The Unfortunate Understudy | Above the Law – Livin’ Like Hustlers (1990)

Spearheaded by a prodigy who was developing into one of hip hop’s first two-way artists, Above the Law stood out in a growing gangsta rap realm with their blend of the hustler life with hard rhymes and beats. Signing a deal with Ruthless Records, the home of the emerging group N.W.A., was a major boost, and their debut, 1990’s LIVIN’ LIKE HUSTLERS, would successfully kick off the beginning of a critically impressive group. However, Above the Law would also have to contend with label politics and the comparatively overwhelming success of their like-minded label mates.