Above The Law

Part of the wave of California gangsta rap that followed N.W.A’s dissolution, Above the Law originated in Pomona, an eastern suburb of Los Angeles. The lineup centered on leader Cold 187um, also known as Big Hutch and born Gregory Hutchinson, alongside KMG the Illustrator (born Kevin Dulley), Go Mack (born Arthur Goodman), and DJ Total K-Oss (born Anthony Stewart). Hutchinson, who had studied jazz during his school years, steered the group toward a blend of vintage ’70s funk and soul samples with live instrumentation. The quartet signed to Eazy-E’s Ruthless Records and delivered its debut album, Livin’ Like Hustlers, in 1990. Split between a violence-themed side and a sex-themed side, the record was co-produced by Dr. Dre before N.W.A’s acrimonious split and earned strong approval within gangsta circles. The Vocally Pimpin’ EP surfaced in 1991, followed by the full-length Black Mafia Life in 1993.

Go Mack departed soon afterward, leaving Above the Law to continue as a trio on its final Ruthless release, 1994’s Uncle Sam’s Curse, which featured expanded input from KMG. After Eazy-E’s sudden death, the group moved to Tommy Boy and issued Time Will Reveal in 1996; although the lyrics remained rooted in familiar gangsta themes, Big Hutch’s command of G-funk production had grown noticeably refined. Legends appeared in 1998 and sustained the West Coast gangsta tradition, yet it marked the end of the Tommy Boy association. The members subsequently launched their own West World imprint and arranged distribution through Street Solid for 1999’s Forever: Rich Thugs. That same year Big Hutch issued his solo debut, Executive Decisions.

In 2000 Suge Knight brought Big Hutch aboard as Death Row Records’ new house producer and musical director, effectively relocating Above the Law as well. The group completed Diary of a Drug Dealer, but repeated postponements occurred while Big Hutch handled outside productions, including Crooked I’s debut album, and breakup rumors began to spread. The project finally emerged in 2009 as a digital-only release on the Beatology label under the title Sex, Money & Music. In July 2012 KMG’s death was announced without any stated cause.