Above the Law was an American hip-hop group from Pomona, California, founded in 1989 by Cold 187um, KMG the Illustrator, Go Mack, and DJ Total K-Oss.

Biography

In 1989, the group signed with Eazy-E's Ruthless Records. While there, the group became an additional influence in pioneering with N.W.A. Their first album on Ruthless, 1990's Livin' Like Hustlers, featured a guest appearance from N.W.A and production from Dr. Dre.

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Shortly after Eazy-E's death, the group signed with Tommy Boy Records in 1996. There, they released Time Will Reveal in 1996 and Legends in 1999. He was 43 years old.

Four of the group's most popular music videos, "Black Superman," "Call It What U Want" featuring 2Pac and Money-B, "V.S.O.P.," and the long-form music video "V.S.O.P. REMIX" were written and directed by Marty Thomas, Eazy-E's longtime Ruthless Records film director. Thomas also wrote and directed the controversial and ultimately banned Uncle Sam's Curse album television commercials. These commercials featured disturbing imagery, including the KKK chasing Above the Law past a church with burning torches and a white "Uncle Sam" pulling a newborn African-American baby from its mother's arms. The commercial won several prestigious international awards.

According to Kokane, a new Above the Law album was recorded before KMG's death. Cold 187um has stated that over 30 unreleased tracks were recorded while KMG was still alive, with the rumored title Victims of Global Politics. However, no release date has been announced.

Above the Law claims to have invented the "G-funk" sound, which was later popularized by Dr. Dre's The Chronic.

Go Mack died in May 2025.

Discography

Studio albums

  • Livin' Like Hustlers (1990)
  • Black Mafia Life (1993)
  • Uncle Sam's Curse (1994)
  • Time Will Reveal (1996)
  • Legends (1998)
  • Forever: Rich Thugs, Book One (1999)
  • Sex, Money & Music (2009)
  • Pomona Love (2024)

Extended plays

  • Vocally Pimpin (1991)

References

  • Above The Law at Discogs
  • Above The Law Epic and Truthful Radio Interview 2010