
08/13/2025
Above the Law was an American hip hop group from Pomona, California, formed in 1989 and known for pioneering the G-funk sound that would later dominate West Coast rap. The original lineup featured Cold 187um (Gregory Hutchinson), KMG the Illustrator (Kevin Michael Gulley), Go Mack (Arthur Goodman), and DJ Total K-Oss (Anthony Stewart).
They debuted in 1990 with Livin’ Like Hustlers on Ruthless Records, the label founded by Eazy-E, who helped bring them into the spotlight. The album, co-produced by Dr. Dre, blended socially conscious lyrics, street narratives, and funk-driven production, setting the stage for the G-funk era. Tracks like “Murder Rap” and “Untouchable” showcased their smooth yet gritty style.
Above the Law went on to release influential albums such as Black Mafia Life (1993) and Uncle Sam’s Curse (1994), weaving together political commentary, gangsta rap themes, and funk-inspired beats. Their sound—marked by slow, heavy basslines, melodic synthesizers, and layered grooves—played a crucial role in shaping West Coast hip hop in the early ’90s.
Despite industry changes and label moves, the group continued to record into the 2000s, maintaining a loyal underground following. The death of KMG in 2012 was a major loss, but Above the Law’s legacy remains tied to their role as innovators, bridging the gap between Ruthless Records’ raw gangsta rap and the smoother, melodic G-funk that became a defining sound of the West Coast.