What makes Legends by Above the Law notable?

The album reinforced Above the Law's position in hip-hop, receiving positive reviews for its innovative sound and social commentary. Notably, 'Legends' contributed to the West Coast hip-hop narrative during a period dominated by gangsta rap, influencing subsequent artists in the genre. Released in January 1998, 'Legends' is Above the Law's fifth studio album, marking their continued evolution within the West Coast hip-hop scene. This album came after their 1996 release 'Black Mafia Life', showcasing a refined production style while maintaining their signature lyrical edge.

How many songs are on Legends?

Legends has 16 tracks, running approximately 62 minutes.

Legends

Above the Law · 1998

62 min · 16 tracks · West Coast hip-hop

Smooth West Coast grooves blend with sharp lyrical commentary, crafting a sonic tapestry of street life and resilience.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Set Trippin' — This track embodies the album's core themes of street allegiance and rivalry, delivering an infectious hook alongside vivid storytelling about gang culture.
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Deep Az the Root — A standout for its introspective lyrics, this song reflects on personal struggles and societal issues, showcasing the group's ability to blend hard-hitting beats with meaningful content.
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Karma — This track features a compelling narrative about consequences and redemption, highlighting Above the Law's lyrical prowess and ability to engage listeners with thought-provoking themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

Legends showcases strong production and lyrical depth, though it doesn't fully stand out in the broader hip-hop landscape.

What we noticed

The album opens with a spoken intro that sets a reflective tone, followed by tracks that alternate between smooth grooves and sharper lyrical commentary.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and call-and-response patterns, enhancing the communal feel of the music.
The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, providing a contemplative conclusion to the album's narrative.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Deep Az the Root

The verses shift from personal reflection to broader social critique, addressing systemic issues faced by marginalized communities.

This structural choice elevates the song from mere storytelling to a commentary on societal dynamics, emphasizing the importance of context in understanding personal narratives.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Intro (Floetry) 2:46
2 X. Owit Me 4:41
3 Set Trippin' 4:04
4 Promise Me 4:45
5 Be About Yo Bizniz 3:18
6 Clinic Niggaz 2:47
7 Soliciting 3:59
8 Deep Az the Root 5:41
9 The Streetz 4:21
10 Summer Days 4:33
11 L. A. Vibe 0:16
12 Worldwide 3:51
13 Karma 3:55
14 Soul Searching 4:46
15 Adventures Of... 4:20
16 In God We Trust 4:40

What to play next

Listen next

Forever: Rich Thugs, Book One

1999

Go back to

Time Will Reveal

1996

Full Above the Law discography Artists like Above the Law

West Coast hip-hop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata