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Above the Law's second album had three things working against it. One: over two years had passed since their debut (unless you factor 1991's Vocally Pimpin' EP), which certainly left many with the impression that they were no longer. Two: they had to follow up a strong Dr. Dre-produced debut with in-house production. Three: it was nearly half an hour longer than the debut, leaving it wide open for filler issues. Despite these factors, the members of Above the Law proved with Black Mafia Life that they were more than a one-album wonder. They returned with a record that was both more laid-back and assured, yet the sound was tougher all the same. The tales spun by Cold 187um, KM.G, Big Hutch, and Go Mack are as unrelentingly grim as ever, yet this is -- if anything -- a party record, full of grooves and licks swiped from Bootsy Collins, the Fatback Band, and Curtis Mayfield. Cold 187um's slick sampling work -- almost as accomplished as Dre's on the debut -- combined with live instrumentation more than makes up for the fact that none of the thoroughly convincing MCs are lyrical masters. Lop off a few substandard moments, replace them with one or two big singles (admittedly, nothing here is as hot as the debut's "Untouchable"), and you'd have a West Coast classic. ~ Andy Kellman
All songs written or co-written by members of Above The Law.
Recorded at Tha Edge Recording Studios, Inglewood, California and Audio Achievements Studios, Torrance, California.
Personnel: Digital Underground (vocals); Mike Smooth, Mike Sims (guitar); Cold 187um (keyboards, scratches); B-Laid Back Edwards (keyboards); Total K-Oss, Go Mack (scratches).
Audio Mixer: Mark Paladino.
Recording information: Audio Achievements Studios, Torrance, CA; The Edge Recording Studios, Inglewood, CA.
Photographer: Julio Estrada.
Arrangers: Cold 187um; Total K-Oss; Kokane.
Above The Law: Total K-oss, K.M.G., Go Mack (rap, scratches); Cold 187um (rap, keyboards, scratches).
Additional personnel: Digital Undergraound, M.C. Ren, Eazy-E (vocals); The South Central Works Connection (chants); M. Smooth Bell, Mike "Crazy Neck" Sims (guitar); B-Laid Back Edwards (keyboards); D.J. Sno, D.J. Fuze, Poet H.B. (scratches); New Funkateers, Tha Pimp Clinic (background vocals).
The Source (12/92, p.72) - 3.5 Stars - Good Plus - "...Above The Law might be the only rap artists who were once graced with Dr. Dre's heavy-handed skills but won't miss him...While none of the themes are new, ATL make them sound fresh because they sound like they mean it..."
Above The Law - Black Mafia Life Album Track Listing
Trk
Song
1
Black Triangle
2
Never Missin' a Beat
3
Why Must I Feel Like Dat
4
Commin' Up
5
Pimpology 101
6
Call It What You Want
7
Harda U R tha Doppa U Faal
8
Game Wreck-Oniz-Iz Game
9
Pimp Clinic
10
V.S.O.P.
11
Process of Elimination (Untouchakickamurdaqtion)
12
G's & Macaronies
13
G-rupies Best Friend
14
Me Vs. My Ego
15
Outro
Black Mafia Life Music Review
Customer Black Mafia Life Reviews
Average Rating: (3.6 out of 5 stars)
awesome I just got this album yesterday and I think it is absolutley incredible and Eazy-E and Ren are on it so how can you go wrong. Submitted by Sara (Winnipeg,MB,Canada) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
"VERY FINE" timeless music a must have... Submitted by Tony (Mpls,Mn,USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
GZ & Macaroniz!! 'Pimp Clinic', 'Commin Up', 'Process of Elimination' & and you see my title track up top, bangers. The production sound is tight, quality is scratchy, but I think that adds to the feel of this, takes you back. 187um & KMG came correct. Submitted by Bigg Phil A (Oakland, CA, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
WACK ONE TUPAC VERSE THEN THE REST IS GARBAGE. WHERE'S DR.DRE WHEN U NEED HIM. Submitted by CALEB (Mclean, VA, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 0 of 1 found this helpful.
Classic Gangsta Rap What other album will provide you with original gfunk with guest appearances by Eazy-E, 2Pac, and MC Ren? This album gives you the old school west coast flava with gfunk (Black Mafia Style). Over all a great album. Highlight songs are "Never Missin a Beat", "Game Wreck-Oniz-iz Game", and Process of Elimination. Submitted by a reviewer (Guelph, Ontario) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 0 of 1 found this helpful.
awesome
"VERY FINE"
WACK
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