a hand grenade
My impact and influence are even more dangerous than a deadly explosive


Much harder than a fool to fade
I am significantly more resilient and difficult to diminish than a foolish person


Not a forty, not a quart or six-pack
I am not a cheap or ordinary alcoholic beverage


Me, K.M.G, Total K-OSS, and Go Mack
K.M.G, Total K-OSS, and Go Mack are united in their endeavors


Cause I unload my weapon with force
I powerfully release my talents and abilities


Yeah, I'm never detected, I get respected
I remain undetected while commanding respect from others


As a baller, a player, or a pimp
I am recognized and respected as a successful and influential figure in various pursuits


Yo, pass me the forty, I commence to dent
Hand me the forty-ounce alcoholic beverage, as I am ready to consume it


A sissy soft sucker with no title
A weak and incompetent person lacking any noteworthy achievements


Unplug the machine 187 is vital
Disable the ineffective individual, as I, 187, contain true significance


Like a Beretta with a megaclip
Similar to a Beretta handgun loaded with an extended magazine


With a silencer on it with the hollow point tip
Equipped with a suppressor and hollow point ammunition for maximum impact


But that is our business, on that we won't dwell
However, we will not dwell on or openly discuss these illicit activities


We make records for you to look, listen, and tell
We create music for your enjoyment and for you to share with others


Tell your ma, tell a friend, tell a fool, or a jerk
Inform your mother, tell a friend, spread the word to both ignorant and unpleasant individuals


Till them K.M.G people started to put it to work
Until K.M.G and their associates began actively pursuing their goals


Like Hustlers
Similar to ambitious and determined individuals who strive for success


Livin' like hustlers
Engaging in a lifestyle characterized by ambition, determination, and constant pursuit of success




Contributed by Bailey S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

rloco80

Bumpin this song and album for its 30th Year Anniversary!

Markus Bootsmann

My first Contact with Rap Music.Still Goosebumps

Byron Tate Sr.

That beat was ridiculous

Sheron Cyrus

Dr. Dre

Anthony Gregory

Still is on this 2022 4th of July!!!!!!!!

5burowz

Dre is that dude.

Albert Garland

Maaaaan💪🏿🎯

MidWest Marauder

@brotherfugue u right bruh!!! 🤘🏾💪🏾✊🏾✌🏾

8 More Replies...

S. Thomas

Still got the cassette. A.T.L and DOC were in the shadows of NWA. If not would have been as big as NWA. They had so much input in the NWA albums that I consider the NWA albums reflections of all these guys.

Con Cheadle

@oneluv4us74 no he fucking didn’t do your research noob... coldum produced most of Atl songs....

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