N.W.A’s seminal album Straight Outta Compton is universally considered the preeminent album that kickstarted the ascendance of West Coast Gangsta Rap. But a convincing case can be made that three other albums released during the eighteen months following the August 1988 release of N.W.A’s tour de force LP greatly influenced the genre’s explosion as well.
Fueled by Straight Outta Compton’s irrepressible momentum, N.W.A co-founder Eazy-E’s Eazy-Duz-It (1988), The D.O.C.’s No One Can Do It Better (1989), and Above the Law’s Livin’ Like Hustlers (1990) each helped to define left coast hip-hop. More than 25 years after its original release, the latter album is finally receiving the vinyl reissue treatment it so rightfully deserves.
Named by The Source as one of the 100 Best Rap Albums of All-Time and co-produced by Above the Law, Dr. Dre and Laylaw with executive production by Eazy-E, Livin’ Like Hustlers is a sonic and lyrical masterpiece with zero fluff and filler across its ten tracks. Highlights include singles “Murder Rap” and “Untouchable,” the 1st Amendment anthem “Freedom of Speech,” and the electrifying album-closing posse cut “The Last Song” featuring N.W.A.
Livin’ Like Hustlers on 180-gram audiophile vinyl arrives in stores overseas via Music on Vinyl on January 18th, with the initial 1000 numbered pressings on transparent vinyl. The reissue is available stateside on January 29th at fine retailers everywhere.
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