Above the Law - Livin Like Hustlers (1990) [classic]

The debut album of Cold 187um aka Big Hutch, KMG, Total Kaos, and Go Mack is a true gangsta rap classic in the same vein as Straight Outta Compton, Rhyme Pays, and It's a Compton Thang. While not as well known as these predecessors, Livin' Like Hustlers is one of those rare albums that both pushes the production envelope to new heights and takes risk in it's delivery with almost perfect results.



To truly appreciate this album, several historical and technical facts must be stated. First, this album was not, I repeat NOT, produced exclusively by Dr Dre despite what liner notes may indicate. The majority of the production and sample selection on this album was in fact done by Above the Law themselves and the result is a smoother, more "pimpish" quality to their beats. While the production definately had the clear influence of Dre, the overall sound does not reflect Dre's production at the time. Because of 187's silky high-pitched delivery and KMG's gravelly monotone, samples from both jazz and smooth r&b sources worked particularly well and set Above the Law in a class entirely their own.



Track list:



1. Murder Rap

2. Untouchable

3. Livin’ Like Hustlers

4. Another Execution

5. Menace to Society

6. Just Kickin’ Lyrics

7. Ballin’

8. Freedom of Speech

9. Flow On

10. The Last Song (featuring N.W.A.)

11. Black Superman [bonus track]