Above the Law is a gangsta rap group from Pomona, California, founded in 19… Read Full Bio ↴Above the Law is a gangsta rap group from Pomona, California, founded in 1989 by members Cold 187um, KMG the Illustrator, Go Mack, DJ Total K-Oss.

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.

Menace To Society
Above the Law Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Today in South Central violence is an all-time high
Due to the terrorist group ATL
You might label them as being a menace to society

Now it's a well-known factor why I can't be caught
Now see the law's got a problem, and they gotta be taught
That I'ma fatally get ill when I come to a jam
I got to dust a sucker off just to state who I am

Cause I'm Cold, just like the middle of the winter
And every jam that I play, they want to enter
Come in, but ain't no suckers admitted
We tell em all straight up, they need to quit
Stop clownin me, cause they all want to be down with me
Cause when I put down the mic, they are surroundin me
Clockin steady dollars, every single word
Say it loud, like I'm proud, cause I got to be heard, nerd
You been mistaken when you thought I was a criminal
Use my lyrics deadly, just like a chemical
It's essential to my path, it's my limit
But I go overboard by the time that I finish
Yo, it doesn't symbolize we great, or we good
It's just a pay-off from the trade that we learn in the hood
Should you be surprised that the hood'll pay off
But it won't, if you choose to walk and speak soft
Deep into my lyrics you sink, quicker than quicksand
That's how we separate the boys from the men
When you open up the page to the L.A. Times
You see a sucker's been killed for stealin our rhymes
Cause I'm a menace

(Menace to society)
(Cause I walked this path since '88)
To society
(Yo man, personally I like the group)
(Cause I walked this path since '88)
Cause I'm a menace
(Menace to society)
(Cause I walked this path since '88)
To society
(Over 50% of the population has already been overtaken by the group)

Now it's time to go off, somebody got me pissed
So I'ma diss and twist till there's no one to deal with
I skeezed all the freaks in the place, that was the format
Then why you stopped? A sucker got ill and then I had to pull a gat
See, I gotta put em in check
Cause when we walk in a joint, we get big respect
He's still frontin like he gotta confront
He only set up himself, so he can straight get pumped
It's his decision, but he has been mislead
You can take the caution, but there's danger ahead
But you're a stoolie, so I'ma play you like a rookie
I'ma beat you down like gambler owes a bookie
Cause yo, you know I gotta have it
Bein Above The Law is a everyday habit
See, I had to grab it, then I have to take it
Then I have to shake you, then I have to fake you
Out, so don't you even try me
Tryin to fade the crew, and ain't nothin but a blimey
Think to yourself when we're speakin
And I'ma warn you now to be aware when we're creepin
Taggin a brother for his dollar signs
But I know what I am, they know I have nothin to hide
Because the place will be on fire the minute that I finish
Why KM.G? Yo, cause I'm a muthafuckin menace

(Menace to society)
(Cause I walked this path since '88)
To society
(Yeah man, they harder than a muthafucka)
(Cause I walked this path since '88)
I'm a menace
(Menace to society)
(Cause I walked this path since '88)
To society
(Any individuals trying to resist the influence of this group shall be executed)

Why we do it like this? Because we're mentally strong
What's up? Now realize that Lawhouse has got it goin on
Makin, breakin, takin suckers out with only just a word
My style is temporary, so not often ever heard
Usin and abusin every rhythm that I'm rappin to
I'm chilly chill and that's the way that I have to be
Boy, status definitely a 'large'
Warrior ambassador - that means I'm in charge
Up like a Duracel, yeah, I last longer
Suckers weaken while I be gettin stronger
Master rhyme sayer off the top of my brain
Oppositions I'll eliminate, and that could be fatal pain
To your reputation, and your ego breaks out
To the border, amigo, because you know what's up
Windy, whistling, cold like a blizzard
When the group broke out, they said, "Who the hell is it?"
On the mic don't take it light, cause if you bite I'll fight
Don't get mad because your bitch said I sound alright
Because, illeterate fools, you must understand
Although my status is be -boy, I'm stronger than He-Man
That's how I make it, I never fake it
God gave me this talent, and nobody can take it
Away, now that's enough to make you move your butt
Now Total K-oss, Go Mack, take us out with a cut
Cause I'm a menace

(Menace to society)
(Cause I walked this path since '88)
To society
(This is some serious shit, man)
(Cause I walked this path since '88)
Cause I'm a menace
(Menace to society)
(Cause I walked this path since '88)
To society

(By now over half the world has been contaminated by the group's influences
It is apparent to me that not only South Central Los Angeles is in a rage)

Overall Meaning

The song "Menace To Society" by Above the Law is a reflection of the high level of violence in South Central and the group ATL being labeled as a menace to society. They depict themselves as being above the law due to their reputation of being fatally ill in a jam. They claim that success is a payoff from what they learned growing up in the hood, and those who speak softly won't prosper in the ghetto. The song talks about their musical prowess, their toughness, and the danger inherent in mistreating them. The group is fearless and not afraid to confront their enemies head-on.

The lyrics also mention that the Lawhouse has got it going on and is making and breaking suckers with their words. They believe in seizing opportunities, using every rhythm at their disposal, and using their talent to eliminate opposition. Additionally, they believe that their style is temporary, so it may not be heard often, but it's distinctive and unique.

Line by Line Meaning

Today in South Central violence is an all-time high
Currently, in South Central, the level of violence has reached its peak

Due to the terrorist group ATL
This is a result of the activities of the terrorist group ATL

You might label them as being a menace to society
One could describe them as a threat to the well-being of society

Now it's a well-known factor why I can't be caught
It is widely known why I cannot be apprehended

Now see the law's got a problem, and they gotta be taught
The law enforcement authorities have encountered difficulties, and they need to learn a lesson

That I'ma fatally get ill when I come to a jam
When I attend a gathering or event, trouble and conflicts are likely to arise

I got to dust a sucker off just to state who I am
I have to confront and defeat an adversary in order to assert my identity

Cause I'm Cold, just like the middle of the winter
I am emotionally detached and unyielding, similar to the coldness experienced in winter

And every jam that I play, they want to enter
Everyone wants to be a part of any event or situation in which I am involved

Come in, but ain't no suckers admitted
They may try to join, but undeserving individuals are not allowed entry

We tell em all straight up, they need to quit
We explicitly inform them that they should stop their attempts

Stop clownin me, cause they all want to be down with me
They should cease mocking or ridiculing me because they desire to be associated with me

Cause when I put down the mic, they are surroundin me
Once I finish my performance, a crowd gathers around me

Clockin steady dollars, every single word
Earning a consistent income with every word I deliver

Say it loud, like I'm proud, cause I got to be heard, nerd
I express myself boldly and confidently because I have a strong desire to be recognized and listened to, fool

You been mistaken when you thought I was a criminal
Your assumption that I am a criminal is incorrect

Use my lyrics deadly, just like a chemical
I employ my lyrics with lethal impact, similar to the effects of a chemical substance

It's essential to my path, it's my limit
Employing such lyrics is crucial and forms the boundary of my journey

But I go overboard by the time that I finish
However, I tend to exceed those limits by the time I conclude

Yo, it doesn't symbolize we great, or we good
It does not represent that we are superior or excellent

It's just a pay-off from the trade that we learn in the hood
It is simply a reward resulting from the skills and knowledge acquired in our neighborhood

Should you be surprised that the hood'll pay off
Are you shocked that our neighborhood yields rewards?

But it won't, if you choose to walk and speak soft
However, it will not happen if you opt for passivity and timidity

Deep into my lyrics you sink, quicker than quicksand
You become deeply immersed in my lyrics, sinking rapidly like in quicksand

That's how we separate the boys from the men
That is how we distinguish between the immature and the mature individuals

When you open up the page to the L.A. Times
When you read the L.A. Times newspaper

You see a sucker's been killed for stealin our rhymes
You will observe that an unworthy person has been slain for plagiarizing our lyrics

Now it's time to go off, somebody got me pissed
Now I am provoked and it is time to take action

So I'ma diss and twist till there's no one to deal with
I will verbally attack and challenge everyone until there is no one left to confront

I skeezed all the freaks in the place, that was the format
I seduced or attracted all the promiscuous individuals present, as planned

Then why you stopped? A sucker got ill and then I had to pull a gat
But why did you halt? An undeserving person became hostile, forcing me to retrieve a firearm

See, I gotta put em in check
I have the responsibility to confront and restrain them

Cause when we walk in a joint, we get big respect
Because whenever we enter a venue, we receive significant admiration and regard

He's still frontin like he gotta confront
He continues to act aggressively as if he needs to challenge us

He only set up himself, so he can straight get pumped
However, he has merely prepared himself to face defeat

It's his decision, but he has been mislead
It is ultimately his choice, but he has been deceived

You can take the caution, but there's danger ahead
You can heed the warning, but there are potential dangers lying ahead

But you're a stoolie, so I'ma play you like a rookie
But since you are an informant, I will treat you as an inexperienced person

I'ma beat you down like gambler owes a bookie
I will physically assault you, similar to how a gambler is severely indebted to a bookmaker

Cause yo, you know I gotta have it
Because hey, you know I need to obtain it

Bein Above The Law is an everyday habit
Being a member of Above The Law is a regular lifestyle

See, I had to grab it, then I have to take it
I had to seize and acquire it, and then I have to keep it

Then I have to shake you, then I have to fake you
Subsequently, I need to intimidate you, and then I need to deceive you

Out, so don't you even try me
Leave, so do not even attempt to challenge me

Tryin to fade the crew, and ain't nothin but a blimey
Trying to undermine our group, but you are nothing more than a fool

Think to yourself when we're speakin
Contemplate internally while we are voicing our opinions

And I'ma warn you now to be aware when we're creepin
I am cautioning you to be vigilant when we are silently approaching

Taggin a brother for his dollar signs
Targeting an individual for their wealth or financial assets

But I know what I am, they know I have nothin to hide
However, I am confident in my true identity, and they are aware that I have no secrets

Because the place will be on fire the minute that I finish
Once I conclude, the environment will become chaotic and intense

Why KM.G? Yo, cause I'm a muthafuckin menace
Why KM.G? Well, it is because I am an extremely disruptive and dangerous individual

Why we do it like this? Because we're mentally strong
Why do we act in this manner? Because we possess great mental fortitude

What's up? Now realize that Lawhouse has got it goin on
Hey, pay attention. Understand that Lawhouse possesses exceptional qualities and is highly successful

Makin, breakin, takin suckers out with only just a word
We are capable of manipulating, defeating, and eliminating adversaries using only our words

My style is temporary, so not often ever heard
My style is unique and rarely heard because it is constantly evolving and changing

Usin and abusin every rhythm that I'm rappin to
I skillfully utilize and exploit every rhythm I am rapping to

I'm chilly chill and that's the way that I have to be
My demeanor is cold and aloof because that is the way it needs to be

Boy, status definitely a 'large'
Boy, my status is undoubtedly prominent and influential

Warrior ambassador - that means I'm in charge
As a warrior ambassador, it signifies that I hold authority and control

Up like a Duracel, yeah, I last longer
I possess enduring stamina and can sustain my performance for an extended period

Suckers weaken while I be gettin stronger
As my adversaries become weaker, I continue to grow stronger

Master rhyme sayer off the top of my brain
I am a skilled practitioner of rhyming, effortlessly improvising from the depths of my mind

Oppositions I'll eliminate, and that could be fatal pain
I will remove any opposing forces, and the consequences of such removal could be extremely harmful

To your reputation, and your ego breaks out
This will damage your reputation, causing your ego to shatter

To the border, amigo, because you know what's up
Escape to the border, my friend, as you are well aware of the consequences

Windy, whistling, cold like a blizzard
Sudden, piercingly cold, and chilling, like a blizzard

When the group broke out, they said, 'Who the hell is it?'
When the group emerged, people exclaimed, 'Who is this unfamiliar entity?'

On the mic don't take it light, cause if you bite I'll fight
Do not underestimate my skills on the microphone, as I will retaliate if you attempt to imitate me

Don't get mad because your bitch said I sound alright
Do not become upset just because your partner expressed admiration for my talent

Because, illeterate fools, you must understand
Because you ignorant fools must comprehend

Although my status is be-boy, I'm stronger than He-Man
Despite being labeled as a be-boy, I possess greater strength than He-Man

That's how I make it, I never fake it
This is how I achieve success, always genuine and authentic

God gave me this talent, and nobody can take it
My talents were bestowed upon me by a higher power, and they cannot be taken away by anyone

Away, now that's enough to make you move your butt
Enough to motivate you to take action and act decisively

Now Total K-oss, Go Mack, take us out with a cut
Now Total K-oss and Go Mack, conclude with a final performance

Cause I'm a menace
Because I am a dangerous and disruptive person

(Menace to society)
(A threat to the well-being of society)

(Cause I walked this path since '88)
(Because I have been following this particular lifestyle since 1988)

To society
Towards society

(Yo man, personally I like the group)
(Personally, I am a fan of the group)

(Cause I walked this path since '88)
(Because I have been following this particular lifestyle since 1988)

Cause I'm a menace
Because I am a dangerous and disruptive person

(Menace to society)
(A threat to the well-being of society)

(Cause I walked this path since '88)
(Because I have been following this particular lifestyle since 1988)

To society
Towards society

(Over 50% of the population has already been overtaken by the group)
(The group's influence has already prevailed over more than 50% of the population)

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: TRADE MARTIN, GEORGE BURTON, JOSEPH CONSTANTINO, GREGORY HUTCHINSON, ANTHONY STEWART, ARTHUR GOODMAN, KEVIN MICHAEL GULLEY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS