A Prince Among Thieves
A Prince Among Thieves is the second studio album by hip hop artist Prince Paul, released on February 23, 1999. It was recorded in 1997–1998 at Paul’s Coffee Shop in Long Island and runs 77 minutes and 11 seconds. The album is a concept project released by Tommy Boy/Warner Bros.
The story follows Tariq, an aspiring rapper played by Breezly Brewin, who needs money to record a demo before meeting Wu-Tang Clan leader RZA. To raise funds, Tariq skips his low-wage job and is introduced to drug dealing by his friend True, played by Big Sha. Their journey through the drug world leads to a police ambush, jail, and a deadly showdown.
The album features many guest appearances, including Kool Keith, Big Daddy Kane, Chubb Rock, Biz Markie, De La Soul, Everlast, Sadat X, Xzibit, Kid Creole, Special Ed, Chris Rock, RZA, and Buckshot. Vanilla Ice was asked to appear in the jail scene but declined. A single and a film-trailer style video were released, but no feature film was ever made.
In a 2013 interview, Prince Paul said the project was inspired by Master P’s I’m Bout It and was meant to be filmed. He said Tommy Boy did not share the vision, and although Chris Rock once bought the rights, nothing happened. Paul would still like to make a low-budget film or do a Kickstarter if the opportunity arises.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 15:21 (CET).