In Brief

** Above the Law, “Legends,” Tommy Boy. Though this is the group’s most musically inspired release since its 1990 Dr. Dre-produced debut, its haunting sitar licks, thumping drums and bass lines and molasses-thick grooves overshadow less compelling gangster-funk narratives. And by emphasizing the baritone of once-sidekick rhymer KMG, the group lessens the urgency of its inner-city blues.

Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two stars (fair), three stars (good) and four stars (excellent).

Hear the Music

* Excerpts from these albums and other recent releases are available on The Times’ World Wide Web site. Point your browser to: http://pyxis.nohib.com./soundclips