Above the Law

Above the Law is a hip hop group from Pomona, California, formed in 1989 by Cold 187um (Big Hutch), KMG the Illustrator, Laylaw, Go Mack, and DJ Total K-Oss. Signed to Eazy-E's Ruthless Records, the group became one of the pioneering acts of West Coast G-funk, a sound Cold 187um is often credited with helping originate before it was popularized more widely across the region.

Their early albums Livin' Like Hustlers, Black Mafia Life, and Uncle Sam's Curse produced standout tracks like "Murder Rap," "Black Superman," and "V.S.O.P.," alongside the 2Pac collaboration "Call It What U Want." After Eazy-E's death in 1995, the group left Ruthless for Tommy Boy Records, releasing Time Will Reveal and Legends, before continuing independently.

Though never reaching mainstream pop success, Above the Law remains respected among hip hop historians for shaping the funk-driven, bass-heavy production style that came to define much of 1990s West Coast rap. KMG the Illustrator's death in 2012 marked a significant loss for the group's legacy.