Above the Law Members, Gear & Sound

Above the Law is a pioneering hip-hop group originating from Pomona, California, known for their influential role in the development of West Coast hip hop and G-funk. The group was formed by Cold 187um (Gregory Hutchinson), who took on production duties and vocals, KMG the Illustrator (Kevin Dulley) on vocals, Go Mack (Arthur Goodman) on keyboards and vocals, and DJ Total K-Oss (Anthony Stewart) handling the turntables. Above the Law became a significant force in the hip-hop scene with their blend of old school hip hop and gangster rap, characterized by their gritty lyrical content and innovative production techniques. They gained prominence after signing with Eazy-E's Ruthless Records and releasing their debut album Livin' Like Hustlers in 1990, which featured co-production by Dr. Dre.

Above the Law's sound is marked by its smooth yet gritty G-funk vibe, which combines '70s funk and soul samples with live instrumentation. Their music often features heavy basslines, melodic synths, and rhythmic grooves that are both laid-back and hard-hitting. Cold 187um's production skills shine through the use of equipment like the Akai MPC 3000 for crafting beats and the E-mu SP-1200 for its distinctive sampling capabilities. The analog warmth and punchy dynamics achieved with the Solid State Logic 4000E console contribute to their iconic sound, creating tracks that are both rich and immersive. To capture the essence of Above the Law’s sound, one would focus on blending vintage analog elements with modern production techniques, ensuring a balance between groove-heavy rhythms and melodic, atmospheric textures.