Black Mafia Life

Last updated
Black Mafia Life
AbovetheLawBlackMafiaLife.jpg
Studio album by
ReleasedFebruary 2, 1993
Recorded1991–1992
Studio
Genre West Coast hip hop, gangsta rap, G-funk
Length71:23
Label
Producer
Above the Law chronology
Vocally Pimpin'
(1991)
Black Mafia Life
(1993)
Uncle Sam's Curse
(1994)
Singles from Black Mafia Life
  1. "Call It What U Want"
    Released: April 23, 1992 [1]
  2. "V.S.O.P"
    Released: November 29, 1992 [2]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [3]
Rolling Stone Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svg

Black Mafia Life is the second studio album by American hip hop group Above the Law. This album is what would be considered the blueprint of the G-Funk sound similar to Dr Dre's The Chronic. The album was recorded in 1991 into 1992 but was held back due to legal issues with Epic And Dr. Dre's Departure from Ruthless Records. It was released on February 2, 1993, via Ruthless Records. The album peaked at number 6 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and number 37 on the US Billboard 200. Rolling Stone gave the album 4.5 stars of 5.

Contents

As on the group's previous works, Livin' Like Hustlers and Vocally Pimpin' , this album's audio production was mostly handled by A.T.L. themselves, but this one excluded any contributions from Lay Law. It featured guest appearances from Kokane, Eazy-E, 2Pac, MC Ren, and Money-B. Its lead single "V.S.O.P." peaked at number 9 on the Hot Rap Singles and number 97 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks.

Above the Law member Go Mack left the group after release of this album.

Track listing

All tracks produced by Above The Law

No.TitleLength
1."Black Triangle"1:50
2."Never Missin' A Beat"6:58
3."Why Must I Feel Like That?"4:08
4."Commin' Up"5:21
5."Pimpology 101"4:04
6."Call It What U Want" (featuring 2Pac & Money-B)4:32
7."Harda U R Tha Doppa U Faal"4:49
8."Game Wreck-Oniz-Iz Game" (featuring Eazy-E & Kokane)5:12
9."Pimp Clinic"6:20
10."V.S.O.P."4:49
11."Process Of Elimination (Untouchakickamurdaqtion)" (featuring M.C. Ren)5:56
12."G's & Macaronies"4:04
13."G-rupies Best Friend" (featuring Kokane)5:30
14."Mee Vs. My Ego"5:20
15."Outro"2:21
Total length:1:11:22

Notes [4]

Personnel

Chart positions

Billboard Music Charts album
Billboard Music Charts singles

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Funkadelic</span> American rock band

Funkadelic was an American funk rock band formed in Plainfield, New Jersey in 1968 and active until 1982. As one of the two flagship groups of George Clinton's P-Funk collective, they helped pioneer the funk music culture of the 1970s. Funkadelic initially formed as a backing band for Clinton's vocal group the Parliaments, but eventually pursued a heavier, psychedelic rock-oriented sound in their own recordings. They released acclaimed albums such as Maggot Brain (1971) and One Nation Under a Groove (1978).

<i>The Chronic</i> 1992 studio album by Dr. Dre

The Chronic is the debut studio album by the American hip hop producer and rapper Dr. Dre. It was released on December 15, 1992, by his own record label Death Row Records and distributed by Interscope Records. Recording sessions took place in June 1992 at Death Row Studios in Los Angeles and at Bernie Grundman Mastering in Hollywood.

<i>The Documentary</i> 2005 studio album by the Game

The Documentary is the major-label debut studio album by American rapper the Game. It was released on January 18, 2005, by Aftermath Entertainment, G-Unit Records, and Interscope Records. The record serves as his major-label debut, preceded by his independently released debut Untold Story in 2004. In 2001, while the Game was in hospital recovering from a shooting, he decided to pursue a career in music. He released the mixtape, "Q.B. 2 Compton" under his then record label "Get Low Recordz" in 2002, which was later was discovered by Dr. Dre and led to him signing the Game to his label, Aftermath Entertainment. The album includes production from high-profile producers such as Dr. Dre, Kanye West, Scott Storch and Timbaland, among others, and guest appearances from 50 Cent, Eminem, Nate Dogg and Faith Evans, among others. This would be the Game's only album on Aftermath and G-Unit Records, as he left the label later in 2006 after a feud began between him and fellow G-Unit label-mate 50 Cent.

<i>Livin Like Hustlers</i> 1990 studio album by Above the Law

Livin' Like Hustlers is the debut album by American hip hop group Above the Law. It was released on February 20, 1990, via Ruthless Records; an advanced promo cassette version was released two months earlier. The ten track record was produced entirely by Dr. Dre and Above the Law and featured a guest performance from N.W.A on the track titled "The Last Song". In addition, Eazy-E served as executive producer of the album. It peaked at number 14 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and number 75 on the U.S. Billboard 200.

<i>2001</i> (Dr. Dre album) 1999 studio album by Dr. Dre

2001 is the second studio album by American rapper and hip hop producer Dr. Dre. It was released on November 16, 1999, by Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope Records as the follow-up to his 1992 debut album, The Chronic. The album was produced mainly by Dr. Dre and Mel-Man, as well as Lord Finesse, and features several guest contributions from Hittman, Snoop Dogg, Kurupt, Xzibit, Eminem, and Nate Dogg.

<i>Time Will Reveal</i> 1996 studio album by Above the Law

Time Will Reveal is the fourth studio album by the American West Coast hip hop group Above the Law. Released in 1996 by Tommy Boy Records, it was the group's first record after leaving Ruthless Records following the death of member Eazy-E. The group's former labelmates Kokane and MC Ren made guest appearances on the record, along with Enuff, Daddy Cool and Kid Frost. Time Will Reveal peaked at number 16 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and number 80 on the Billboard 200.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang</span> 1993 single by Dr. Dre featuring Snoop Doggy Dogg

"Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang" is a song by American rapper Dr. Dre, featuring fellow American rapper Snoop Doggy Dogg, on Dre's debut solo album, The Chronic (1992). As the album's first single it reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 on March 20, 1993, behind "Informer" by Snow, outperformed The Chronic's other singles, "Fuck wit Dre Day ", which peaked at number 8, and "Let Me Ride", which peaked at number 34. The single also reached number 1 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart, and was a number 31 hit in the UK. It's music video was directed by Dr. Dre himself.

<i>Supersonic</i> (J. J. Fad album) 1988 studio album by J. J. Fad

Supersonic is the debut full-length studio album by American hip-hop group J. J. Fad. It was released on June 15, 1988, via Ruthless Records with executive production by Eazy-E. The album was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America on September 30, 1988. "Supersonic" was the band's biggest pop hit and was ranked #76 in VH1's 2009 special "100 Greatest One-Hit Wonders of the '80s".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fuck wit Dre Day (And Everybody's Celebratin')</span> 1993 single by Dr. Dre featuring Snoop Doggy Dogg

"Fuck wit Dre Day (And Everybody's Celebratin')", or as a single titled "Dre Day", is a song by American rapper and record producer Dr. Dre featuring fellow American rapper Snoop Doggy Dogg, released in May 1993 as the second single from Dre's debut solo album, The Chronic. "Dre Day" was a diss track targeting mainly Dre's former groupmate Eazy-E, who led their onetime rap group N.W.A and who, along with N.W.A's manager Jerry Heller, owned N.W.A's record label, Ruthless Records. In "Dre Day" and in its music video, which accuse Eazy of cheating N.W.A's artists, Dre and Snoop degrade and menace him. Also included are disses retorting earlier disses on songs by Miami rapper Luke Campbell, by New York rapper Tim Dog, and by onetime N.W.A. member Ice Cube, although Dre, while still an N.W.A member, had helped diss Cube first. After "Dre Day," a number of further diss records were exchanged.

<i>Coast II Coast</i> 1995 studio album by Tha Alkaholiks

Coast II Coast is the second studio album by American hip hop trio Tha Alkaholiks. It was released on February 28, 1995 via Loud Records. Recording sessions took place at Yo Mama's House in Los Angeles. Production was handled by Diamond D, Madlib, and Tha Liks themselves. It features guest appearances from King Tee, Declaime, Diamond D, Lootpack, Q-Tip, The Baby Bubbas and Xzibit. The album reached number 50 on the Billboard 200 and number 12 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums in the United States. Its lead single "Daaam!" peaked at No. 85 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks and No. 20 on the Hot Rap Singles, while the second single off of the album, "Next Level", landed at No. 43 on the Hot Rap Singles.

<i>14 Shots to the Dome</i> 1993 studio album by LL Cool J

14 Shots to the Dome is the fifth studio album by American hip hop recording artist LL Cool J. It was released on March 30, 1993, via Def Jam Recordings. Recording sessions took place at Marley's House Of Hits, at Cove City Sound Studios and at Unique Recording Studios in New York, and at QDIII Soundlab in Los Angeles, at Bobcat's House in Palmdale, and at Encore Studio in Burbank. Production was handled by Marley Marl, DJ Bobcat, Quincy Jones III, Andrew Zenable and Chris Forte. It features guest appearances from Lords of the Underground and Lieutenant Stitchie.

<i>Funke, Funke Wisdom</i> 1991 studio album by Kool Moe Dee

Funke, Funke Wisdom is the fourth solo studio album by American recording artist Kool Moe Dee from the Treacherous Three. It was released in 1991 via Jive Records, making it the rapper's final album on the label.

<i>Vocally Pimpin</i> 1991 EP by Above the Law

Vocally Pimpin' is the debut extended play by American hip hop group Above the Law. It was released on July 16, 1991 via Ruthless Records. The first five songs on this nine track record are newly recorded material, while the rest four are remixes or edited versions of their previously released material. The album peaked at number 120 on the US Billboard 200 and number 37 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts.

<i>Funk Upon a Rhyme</i> 1994 studio album by Kokane

Funk Upon a Rhyme is the sophomore studio album by American recording artist Kokane. It was released in 1994 through Ruthless Records with distribution by Relativity Records. Recording sessions took place at the Edge Studio and Echo Sound in Los Angeles, California. Production was handled by Cold 187um with executive production by Eazy-E. The album features contributions from Janine, Nicki and Tha New Funkateers on background vocals, Cold 187 um on keyboards and vocals, Mike Smooth on guitar and keyboards, Mike "Crazy Neck" Sims on guitar, with guest appearances from Dirty Red, Tha Alkaholiks, Black Hole Of Watts, and Above The Law.

<i>KRS-One</i> (album) 1995 studio album by KRS-One

KRS One is the second solo studio album by American rapper KRS-One. It was released on October 10, 1995, via Jive Records. Production was handled by DJ Premier, Diamond D, Big French Productions, Norty Cotto, Showbiz and KRS-One himself. It features guest appearances from Busta Rhymes, Channel Live, Das EFX, Dexter Thibou, Fat Joe and Mad Lion.

<i>We Still Crunk!!</i> 2000 studio album by Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz

We Still Crunk!! is the second studio album by American Southern hip hop group Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz. It was released on August 15, 2000 through BME Recordings. Recording sessions took place at The Zone, Blue Basement Recordings and Dangerous Music in Atlanta. Production was handled by Lil' Jon, Emperor Searcy and Oomp Camp Foundation. It features guest appearances from Chyna Whyte, Too $hort, Bohagon, 6 Shot, Don Yute, Khujo, Lyrical Giants, Oobie, Quint Black, Skyy, The Nation Riders, Three 6 Mafia, YoungBloodZ, Jazze Pha, Vince "VP" Phillips, with cameo appearances from Carolyn, Convict, Sir Yay, Sonya & The Eastside Girlz.

<i>To Hell and Black</i> 1990 studio album by CPO

To Hell and Black is the debut and only studio album by American hip hop group Capital Punishment Organization. It was released through Capitol Records on August 7, 1990, and featured its two lead singles "Ballad of a Menace" and "This Beat Is Funky". The album peaked at No. 33 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.

<i>Michelle</i> (album) 1989 studio album by Michelle

Michel'le is the debut studio album by American singer Michel'le. It was released on October 23, 1989, on Ruthless Records, Atco Records and Atlantic Records. The album was co produced by Dr. Dre of N.W.A and André “LA Dre” Bolton The album was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America five weeks after its release.

<i>South Central Los Skanless</i> 1995 studio album by Kausion

South Central Los Skanless is the only album by American rap group Kausion. It was released October 10, 1995 through Lench Mob Records. The album peaked at number 37 on the US Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and at number 23 on the Heatseekers Albums charts.

"I Must Stand" is a song by American recording artist Ice-T. It was released on April 9, 1996 as a single from the rapper's sixth studio album Ice-T VI: Return of the Real through Rhyme $yndicate Records/Priority Records/Virgin Records. The song was written and produced by Ice-T and Santiago "San Man" Sanguillen. The single peaked at number 83 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and number 23 on the Hot Rap Songs charts in the United States, and also reached number 23 and number 43 in the UK and Switzerland respectively. "I Must Stand" was later included in the rapper's greatest hits album Greatest Hits: The Evidence.

References

  1. "Above the Law – Call It What U Want (1992, Vinyl)". Discogs .
  2. "Above the Law – V.S.O.P (1992, Vinyl)". Discogs .
  3. Kellman, Andy. "Black Mafia Life – Above the Law". AllMusic . Retrieved March 10, 2017.
  4. "Black Mafia Life by Above the Law: Album Samples, Covers and Remixes". WhoSampled. Retrieved 2017-03-10.