by Mtume SalaamDespite containing little else but typical gangsta fare, Get It How U Live! managed to parlay the four Hot Boys' catchy, varied styles into an amusing, if incorrigible, collection of hardcore rap. The production skills of multi-instrumentalist Mannie Fresh were as responsible for the album's success as were the rappers. Fresh's diverse enjoyable rhythm tracks were virtually unique in '90s-era rap in that they contained no samples or interpolations. Though ultimately lacking substance, the Hot Boys' tales will please fans of well-done gangsta rap. [A bonus track version was also released.]