KMG the Illustrator
Architects of West Coast G-Funk & Hip-Hop Pioneer
Emerging from Pomona, California, Above The Law stands as one of the most foundational and innovative groups in West Coast hip-hop history. Signed to Eazy-E’s legendary Ruthless Records, the group was instrumental in architecting the original blueprint for the G-Funk sound. At the heart of this pioneering collective was Kevin Gulley, universally known as KMG the Illustrator, whose smooth, cinematic lyricism became the definitive voice of the group's vivid street narratives.
Alongside producer and MC Cold 187um (Big Hutch), DJ Total K-Oss, and Go Mack, KMG the Illustrator helped craft legendary, genre-shifting albums like Livin' Like Hustlers, Black Mafia Life, and Uncle Sam's Curse. KMG’s laid-back, commanding baritone and masterful storytelling provided the perfect contrast to the group’s heavy funk samples and booming production. During this golden era, Above The Law produced some of the most influential music with Jerry B. Long Jr. (Kokane). Together under the Ruthless Records banner, KMG and Kokane collaborated extensively, seamlessly blending Kokane's iconic vocal hooks with KMG's street-savvy rhymes to perfect the ultimate G-Funk aesthetic.
Though the hip-hop world suffered a monumental loss with KMG's passing in 2012, his legacy remains permanently etched into the culture. As a true West Coast pioneer, Kevin "KMG the Illustrator" Gulley's visionary artistry and effortless flow continue to influence generations of MCs. His immortalized contributions to Ruthless Records, Above The Law, and the global hip-hop landscape are forever celebrated by his musical family at Bud E Boy Entertainment.
