‘Livin' Like Hustlers’ is the debut album by American West Coast hip hop group Above the Law. The album included two hit singles "Murder Rap" and "Untouchable". Being that this group is affiliated with N.W.A., it should come as no surprise that Dr. Dre's hands are behind the boards. These beats, which were co-produced by Above the Law (credited as A.T.L.) and Laylaw, rank as some of Dre's finest pre-Chronic beats. Classic Material, that’s what it is. From "Murder Rap" to "The Last Song" (feat. Ruthless Posse) every song is a hymn. This is not just one of the most influential, if least-known hip hop records, ‘Livin' Like Hustlers’ may well be Gangsta rap's finest hour.
Above the Law is one of the best and most underrated rap groups from the west coast, and "Uncle Sam's Curse" may be their best album. Musically it is very experimental. Producer Cold 187um, one of the west coast's best beatmakers, uses some electronic instrumentals with his usual heavy bass and whiny synths to create an almost futuristic sound, aided by frequent movie samples, snippets of speeches which people express their urban political views. The production is classic and the rhymes are deep and real. Their flows are layed back and sound like they are lacking some aggression and energy, but it's their own thing, and what they rap about is real. This is pure West Coast G-Funk in your ear!