Livin' Like Hustlers
Above the Law · 1990
45 min · 10 tracks · West Coast hip-hop
A gritty blend of hard-hitting beats and sharp lyricism that encapsulates the West Coast hip-hop scene of the early '90s.
Top tracks — play these first
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Murder Rap — This track opens the album with a powerful statement on violence and survival, showcasing Above the Law's unflinching lyrical style. Its aggressive flow and stark imagery set a tone for the entire project.
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Livin’ Like Hustlers — The title track encapsulates themes of ambition and the harsh realities of street life, highlighting Above the Law's storytelling prowess. The blend of catchy hooks and impactful verses makes it a standout moment on the album.
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Menace to Society — This track delves into societal perceptions and personal identity, with incisive lyrics that critique both community and external expectations. Its production complements the serious subject matter, making it a crucial part of the narrative.
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Freedom of Speech — This song addresses censorship and freedom in artistic expression, reflecting broader cultural conversations during its release. Its bold content underscores Above the Law’s commitment to confronting social issues through music.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines sharp lyricism with gritty production, reflecting its era while establishing a distinct voice.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong, aggressive track that sets a gritty tone, maintaining high energy through the first half.
- Several tracks incorporate samples from funk and soul music, blending them with hard-hitting beats characteristic of early '90s West Coast hip-hop.
- The final track serves as a reflective conclusion, contrasting the earlier aggression with a more subdued tone.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady, consistent energy levels
- long, immersive listening sessions
- dynamic emotional journeys
- gritty narrative engagement
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Livin' Like Hustlers is Above the Law's debut album, released in January 1990. At this point, the group was part of the burgeoning West Coast hip-hop movement, collaborating closely with iconic figures like Eazy-E. This album set the stage for their future work and established their presence within the genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Cypress Hill· Naughty by Nature· Ice Cube
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Murder Rap 4:14
- 2 Untouchable 3:45
- 3 Livin’ Like Hustlers 5:45
- 4 Another Execution 4:21
- 5 Menace to Society 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
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