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.
Livin' Like Hustlers
Above the Law Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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
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.
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!!! 🤘🏾💪🏾✊🏾✌🏾
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....