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 donβt know, it doesnβt really matter to me. G-Funk was actually created as a type of sound. It wasnβt like βthis is gonna be our soundβ. When we came to Ruthless, we were more like Funky melodic and NWA was more like matally sound. Like metalβ¦ like hard head break beatish. We brought the funky, vibey, groovey shit to the table. We were cutting βBlack mafia lifeββ¦ actually we was cutting βFor the funk of itβ, the EP which was between βLivinβ like hustlersβ and βBlack mafia lifeβ. I started mixing up a lot of Clinton shit and real funky shit and do it melodic. Melody styleβ¦ You know youβve got to remember the melody of βLondon bridgeβ before you remember the wordsβ¦ Thatβs how a melody is so intriguing and so step-on. So I was doing a lot of melodic stuffβ¦ but we was talkinβ about ghetto shit. You know straight gutterβ¦ And we was cutting βCall it what you wantβ and at the time people was like βYour shit is kinda different. What do you call your shit?β and we was like βYou know this is some G shit mixed with some funkβ. We would call it G-Funk or some shit like that.
Okβ¦
At the time, Warren G was sleeping on my floor in my apartment and he was like βWow thatβs kinda coolββ¦ and so we cut βCall it what you wantβ and even Pac, this was before The Chronic, if you listen to βCall it what you wantβ you can hear Pac saying βIβm pumpinβ G-Funk but you can call it what you wantβ. This was before The Chronic or anythingβ¦ So the first time you hear the term βG-Funkβ on record itβs from 2pacβs mouth. So go do your research and thatβll tell you the truth about that. Itβs 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 werenβt 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.
Summer Days
Above the Law Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
we seduce the microphones, bless the chron - got me in a zone
just another saturday night at the spizot
we kickin' it tough we done closed up shop
plenty of phillies rollin through homey
them thourough-breds and conversation with these tru's
ride the summer groove
the incense enhance the hoes deliverance
but see these females, they ain't strippers, don't flip
but your money back in your pocket
you ain't got to tip
hennessey forever like sparklet's jugs
and most people ain't never seen a table full of bud
see members in my backyard
members at my door
members down the street bout to sell this sucka nigga - 64
a little barbecue while we get our groove on
the homey loop a beat, im a lace somethin smooth on em
my trigger happy homeys and 14 deckaz
people servin them eight figures in the land of records
in california lifestyle, you can't ignore the crime
so niggaz stand in line for the life and times
get your grind on
see i never forget (those summer days)
homey gettin they back up
finna get me sack on
niggaz gettin they stack on
junkies gettin they crack on
hoez stay cuz they wanna play
(those summer days)
bitches gettin they game on
homeys gettin they bang on
niggaz gettin they slang on
bitches gettin the jank on
i'm in here coolin ready to shake em
nigga what they hittin foe?
feelin like i drunk a whole liquor store
females are comin through
ready to kick it with the crew
i like them barbie coast hoes
touchin they toes for them dollar bills
and when it's drama - best believe it be on
cuz steppin on the wrong toes will get your head blown
because i once knew a nigga who tried to trip one night
but he didn't know where the fuck he was cuz
i lit him up like a light
cuz i know niggaz from ghost town
niggaz from sin town (whoop whoop)
even them niggaz from the islands know that we ridaz
? in the other room breakin niggaz, slappin bones
on the low-low, fa sho' we got the plugs on them zones
night fall, homey's gettin drunk up
bout to break out the mac and the pistol grip pumper
to tame niggaz, the same niggaz that was cool an hour ago
liquor be havin them fools actin schizo
or is it that bitch that ready to go home
when the homeys roll and kick it they get high and get they freak on
or a fool locin up cuz he got drunk for his last night come up
mad cuz he got stuck
yo we let him rough up, but not too deep
we understand your agony of defeat
cuz we can be gangstaz or we can be gentlemen
we come strapped ready to tap that ass - tell a friend
and say you heard it from some killers
some big wheel dealers
out to check a mill of em
that's why i never forget (those summer days)
playaz get your swerve on
homeys gettin they herb on
bitches gettin they perm on
riches gettin they serve on
{female singing} hoes stay cuz they wanna play
those summer days
niggaz gettin they quote on
homeys gettin they swole on
riders gettin they roll on
players get your flow on
{singing} those summer days
those summer days
remember those summer days
those summer summer sunday
summer days
The lyrics to "Summer Days" by Above the Law depict a scene of a summer night in California. The song talks about various things happening at a party, such as the members rolling phillies, conversation with tru's and the incense enhancing the girls' deliverance. The party-goers seem to be having a good time, with females getting ready to kick it with the crew and getting their game on while the guys are getting their slang on and packing their herb. However, the song also talks about the inherent danger of the lifestyle in California, with gangsters and gentlemen coexisting and guns being present.
The song is a testament to the California lifestyle of the time when it was released on their 1994 album "Uncle Sam's Curse". It's a glimpse into the life of people living in urban California during the 90s. The lyrics reflect the laidback and cool environment of the time, with the inclusion of weed, henny, and phillies. At the same time, the song warns that things can turn extreme quickly, and it's necessary to be cautious of the people around you. The song's groovy beat, cool lyrics, and catchy melody make it a quintessential representation of the West Coast sound of that era.
Line by Line Meaning
What's up homes? welcome to the catacombs
Greetings my friend, welcome to our secret hideout
we seduce the microphones, bless the chron - got me in a zone
We are skilled at rapping and smoking weed, it puts us in a zone
just another saturday night at the spizot
This is just a typical Saturday night at our hangout spot
we kickin' it tough we done closed up shop
We are relaxing and having a good time after closing up our business for the day
plenty of phillies rollin through homey
Many Philidelpha blunt wraps are being smoked
them thourough-breds and conversation with these tru's
We are smoking high-quality weed and having authentic conversations with our friends
ride the summer groove
We are enjoying the rhythm of summer and letting it carry us away
the incense enhance the hoes deliverance
The aroma of incense makes the experience more enjoyable for the women in the room
niggaz takin a chance - askin for that lap dance
Men are taking a risk by asking the women for a lap dance
but see these females, they ain't strippers, don't flip
But these women aren't actually strippers, don't get upset
but your money back in your pocket
But you can keep your money in your pocket
hennessey forever like sparklet's jugs
We always have Hennessey, like Sparklet's water jugs
and most people ain't never seen a table full of bud
Most people have never seen so much marijuana in one place
see members in my backyard
People are hanging out in my backyard
members at my door
People are at my front door
members down the street bout to sell this sucka nigga - 64
People down the street are about to sell a car to a foolish person
a little barbecue while we get our groove on
We are having a small outdoor party while enjoying ourselves
the homey loop a beat, im a lace somethin smooth on em
My friend is making a beat while I rap over it smoothly
my trigger happy homeys and 14 deckaz
My friends who are quick to use guns and 14 other people are here
people servin them eight figures in the land of records
Many people are making a lot of money in the music industry
in california lifestyle, you can't ignore the crime
Crime is an unavoidable part of the California lifestyle
so niggaz stand in line for the life and times
People are willing to wait in line for the experiences and lifestyle of California
get your grind on
Work hard to make money
see i never forget (those summer days)
I will always remember those fun summer days
homey gettin they back up
Friends are getting back on their feet
finna get me sack on
I'm going to buy some marijuana
niggaz gettin they stack on
People are making money and building their wealth
junkies gettin they crack on
Drug addicts are using crack cocaine
hoez stay cuz they wanna play
Women are staying because they want to have fun
(those summer days)
Like we did during those fun summer days
bitches gettin they game on
Women are getting ready to have a good time
homeys gettin they bang on
Friends are getting ready to have a good time
niggaz gettin they slang on
People are using slang and having fun with their words
bitches gettin the jank on
Women are getting ready to have a good time
i'm in here coolin ready to shake em
I am relaxed and ready to have a good time
nigga what they hittin foe?
What drug are they using?
feelin like i drunk a whole liquor store
I feel like I have consumed a lot of alcohol
females are comin through
Women are arriving
ready to kick it with the crew
They are ready to hang out with us
i like them barbie coast hoes
I like women who look like Barbie dolls from the coast
touchin they toes for them dollar bills
Women are bending over to receive dollar bills
and when it's drama - best believe it be on
When there is conflict, expect it to be intense
cuz steppin on the wrong toes will get your head blown
Making a mistake and offending someone could lead to violence
because i once knew a nigga who tried to trip one night
I recall an incident when someone tried to start conflict
but he didn't know where the fuck he was cuz
But he didn't understand the danger he was in
i lit him up like a light
I used a gun to shoot him
cuz i know niggaz from ghost town
I am familiar with people from a dangerous neighborhood
niggaz from sin town (whoop whoop)
People from another dangerous neighborhood (cheering)
even them niggaz from the islands know that we ridaz
People from faraway places are aware of our reputation as tough guys
? in the other room breakin niggaz, slappin bones
People in another room are gambling and playing dominoes
on the low-low, fa sho' we got the plugs on them zones
We have a lot of marijuana and can easily get more
night fall, homey's gettin drunk up
As the night goes on, my friends are drinking more
bout to break out the mac and the pistol grip pumper
We are getting ready to use deadly weapons
to tame niggaz, the same niggaz that was cool an hour ago
To deal with unruly people who were friendly earlier
liquor be havin them fools actin schizo
Drinking too much makes people act crazy
or is it that bitch that ready to go home
Or maybe it's the woman who is ready to leave
when the homeys roll and kick it they get high and get they freak on
When my friends hang out they smoke weed and have sex
or a fool locin up cuz he got drunk for his last night come up
Or someone acting crazy because they drank too much and think it's their last night alive
mad cuz he got stuck
Angry because they got ripped off
yo we let him rough up, but not too deep
We let him be angry, but didn't let it escalate too far
we understand your agony of defeat
We understand how it feels to lose and be unhappy
cuz we can be gangstaz or we can be gentlemen
We can be tough guys or we can be polite
we come strapped ready to tap that ass - tell a friend
We are armed and ready to fight if necessary
and say you heard it from some killers
Tell others that you heard about us from dangerous people
some big wheel dealers
We are important people who make a lot of money
out to check a mill of em
We are looking to make a lot of money by checking on business opportunities
players get your swerve on
Men, get ready to have a good time
homeys gettin they herb on
Friends are smoking marijuana
bitches gettin they perm on
Women are getting their hair done
riches gettin they serve on
Rich people are enjoying their luxuries
{female singing} hoes stay cuz they wanna play
Women are staying because they want to have fun
niggaz gettin they quote on
People are enjoying their own quotes and witty remarks
homeys gettin they swole on
Friends are exercising and getting muscular
riders gettin they roll on
Bikers are enjoying their rides
players get your flow on
Men, get ready to have a good time
{singing} those summer days
Those fun summer days
remember those summer days
Let's remember those fun summer days
those summer summer sunday
Those fun summer Sundays
summer days
Fun summer times
Contributed by Cameron E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Myron Valentine
Correction on the title,the song is called Sumner DaysπSumner is a street in North Pomona in between Towne and Garyπ I used to cross it every day on my way to Harrison Elementary school π« R.I.P. the Illustrator KMGπ
Dan Henry
Thx for the knowledge kmg in heaven
Myron Valentine
@Dan Henry You're welcome DanβοΈ
T Kelly
Glad you caught this. I was gonna comment on the title error. TBH I didn't know what Sumner was though.
Dr Looney Tune
2020 and beyond! Rest in paradise KMG!
I love Rykeem Doggy Dogg
π
Private Administration Tutorials LLC. Β©
RIP KMG...forever will live thru your music
Nathan Kybett
The definition of west coast sound right here
BrockSampson3000 N/A
This song is hypnotizing
Anders MΓΈrk
Yes it is!!π π