Gangsta rappers from Pomona, California, USA, whose ultra-violent lyrics betray a keen nose for breezy rhythm tracks, largely sampled from 70s soul. They also utilizelive keyboards, bass and guitar to back the rhymes of the self-styled "hustlers', Cold 187um (b. Gregory Hutchinson), KM.G. The Illustrator (b. Kevin Gulley), Total K-oss (b. Anthony Stewart) and original member Go Mack (Arthur Goodman). Their 1990 debut consisted of two quite separate themes on the Mega and the Ranchin" sides. The first dealt with graphic, unpleasant street violence narratives, while the second observed leering sexual scenarios. It was an unappetizing mix, despite the presence of label boss Eazy-E on "The Last Song' (both he and Dr. Dre chaired production while they were still on speaking terms), and some otherwise attractive instrumental work. The follow-up mini-album, Vocally Pimpin', at least boasted improved studio technique, but their second long-playing set, produced by Cold 187um, did not fare as well. Cold 187um went on to produce Kokane's 1994 debut Funk Upon A Rhyme. The trio attempted greater lyrical depth on 1994"s Uncle Sam's Curse, and although not altogether successful the grooves were still imaginative. Newly signed to Tommy Boy Records, they were still plugging away with the same formula on Time Will Reveal and Legends, the latter included a reworking of Luther Vandross' "Promise Me". In the late 90s, they set up their own West World imprint.

Listen to Above The Law at Finetune.

• (1990)  Livin' Like Hustlers

• Murder Rap
• Untouchable
• Ballin'
• City of Angels
• Menace to Society

• Dr. Dre
• 2Pac
• Eazy-E
• Snoop Dogg
• Ice Cube
• N.W.A.
• Cypress Hill
• Eminem
• Geto Boys
• The Notorious B.I.G.
• Scarface
• Mystikal
• Xzibit
• Wu-Tang Clan
• Master P
• DMX
• Mack 10
• Mobb Deep
• Ja Rule
• Too $hort

• Sigil
• fiveherb
• SeniorStretchNuts
• yomomma14