Any true fan of rap music knows about the notorious rap group, Above The Law. Starting in 1989, Above The Law’s (Cold 187um, KMG, Go Mack, and DJ Total K-oss) were pioneers of West Coast rap and invented the G Funk rap era, which was later copied by Dr. Dre’s for “The Chronic”. Backed by Eazy E’s Ruthless Records, Above The Law released hit after hit, creating a world-wide fan base with their real, rap-funk sound. Their most popular albums, “Livin Like Hustlers”, “Black Mafia Life”, and “Uncle Sam’s Curse” carved the West Coast rap scene from within. Above The Law worked with rap legends 2Pac, N.W.A, Kokane, Suge Knight, and many other pioneers. Hits like “Black Superman”, “The Last Song”, and “Murder Rap”, to name just a few, communicated what was going on in Los Angeles at the time. Though his music, Cold 187um because a voice for the inner city Black, West Coast community. As a group, Above The Law released eight albums.
In 1999, Above The Law’s main vocalist, Cold 187um went solo. Know for his aggressive style and stylish, high pitched voice, Cold 187um, aka Big Hutch continued his career with eight more independent albums, including an ill-fated stint with Insane Clown Posse. Cold 187um has continued to be a voice of reason for the West Coast rap game.
On Saturday, May 10th, Cold 187um aka Big Hutch sat down with First Degree The D.E. on The Fahrenheit Hour Urban Talk Show on Fahrenheit Radio. Cold 187um shared his thoughts on racism, current events, major labels, and the state of the rap game.
Cold 187um started the discussion on race and Clippers owner Donald Sterling. He started by explaining that slavery wasn’t that long ago, and that we’re all slaves to something. “I remember being called nigger, by White folk”, he remembers. He goes on to explain that slavery wasn’t that long ago, and the people that were around when the Jim Crow laws were active, are still alive today. He then moves on to Donald Sterling. Sterling is the Clippers own caught on tape making racist comments to his girlfriend. Big Hutch explains that Sterling is just a simple man that is a slave to his environment, adding that if you listen to the whole tape, Sterling is answering to his racists peers, “You’re part of something that’s racist!”. “We’re all slaves to something.” he reiterates. Hutch explains that we need to look towards each other for healing. “We’re the first people that never look at the man in the mirror”.
The Above The Law head man then gets to sharing his experiences with major labels. He has been on Ruthless Records, Tommy Boy Records, Death Row Records, and more. When First Degree The D.E. askes him if good or bad Jews own the major labels, Cold 187um explains that there are both. “Everyone wants to get caught up with calling them devils”. He clarifies that the people that own the major lables (and the fame) are opportunists selling a product. “They lookin at you like you a bag of Doritios! They not lookin at you like you put your heart and soul into somethin!” Cold 187um has hasd many experiences with the majors, but now likes it just where he is, independent with Big Shot Records.
Big Hutch also had something to say about Dr. Dre. Dr Dre is in the mists of becoming hip hop’s first billionaire by teaming up with Apple for his Beats headphones and streaming service. However, Dr Dre got famous from his music, some of which (the g funk) was stolen from Above The Law and Cold 187. “Someone hears that you got a great theory, it’s very innovative, and they know they can go to the next level with it, they take that, and done give credit to the person that created it.” Its all about money Hutch explains. In the end, he and the Above The Law members (RIP KMG) just want the recognition they deserve. Considering Dr Dre is making billions off his legacy now, asking for credit is a reasonable request.
Cold 187 chose not to get into the Illuminati talk, “…because its just that, talk!” Big Hutch would like our urban communities to get real and help each other. “I’m not anit-anything, I just pro doin me!”
Speak On It!