Rapper KMG, of legendary west coast group Above The Law, passed away recently, with news spreading around social networks on Saturday (July 7).
Longtime affiliate Kokane confirmed the news via Twitter. "1 of the greatest MCz on da West has passed! My heart hurt so bad! On my life, I will keep his legacy Alive!! I'll miss U forever... RIP KMG," he tweeted (@KokaneOfficial).
While details regarding his death was unknown at press time, friends and rap peers offered their condolences and expressed shock over the news throughout Saturday afternoon.
"Rip to my original G Funk homeboy KMG. him and above the law raised me as a rookie," Warren G tweeted (@Regulator).
"One of the best. Dope mc and a good good brotha. Long live KMG," added N.W.A. member MC Ren (@MCRenCPT).
"Some people credit Above The Law with helping innovate the sound we all heard and loved on the first Chronic album. #RIPKMG," Crooked I tweeted (@CrookedIntriago).
Above The Law got their start as an act on Eazy-E's Ruthless Records in the late 1980's, releasing their debut album Livin' Like Hustlers in 1990, which featured guest appearances from several N.W.A. members and even production from Dr. Dre.
KMG (aka KMG The Illustrator) worked on eight albums with the group, which he founded alongside Big Hutch (aka Cold 187um) and DJ Total K-Oss. In 22 years, A.T.L. was signed to Tommy Boy Records and Death Row Records, following their deal with Ruthless.
Livin' Like Hustlers and their third album, Black Mafia Life, both received gold certification, latter featuring an early appearance by Tupac Shakur. Their last album together came was 2009's Sex, Money & Music, their seventh studio LP.
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