Livin' Like Hustlers cover

Livin' Like Hustlers

Above the Law · 1990

45 min · 10 tracks · West Coast hip-hop

A gritty tapestry of street narratives woven with sharp beats and hard-hitting lyricism.

Why this album works

'Livin' Like Hustlers' is significant for its raw portrayal of street life, contributing to the G-funk subgenre that would define West Coast hip-hop. The album gained notable attention for tracks like 'Menace to Society', which captured the socio-political climate of the early 90s, influencing future artists and soundscapes.
Career context
Released in 1990, 'Livin' Like Hustlers' was Above the Law's debut album, marking their entrance into the West Coast hip-hop scene. The group was emerging from a collaborative relationship with Eazy-E and Ruthless Records, eager to carve out their own identity in a burgeoning genre.
Stylistic neighbors
Too Short· Dr. Dre· Tupac Shakur

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Murder Rap Standout 4:14
  • 2 Untouchable 3:45
  • 3 Livin’ Like Hustlers Standout 5:45
  • 4 Another Execution 4:21
  • 5 Menace to Society Standout 4:33
  • 6 Just Kickin’ Lyrics 4:22
  • 7 Ballin’ 4:19
  • 8 Freedom of Speech 4:20
  • 9 Flow On (Move Me No Mountain) 3:57
  • 10 The Last Song 6:21

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata