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Murder Rap
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Wikipedia article
'Murder Rap' is a song by American gangsta rap group Above the Law, released as a single on February 8, 1990. It was written by Cold 187um, Dr. Dre, Go Mack, Laylaw and Total Kaos.
Music and lyrics
The music of "Murder Rap", as produced by Dr. Dre, consists of an ominous siren sound, and backwards, looped drum beats. Allmusic's Alex Henderson says that the song's lyrics "let listeners know exactly what life in South Central was like."
Reception
In his Allmusic review, Alex Henderson wrote that "The imaginative Dre's input as a producer is consistently beneficial", saying that the music "comes alive" as a result of Dr. Dre's input. Regarding Above the Law's lyrical content, Henderson wrote, "the Angelenos had some freshness." A review of the song by Frank Owen in 'Spin' praised Dr. Dre's production, saying that the producer "has a remarkable talent for making noise funky, and he shows it to great effect". However, Owen criticized Above the Law as lyricists, writing, "they present this hardcore life without any of the dandy charm that Big Daddy Kane or Oran 'Juice' Jones bring to it." 'Vibe' praised the song as "a breathtaking assembly", complimenting the music and Cold 187um's raps.
Legacy
In 1998, the song was included on the compilation 'Ruthless Records Tenth Anniversary: Decade of Game'. In 2002, Insane Clown Posse released a cover of the song on their album 'The Wraith: Shangri-La'. This version of the song appeared as the B-side of ICP's single "Hell's Forecast". In 2006, ICP's cover was remixed for 'The Wraith: Remix Albums' by Filthee Immigrants. Insane Clown Posse's cover of the song led to a professional relationship between ICP and Cold 187 um, and he later signed to Psychopathic Records as a solo rapper.
Track listing
#"'Murder Rap'"
#"'Murder Rap'" (Instrumental)
#"Another Execution"
#"Another Execution" (Instrumental)
References
Category:1990 singles
Category:Above the Law (group) songs
Category:Song recordings produced by Dr. Dre
Category:Songs written by Dr. Dre
Category:G-funk songs
Category:Gangsta rap songs
Category:1989 songs
Category:Ruthless Records singles
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