"G-Funk is a flavor that Above The Law created. Just one of many. G-Funk was a style that we did on Black Mafia Life. Way before anybody called what they do G-Funk,' notes Hutch, setting the record straight about his groupAbove The Law and their role in the very foundation of West Coast rap.

That blend of smooth tracks with tight lyrics is what Hutch, KMG and K-oss bring in their debut Tommy Boy album Time Will Reveal. As a foundation of the late Eazy E's Ruthless Records stable for the pastseven years, with 3 solid albums under their belt, Above The Law continues their G-Funk tradition. Real issues with grim outlooks, tempered at times by parties and braggadocio. Always with an edge and a look toward the future.

"Ive been doingmusic since I was about eight or nine years old,' says Hutch - the group's producer, manager, and spiritual leader. "Piano, guitar, bass guitar, trumpet, tuba, and trombone.' The knack for music runs in the family; Hutch'sfather was a writer for Motown, while his uncle is the legendary Willie Hutch (The Mack). Music wasn't the only dream. In fact, Hutch (a/k/a 187) states they had different aspirations altogether. "I wanted to be a businessman.' A funny thing happenedon the way to the boardroom, however. "When I got out of school, I went the wrong way. Forget rapping, we all got into the game, hustling.' So began the gangster life they would later depict in their music.

It is the music that has been making a statement since their first album, Livin' Like Hustlers. With Hutch (Don Hutchinson) and KMG (Kevin Gulley) rapping and K-oss (Anthony Stewart) deejaying, the critical acclaim that resulted was further solidified by the release of their sophomore set, Black Mafia Life. After seeking guidance and regrouping, Above The Law released their third Ruthless album Uncle Sam's Curse, itself the product of the growth their circumstances had brought. An album rich with dark imagery, Uncle Sam's Curse contrasted with the light hearted party vibe that was coming into vogue. The message was empowerment, as demonstrated on the single "Black Superman,' with a spiritual ascension, and it is with this vibe that Above The Law releases Time Will Reveal.

Hutch feels, "Music is spiritual. You should always have a message in your music. If you ain't making a record that's saying something about something, why make a record? You're trying to create an aura and a variety of flavors.' Their debut single, "100 Spokes' poises to become the anthem of the California car culture, while, on the opposite spectrum, a cut like "Evil That Men Do' mixes elements of opera and funk, solidifying their philosophy of variety. Above The Law also did a cut, "City of Angels,' for the Crow II soundtrack. Their album is filled with stand-out cuts like "Encore,' a mid-tempo bouncy track; "Endonesia', and "Apocalypse Now,' a battle cry to rappers not keeping it real. Above The Law also teams up up with fellow Pimp Clinic member and ex-NWA rapper, MC Ren for "Killaz In The Park.'

Experience is really a great teacher. For all the scars, Above The Law has emerged all the stronger, happier and better. Hutch always puts it best, "The 1996 Above The Law is not like the 1989Above The Law. It's like it, but it's like they now compare Mercedes with ten years ago. Still the same name, but it's upgraded. Everything is souped up, polished out, up to date.'