Vocally Pimpin'
Above the Law · 1991
38 min · 9 tracks · West Coast hip-hop
A vibrant blend of funk-infused beats and sharp lyrical delivery defining the essence of early '90s West Coast hip-hop.
Top tracks — play these first
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Playin' Your Game — This track encapsulates the album's fusion of smooth grooves and assertive lyrics, making it a quintessential example of their sound.
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Livin' Like Hustlers (G-Mixx) — With its infectious hook and storytelling approach, this track exemplifies the group's narrative style and highlights their lyrical prowess.
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The Funk of It — This song showcases the album's core funk influences, featuring catchy rhythms that exemplify Above the Law's innovative production techniques.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases early G-funk elements with solid production and engaging vocal interplay, marking its place in hip-hop history.
What we noticed
- The first track serves as an intro, setting a laid-back vibe with a spoken word segment before transitioning into the second track's upbeat tempo.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and call-and-response patterns, enhancing the dynamic between the lead and backing vocals.
- The production employs heavy use of funk samples and synthesized bass lines, characteristic of the G-funk sound that would later define the genre.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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.
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Livin' Like Hustlers (G-Mixx)
A transition in perspective occurs as the narrator shifts from external observations to personal reflections on street life.
This shift deepens the narrative complexity, providing insight into both the struggles and aspirations of life in their environment.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Playlude 2:25
- 2 Playin' Your Game 5:02
- 3 Dose of the Mega Flex 4:27
- 4 The Funk of It 5:05
- 5 Wicked 6:15
- 6 Livin' Like Hustlers (G-Mixx) 5:14
- 7 4 the Funk of It (radio edit) 3:44
- 8 B. M. L. (Commercial) 2:36
- 9 4 the Funk of It (Pimpsextramental) 3:54
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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